Ok,
Finally got a few pictures last night that I am not ashamed of!
I have only had time to load the full tank shot onto my website ( which is FINALLY being updated throughly ) but will have some coral closeup pics probally by tomorrow for you all.
Some of the changes that I decided on were as followed:
I decided to make this a mixed reef, I know its not everyone cup of tea, but I really liked the 75 gallon one I had running for 4 years. To me the mixture of LPS/SPS/Softies/Clams looks better than a system devoted entirely to SPS. Dont get me wrong a mature healthy SPS dominated system is nice, but there is typically no sense of motion, and in an aquatic environment id like to see a little.
Anyhow, another small change I made was some tweaks to the aquascape. I decided to bring it down lower, for me it makes it easier to keep a high flow system for the SPS I keep, but still have spots for LPS/Softies that require lower flow areas. Dont ask, for some reason it really is easier for me this way. Plus I like it better, it looks more 3D.
Another change has to do with filtration. Like I stated earlier, I am going back to what always worked best for me. One of thoses things is not running carbon 24/7. I am only going to run carbon once a month for no longer than a week. I think that running it 24/7 has advantages in a heavily stocked grown out system, but mines still in it infancy and I dont see a need to run it that much. I will adjust my use of carbon as time goes on, if needed.
I also, took out one of the Seio1100's and replaced it with 2-MJ1200's. I am able to get a move chaotic flow on one side and a more gentle flow on the other that way. Also at some point I am going to set up a 20gallon SPS ONLY system, and wanted the extra Seio for it. In addition, I put 2-MJ600's behind the rocks on the bottom ( pointed at an angle to the bottom ) to help keep the BB setup clean of pileups, its really working well I should add.
One last change I made was the switch back to 20K's. I liked the XM10K's but did not really like the colors of the corals. I am a firm believe that its a combonation of correct lighting/good filtration nutrient export/proper water flow & stable correct parameters that are needed for coral health and coloration. Not simply focusing on just one aspect. Since all the others are correct I decided to try out the 20's again, and so far I am really happy with them. Even more so then when I ran them before. My colorations is a lot better, and it seems my growth and polyp extension ( especially on the SPS ) is much better also.
So here is the system as of last night, most of theses changes above were made several weeks ago, but as stated earlier I have been much to sick to do much posting/picture taking. Like I said earlier, I will get some closeup pics by tomorrow.
Chris