McPuff's new 300 (transfer from 120)
- Thread starter McPuff
- Start date
McPuff
New member
Looking good! Quick and easy project
Thanks! Now I just need to wrap the reactor so I don't get so much light spill... it really creates too much light pollution in the entire basement. :0)
nightOwl
Premium Member
I am in the process of doing something similar. I am going to prototype it with some black foam board and maybe attach a fan for some ventilation.
McPuff
New member
I'm even considering some black card stock to loosely surround the reactor. It would at least minimize the light spill while allowing the unit to passively cool.
nightOwl
Premium Member
I may try that first. I will raid my wife's card and scrap booking materials before she gets home today...lol. One less trip to the Dollar Tree up the street.
I look forward to seeing how it works for you. Have you considered tin foil for the wrap? Besides blocking light spill, it would reflect light back in. Keep us updated!
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
That's along the lines of what I was thinking, something with reflective properties but perhaps something more rigid than foil.
McPuff
New member
Good idea. I was thinking of something that would be reflective. Might as well make the most use out of the material. Still haven't done anything with it yet... too many other chores and mini-projects had to be done this weekend (especially outside, hooray!). I will say, however, that the chaeto is growing rapidly. It has at least doubled in size over the past few days. My feeling is that it'll need to be thinned monthly which is just fine.
BUT, I did complete the acclimation box. The step drill bit was excellent and despite drilling about 60 holes it went pretty quickly and there were no issues.
View attachment 390960
The two large 'holes' you see are legacy. Remember, this is made from scrap material. I just placed a patch over each large hole and went on my merry way. Either today or tomorrow, the blueface will go into the 300 in the box. It's about the same size as a 10 gal so he shouldn't be too cramped. With the huge overall volume of the system, I should see pretty decent increase in growth rate and probably juvenile-adult transformation. Again, my main concern is that the annularis and/or scopas tang will pick on it.
Also dosed chemiclean over the weekend to rid my tank of cyano. It was becoming an issue and I could not keep it off the rocks for more than a day or two. Once it began to grow on the sand it was time to nuke it. Made sure to be more careful with dosing this time. Also dosed microbacter to ensure there would be enough of the "good" bacteria. I do NOT want to have another bloom that destroys my biggest coral colonies. Argh. Anyway, last night I put a canister filter on the sump with carbon to get the stuff out of there. Tonight I'll do a water change and get the skimmer back on line. It'll take two water changes of 30 gal each since I can only make 30 gal at a time. Adding the chaeto reactor was a bit overdue but with the addition I should be able to better maintain a more desirable nutrient balance. Pairing chaeto with a small GFO reactor has worked very well for me in the past though even that method can lead to nutrient stripping. Still, probably better than excessive nutrients.
McPuff, you're really putting together a dazzling tank! Great fish selection and awesome aquascape. I would imagine your fish load would justify GFO and chaeto, and it should allow you to feed your babies well.
Chemiclean should do the trick. I suffered for three months of cyano hell before I gave in and used it. Never again!
Chemiclean should do the trick. I suffered for three months of cyano hell before I gave in and used it. Never again!
McPuff
New member
Yeah, if you're patient and dose correctly then ChemiClean is really good. If you're impatient and overdose it, then you lose some very large coral colonies. Wish I hadn't joined the latter club. But it was a valuable lesson and actually allowed me to pursue angels once again.
And you're right, the bioload is increasing and I've got to keep planning for nutrient export to keep the system looking nice. At some point I'll probably create a larger chaeto chamber so I can grow even more. Macro just does such a good job of cleaning the water. And it's so simple... I'm a fan of simple. The most complex thing I ever want to get into is the calcium reactor and thankfully that is running smoothly (just a tad undersized at the moment). Speaking of, I may add an effluent "burn-off" chamber to see if that helps to produce more Ca/Alk by removing any excess CO2 from the first chamber. I've already got something for the job so it's worth a try.
Calcium reactors are nice. I ran one on my earlier reef version of the tank. Not sure how much good it did me, as I flunked reef keeping in general. I am finding much more success with a planted marine tank, where heavy nutrients are beneficial. The CO2 from the reactor will benefit your chaeto, and any other plants you might want. It is plants' favorite form of carbon.
McPuff
New member
It took me a while to decide to get a calcium reactor as it just seemed like a hassle. But really, it's quite easy and now I find it's a hassle to mix up any two-part for additional dosing.
I'll have to take another FTS of the reef with better color rendition now that it's looking a bit better. Also need to get a few shots of the blueface so I can have some sort of series with both him and the annularis. Again, the growth rate on that annularis is simply incredible. I feel certain that it will become the largest fish in the tank probably the end of the year. Thankfully he doesn't seem to be a bully (yet).
McPuff
New member
Ugh, the pain with chemiclean is the absolute crazy amount of foam the skimmer produces for days afterward. I have added a carbon reactor to help minimize this. Have changed out 30 gal water and will do another 30 gal tonight. It will be nice to have the skimmer operating back to normal. All the corals seem fine this time around and I continue to dose microbacter daily just in case.
The blueface has officially been added to the display tank... in the acclimation box of course! Because there was no light on the QT his color was always a bit muted. I have to say he is absolutely beautiful! Thankfully he also let me take a couple very clear photos. But you can clearly see evidence of transition to adult pattern on body, face, and fins. It's exciting to finally put him into the display. Really hoping for no issues with aggression once he's released.
Wanted to include a shot of the annularis as well to show how far along he is on transition. Unfortunately, he's not as willing to provide a quality photo. But you can see the pattern and how close it is to adult. The vertical stripes are nearly all gone and replaced by the brilliant blue diagonal stripes.
Most of my FTS are overly blue so I vowed to get one with better color rendition. This is so simple I should really do it more often. A tiny gel filter held over my cell phone lens creates pictures that are SO much better. Just after I added the acclimation box:
View attachment 391091
For me, it's very enjoyable to see the tank from the side view as it gives a totally different perspective. Seems like I'm looking in a different tank and makes the system look like it's stuffed with corals. I really love how the purple-ish milka stylo pops between the different green colors of the surrounding corals.
Finally, I had to get a shot of the lagoon to show the progression. It's finally quite clean and now that I have the Kessil A350W over it, I can get nice growth from frags or "leftover" corals. The orange cap looks pretty cool in my opinion and I'm sure the others will also do quite well. This is more of an experiment than anything but I really enjoy it.
So that's it for today. The system is coming back into a nice holding pattern. Nutrients appear to be on the wane and once the skimmer is back to proper functionality it should be even better.
The blueface has officially been added to the display tank... in the acclimation box of course! Because there was no light on the QT his color was always a bit muted. I have to say he is absolutely beautiful! Thankfully he also let me take a couple very clear photos. But you can clearly see evidence of transition to adult pattern on body, face, and fins. It's exciting to finally put him into the display. Really hoping for no issues with aggression once he's released.
Wanted to include a shot of the annularis as well to show how far along he is on transition. Unfortunately, he's not as willing to provide a quality photo. But you can see the pattern and how close it is to adult. The vertical stripes are nearly all gone and replaced by the brilliant blue diagonal stripes.
Most of my FTS are overly blue so I vowed to get one with better color rendition. This is so simple I should really do it more often. A tiny gel filter held over my cell phone lens creates pictures that are SO much better. Just after I added the acclimation box:
View attachment 391091
For me, it's very enjoyable to see the tank from the side view as it gives a totally different perspective. Seems like I'm looking in a different tank and makes the system look like it's stuffed with corals. I really love how the purple-ish milka stylo pops between the different green colors of the surrounding corals.
Finally, I had to get a shot of the lagoon to show the progression. It's finally quite clean and now that I have the Kessil A350W over it, I can get nice growth from frags or "leftover" corals. The orange cap looks pretty cool in my opinion and I'm sure the others will also do quite well. This is more of an experiment than anything but I really enjoy it.
So that's it for today. The system is coming back into a nice holding pattern. Nutrients appear to be on the wane and once the skimmer is back to proper functionality it should be even better.
McPuff
New member
The tank has been up for about 1.5 year now... although it's been transferred several times so in some respects the tank has been running since 2005! :0) In face, I've had the watchman goby since then.
My final fish stock list is pretty much where it is at this point. I may add a blenny or two to the DT. I'll definitely get a trigger for the lagoon. Maybe a puffer as well. And a jawfish for the small tank that is also tied in (used to be for the clowns). Here is the list as it stands currently:
lieutenant tang
pyroferus tang
scopas tang
naso tang
foxface
annularis angel
blueface angel
pink spot watchman goby
blue chromis
talbott's damsel
pajama cardinal x2
starry blenny (though I haven't seen it in a month)
rudy sided wrasse
melanurus wrasse
solaris wrasse
caribbean spotted hawkfish
Darwin misbar clown (x2)
The first 7 on the list are the majority of the bioload and are going to grow quite a bit still. So I think that unless I add small fish, this is pretty good for now at 18. Anyway, it's really close to what I had envisioned when I picked up the tank. The system has fought through some tough times mainly due to negligence for various reasons. But it seems to be back on track now. Just have to make sure to pay attention to those small changes and stay on top of them. I'm glad to have added the chaeto. It's growing like crazy, at least tripling in size in just over a week.
My final fish stock list is pretty much where it is at this point. I may add a blenny or two to the DT. I'll definitely get a trigger for the lagoon. Maybe a puffer as well. And a jawfish for the small tank that is also tied in (used to be for the clowns). Here is the list as it stands currently:
lieutenant tang
pyroferus tang
scopas tang
naso tang
foxface
annularis angel
blueface angel
pink spot watchman goby
blue chromis
talbott's damsel
pajama cardinal x2
starry blenny (though I haven't seen it in a month)
rudy sided wrasse
melanurus wrasse
solaris wrasse
caribbean spotted hawkfish
Darwin misbar clown (x2)
The first 7 on the list are the majority of the bioload and are going to grow quite a bit still. So I think that unless I add small fish, this is pretty good for now at 18. Anyway, it's really close to what I had envisioned when I picked up the tank. The system has fought through some tough times mainly due to negligence for various reasons. But it seems to be back on track now. Just have to make sure to pay attention to those small changes and stay on top of them. I'm glad to have added the chaeto. It's growing like crazy, at least tripling in size in just over a week.
Last edited:
juanfdezdc
New member
Great list of fish, beautiful!
McPuff
New member
Thanks! It's been almost 2 years since this process began. I've had to take it slow for many reasons but that has been a blessing as I was forced to think critically about the best ways to do things. And I've really taken the time to be careful and deliberate with fish additions. This last part has made a huge difference!
I just bought another calcium reactor as my DIY rig just isn't cutting it anymore. I knew it would happen at some point so no worries there. But this "new" one is huge! It holds about 3 gallons of media so, yeah, it's a monster. Just need to spruce it up a bit and figure out where I can put it. Otherwise, it should be pretty simply to make the switch. Should also be able to run the pH much higher (current is < 6.6) and get better performance. My DIY rig is only able to hold a calcium of 420 and ALK of ~7. I'd like both to be closer to 440 and 7.5-ish without supplemental dosing. May also try some of the Magnesium media so I no longer have to dose two part to maintain Mg.
As for the blueface, he's doing well. Still pretty shy in the acclimation box but starting to come out when he sees me. It's going to be a few more weeks at least before he can be released. I want to make sure he's eating with no hesitation (like he did in QT) because it's obviously a free-for-all in the DT. But he's definitely making progress!
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
When it's time to QT, I'm going to have to follow your advice and processes. The approach that you use definitely provides the best case scenario for a disease free environment. Be ready for lot's of questions...
McPuff
New member
When it's time to QT, I'm going to have to follow your advice and processes. The approach that you use definitely provides the best case scenario for a disease free environment. Be ready for lot's of questions...
Yeah, that is certainly fine! I have really just been following a version of what others have posted here. Some go to even more trouble than me, but I think it depends on a number of factors, including the type of fish. I'm happy to help.
McPuff
New member
Hey y'all! Figured it was time for a few updates on the 3 hundo.
Decided to get a new and much bigger calcium reactor. Just hooked it up over the weekend and am busy dialing it in this week. The corals are really using a lot of Alk these days! This thing is huge... fits about 3 gallons of media. Considering getting one of the Kamoer FX-STP pumps to create a more stable effluent flow.
The annularis is really getting big. It's very close to full adult pattern too. Picture is not great but it's hard to get a good one of this guy. It's as if he thinks the camera is going to steal his soul...
In a couple months, I'll post a time series showing how his size and pattern have changed over the course of 1 year.
The blueface is still in the acclimation box, and has been for a month. I've reduced his hiding places every couple weeks and now I put in these small rocks you see. He ate pellets right after the cleaning and habitat change so the shyness is clearly subsiding. Just hoping for a peaceful introduction! At this point, it'll be 3 more weeks in acclimation due to personal and business travel plans. Definitely want to be around for several days when I decide to let him out. Nervous!
I'll say that the acclimation box has worked really well but it's a pain to clean it about every week or two. :0) I leave the top of the box just under water so the water inside gets circulated a bit more. Would actually prefer a bit larger box but this may actually be the first and last time I use it anyway... not sure I'm going to add any more fish that would require such acclimation. Since it only cost me a few dollars (for the drill bits) it was still worth it!
Decided to get a new and much bigger calcium reactor. Just hooked it up over the weekend and am busy dialing it in this week. The corals are really using a lot of Alk these days! This thing is huge... fits about 3 gallons of media. Considering getting one of the Kamoer FX-STP pumps to create a more stable effluent flow.
The annularis is really getting big. It's very close to full adult pattern too. Picture is not great but it's hard to get a good one of this guy. It's as if he thinks the camera is going to steal his soul...
In a couple months, I'll post a time series showing how his size and pattern have changed over the course of 1 year.
The blueface is still in the acclimation box, and has been for a month. I've reduced his hiding places every couple weeks and now I put in these small rocks you see. He ate pellets right after the cleaning and habitat change so the shyness is clearly subsiding. Just hoping for a peaceful introduction! At this point, it'll be 3 more weeks in acclimation due to personal and business travel plans. Definitely want to be around for several days when I decide to let him out. Nervous!
I'll say that the acclimation box has worked really well but it's a pain to clean it about every week or two. :0) I leave the top of the box just under water so the water inside gets circulated a bit more. Would actually prefer a bit larger box but this may actually be the first and last time I use it anyway... not sure I'm going to add any more fish that would require such acclimation. Since it only cost me a few dollars (for the drill bits) it was still worth it!
Sisterlimonpot
Premium Member
Did you say how big that acclimation box is? I must have missed it. And did you notice any stress due to being in the box?
