My 55 gallon reef project

[dcombs44]

OH.....Life is busy

OH.....Life is busy

Hey everyone, here's an update on life at the current moment. Being an accountant, you can assume that my life is extremely busy during this time (no I don't do taxes ) I'm an auditor, and we are as busy, if not busier, than the tax folks this time of year. I'm also in the middle of studying for the dreaded CPA exam. On top of that...........the wife and I are in the process of purchasing our first home (yay!). So that means, that I am packing while studying and working 55-75 hours a week, while dealing with the bank, appraisers, home inspectors, etc. etc. and dreading having to move my tank for the 2nd time in a year. Sheesh. Wish me luck and say a prayer, I'll need both!

That being said, my anemone is growing, and looking excellent. It seems to be developing more xooxanthellae as it has more color around it's mouth when fully extended. I'm now waiting on the clowns until I move. That's just two less things I'd have to bag up. Unfortunately, I feel my tank is looking as good as it's ever looked (just in time to tear it down and move it across town).

Anyway, that's the update of my life for the day. Thanks for listening. :eek2: :eek1:

 

[jnarowe]

GL on the CPA exam...that's a great career move. :thumbsup:

 

[dcombs44]

Thanks. I'm still sitting at 1 for 1. 3 parts to go, but I think the hardest one is out of the way. I'll be glad to get that over with and get into this house, so I can finally just relax and be broke for a while.

 

[dcombs44]

Hey all. Long time no update. I've been moving. What a mess. The tank has survived, but barely. We dropped to temps of 63-65 during the move due to some complications, but I didn't lose anything of too much important.

Anyway, life is busy, but I wanted to add a quick post. Check out our new club website. It's not finished quite yet, but the forums are up and functioning.

www.springfieldillinois.reefbuilders.com

 

[dcombs44]

Hey guys, how about a favor. My brother is living in Nashville, TN going to school and trying his hand in the music biz. his new band just released their first EP. They're trying to win a spot at Cornerstone Music Festival on the stage. It's one of the biggest Christian Music Festivals in the country.

Check them out here. www.myspace.com/anathensrock and then go sign up and vote for them here www.cornerstonefestival.com

It takes less than 10 minutes to sign up and vote for Anathens in the New Band Showcase.

Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!

 

[dcombs44]

Question: My top off kit has failed again, I got a new unit, and it doesn't work either. I'm just going to use the float switches and power supply that I have and replace the relay. Can someone suggest the specs on the relay that I should buy.

All I need is a 12 volt relay rated for 110 VAC (120 volt) right? Also, do I have to have a relay socket, or can I wire directly to the relay?

 

[reefman13]

Do you have any updated FTS shots?

 

[dcombs44]

Not since I've moved my tank. I'm out of town until late this evening. i'll try to get a couple new ones up this weekend. I think this is the newest one I have, but it may already be posted somewhere. It's not a great one. Glass was dirty, but here ya go.

 

[Alaska_Phil]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12196205#post12196205 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dcombs44
Question: My top off kit has failed again, I got a new unit, and it doesn't work either. I'm just going to use the float switches and power supply that I have and replace the relay. Can someone suggest the specs on the relay that I should buy.

All I need is a 12 volt relay rated for 110 VAC (120 volt) right? Also, do I have to have a relay socket, or can I wire directly to the relay?

I'd recommend going to an electrical supply warehouse and getting a RIB (relay in a box). They're used extensively for for HVAC controls and designed specifically for using low voltage to switch 120V motors. Shouldn't cost you more than about $20. Just tell them you need one with a 12V coil and 120V contacts.

Phil

 

[dcombs44]

Couple new pics with a FTS.

 

[FroMan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11594137#post11594137 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Water pours into the PVC from the tank, and weeps out of the slits. Because the PVC is at the water's surface, air breathes out quietly and water pours out gently onto the water, without splashing.

How wide should the slits be? The width of a saw blade or larger? Will this create a slight fountain effect with the momentum of the water coming down the drain line?

 

[dcombs44]

Here are some recent pics of the tank with my new clowns as well as some others, including the newest member of our family at the end!

Right after I reaquascaped. Tank looks a bit rough.

Some springy yard pics

Laila!!!

 

[MyMonkey]

Great looking shots. Cute dog as well.

 

[dcombs44]

Thanks!

 

[dcombs44]

I'll be picking up a few of my first sps this evening from a fellow local club member. I've recently swapped my bulbs and added 2 maxi mods in preparation.

I think i'll be getting a couple variations of monti caps and digis, and maybe another small birdsnest and acro frag. We'll see how it goes. I'll post pics asap.

 

[reefman13]

Nice, looking good. BTW, on the cam turn the saturation down a little. In a few of the pics are a little over exposed and over saturated. Turn ISO way down when MH are on.

 

[dcombs44]

Thanks for the remarks. I still need some camera practice.

On another note. I just bought a 125 gallon. Here we go again.

 

[melev]

Time for another thread, eh?

I never answered this post:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12420554#post12420554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by FroMan
How wide should the slits be? The width of a saw blade or larger? Will this create a slight fountain effect with the momentum of the water coming down the drain line?

Here are two pictures.

 

[TheSaltwaterGuy]

Love your tank, many colors in there! What lighting are you using?

 

[dcombs44]

I'm using dual 250 watt hamilton single ended 14k bulbs. I just use the generic hellolights ballasts.

Thanks for the compliments.