My JBJ 28gal Nano Build Thread

Thanks, and from all the fish that you've kept in this tank, what was(were) your favourite? And why?

My clowns have definitely been my favorite because they are pretty, stay out in the open all the time, and have tons of personality. Outside of that there has always been an issue with every fish I have owned (too aggressive, too shy, etc). I have really had some beautiful fish over the span of this tank but not many have worked out long term.

Love those clowns, your tank is looking superb... So the next one will be a hit, likely because any of your current design issues can be addressed and fixed by a new design. Should be a fun thread to follow when you pull the trigger:) Until then, keep up the great work, your reef skills and camera skills are top notch...

For for the compliments plyle, really means a lot! I'm excited about starting the new tank sometime soon, and although many of my current design issues will be fixed I am sure the new setup will generate a whole new set of them, haha :)

How did you mount the MJ400 in the skimmer column for the reactors? All the way in the bottom and then added the skimmer or on one of the walls? Seems to be very tight fit?

I'm using an Eheim Comact600 now and highly recommend it over the MJ400. Just remove the skimmer, slide the pump down the skimmer chamber, and reinstall the skimmer. The intake tube from the skimmer doesn't go far down the column so there is plenty of room for both to be in there. And as far as the pump fit in the column, it's fit is similar to the fit of the stock return pumps in the side chambers, tight but manageable.

i love your clown ange ... :D

Thanks lilopop!!! They are definitely cool fish!
 
Nice shots...my photobucket account is giving me the running out of room soon line now too..LOL...We appreciate the shots..Thanks
 
I just got an Aquamaxx HOB 1 today. Set it up (glad I looked at your pics before they disappeared!), and I'm finding it rather loud. I recall reading in another thread where you were instructing someone on how to lower the volume of the hum....something to do with moving that yellow tubing around somehow. I can't find that thread now. Would you mind going over that again? I did put some foam where the water flows into the tank, so that's not a problem....just this rather loud, constant hum.
 
After I hooked up my second TLF reactor (GFO and carbon) I have seen a rather big drop in alkalinity. Should this be expected and will it stabilize over time again and just drop now during the first week or so after installation?
 
Nice shots...my photobucket account is giving me the running out of room soon line now too..LOL...We appreciate the shots..Thanks

Thanks dood!

Beautiful pictures!

Thanks so much!!

Seriously love love love your tank! Can only hope mine eventually looks as good. Your rapid growth is incredible!

Appreciate the compliments! I really am getting rapid growth under the Radion.

I just got an Aquamaxx HOB 1 today. Set it up (glad I looked at your pics before they disappeared!), and I'm finding it rather loud. I recall reading in another thread where you were instructing someone on how to lower the volume of the hum....something to do with moving that yellow tubing around somehow. I can't find that thread now. Would you mind going over that again? I did put some foam where the water flows into the tank, so that's not a problem....just this rather loud, constant hum.

Make sure you have your yellow tube hooked up to the shorter of the two tubes in the silencer. Also make sure they everything is assembled and secured correctly, if the pump is touching the body of the skimmer or if the bubble plate or pump intake is loose it could cause vibration and noise. My pump is dead silent. The skimmer only makes a very slight bubbling sound.

Other thread is here including a video comparing on/off sound levels:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2027481

After I hooked up my second TLF reactor (GFO and carbon) I have seen a rather big drop in alkalinity. Should this be expected and will it stabilize over time again and just drop now during the first week or so after installation?

I assume you changed out your GFO when you added the second reactor, correct? GFO can cause Alk and pH drops, when you change your media it's always best to start with flow dramatically reduced and ramp it back up over the course of a few days to prevent large swings. You may have to adjust your dosing to some extent. Also make sure you wash both GFO and Carbon well before plumbing into your tank.
 
You are correct. I did replace the old GFO with new (was way overdue). Ran almost 10 gallon of water through the new reactor setup off-tank before hooking them back up to the DT. Will monitor the levels the next couple of days and adjust dosing scheme if needed

Thanks!
 
Latest FTS:
DSC_0894.jpg

What's the fish below the second clown?
Is that a wrasse?
 
looks beautiful! I will definetly add it in.
ppl say that it eats ornamental shrimp and its aggressive is it the case with yours?
 
looks beautiful! I will definetly add it in.
ppl say that it eats ornamental shrimp and its aggressive is it the case with yours?

It's pretty aggressive towards new fish additions, otherwise it's OK. I have found that keeping new adds in a breeder box helps the established fish get used to looking at a new resident. I normally leave the new guy in the box for about a day then release at night and it minimizes aggression and problems.

I did have a peppermint disappear, but unsure if it was natural death, the dottyback, or the flame hawk. My much larger cleaner and coral banded shrimp are just fine. I'd be nervous with small shrimp like sexies, pistols, etc.
 
Ruh roh!! I've been trying to find a couple of sweet clams for my tank for quite some time now (months) but every time I find the perfect looking one its either too large or someone snags it before I get a chance to order. Not this time!!

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So glad your photobucket is working again!! Hopefully you believe that copying is a good thing as I'm using many ideas from your build! I've had my 28G JBJ Led going since last July. Have had success with fish but its always been a tank plaqued by algae, cyano, etc. Just not as "pretty" as I envisioned. Based on your build, I have ordered the Aquamaxx HOB Skimmer which will get here on Monday. Picked up 2 TLF Reactors which I'm waiting to install once I get the Aquamaxx.

Also, noticed you have the JBJ 1/15 Chiller. Couple of questions:

  1. Any thoughts on best place to purchase? Everywhere I find it, the price is real high.
  2. Did it fit nicely in the JBJ stand?
  3. Was it easy to install or did you have to mod it?

Thanks!
 
Your tank is amazing! I'm going to build a nano because of you now. Haha.

Thanks for the compliments!! Really appreciate it!

So glad your photobucket is working again!! Hopefully you believe that copying is a good thing as I'm using many ideas from your build! I've had my 28G JBJ Led going since last July. Have had success with fish but its always been a tank plaqued by algae, cyano, etc. Just not as "pretty" as I envisioned. Based on your build, I have ordered the Aquamaxx HOB Skimmer which will get here on Monday. Picked up 2 TLF Reactors which I'm waiting to install once I get the Aquamaxx.

Also, noticed you have the JBJ 1/15 Chiller. Couple of questions:

  1. Any thoughts on best place to purchase? Everywhere I find it, the price is real high.
  2. Did it fit nicely in the JBJ stand?
  3. Was it easy to install or did you have to mod it?

Thanks!

There is an old saying "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery", so copy away and thanks for the compliments by doing so!! :)

Go ahead and install the reactors right away, no need to wait on the skimmer. Be careful with your GFO dosage, start low and ramp up over time (it can shock your system).

I got my chiller from my LFS brand new for $250 out the door... Just got lucky I guess :) Fits perfectly in the stand, super easy to install. I am using the right side stock accella to run it with about 10' of Lee's 1/2" ID pond hose. Only thing I would consider adding is a couple of dry-break quick disconnects from Eheim to make cleaning easier. There are pics of my stand from a while back when I setup my doser if you scroll through the pages.
 
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