I've finally given birth to my Pod 24

[smy168]

So here are some pics,
Hardware:
Epik Thermal Powerhead (with 100watt heater)
Maxijet600 (behind rockwork)
Maxijet400 (in compartment 1)
stock pump (return)
Fission Skimmer

Bio:
LR Rubble (in compartment 1&2 in stocking net for easy cleaning)
stock sponge (cut into 4 squares copartment 1&2)
35lbs total LR (including rubble)
55lbs sand (3.5-4 inches)

Not sure what I plan on keeping yet, I'm still considering a upgrade on the lighting but not sure. I may be changing the return pump from stock to a maxijet1200. The overall tank is pretty well made, the heat issue is my main problem but I think I have that beat so far. Not too happy with the skimmer right now but we'll see what happen in the next couple of weeks. The fan is a little loud but not unbearably loud. Love Love Love the led moonlights, the work great if you can create some top water movement.

I'll have better photos later, just relieved that it's finally running. I got my rock from "Prime Cured Live Rocks" and I have to say that they're unbelieveable, pods crawling around, mini dusters popping out already, my water params are perfect and I'm probably ready to add stock within the next few days.

 

[icenine2005]

Looks good... but why so much sand?

 

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

Looks great, how deep is your sand bed? I like your aquascaping!

 

[smy168]

thanks guys,

Ice: so much sand because I plan on keeping a jawfish

AE: the SB is about 3.5 to 4 inches deep (roughly 55 lbs.)

I'm big on DSBs, I know about the controversy that circles DSBs but I always kept my SBs this way. As well, I wanted to raise the level of the tank so that I can keep more light intensive corals and inverts, since the tank is about 19 inches deep I figured the SB would make the depth to about 15inches and catch more light to water breakthrough since I'm running PCs and not MH, I wanted to make sure the corals are closer to the light.

Aquascaping probably isn't in the final stages yet, chances are I'll make some minor changes as the tank matures.

 

[AEALOVESHERGIRLS]

I love jawfish, they will love that sandbed!!! Give us some pics of your jawfish when you get them, they are so cute!!!

 

[vanmo92]

kool

 

[Fishfreak218]

OUCH! i bet that hurt.. its pretty darn big.. lol.. srry couldnt resist... looks like a good start

 

[natureboy]

I'm anxious to see pics of your tank after it's been set-up for a few days.

I have a 24g Pod on the way, it should arrive sometime this week. I'm trying to decide on a place to get some live rock from. Can you tell me more about this "prime cured live rock?" Is it sold by Aquarium Arts?

I'm trying to decide between harvesting from a local who's tearing down their tank and an online purchase. I'm just worried about getting rocks that are too large if I get a local's leftovers. I've heard great things about Premium Aquatics' Nano Live Rock.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[HartfordWhalers]

keep postin

 

[smy168]

New Pics

New Pics

I had to do a little manuevering with the rock but I got everything in and was able to come up with a design that isn't up against the back of the tank. I have about 1-1.5 inches from the back of the tank so that I can make sure I have total water circulation through all of the rockwork. And the rubble is amazing, almost everypiece has worm tenacles and mini dusters, i've placed them in a stocking net so that I can do some additional cleaning without the fuss. Not sure but I remember reading somewhere that I can cut the black film off the glass in the bottom part of the tank to expose the LR rubble in both the compartments and do a clip on 10 watt halo for a true fuge (somewhat) so i can add some chaeto as well.

Anyway, I think the fun begins from here, I get to really play around a bit.

Here's the pic from this afternoon....

and pics from tonight...4 hours later

Clearer waters, this is about 6 hours from the first pics.

moonlights, love love love the LEDs man, these things are cool.

side view, the rockwork is between 1-1.5 inches off the back wall in various places.

Top water movement being created by the Epik Thermo Powerhead

compartment 1 with a maxi400 and fission

compartment 2 has a quiet top while return on the bottom is just rolling.

any suggestions are welcomed.