Pete's 280 log

[melev]

The first time, the coral came right out and I could treat it.

The next time, it had to be broken off. During treatment I saw the eggs, and after a few minutes quickly knew there was no way I could assure myself that every last one was removed/scraped away. So I cut off the healthy tip, tossed the middle, and saved the base that was relatively encrusted.

 

[psteeleb]

Thanks Marc

I dread thinking about taking the rock out that has the other tri-color on it. It must be 40lbs and is a cornerstone, so to speak, for my large arches on either side of the tank.

I had my hands in the tank way to much again over the weekend. Between this treatment, mounting other sps, moving around some rocks and getting rid of xenia and some rics, it's amazing everthing is not on strike or overly stress out. Actually, I think the fish are getting use to me having my hands in the tank and will hunt around things as I move them around, but the corals have dimmed some from my efforts to make thing more SPS freindly. I just hope it all pans out in the long run.

I removed some live rock (placed in sump), and I'm selling the large xenia rock making room for some shelf rocks to mount SPS. I'm considering some more Lace lava, but may look into some other reef natural base rock (e.g. marco). so any suggestions here would be appreciated.

I'm also going to start looking for balast replacements, I want to go Electronic to save on electricity and noise. So any insite in this subject is also very much appreciated.

 

[PaPa_Johnny]

Icecap ballasts are small, quite and efficient. I've got my son's T-5's connected and running and I love them, n the other hand he bought magnetic halide ballasts; they are huge, hot and noisy.

My electronic halide ballasts are still in the box (long story) but they are tiny compared to the magnetic ones and I know they will be much easier to mount than the magnetic suitcases. (Icecap also)

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12217859#post12217859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by PaPa_Johnny
Icecap ballasts are small, quite and efficient. I've got my son's T-5's connected and running and I love them, n the other hand he bought magnetic halide ballasts; they are huge, hot and noisy.

My electronic halide ballasts are still in the box (long story) but they are tiny compared to the magnetic ones and I know they will be much easier to mount than the magnetic suitcases. (Icecap also)

thanks Johnny, Icecaps are high on my list, I'm also reading up on the Lumatecs to maybe save a couple bucks. So much to learn.

 

[psteeleb]

I started on some of my electrical upgrade tonight. In order to free up an 8-switch panel I went ahead and started with my lighting. It's by no means a completed section as I am considering changing my ballast to electronic, and when I do I’ll shorten some cables and get them a little more organized.

First two pictures are of the new 4-switch panels I picked up.

The ballasts are on top of a wire mesh shelf. I added a cedar board to mount the switch panels too and add some strength to the shelf.

I picked up three of the 4-switch panels; one for the 250w MH’s, one for the 400w MH’s, and, one for the atinics and fans. I like the fact that the switch panels are tilted and a little thicker then the 8-switch panel as it provides enough clearance for the plugs below the wire mesh shelf.

 

[chrismunn]

good luck with the lougals. i hope the fish works out for you as well. nice lookin' fish.

 

[melev]

I really like how you have those set up. You love those zip ties. Just remember they get brittle and need to be replaced from time to time.

Matt is going to be doing a presentation on lighting at our next meeting, so odds are you'll learn more about ballasts. I have a basics page on my site that talks about them, but as I get more information on this subject, that page will be updated. E-ballasts are preferable, and various brands excel over others. The correct combination to the bulbs you pick can make quite a difference. For example, I've been hearing from several sources that using the Coralvue ballasts with the ReefLux bulb will provide better lighting and coloration compared to mixing the IceCap with the ReefLux (or a PFO ballast, or a ARO ballast). It's kind of surprising, somewhat hard to believe, but in the end you need to do what looks best to you.

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12223316#post12223316 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I really like how you have those set up. You love those zip ties. Just remember they get brittle and need to be replaced from time to time.

Matt is going to be doing a presentation on lighting at our next meeting, so odds are you'll learn more about ballasts. I have a basics page on my site that talks about them, but as I get more information on this subject, that page will be updated. E-ballasts are preferable, and various brands excel over others. The correct combination to the bulbs you pick can make quite a difference. For example, I've been hearing from several sources that using the Coralvue ballasts with the ReefLux bulb will provide better lighting and coloration compared to mixing the IceCap with the ReefLux (or a PFO ballast, or a ARO ballast). It's kind of surprising, somewhat hard to believe, but in the end you need to do what looks best to you.

I've been reading and reading and reading more. Right now I like what the Reflux 12ks are doing with my 250 Hamiltons. So I think I'm going to stay with them and even swap out my 400w 10ks to the 12's.

With that semi decided I'm leaning toward the Coralview, Icecaps or Lumatecs. Before I decide I would like to see some side-by-side comparisons

 

[melev]

If I get some Coralvues in, we could do some in person comparisons. Right now, I just have IceCap with two different color bulbs.

My 400w is magnetic using Radium bulbs, plus I have a XM 15,000K we could burn for comparison.

Lumatecs?

 

[psteeleb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12223503#post12223503 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
If I get some Coralvues in, we could do some in person comparisons. Right now, I just have IceCap with two different color bulbs.

My 400w is magnetic using Radium bulbs, plus I have a XM 15,000K we could burn for comparison.

Lumatecs?

well my misspell - Lumateks
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~LK1115.html

I was reading a thread earlier today on them, seems to be comparable to Icecaps but about $20 less per unit.

I'll have to find the thread and read it again

 

[psteeleb]

Marc- did you order in some Coralvues?

If so, I will be on that side of town, Burleson actually, this weekend with most all day Saturday to kill. I was thinking of heading back home but if you have them in I'd like to swing by. I could bring one of my Hamiltons and a bulb to do some comparisons.

 

[melev]

Pete, even more important to me than matching and results is customer service. I love how IceCap takes care of you, and I'm unsure about getting the same service from other mfgs.

 

[melev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12223587#post12223587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by psteeleb
Marc- did you order in some Coralvues?

If so, I will be on that side of town, Burleson actually, this weekend with most all day Saturday to kill. I was thinking of heading back home but if you have them in I'd like to swing by. I could bring one of my Hamiltons and a bulb to do some comparisons.

No, I'll be at the MAX conference this week. I leave Wednesday and come back Sunday evening. www.marineaquariumexpo.com

No, I've not ordered anything yet. I've spent enough for the month of March. :lol:

 

[psteeleb]

I hear you on the spending end. That's also why I like those Lumateks

That conference is in my old stomping grounds - wish I was able to go but like I said got other family plans with the wife and daughter

 

[psteeleb]

So here is the next fun project, mounting fans. On the top side I'm leaning toward mounting three (maybe four) of these to my reflectors on my VHO's. This puts them at a slight angle toward the water but will be in the way while cleaning, feeding, etc. If I go this route I may devise a hinged bracket that will flip up and out of the way. I'm like this idea, it's just a bit more work.

Option B is to end mount them

 

[melev]

I noticed that brand has a 5 year warranty. Not bad at all. However, in my case I would need all the ballasts plus one. I always want something on the shelf in case equipment fails.

 

[melev]

By mounting them on the end, all the heat is blown off the top of the tank. When I had fans on the back of my 55g, it created a circle. It would draw in cool air and push the hot air out, but in my situation the heat went out the back and the fans sucked that in and blew it back in.

Just moving the heat off the surface will make a big difference. Blowing them on the water may be too effective, plus evaporation will be far greater. I would try perpendicular first, and if that isn't up to the task, then try leaning them.

 

[psteeleb]

well - that's easy enough. Do you think that having them mounted to the light frame they would be to high, or, would it better to make a bracket that I can mount to the end of the tank around my eurobracing?

the picture shows my holding one up on the light frame

 

[melev]

Securing them to the light frame is fine. That is the hottest point, so you'd push that heat out before it can 'travel' lower.

 

[psteeleb]

Okay - I don't know what’s doing this but my blue tip is getting a lot bluer all over the body. I think it's trying to camouflage itself to look like a Chromis.


Actually I suspect the coral is finally adapting and color morphing to the light change