DFason's 35g Shallow SPS Build

[Leonardo_]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15393417#post15393417 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DFason
Leonardo_ - Thanks a ton! It means a lot coming from you! The Apogon are doing well. I only have 2 left but I have had them for all 4 months now. I had 10 but it seems like they are sensitive to everything. I may try out another 7-8 and see if I can get them to hold strong. Since I am starting to dose vodka/MB7 I hope to be able to feed more. Here's a picture of all 10 at there prime. I had all of them for over a month!

I think a large amount in your tank would look AWESOME!

Thanks again for stopping by!

-Dave

I agree, that would be awesome. Unfortunately they aren't often available here.
Maybe I will have a group of easier available Apogon Leptacanthus

Leonardo

 

[DFason]

Figure I would post some pictures...
I'm almost up to 1 mL of vodka. Things have been looking AWESOME. I have amazing polyp extension, color and the water is super clear.

This is what I am currently dosing...
1mL vodka
4 drops of MB7
1 drop of Lugols every four days
Weekly water changes

I was able to sell my chiller so I will be saving for a iTech 100. I'll need to sell my H&S so if there are any takers

The following pictures are with just ATI Blue + and ATI Aquablue. I know there have been discussion on the boards about MH and T5's. My tank is only running a 24" 4 bulb fixture and my tank is 30"x18x16. I can get these colors with only 96w I've had amazing growth without dosing much of anything.

Hopefully next week I can pick some inverts, gobies and coco worm.

I have a few little upgrades coming in the next couple of months so stay tuned, think Iwan

-Dave

 

[MADtanks]

Great job brotha! keep it up this tank should look amazing in about 6mos.

 

[DFason]

Thanks MAD.

I cant wait to see it in 6 months too!

-Dave

 

[kb11235]

I just read the last 3 pages, and i have to say, the tank looks great! Lots of growth already!

Definitely following this one...

 

[DFason]

Thanks Kevin!

Hopefully this week I will be able to update with some new guys in the tank. Along with a ReefKeeper

-Dave

 

[DFason]

Small update...

New stand

I just bought a Tunze ATO too!

-Dave

 

[flying_dutchman]

Cool never seen a stainless steal stand, where is the pipe in the right hand corner for? I guess to hang a fixture?

 

[DFason]

Yep. Should look good!

-Dave

 

[DFason]

Figure I would do a small update. I have battled through and conquered my cold. I also have a couple new goodies.

Tunze Osmolator - I should have picked this up a long time ago... I have a 15G drum ordered for the top off water.

The sump I will use. Its 16x16x16 from a friends tank. I plan on taking out the baffles and then cutting it down to 14" Then having two small braces. After that it will just be a box of water I am putting a tunze 6025 so none of the detrious can just sit around.

I will place the order for the iTech 100 this Monday or if a local guy gets back to me I may pick his Bubble King Mini up Its a win win!

I've been planning on buying some frags but with the guy making this stand for me I had to jump the gun and start getting equipment. Divec gave me two small frags of Nuc Greens and Tubs Zoas. Both looked like they were going to die but the I now have 3 polyps of Nucs and the Tubs I have the smallest polyp ever coming back from the dead. It will be really cool to see these come back! Here's a FTS.

I had a problem with white slimy bacteria caused by the vodka dosing but it is gone now. I am dosing now...

.7mL vodka
4 drops of MB7
1 drop Lugols every 3 days.

I have been feeding 2-3 times a day so my colors wont fade but I think I may pick some zeo or AA's up.

Well keep posted! Next week should be a good one!

-Dave

 

[DFason]

I now introduce you to iTech 100!

First impressions... DEAD silent, I barely hear the moving water, the pump sounds like its not doing anything! This is amazing after using the aquabea pump, being kinda noisy at times. The build quality is awesome. It has screws at the bottom of the skimmer so you can clean all that too. Very easy to put together.

John, who runs the show was great to deal with. Responds to all my emails within 30 minutes and explains everything very well. I am a very happy customer. I just cant wait to get this thing to start skimming!

le pictures...

-Dave

 

[MADtanks]

mint!

 

[DFason]

Here's a few pictures I snapped too. Thought they turned out pretty good.
Banded Goby and Pistol, I dont think I have ever posted these guys!

War Coral Has been growing very fast!

The survivor! Tubs!

This morning.... SO many fine bubbles

-Dave

 

[Der ABT]

really nice build thread and tank for that matter.

cant wait till it grows out some more


Who did you play paintball for, I started Virginia Justice years ago and used to play with Bad Co of Maryland... I miss that sport alot, only gun i have left now is an old 98 autococker.

anyways keep the pics coming

 

[DFason]

Thanks ABT.

Yea I played... most likely against you. I played for Trauma in 10 man and XBALL. Then played over seas for 2-3 years with a Russian team. I just stopped this year.

I'm just down in NC.

 

[DFason]

Little update. I just got back from Outer Banks and everything looks good. My purple bonsai had a little alk spike attack and the base got a little hit, but it looks like it will bounce back.

I picked up a Tunze ATO and its SO nice not having to worry about my water level. The iTech is working like a dream and has been skimming even better. I placed a K1 in the sump to stir up everything and its doing its job.

I am not sure what is going on with my Setosa but it looks really pale. I have stopped dosing vodka until I pick some AA's up. I think I have been starving my corals. Any suggestions?

Anyways here's some picture for you guys, these are all taken with a Canon point a shoot and I think they turned out great. No doctoring either!

WM has 2 new eyes, Babys breath is about to spit some new heads and the lords have doubled!

ATL Cap, Superman ( growing FAST ), Blue green Acro ( I love this thing )

Setosa ( looking pale ), Hawkins, red Planet ( impossible to snap a good picture )

iTech 100 - After 4 days with no feeding while I was away AWESOME!

-Dave

 

[flying_dutchman]

Looks good.
But why are there so many empty shells lying around? For your hermits?

 

[DFason]

Yep, snails falling over or a hermit wanting a new ride.

-Dave

 

[plyle02]

Love you tank Dave! I am also using the I-tech 100, fortunately I get to deal with John often, he is amazing to deal with, awesome knowledgable guy. Love the setosa!
Good luck Bro!
Perry

 

[DFason]

Thanks Perry.

I am really close to getting my new stand up I just got my RKL in too.