My Sharks in HD

[griseum]

Huma- I never know whether to call it a durgeon or if only the hawiian black trig is called that? For the few years I've had him, it seems like hes grown maybe an inch!? He is by far the most active fish I've ever seen. He does laps along the perimeter of the pond all day long. Its crazy.

The MI gets a few different types of NLS pellets all day long. As far as frozen, PE Mysis, mixed seafoods, and a blend of different supplements differing at each feeding. Plus algae and some sponge.

 

[humaguy]

Huma- I never know whether to call it a durgeon or if only the hawiian black trig is called that? For the few years I've had him, it seems like hes grown maybe an inch!? He is by far the most active fish I've ever seen. He does laps along the perimeter of the pond all day long. Its crazy.

The MI gets a few different types of NLS pellets all day long. As far as frozen, PE Mysis, mixed seafoods, and a blend of different supplements differing at each feeding. Plus algae and some sponge.

I refer to both melichthys niger, the Hawaiian Black and melichthys indicus, the Indian Black, as durgeons...though the Hawaiian is perhaps the one most associated with the name black durgon....

 

[griseum]

Hope everyone had a great Holiday and you're all online, instead of getting trampled at your local Big Box store, and getting some of these incredible deals!

I've grown tired of fiddling with the RKE w/NET and other modules that I bought months ago. I had gotten it to the point where it was visible by way off the internet from another state, but I could not get past the point of it being just that, only "visible". I re-did all of the networking in the house, had my ISP dedicated an IP address to my router. Got some off-site Hosting space and even a domain name! But no matter how much tinkering I did with the Base Unit and the 5 modules and all of the dedicated probes, switches, float valves, etc. It never functioned Entirely how it was programmed and "Supposedly" Designed/Marketed to.

So, I knew I was going to bag it up and put it in storage, replacing it with either the Apex, GHL or some of the other newer controllable devices I've seen being sneaked out to the public on our favorite reef blog website. I know that these higher-end Companies are never included in any sales, discounts or coupons, but I happened to see ONE site of the Dozens upon Dozens I searched that had 10% off all Neptune Systems products. They also just became a RC sponsor. So I went ahead and got the Apex bundle, an extra EB8, the ALD mod, the Solid Surface probe, and some other accessories. Im excited. But I have this nagging feeling that it seems almost like its too good to be true.

Anybody have experience with SaltwaterAquarium.com? In the stores Vendor Forum right here on RC it says that they are a brand new sponsor/vendor. Anybody ever order from them and have anything to say about the experience?
I did some of my own review research and saw that everything seems on the up and up. But from their Forum on here, it looks like they only became a vendor like a week ago, unless I'm wrong.
Well, we shall see.

Sharks are doing great by the way. Ill post some new stuff real soon.

**EDIT** Now I see BRS has 10% off Neptune. DOHHH**

 

[Pastey]

I went the Apex route and I love the thing. I haven't utilized the networking aspect but I can still change things with my phone/computer when I'm at home within the LAN. With the upcoming Fusion software, being outside the network and accessing your stuff won't require a networking degree anymore. It's currently in BETA testing so it won't be long. You picked a good time to go Apex. I, too, have the ALD with the solid surface probes. Never had to "use" them but they're a nice bit of insurance. The great thing about Neptune is they're constantly innovating, tweaking and adding things.

 

[griseum]

Growth!!!

Growth!!!

Updating some things. Lots of growth with the sharks, the fish, macro and mangroves too!!
Just linking the new videos, below, for now. Hopefully I will have a chance to embed them later on.

Something funny, almost every night the sharks rearrange the crates. Every morning I put them back where the fish can live stress-free lives. You'll see the original aquascape of crates in the Fish in Shark Pond video. Then in the Growthand Growing Shark videos you will see what a mess it becomes and just how strong these sharks really are!!

Shark Growth

http://youtu.be/lC30W7ZXamY

Sharks are Growing

http://youtu.be/dTwinFhePig

The Mangroves I've been culturing are doing extremely well! At around 6 months now, they are showing a wooden texture, and for over a month I've been bonsai'ing them to avoid burning the top leaves.

Mangroves and Macro in the smallest fuge:

http://youtu.be/MVcDVPsWsik

 

[G4546]

Very nice mate! Thank you again for sharing with us. Hope you've had a nice holiday season thus far. Those guys do make a mess and are getting big! Very very nice G.

 

[griseum]

Thanks G. I appreciate it. Things have been smooth and now with the Apex system hooked up and online, I can actually relax a little bit.

The entire design of the system is meant to promote stability of parameters. And it sure does. Now that I can view the logged data, I'm very happy to see such steady numbers day in and day out.

And BTW, what I said previously about the RKE w/NET is totally true. In the past couple of months, without me knowing it, Digital Aquatics has made a bunch of new programs and promises about the future of the ReefKeeper. It seems that they are attempting to catch up to Neptune Systems. Additionally adding customer service.

 

[griseum]

Videos

Videos

This is how the Pond CrateScape (LOL) looks almost every morning, after a rough night of sharks swimming and attempting to mate.....

Mornings with the Fish:


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hB37FprAJsI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Then this is what happens the next morning or when I feed a big meal:
BTW, look how big these fella's got!

First is a link:
This is a longer, more inclusive video of all the sharks, with a Cameo Appearance by the BIG Moorish Idol, just chillin', watching the his fellow citizens:=

www.youtube.com/embed/lC30W7ZXamY


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dTwinFhePig" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>







Mangroves and Macro:
Wooden texture on Red Mangroves after ~6 months

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MVcDVPsWsik" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Thanks for watching !! The aesthetic aspect of the surroundings and purchasing either Acrylic-molded Reef Scape or Marco Rock and making big bridges and structures is indefinitely ON HOLD. In the near future, I may be investing in a large Acrylic Custom tank to house everybody, if the property here is sold!

Hope you Enjoyed the Videos!!!!!!!

 

[humaguy]

this is a killer thread...
thanks for the update!!

 

[griseum]

Thanks! LOL.
Doesn't hold a candle to yours Huma!

And i dont know how i rreferred back to what i had said about the RKE NET. I was trying to say maybe i gave up on the huge Reefkeeper system i had as there has been updates w/o my knowledge. But I have no regrets with the Apex package i bundled up. Especially with Fusion firmware around the corner.

 

[griseum]

Just acquired a new Mature Male White Spotted Bamboo Shark. This will be a mate for the Female that I've had for quite a long time now. I was always on the lookout for a comparably sized male, and this guy fit the Bill to a 'T'.

The only shark to take notice of him was the one and only Female White Spotted Bamboo, who gave him the Up and Down inspection for a good few minutes. I wish i could have filmed that but wasn't ready for it. Here's a quick video of him with his nose in the corner, a bit after a long acclimation.
Thanks for Viewing!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/450knI2O6LU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[RayL]

Thats awesome, those sharks look great. You seem to really take good care of them, thats nice to see, unfortunately most people dont.

 

[Cu455]

Do you jump in to fix the creates? I love seeing your updates. How long is the coral catshark?

 

[griseum]

I do have to fix them (the crates) often. Yea its a little like wading at the beach. They are functional but arent the prettiest, of course LOL.

There are 2 coral catsharks. The bigger one is a female, just shy of 24". Theres a much smaller male in there as well.

 

[griseum]

By the way, I must give a thorough Thanks to Neptune Systems. Anybody even thinking of purchasing a controller, dont give it a second thought, get an Apex base package, or even that new Gold Package they are offering as of recently. I have never been happier and more relaxed while I'm out since I invested in this system. At least three times now I have been saved from a major flood by the ALD modules I have and the solid surface probes I have all around the pond, and then all around the tanks in the other room.
Most often, my Protein Skimmer can be moody, especially after a big feeding, or adding BioPellets or MicroBacter7, etc. I have it drain into a 5 gallon waste buckett, but it often overflows fairly quickly when given any reason. The ALD's and Apex unit sends me immediate Text messages and Emails. And then, from where ever I may be, I can shut off the Skimmer's pump from my Android, or from the Apex Dashboard on the web. And instead of the hundreds of gallons of flooding that COULD have happened, I come back to a small bit of water on the basement floor.

Fusion(!!) their new software/firmware and Cloud-hosting for web access is on the edge of being fully released, so there really has never been a better time to get one.
(And no, I do not work for Neptune Systems, or have any affiliation with them or a vendor.)

Im just happy as hell with the decision I made to get one. That plus the IP webcam I installed, so i can watch anything going on inside, and around the tanks, pond and peripheral area, have been the two best purchases I've made in years. And yes, with the IP webcam you can pan, tilt and zoom (zoom only on some models) even while viewing from the web or from your Iphone or Android apps. Its phenomenal.
If you do have an IP webcam, and are capable of the very minimal networking that it takes to hook up, definitely invest in the one-time $3.99 fee on Android devices for developer Robert Chou's App called IP cam Viewer Pro. Awesome App. I find myself constantly watching the Sharks where ever i go. LOL. So yea, Im a nerd.

 

[Angelfish rule]

Those sharks are awesome
wish I had a tank like that for sharks

 

[JuicyJ]

You sir are my idol 100% haha. I love your pond and would love to do that some day. There is so much awesome information in one thread as well. I haven't put much thought into a controller, mainly do to the expense cost but after your advice I'm going to look into it for sure. Thank you.

 

[griseum]

LOL. Thanks for the Thanks.
Throughout the years I had read and heard all of the praises of aquarium controllers.
The difference between reading a review and then having one yourself is tremendous.
It definitely is "Tank Insurance". It's absolutely priceless, especially once it is networked and you can access it from anywhere. I don't know how I lived without it! LOL

The ability to turn pumps, lights, powerheads, heaters on and off with my smartphone, and read graphs and watch trends for pH, temp, ORP, DO, Salinity, etc. is just as great. When I compare certain levels, as well as events that occurred at a given time, like a huge feeding, water change or a big top-off, I can see how it correlates with certain parameters. It gives me a more in-depth feel for my water quality and the life support systems efficiency.

Its definitely not a necessity. I'm sure some of the worlds nicest aquariums don't have controllers on them. But it does, IMO, give me an edge.

 

[JuicyJ]

Defiantly lol.
Yea I've heard lots of things about them too and at a recent frag swap/gather I had the opportunity to see it working on his phone. Awesome program. Between seeing it on his phone and now with your advice I'm going to really try to get one. I've already had the whole skimmer overflow my 5 gallon bucket thing happen and it sucks.
You've got me really wanting to build a lagoon of my own now. Just need to convince the wife to seal off the garage. :lol:
Your system is similar in a way to what I've been creating just larger main tank. I plan on getting a mangrove grow going like yours and using styrofoam to hold them. It looks like that's what you've done yourself? Any tips for them or where to buy them. I've seen eBay.
I'm in the middle if the country in Nebraska so it's always fun trying to order stuff up.
I'm using chaeto for some macro but do you have any other preferences.

I'll have to take a couple pictures of the pure white coral cats the zoo here has. Beautiful sharks.

 

[griseum]

No styro on my mangroves. They are all planted in a deep bed of mud, aragonite and then oolite. It took me trial an error to get them growing fast and big.