Nick's 40g Breeder Pics

[njudson]

Updates 9/8

Updates 9/8

Things are progressing nicely.

SPS even showing some growth

Odd little Acan

Zoas

Newest challenge

 

[RTMA]

Looking good there bud! Everything looks happy. What are you feeding the Mandarin?

 

[njudson]

Well right now hes just constantly hunting the tank for pods. My fuge is full of them and I see them in the tank all the time. I think I also saw him eating flatworms off the glass. For the short term I think he will be okay. I want to try to get him on live brine -> frozen brine -> mysis as that seems to be the only way to keep a dragonette in a small tank long term. If that doesn't work out I may try to culture some copepods using the waste water from my water changes.

Know anywhere local to get live brine shrimp?

 

[njudson]

My mandarin has started eating frozen mysis! YEY Feeling much better about his long term survival now

 

[njudson]

Updates 10/21

Updates 10/21

Gonna post some pictures from a few days ago right after getting power back. Things have actually improved nicely since this but I want to document the low point and recovery of my tank.

other updates: recently got new lamps for my T5 fixture (3x ATI Blue PLus, 1 ATI Purple Plus, and 1 ATI Aquablue special) Wow this really makes my corals look awesome even if it does make the tank look a bit blue for my tastes. Might need to tweek the color balance on my photos in the future to get a better look.
Also started dosing Seachem Reef Plus and some liquid Phyto recently

 

[njudson]

I'm considering adding a sump to my system. I would really like a better skimmer and fuge setup as well as a good place for a filter sock. Since the tank is up an running an overflow box with a U tube seems like my only real option. Anyone have experience with these?

 

[RTMA]

I think Steve uses one on his 29. I used one briefly on my 29 (I'll see if I can find it - if I do, you can have it). Drilling would obviously be better, but that doesn't look like an option at this point. I remember it being ok, but I had a aqualifter to ensure the siphon never broke. The eshopps one is pretty popular. If you do decide on that and need a sump, I just got my new one, so I have a 20L (30" long i believe) with baffles and everything for sale. Was just going to post it actually. Has a little wear and tear, but still very good. Currently soaking in vinegar.

In my opinion a sump is one the best investments you can make for the longevity of your system.

 

[njudson]

In my opinion a sump is one the best investments you can make for the longevity of your system.

I knew going into my first reef that a sump was probably a good idea but I wanted to keep my tank as simple as possible. One thing among many I didn't expect was the debris that ends up in the chaeto of my Hang on Fuge. I've also got cyano going on in the fuge so I was going to upgrade the light and pump but if I am going to spend some money I think it makes sense to go for a sump and maybe get a new skimmer for xmas.

 

[RTMA]

While it adds a bit of complexity, it makes things much easier. You could still use the remora. The urchin is basically the same skimmer.

 

[njudson]

Jan 17 Update

Jan 17 Update

Well its been a while since I've posted but I thought I would share some recent pictures. Had some ups and downs in my tank in the last few months but things are going pretty well in general. For whatever reason most of the macro algae in my fuge died off a while back which I think helped contribute to an outbreak of cyano. Reduced feeding and some manual removal during water changes has helped but I'm still battling the stuff.

Also maybe a month ago I took all the powerheads out of the tank and gave them a vinegar bath. This has helped my flow a lot as they were really dirty. However I think I had them out of the tank for too long (maybe 2 hours) and the oxygen levels must have dropped because in the next two days I lost my midas blenny and my carpenter's wrasse.

On to the positive news, my auto top off system has made life so much easier. Topping off with Kalk has really made my corals happier and growth of my SPS and clam has taken off. Although I am still supplementing just as much 2 part - demand is just going up and up.

Recent additions: a Starry Blenny this guy is such a character and just yesterday I got a green with pink tip BTA. The BTA is still hiding from the light but I think he will come out and sun himself more soon.


Full tank shot

Should hopefully make it out to next months meeting. Wanted to come yesterday but was busy watching the JETS game.

 

[RTMA]

Great pics Nick - looks like things are progressing nicely! Those Red Hornets look happy! I was worried about the single polyp frag, but it looks like it made it in spades. Love the green birdsnest pic too.

 

[njudson]

Great pics Nick - looks like things are progressing nicely! Those Red Hornets look happy! I was worried about the single polyp frag, but it looks like it made it in spades. Love the green birdsnest pic too.

I'm up to 3 polyps! I've had to move the plug around a few times due to other corals encroaching on its space so I bet that has slow growth a bit. These reef tanks are funny things. All I want is for my corals to grow a lot and look nice but as soon as that happens I'm running out of space.

 

[RTMA]

3 polyps! Sweet, now you can frag it! lol, Just kidding. Mine never open that big. Too much light and flow I'm betting. But glad they are doing well. Great job.

 

[njudson]

Got a new fish today. I've been watching this guy at the LFS for weeks debating whether or not I should buy him and I finally went for it. Might end up losing a few corals to him but I think its worth it.
Multibar Angel

Other Pics

 

[RTMA]

looking good Nick. Love that Angel - he is beautiful - Good luck with him!

 

[njudson]

July updates

July updates

My tank survived the move and has settled back in nicely. It's been a while since I've posted any pictures and watching the progression is fun for me.

Clam

Bird's Nest

Purple Nana

Zoas

Mandarin

Clown

Torch

Sadly I'm at the point where there is zero room to add new corals. In fact my lps is getting aggressive and stinging everything in site.

 

[njudson]

Tank

Red Hornets

BTA

Hammer

Kole Tang

Fishys

Clown

Tank

recent changes: switched to ESV salt ~90 gallons ago, upgraded to 2x mp10s

I'm going to be moving in the next month or two and breaking this tank down to go a different direction with the next one. Keep your eye out for a for sale thread if you are interested in anything or feel free to pm me if you see something you want.

-Nick

 

[RTMA]

Looking great Nick - Too bad you will be breaking it down
Love the Angel, I'm too scared to add one, as they usually take a liking to polyps and lps. Has yours nibbled anything?

Those are the hornet you won at last year's Halloween frag raffle right? So one year's growth looks great!

 

[terahz]

Nick, that's some really nice progress man. I, too, regret that you're breaking it down.

 

[njudson]

On the bright side I am breaking it down to put up a tank that could be even cooler. Thinking a 2 foot cube rimless cube for an anemone and pair of clowns. Need something practical for a smaller apartment.