Rainbow Archipelago 1.0 Reef Journal

[biggles]

I might black list both of them, with the "finding nemo" comment and what-not. I remember back to the days of old, to the first time I really saw a reef tank. I remember seeing a frogspawn, and saying something like "look at this cool anemone" :headwally: We have to be patient, as the subtle beauties of SPS that we have trained our eyes to see is acquired.

I had to take a dose of my own advice on Monday when we went to the fish store to get the first fish, and my girlfriends daughter swiftly decided that the Purple Firefish's name was going to be Sprinkes :hmm3: I have since come up with a list of banned fish's names, to include muffin, cupcake, dumpling, princess, and fifi.

I put the light on it a few days ago, but I don't have my Apex on the web yet, so my programming has been done through EcoSmart Live. The bottom will be kept pristine, as this is the way I maintain the bright white look of sand while staying true to the bare bottom methodology.

So far the BFC is a measly .154 . Once fully stocked I hope to be somewhere around 3.0. I have had the best results with heavily stocked bb tanks; they allow me to feed any time and amount I want, and keeps a steady supply of food for the corals.

Sprinkles is evidently camera shy......

It's pretty much a given that news of her daughter's banning will result in a cessation of all contact between my reef and anyone sharing her daughter's DNA :thumbsup:

I really think you can run a much higher BFC with a BB display after going bare bottom for months now. The fish get every particle of food by scouring the bottom for pellets etc after i feed and the water column is clear again. Sand hides and harbors big feeds to an extent i think because i wasn't feeding as much each feed as i do now when the sand was in and i was having nutrient issues. Pretty sure i'll end up around 2.0 and have to throw a bag of phos-zorb in the sump to stay there once the sand goes back in. No idea really but i do know the sand will change the nutrient balance i currently have.

I want you to know that i will not be regularly asking how Sprinkles is going so as to alert everyone new to your journal that you have a fish named Sprinkles............ :blown:

 

[Jmonks]

Nice Nate, looking good��

 

[CichlidMan@<3]

Exactly what I'd expect from you Nate. Your systems are always well thought out and prestine.

 

[naterealbig]

No Problem Nate.
What do you plan to keep in this tank?

Hi Hung, thank you for the question, and sorry it has taken so long to respond. I'm planning on a predominantly SPS tank, with some select LPS, and perhaps some polyps on the small rock in the front. Additionally, several clams will find their new homes here, along with some interesting invertebrates, and a large amount of fish.

It's pretty much a given that news of her daughter's banning will result in a cessation of all contact between my reef and anyone sharing her daughter's DNA :thumbsup:

I really think you can run a much higher BFC with a BB display after going bare bottom for months now. The fish get every particle of food by scouring the bottom for pellets etc after i feed and the water column is clear again. Sand hides and harbors big feeds to an extent i think because i wasn't feeding as much each feed as i do now when the sand was in and i was having nutrient issues. Pretty sure i'll end up around 2.0 and have to throw a bag of phos-zorb in the sump to stay there once the sand goes back in. No idea really but i do know the sand will change the nutrient balance i currently have.

I want you to know that i will not be regularly asking how Sprinkles is going so as to alert everyone new to your journal that you have a fish named Sprinkles............ :blown:

LOL at the banishment- sometimes we just have to stick up for what's right! Yes,I have found large disparities between the way our biotopes handle, store, and release nutrients depending on whether their is sand in the display. As I have seen you do, some refers are able to use this process to their advantage. Why did you take your sand out? I wouldn't put it back in, just put some cutting board on the bottom, and call it a day

Thank you for keeping Sprinkles.... ahem, cough...... I mean Thor, on the hush hush. :hmm3:

Nice Nate, looking good&#55357;&#56832;

Thanks Julian! Long time no chit chat - it's great to see you on the boards, and thank you for taking the time to drop in and say hey! How are things going? I haven't been very active in the Tampa boards lately.... Any builds going on? Do you still have the same tank? How is it?

Exactly what I'd expect from you Nate. Your systems are always well thought out and prestine.

Chris - coming from you this means a lot. Now if I could only keep a setup for longer than a year, I'll be ok . Thank you for stopping in, I look forward to your comments and critiques. Seeing any visions for fish here?

 

[naterealbig]

Speaking of fish, ordered this on Thursday from Divers Den...

 

[tank master]

do you think you will be any wrasses as your tank is a BB?

 

[naterealbig]

Hi Hung, I won't do wrasses that like the sand. I thought I remembered that the fairy wrasses didn't hide our sleep inside of it. If they don't, i might do a pair of McCoskers, or perhaps Hawaiian Flames. If they like the sand however, i will forego them. I know the leopards and most others are out of the question. What are your thoughts?

 

[tank master]

Well a pair or trio of flames would be great, one of the best fairy wrasses in my experience they stay low in the tank and aren't really the jumping type. I've been wanting a diamond tail flasher for awhile now and those a gorgeous, but 1 male cost almost the same for a pair of flames. Other fairy wrasses are more skittish in my opinion, also IME 4 line wrasses and 6 lines are A Holes. They will kill any wrasse I put in after them, I had to fish one out once.

 

[biggles]

Speaking of fish, ordered this on Thursday from Divers Den...

What are we calling that one Nate....... Bubbles, Twinkles ? :hmm2:

I took the sand out when the cyano became bad enough to be covering acro base edges. I like sand for the contrast it gives and i don't find the water to be as reactive or twitchy if you know what i mean. Changes to the water seem to happen quicker than when i had sand but that might just be in my head lol.
If it turns out to be a huge pain in the arse to maintain i can always siphon it out again during a few water changes so it's not a major concern one way or the other tbh

 

[naterealbig]

Well a pair or trio of flames would be great, one of the best fairy wrasses in my experience they stay low in the tank and aren't really the jumping type. I've been wanting a diamond tail flasher for awhile now and those a gorgeous, but 1 male cost almost the same for a pair of flames. Other fairy wrasses are more skittish in my opinion, also IME 4 line wrasses and 6 lines are A Holes. They will kill any wrasse I put in after them, I had to fish one out once.

Yes, the flames that I have seen definitely seem less skittish and evidently you pay the price for it. This may be the direction I go, since the tank doesn't have a lid. I have had similar experiences with the 6 Lines - they are rather aggressive. I have noticed similar (if not worse) behavior from the Mystery Wrasses - another one of my favorites.

Some other specific fish I will have are; a pair of Green Bar Gobies, Court Jester Gobies, Tail Spot Blennies, Barnacle Blennies, and Blue Striped Gobies.

What are we calling that one Nate....... Bubbles, Twinkles ? :hmm2:

I took the sand out when the cyano became bad enough to be covering acro base edges. I like sand for the contrast it gives and i don't find the water to be as reactive or twitchy if you know what i mean. Changes to the water seem to happen quicker than when i had sand but that might just be in my head lol.
If it turns out to be a huge pain in the arse to maintain i can always siphon it out again during a few water changes so it's not a major concern one way or the other tbh

Seems like there is no easy answer for the Cyano, I have had at least small bouts of it, regardless of the methodology I have used in my aquariums. I have noticed it most in systems where I am using a carbon source while running bb, especially when my nutrients were particularly low. You are definitely accurate in you remark about the water being more reactive without sand. Smaller changes cause larger parameter swings in these systems, and as a result, can be a lot more touchy, particularly in a reef environment. I'm just joshing about the sand, I'm definitely not trying to convert you. You have shown proficiency with every system you have run

As for the Midas Blenny, he will have a much manlier name..... I'm thinking Zuess or Poseidon. If I named him Twinkles, Sprinkles might kick his butt! :facepalm:

 

[biggles]

That blenny looks all snobby the way he's looking at us, i think Mr Peabody would be a good name for him.........:reading:

Are you going to get some fairy wrasses Nate, they sleep in the rocks so sand isn't an issue and the colors to pick from are crazy

 

[CichlidMan@<3]

Yeah man... throw some possum wrasses, cryptic wrasses, geometric hawk. Just some of my faves! Can't wait to see it in person

 

[reefmutt]

Yeah man... throw some possum wrasses, cryptic wrasses, geometric hawk. Just some of my faves! Can't wait to see it in person

Yes!! What he said!! Some of my faves as well.
Great small fish, all of them.

 

[SPS_77493]

Oh man glad to see this tank again. He was such a great guy. We miss him in our local reef club.

You know he started the rimless club.

Invincible569's Gorgeous Rimless

 

[Cdodge1]

How is your tank doing? Any pointers based on your experience with the Radions?

My tank is doing well for the situation it's in. I moved recently (Carrying that whole setup down 3 flights of stairs was a pain) and I'm currently awaiting a new sump for it.

As far as my experience with the Radions:

They are a lot more powerful than they seem. I keep mine at 55% for 7-8 hours out of a 11 hour cycle. I'll show you a chart when I get a chance. Even at 55% I could probably lower the intensity even further. I think the trick to success with Radions is the acclimation cycle.

I've caught up with your thread so far and I'm glad to see that this build is getting the attention it deserves! You've attracted the attention of some international reefers from the UK to Australia, Canada...I could probably list a few more!

How's the APEX system holding up? gotten a chance to hook it up yet?

Not sure if you mentioned this, but I see you have an XR30 mount on your tank...I think that'll be a perfect fit for your tank dimensions. Just big enough to cover the whole tank, with no dark spots...but not so much that there's wasted light. I'd say use the wide angle lens if you didn't plan on that already.

Looks good Nate, keep it up:beer:

P.S. The Blenny looks incredible! I'd be partial to Delphin as a name...

Here's something that might help with some names

 

[naterealbig]

Hey guys, between a week long vacation at the beach (which was terrible because it rained the entire time, and there is absolutely nothing to do with 2 kids on Anna Marie Island except the beach) and work, I haven't had much free time. The few extra minutes I have,I have spent fooling with the tank..... I have fine tuned my lights, but still need to get the vortechs hooked up to the wxm, trim and organize my electrical cabinet, program my apex outlets, and do a water change.

I've got a few fish in the mean time, all who are doing great; Small mimic Eibli Tang, the blue and gold Midas Blenny, Royal Gramma, and Long Noise Hawkfish. I can't seem to find sprinkles anywhere! :fun2:

I'll snap some pics of as soon as I have some time.

That blenny looks all snobby the way he's looking at us, i think Mr Peabody would be a good name for him.........:reading:

Are you going to get some fairy wrasses Nate, they sleep in the rocks so sand isn't an issue and the colors to pick from are crazy

Hey Biggles, I like the name.... Peabody it is! I think I might go for a fairy wrasses or two, I'm just not sure which ones. I love the McCoskers of course, but love the Hawaiian Flames, and several others as well. I'm sure I'll find the perfect one or two, and I'll let you know when I do. They are definitely some beautiful fish

Yeah man... throw some possum wrasses, cryptic wrasses, geometric hawk. Just some of my faves! Can't wait to see it in person

Hey Chris, sorry it took so long to respond. I have never seen a Cryptic Wrasse until I looked it up just now.... Very cool fish! A Possum is definitely on the list, and the Geo Hawks are very cool as well - I bet they all have awesome personalities!

I've got to set aside some time for you and Danny to come over so we can talk shop and have a beer (or 7) :beer:

Yes!! What he said!! Some of my faves as well.
Great small fish, all of them.

Hey Matt, I'm going to make another stop this weekend, and see what I can bring home

Oh man glad to see this tank again. He was such a great guy. We miss him in our local reef club.

You know he started the rimless club.

Yes, this may have been one of my favorite tanks of all time. The thought and effort that went into his lighting alone was very impressive. I followed his thread till the sad end.

My tank is doing well for the situation it's in. I moved recently (Carrying that whole setup down 3 flights of stairs was a pain) and I'm currently awaiting a new sump for it.

As far as my experience with the Radions:

They are a lot more powerful than they seem. I keep mine at 55% for 7-8 hours out of a 11 hour cycle. I'll show you a chart when I get a chance. Even at 55% I could probably lower the intensity even further. I think the trick to success with Radions is the acclimation cycle.

I've caught up with your thread so far and I'm glad to see that this build is getting the attention it deserves! You've attracted the attention of some international reefers from the UK to Australia, Canada...I could probably list a few more!

How's the APEX system holding up? gotten a chance to hook it up yet?

Not sure if you mentioned this, but I see you have an XR30 mount on your tank...I think that'll be a perfect fit for your tank dimensions. Just big enough to cover the whole tank, with no dark spots...but not so much that there's wasted light. I'd say use the wide angle lens if you didn't plan on that already.

Looks good Nate, keep it up:beer:

P.S. The Blenny looks incredible! I'd be partial to Delphin as a name...

Here's something that might help with some names

Hey bro, so happy to see you checking in!! Right now I have my lighting cycle (XR30W Pro with the wide angle lenses) set for super conservative... There are only 2 hours at 40% at peak - the rest is a long ramp up and then down. I'm still a ways away from coral, but I'm acclimating myself as well as the fish to it now.

It took me a while (and a lot of help from Danny) to get it hooked up, but it's running with a few outlets programmed already. I still have a ton of work to do on it though still. The next thing I'm going to get online is my ATO. Thanks a million for the Apex and all of your feedback! You need to get some updates shots of the tank and your new custom sump! I can't wait to see it

 

[neuwave]

Your tank is looking great. Rimless clean lines with minimal rock. I assume SPS dominated based off your inspirations? I liked you first post in the thread. That it does take a artistic view to aquascape a tank. I'm curious to what you create. Also do you think you'll ever add sand in the future?

 

[sh8g8delik]

Love the minimalist look! Also the BB is the way to go. After my last tank crashing from moving 3 different times and stirring up the sandbed, that i never stirred, I will probably never go back to sand. The only issues im having is the starboard used to look kinda like sand when it was white but now is getting covered with coraline. I also didnt silicone the starboard to the bottom of the tank since it looked like nothing was going to be able to get underneath it with all the rocks i have on top of it. Can't wait to see what your tank is going to look like with corals covering those three rocks and fish swimming around it.

 

[Cdodge1]

Hey bro, so happy to see you checking in!! Right now I have my lighting cycle (XR30W Pro with the wide angle lenses) set for super conservative... There are only 2 hours at 40% at peak - the rest is a long ramp up and then down. I'm still a ways away from coral, but I'm acclimating myself as well as the fish to it now.

It took me a while (and a lot of help from Danny) to get it hooked up, but it's running with a few outlets programmed already. I still have a ton of work to do on it though still. The next thing I'm going to get online is my ATO. Thanks a million for the Apex and all of your feedback! You need to get some updates shots of the tank and your new custom sump! I can't wait to see it

I guess I'm gonna re-evaluate my radion. It's only XR15, but I guess without a par meter I'm just estimating...

You're welcome on that Apex I guess you're going to get the XMS module? I can't wait to see the vortechs and the radions all hooked up to it!

Whats left for the ATO? Breakout box and some sensors? Will you have leak detection sensors as well? What kind of fail-safe features do you have? Besides the dual return. Redundancy is key lol

Can't wait to see more progress and I'll get some pics up on my thread asap. Perhaps you can come visit some time take some pics with the cannon

 

[plyle02]

Nate, I am getting all giddy about the tank, I always love seeing the plans come together, what is in store in the near future is going to be awesome!!!