My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (I) Pre-Build Thread

[Wally.B]

FRAG TANK (re-Setup) Re-use on 65Gallon T5 Lighting

There wasn't much to do to restart OLD FRAG TANK. (Rinse, Assemble, setup Lighting). NO COMPLEX OVERFLOW/SUMP this TIME.

But I feel GOOD about re-using T5 LIGHTING from OLD 65 Gallon Tank (which I removed from SUMP ROOM)

Last time I RAN the OLD Single MH Bulb and ran into Algae Problems.

I can still add my DIY LED....But 2 T5's (Close to Surface and Shallow Water) will keep the Frag alive (I think).

Inside is just two pumps, heaters, and the Main Re-circulation Pump to Run the Baffle-Box Filter.

Mixing Water right now, and once FT filled up, I'll transfer All Corals....

 

[Wally.B]

FRAG TANK (Running) NEW WATER ONLY

The Frag Tank is Running (on new SALT Water Mix).

This time I installed the BLACK ACRYLIC (Light Blocking Cover Plates) since last time the Clear Baffle box was a Algae Source (Hard to clean inside)

I am about 10 Gallons Short on water, and that was going to come from DT.

But DT has Cyano, plus CYANO-Clean.

I am thinking to make 10 Gal more of New Water (instead of any old water). WHY CONTAMINATE NEW Frag Tank (with bad water).

Sure the Tank will eventually Cycle (but no fish will be in there) so slowly.

-> I'll add LIVE rocks when they are Cooked in Bins (No sooner).
-> I have ZEOBAK so can add bacteria with DROPS.
-> For Nutrients (I can do very little REEF ROIDS weekly or so)

THIS WILL BE PRACTICE to for the NEW TANK (if I go all new water)

ANY THOUGHT??? IDEAS?

 

[Wally.B]

LAST PHOTO OF (OLD TANK) Beginning SHUTDOWN (via FRAG TANK Dipping Station)

Title says it all.

On a few Good Frags left (plus 2-3 Colonies) May cut any possible Fragments from Hurt Frags.

All Frags will go thru Re-vive DIP/RINSE, and a brief QT in 10 Gallon Tank (before Going into Frag Tank)

I may dip again in Bayer (when I learn to use the Stuff).

About to close this thread, to move on to PART (B)

I think best to start Next Thread in Tank/BUILD Thread SECTION.

Final Thread May be SPS or Maybe-NOT (Well See).

 

[Wally.B]

It's DONE (Moving to NEXT PHASE [ BUILD Part II ] )

MAINS LIGHTs OUT for GOOD (ON Old 65 Gallon DT)

ROCK BAKE TIME


More to come.... (Here or on NEW THREAD which will be posted here)

 

[shih87]

Wow!!! Lots of progress here since last visit on your thread.
I really admire your passion and work, and hope you don't mind that I may take one or two ideas from you for my new plan.

 

[tenurepro]

Wow that progressed really fast. Exciting


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[Rakie]

Hey Dad
Are you on the Dark Side or Light Side?

Oh yeah. LED is Light Side.
I really think things will change on the LED technology. It has matured but will mature more.
More and more LED is leaning toward mimicking T5 (Better spread, less shadows/discoball from Point Lighting). Still not here (so I'll wait)

My thoughts are just to expand my T5's (for the short term)

I saw the Radion diffusers a month ago at a club members tank -- It was no joke. It looked like if T5 had some shimmer to it. Almost perfect.

That is, and has been, LED's issue. The other issue is when people run a low number of LED's, this problem is exacerbated. My friends who run 3, 4, 5 radions, or AI Hydras, don't have the dull shady look of people who have a single Radion or two. More pucks = More better -- But diffusers are the real deal, making up the lack of pucks. basically any cheap plastic light diffuser you can get for the office can makes all the difference.

Seems like forever ago someone put a cheap $5 light diffuser under their Radion in their build thread and I never forgot the impact it had -- unfortunately I forgot the name of the thread itself -_- but it had a huge impact on my perception of diffusers. Here we are like 3-4 years later, and it seems the community has finally caught up with the guy who threw hardware store light diffuser under his radions. Considering his fund for Research and Development was a $5 sheet of plastic, and a hunch based on common sense -- This guy was a bit of a visionary.

And on the other hand, you have the ReefBrite fixtures with no optics on their LED's, just a trapezoid shaped housing with light reflectors. Gives them a HUGE light pattern and spread, very slight shimmer, yet still strong enough to bleach corals -- Of course to this day people still believe without optics LED's are mostly useless, and incapable of sustaining life. To this I say, if a RB can bleach corals from too much light, it's proof that their design could sustain corals easily (if it were more than just Royal Blue diodes of course).

There's a lot of solutions to the problems LED present, we just need more people questioning the 'rules' and not being afraid to rock the boat a bit.

 

[Wally.B]

Orphek Atlantik V4 LED?

 

[tenurepro]

Orphek Atlantik V4 LED?

These are the lights that I was considering switching to a few weeks ago; we talked about it a bit pre Xmas. Now I put that though aside in light of the radion diffusers; mine arrive Monday; can't wait!


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[Wally.B]

Of Course I'm not just going to buy replacement lighting without some extensive Research and first hand evaluation.

It took me months to choose the Kessil/T5 Lighting for my Kitchen tank. I am really picky on Lighting look.

I have contacted Orphek Sale for some questions (on Shimmer, DiscoBall-Effect, 2x Compacts vs 1x Regular V4)

Who knows, maybe I can finish my DIY Light Fixture project and save some $
(I have the LED DRIVER, Cree LED's in HeatSink Fixture, some lenses, made a diffuser)

THIS FRAG STATION will be a perfect pre-test for new TANK REBUILD (Lighting, Flow, etc)

I just added a my old ARIDUNO Top Up Control since I'll be too busy to add water as it evaporates. (Possible to add KALK to bucket for ALK/Calcium/PH since I don't want to get into measured dosing complexity)

Maybe even bring back my 10Gal Sump, Skimmer, and throw in a bunch of small fish for nutrients.

I can mess up here......but I can't mess up new tank. It would be depressing.

 

[Wally.B]

These are the lights that I was considering switching to a few weeks ago; we talked about it a bit pre Xmas. Now I put that though aside in light of the radion diffusers; mine arrive Monday; can’t wait!

Let me know when you get the diffusers installed. I will certainly drop by.
It will be interesting to see the new look. Your tank looks great already.
Also what the PAR reduction will be, but you have plenty of extra lighting power to compensate with 3 Radions over your tank.

 

[Wally.B]

The OLD TANK (Scrubbing Crew Busy)

Last week I got 8 Blue Legged Hermits, 12 Astrea Snails, and 3 Emerald Crabs.

Two Emeralds are really busy picking off all Algae (I can tell the difference already)

After doing the Frag Tank Fill up, I have Zero Salt Left. I've never gone to Zero on Standby Salt, and feel very uncomfortable.


Heading to Canada Corals to pick up my Boxing Day goodies (incl. Salt) Going to pick up one or two Urchins to complete the Crew mix.

 

[Wally.B]

OLD TANK (CONDITIONING PLAN) - [ Fish / CUC Stay ]

So I looked at Urchins today and it brought back Past BAD memories (Pencil moving Bolders, Tuxido's moving everthing, and Electical Wire Insulation Chewed down to Copper), so I will pass.
(Snails, Crabs will be good enough)....along with a few this shown below. (To REDUCE NUTRIENTS and Purge the Rocks)

The plan to condition to OLD TANK Rock is simple (minimal work for me).

The twist in the plan is to use my Copepod Farm and start cultivating POD into the DT (by more aggressive Pod Transfers, and will start Feeding PhytoPheast PytoPlanton into DT during the COOK STAGE).

MANDARIN Goby is going to be Really Happy

 

[Wally.B]

LET ME EXPLAIN (Why I do these projects, detail and post so much) IT MY PEACEFUL WATER WORLD

This may be strange to you the readers, why I'm explaining this, but that's just me.

I have a family which I care for very much, so I work pretty hard to be there for them all. 3 kids, age 16,14,12 and a wife. Sometimes it's also my 83 year old mom.

I'm not sure how I would stay as dedicated without a break FOR ME.
This Hobby as challenging, and frustrating as it can be is still quite gratifying when things go well, or maybe for me it's just the process of creativity, exploration and curiosity.
I also like to share knowledge, but I don't know it all (I learn as I go along, and know how to solve problems)
Strange as it sounds....I am sometimes at peace when Cleaning my Skimmer of Fish Poo since nobody will come near me . Admire how clean the acrylic is when done

This last two weeks with Holiday break have been tough, but it's tough all year round.

Every spare moment I have, someone asking for help either by coming to me, a text, or a phone call. It's endless and sometime even overlaps.

I'm sure Tenurpro noticed that the first time I visited his place to see his tank, I barely stepped into the front door before my Phone Rang with my Daughter calling, and then more text from others while I got the tour and then a call from wife where I am and when I'll be coming home. I JUST LEFT 5 minutes ago.... ARRRGH!!

So these project and these posts are chance to break away from all that DEMANDING noise.
I'll continue to post even if folks don't reply or participate for just the reasons I just stated.

However a friendly hello or comment makes the hard gratifying work even more nicer. Advice, tips, GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Of course when new Tank is done, maybe I'll be Happy to Stare into a New Water World of Peace and Tranquility (in my office, which I miss right now).
I home maybe 4-5 years from Now, Kids will grow up and out, and I'll have a nice SPS tank to stare at and do VERY LITTLE (since most thing will be automated)

Thanks for listening/reading, and thank you for understanding.
WALLY.

(Yup. I just got overloaded by ALL AT ONCE FAMILY DEMANDS and ran to write this to ESCAPE when I help them all )

 

[tenurepro]

My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (I) Pre-Build Thread

My Project ★ GENESIS ★ 110G (Miracle) SPS Dream Tank - (I) Pre-Build Thread

LET ME EXPLAIN (Why I do these projects, detail and post so much) IT MY PEACEFUL WATER WORLD



This may be strange to you the readers, why I'm explaining this, but that's just me.



I have a family which I care for very much, so I work pretty hard to be there for them all. 3 kids, age 16,14,12 and a wife. Sometimes it's also my 83 year old mom.



I'm not sure how I would stay as dedicated without a break FOR ME.

This Hobby as challenging, and frustrating as it can be is still quite gratifying when things go well, or maybe for me it's just the process of creativity, exploration and curiosity.

I also like to share knowledge, but I don't know it all (I learn as I go along, and know how to solve problems)

Strange as it sounds....I am sometimes at peace when Cleaning my Skimmer of Fish Poo since nobody will come near me . Admire how clean the acrylic is when done [emoji4]



This last two weeks with Holiday break have been tough, but it's tough all year round.



Every spare moment I have, someone asking for help either by coming to me, a text, or a phone call. It's endless and sometime even overlaps.



I'm sure Tenurpro noticed that the first time I visited his place to see his tank, I barely stepped into the front door before my Phone Rang with my Daughter calling, and then more text from others while I got the tour and then a call from wife where I am and when I'll be coming home. I JUST LEFT 5 minutes ago.... ARRRGH!!



So these project and these posts are chance to break away from all that DEMANDING noise.

I'll continue to post even if folks don't reply or participate for just the reasons I just stated.



However a friendly hello or comment makes the hard gratifying work even more nicer. Advice, tips, GREATLY APPRECIATED.



Of course when new Tank is done, maybe I'll be Happy to Stare into a New Water World of Peace and Tranquility (in my office, which I miss right now).

I home maybe 4-5 years from Now, Kids will grow up and out, and I'll have a nice SPS tank to stare at and do VERY LITTLE (since most thing will be automated)



Thanks for listening/reading, and thank you for understanding.

WALLY.



(Yup. I just got overloaded by ALL AT ONCE FAMILY DEMANDS and ran to write this to ESCAPE when I help them all ) [emoji4] [emoji20]

We all need our quiet space [emoji4] I know what you mean! Always getting bombarded with problems that need of solving; sometimes it's nice to just clean the glass and watch the polyp extension [emoji4]
Ps my tuxedo urchins have been model citizens.
Pss. I am worried about your plans for carbon dosing + framing pods + feeding phyto... seems like a recipe for throwing the water chemistry off balance. If you want to start fresh, then start fresh. Why re-cook established mature rock?
Cheers!


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[Wally.B]

We all need our quiet space [emoji4] I know what you mean! Always getting bombarded with problems that need of solving; sometimes it’s nice to just clean the glass and watch the polyp extension [emoji4]
Ps my tuxedo urchins have been model citizens.
Pss. I am worried about your plans for carbon dosing + framing pods + feeding phyto... seems like a recipe for throwing the water chemistry off balance. If you want to start fresh, then start fresh. Why re-cook established mature rock?
Cheers!

I know what you are saying
(What I will do for next tank, and in meantime.....It an On Going Internal Debate I am having within my head)
Wish someone (who knows based on experience) just HELPED ME and TOLD ME Exactly what to do (beside start 100% fresh).


however the goal is not to keep this tank stable to move into the NEW TANK. (but stable enough to keep the fish there since I don't want to move them into some other separate system)
IF I COULD REMOVE FISH from the Equation it would be a no brainer. (TANK TOTAL DARKNESS, no feeding fish, pods, DO NOTHING till new tank arrives)

The goal is to kind of sterilize these rocks (but not like dumping in fresh water, or muratic acid). Kind bake (low light, possibly total Darkness briefly) and overload the system with good bacteria and life (copepods), but eliminate any bad bacteria/algae.

Didn't You tell me Copepod are good for DINO if I have any?
Sure Maybe the Vinegar should come later since it fuels all bacteria.
But I have some ZeoVit CyanoClean Bacteria which out competes CYANO (so that and Vinegar will fuel the good bacteria).

I did this for my other Kitchen tank and it had not negative impact. Actually ended years problems.

I am pretty certain that I won't use any of the OLD TANK water when I start the NEW 110G tank.

This water will be 100% removed, while the rocks and sump media will retain life/bacteria when I put in 100% new water (briefly dried during drain).

And just before I start the new Tank I will fully dip each rock to cleanse it of any possible pests (like the over abundance of Brittle Stars which are totally out of control). A few were fine, but everywhere I look I see their tentacles.

(We discussed this, that it may be too drastic).....
But THIS IS BETTER THAN STARTING THE NEW TANK with TOTALLY NEW EVERYTHING.

 

[Wally.B]

Found an OLD T5 Ballast (May be useful) for a Trial Period on NEW TANK

Years ago when before I converted my Kitchen Tank to a DIMMABLE T5 Pair, I was running all 4 t5's on this WORKHORSE 7 (Still one of the best out there)

I just found it, and looked up the specs.

It will run 4x(39W 3ft T5HO), and also 3 or 4x (54W ft T5H0).

This means I can start-up NEW tank with this ballast (with a few endcaps and reflectors)
Plus the 2 Ballasts on the Frag Tank could bring up the Lighting to 5-8 T5HO Tubes.

Buys me time to research LED.

SPEAKING ABOUT LED. My KESSIL A360WE over My Kitchen Tank Malfunctioned. (Few days ago). I have 4 T5's running so fine for short term.
Flickers like crazy. BAD TIMING for needing new Light there.
But I think it's just the Power Supply since If I turn it off and give it a rest, Light work for about 1 minute.
You can get a replacement Power Supply for about $50.
I contacted Kessil for support. (outside of Warranty)
BUT THE POINT IS LED isn't forever, and not sure if always reliable like all things.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT when you spend TON on LED is (Replaceable parts, access to local service, and a company that will stand by it's product, and BE AROUND 5-10 Years from Now)

 

[Wally.B]

Wow!!! Lots of progress here since last visit on your thread.
I really admire your passion and work, and hope you don't mind that I may take one or two ideas from you for my new plan.

What ideas? I haven't even started building (it all tear apart so far).
Your tank setup is amazing and not many in home tanks in the World like yours (I love your automation). But I will admit (I tried all that dosing stuff, and will really try hard to do basic/natural this time).
It will be hard, but best not to buy any stuff till I at least achieve a year of (minimal deaths STN/RTN, some growth, some color).

Hey, you got plans to do something more. Wonder what that could be?
Big secret new Tank, or just some improvement to the wonder you already have?

 

[tenurepro]

I know what you are saying
(What I will do for next tank, and in meantime.....It an On Going Internal Debate I am having within my head)
Wish someone (who knows based on experience) just HELPED ME and TOLD ME Exactly what to do (beside start 100% fresh)....

while i don't claim to have a lot of experience, here are some things to consider:

Do you have any awful hitchhikes / pests in the sps tank right now?
yes -> consider starting over; No -> keep rocks as is
From what i see, you have nothing bad or unmanageable in the old sps tank. i think you tracked down your sps growth issues to contaminated water from the leak. The cyano is not something that i would chuck the rocks for. Your tank was full of live when we looked at the scope, and i think you should preserve this biodiversity.

now, if you suspect that you had some pests that where damaging your sps ? (AEFW? red bugs), then removing he sps from the rock and treating it in the frag tang is a good idea, then just keep the old tank SPS free for a few month to kill off any remaining eggs / resting stages. But i don't remember that being a concern for your sps problems.

What i would do is simply keep the rock with the fish and keep things consistent in terms of how you feed / nutrient export. adding more CUC may help clean things up. But i don't think you should mess around with carbon dosing at this point; it will certainly change your tank into a bacterial dominant system and that may lead to some in shifts in nutrients and consequently biodiversity in your tank.
cheers!

 

[shred5]

Can you move the fish to frag tank.. I have done that before, they were happy there.