North Dakota Mini-Ocean

If u ever get any frags of that meteor shower that u need to get rid of let me know:D What bulbs are u running in ur t-5s?
 
nice picture update! Looks like everything is progressing nicely. I really like the before and after shots of the lighting, definately a HUGE difference!
 
I am running (2) T5 Giesemann POWERCHROME Actinic Plus + 22k 39watt in each fixture. And I do have frags of everything in my tank (never can be too safe for a "just in case" moment)
 
I just never realized how "blue" my tank was until i looked back at old pictures. I lent out my PAR meter, but when i get it back I bet my readings will be off the chart. I am guessing the tank will take another month to get used to the new lighting, new food, and stable levels...But in the end it will be a much better looking tank too.
 
Yeah, I don't think I ever really said what changed on the lighting...I took down the 20k Radium bulbs and replaced then with EVC 10k Bulbs (best PAR bulbs on IceCap Ballast according to Sanjay test) and then I added (4) Current USA T5 fixtures with actinic bulbs for supplimentation and (2) IceCap moon LED strips for night time viewing.
 
I am going to try filter socks for a month or so to see if that will get the water crystal clear. Ozone, UV, Skimmers, and Cheato have done great, but i still notice some particulate matter in the water when i look at the display. Plus, I do weekly turkey baster "blasts" to the rock work now and notice a lot of silt in the sumps. These should help to keep the sumps clean and water column crystal clear.
 
I can't remember what your overflow system & piping is like, but I moved from socks to a large floss "tray". Socks were just a huge PITA.

This is a picture of what I built as a test subject:

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After using for months, my only real improvement would be to make the perforated shelf a "V" shape with solid sheet ends. This would improve performce by keeping water within the floss area instead of allowing it to flow over when the floss has debris in it.

Basic design:

1. Large basin with 3" pipe draining into sump below;

2. Perforated PVC shelf

3. 100% of overflow water filtered through floss.

Benefits:

1. No need to change socks every other day. Much easier to service.

2. Ability to "rescue" mysid, snails, etc.

3. 100% mechanical filtration: Lowers water-borne particulate, enables heavier feeding if desired, keeps pests from colonizing sumps and circulating back into display.

4. Floss is readily available in large rolls and very economical.

5. No laundry. YAY!
 
Conspicillatus Angel (Monday), Clarion Angel (Monday), and Gem Tang (2 weeks) coming...

Ventralis Anthias (7), Assorted Anthias (25), Rhomboid Wrasse, Linneatus Wrasse, and Black Tang next in line...
 
Hey Dave the tank is looking AWESOME!

Monday evening if you will be around I'll run the PAR meter back to you. I had to put the new fixture on hold for a bit as I broke a few things but it will start up again soon. I'll try to grab it from you again when the lights are done and on the tank.

FYI I have some frags for you as well if you want them to add to your rack/tank. I had the same thought and have a ton of "insurance" frags to give out.

TTYL
Curtis
 
Nice tank Dave!

We just moved out here from Minot, ND (military) a couple years ago now - I don't know if we would have run a tank out there even if we weren't moving, due to the crazy weather!
 
I guess the two angels are showing up tomorrow!!! Frag tanks are set to go. I did get the fish from a friend who knows a big wholesaler.

I lost probably 50-60 fish 7 months ago and unfortunately my morish idol was one of them.
 
I guess the two angels are showing up tomorrow!!! Frag tanks are set to go. I did get the fish from a friend who knows a big wholesaler.

I lost probably 50-60 fish 7 months ago and unfortunately my morish idol was one of them.
That's a bummer, I hate to lose any at all. I'd probably call it quits if I lost that many fish.
Hopefully everything survives for years for you.
 
The Shipment has ARRIVED!!! Still acclimating, but thought i would share some pictures none the less. About another hour and i will unbag em and let em relax.

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