JULY 2011 NTOTM-Hypes Archipelago

[rehype]

July nTOTM

Introduction:

I am thankful to share my tank for July ntot.I'm truly honored to be considered among all the fantastic tanks on this site. Thanks to all who voted for me and I appreciate everyone's support. It was a very close race and just wanted to give a shout to tntneon as his tank is truly awesome and I can't wait to see it featured as totm.

How I started:

Ive kept Aquariums for most of my life but I was always intimidated to try saltwater but five years ago I decided to give it a shot and im glad I did. I've went through alot of the trials most new reefers experience and many times ive wanted to throw in the towel but theres something very magnetic about this hobby and once your hooked"¦your one for life. Well with that said on to the tank"¦

System Profile:

- 22 Gallon(24X24X9) Custom tank made by pico aquariums
- Light Mount: Cadlight Artisan Tree
- Light: 24" Giesemann Infiniti T5/Halide Combo (1)150watt MH (4) 24 watt T5 bulbs with moonlight and Reefbrite Supplementation
-18 Gallon Cadlight Sump
- Controller: Neptune Apex
- 2-Part Dosing: Drews Dosers
- Flow: (2) Ecotech Vortech MP10W w/ Battery Backup
- Auto Top-off: JBJ
- Skimmer: SWC 120
- Heater: (2) Fluval M200
-Sapphire nano reactor
-Kent Phosphate Reactor
-Aqua Advantage UV sterilizer
-JBJ 1/15 Chiller
-JBJ Macro Glo
-Midwest Aquatics Denitrifier
-Hydor Seltz L40 Return Pump


Filtration:

I honestly feel I tend to overdo it on filtration but then again I like to overfeed my tank so it helps. After leaving the display water runs through filter floss, >skimmer/denitrifier>refugium and finally though the phosphate/carbon reactor and uv sterilizer before returning to the display.

Maintenance:

Weekly Maintenance includes emptying and cleaning skimmer cup, Replacement of filter floss and carbon, And Finally vacuuming the sandbed, which is done on a biweekly basis.

Lighting:

I've tried just about every type of lighting out there and I've found I'm most happy with Halide/T5 I feel it gives me the most color options and the shimmer I love. Currently I run a XM 10k Bulb with (3) ATI Blue Plus (1) Purple Plus and an All Blue Reefbrite LED strip. I think I may give LEDS one more shot in the near future but I'm still skeptical if ill be convinced to make the switch long-term.

Water Parameters:

I am a firm believer in water changes and do a five gallon water change with fresh RO/DI water and Oceanic Salt every week. To keep the glass clean, I use a nimble nano everyday on the glass. I also dose alkalinity supplements with a drews doser. So far I haven't had to dose calcium as my denitrifier and salt mix provide more calcium than my system can consume between water changes.

Specific gravity: 1.025
pH: 7.9 - 8.0
Calcium: 450 - 470 ppm
Alkalinity: 8- 9 dKH
Magnesium: 1350-1450 ppm
Temp: 78-80 F


Feeding:

I feed 2-3 cubes a day which consist of sprirulina brine,Mysis,Cyclops or rotifers. I also feed flakes, pellets, bloodworms, baby brine shrimp randomly throughout the week

Corals:
A have a mixture of sps, lps and sofites.

Livestock:
- Chromis
-Hippocampus reidi seahorse
-Talbots Damsel
-Cleaner Shrimp
-Harlequin Shrimp
-African Blue Midas Blenny
-Tailspot Blenny
-Sexy Shrimp
-Sharknose Goby
-Yasha Goby
-Florida fighting conch
-host of other snails
-Red Fromia starfish
-Maxima Clam

Conclusion:

I would just like to thank everyone that contributes to this hobby. I also would like to thank everyone that voted for my tank and anyone that's offered help through the years. I also would like to thank my wife for her support and not divorcing me over my love of this hobby

Some Progress Shots

Livestock

 

[rehype]

More Livestock

 

[rehype]

 

[JustinM]

Well deserved. You have a beautiful tank.

 

[rehype]

Thanks alot shocker

 

[Ansphire]

Was waiting for this!... I love how in your tank even the sand is fun to look at. Congrats!!

 

[rehype]

Thanks alot ansphire.

 

[Manochio]

Very, very nice!

Your tank is very pleasant to look at.

Congratulations, well deserved!

 

[rehype]

Thanks so much manochio

 

[tntneon]

Well deserved rehype :thumbsup:
If i see the livestock you have in there and the beautifull lighting hanging over your tank , i really think you deserved it.
Like your photogaphic skills too , nice shots !
especialy the harlekin shrimp is awesome

greetingzz tntneon

 

[rehype]

Thanks alot neon i appreciate it.

 

[Flame_Angel]

Angry fish is angry. Best photo of the lot, imo. Also, grats on the win! Your tank looks amazing; it's almost like a saltwater Amano tank in the FTS pics.

 

[collegeman]

This tank is amazing. I love the dimensions of the tank and the layout. I think my next tank will be something similar.

 

[rehype]

Angry fish is angry. Best photo of the lot, imo. Also, grats on the win! Your tank looks amazing; it's almost like a saltwater Amano tank in the FTS pics.

Thanks so much. I thought he looked kind of curious.. Thanks again that was my inspiration for the scape and layout.

 

[rehype]

This tank is amazing. I love the dimensions of the tank and the layout. I think my next tank will be something similar.

Thanks alot.Look forward to seeing your build.

 

[Jadams]

Excellent job!

 

[derekdelisi]

I'm in love with the lone standing Monti (it's lacking a hawkfish! haha)
Be sure to keep posting progress shots!

Do you target feed your sea horse? How does he manage with all those competitors?

Great tank!
D

 

[rehype]

Thanks alot.Look forward to seeing your build.

Thank you.

 

[rehype]

I'm in love with the lone standing Monti (it's lacking a hawkfish! haha)
Be sure to keep posting progress shots!

Do you target feed your sea horse? How does he manage with all those competitors?

Great tank!
D

Thanks alot Derek. I'll be sure to keep updates

I turn off all the pumps and feed a few times a day. I always watch and make sure she gets her fill and so far it's worked out great.

 

[otiac]

Congrats. You have a beautiful tank, thanks for sharing. Do your two blennies not fight with each other? I thought u could only have one in your tank. Thanks.