scolley's Big Little Nano â€“ yet another build thread

EWC88 · Nov 29, 2012

Gorgeous all I can say

scolley · Nov 29, 2012

iwishtofish said:
Every time I decide I want to quit completely, I simply cannot.

I've only been an aquarist for 12 years or so. Haven't been tempted to quit quite yet. But I think my wife is hoping that will happen any day now... LOL

EWC88 said:
Gorgeous all I can say

Thanks! That's very kind of you. But I hate that I still don't feel like I've been able to get any really decent pics. I know how that sounds, "You should see it in person!". But it's true. I just can't get good shots. So if any good photographers in Fairfield County want to swing by with a good camera, please speak up. Maybe you can get an accuare FTS, warts and all.

scolley · Dec 1, 2012

Lots of pics

Lots of pics

The tank's been up for almost a year now, so it's time for an update. It's effectively in "œgrow out" mode. Very few coral additions, some deletions as things grow. For instance, I recently removed one of my two Duncans that had gotten too large. That uncovered some well-stung Trumpets that are making a valiant attempt to recover. And my precious Lithophyllon undulatum just got TOO big, so I fragged it. I'll keep one piece, but I'm in the process of selling the others off.

And our local club had a frag raffle, and that was a chance for me to frag some other stuff that had gotten too large. My pink Stylophora that I really like was encroaching on the neighboring green Pocillopora. So I took a frag. But BOY, it looks awful now with that frag gone. You'll see.

And with all that fragging going on, I've got a frag rack up. That'll be in the way for the FTS. Sorry.

As always I'm challenged by photography. I've worked hard to get the white balance and colors right. But all I can say is that these pictures are close to the right colors. But the color rendition is not perfect.
So without further excuses being made"¦
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

unctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

scolley · Dec 1, 2012

Full Tank Shot

Full Tank Shot

Sorry about that frag rack.

Right Side

Left Side

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

unctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

scolley · Dec 1, 2012

The problem areas...

The problem areas...

My trumpets that had been under the Duncan I removed. They are recovering slowly.

Here's my bed of acans that has been recently devastated. First they were stung by my growing Rock Flower anemone. And the Mini-Maxi anemone that I've been trying get out finally went for a walk-about "“ right into the acans! The damage was bad. But I'm hoping many will recover. BTW "“ That anemone is gone too!

And you can also see some blasto's in that set of acans. That was also under the Duncan I removed. So I moved it here to recover while I decide where to relocate it.

And for problems I've caused fragging. This is my green Pocillopora that has been trying to take over the left side of the tank. It's encrusted to the overflow and was spreading out, shading corals lower down the rock. So I fragged a branch, and now I've got this ugly white gap under it. Not sure how that's going to work out.

And my worst fragging problem "“ my pink Stylophora . Here it is from above. WHAT a beautiful coral!

But here it is from the front. Uuugh! The fragged part looks aweful. And even worse, it's getting "œleggy" and the top is shading the bottom. So there's little color on the parts you see straight on.

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

unctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

scolley · Dec 1, 2012

And the not-so-problem areas

And the not-so-problem areas

There's a small Copps pink tabling Hyacinthus that I'm hoping will get high enough to hide the ugly legs of my pink Stylophora . It's right in front of it. But the location is challenging because an MP10 is blowing right at it. So I had to find a coral that would not grow too high, but could take a LOT of blow.

And next to it is my Pokerstar monti. Lately it has changed too. It used to be that the polyps on the growth edges were reddish orange. But no more. Anyone know why that is?

A bit of Sunset Montipora and a wicked unique Copps' Down Under Rainbow Undata. The latter is real slow growing. But it is growing, and as you can see"¦ great colors.

I recently got this little tidbit from RTMA in our frag raffle. It's a mint green Hydnophora, so I had to locate it in an area where it's not going to sting anything. Too bad, "˜cuz IMO it's lovely.

And it's about time I got a decent pic of the Original $500 Efflo that I got from Copps. It's behind a rock that you can't even see from the front of the tank. I've got nowhere else to put it. But I HAD to have it because it's so cool. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll have a place for it. And it'll make nice frags for someone when it gets a little bigger.

This is a blue FHI LE California Tort (I think) that I got from RTMA. It's spent most of its energy encrusting, but it putting off branches at last. And to the upper right you can see Vivid's True Superman Monti. Yes, it looks bad "“ I know. But I had it in a bad location and I thought I had killed it. But I moved it under more light and it's making a comeback. Check back in six months. I'm very hopeful.

A great little ORA Joe the Coral that I got from RMTA and a cool Hulk milli from Copps.

A nice "“ but way too tight "“ little collection of corals. ATL Limeade on the left (I think), next to it Tyree LE Bali Tricolor, with Copps Solid Bright Green Efflo behind, and the Chilli Pepper Montipora to the right.

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w

unctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w

oNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w

ontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w

ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->

scolley · Dec 1, 2012

And some of the same old stuff

And some of the same old stuff

My Lithophyllon undulatum that is recovering nicely from being fragged.

A happy little green Pocillopora damicornis.

Happy Birdsnest

It always makes me happy to see my Birdsnests happy because they seem to be like canaries in the coal mine to me. If something is wrong, they are quick to show it.

The Meteor Shower Cyphastrea that I recently fragged. And by it is a bit of Idaho Grape Monte from Copps.

My open brain coral - Trachyphyllia geoffroyi (Wellsophyllia radiata?) - is happy not that I gave it more room by fragging the Lithophyllon undulatum.

And behind that brain is my very happy Malaysian open brain (Symphyllia agaricia)that just keeps on growing. I've had this coral almost as long as I've had any. Got it just about the time I started my first little reef, and it stays a happy camper.

And if you look hard you can see to the left of the brain my last remaining anemone. It's a purple mini-maxi nestled into the rock. I'll never get it out, and I DREAD the day that it decides that is now its turn for a walk-about.

And this is the Strawberry Shortcake I got from Copps. The picture is awful "“ I know. I just included it because I'm thrilled about it retaining such beautiful colors. I'm having a hard time believing this is going on in my tank! Fingers crossed.

For my last pic, my Red Dragon.

"˜Tis an awful shot. But it makes me happy on a couple of levels. First "“ the color. But even more important, this is my first smooth skinned (not visible polps) acro that I've been able to keep alive. And it's not just alive, it's growing at a pretty good clip! Yaa hoo!

Thanks for looking!

EWC88 · Dec 6, 2012

Scolley, as I mentioned before your tank is gorgeous. I keep coming back to your thread to keep looking at it to get ideas for my tank that I am SLOWLY trying to build. I've read your whole thread probably 3-4 times to get all my information on how you did things. I do have a couple questions though for you, if you do not mind.

This will be my first SW tank ever. The tank I picked is a 37g tall tank (20 1/4" x 18" x 25" thats LxWxH) My original plan was to run a sump/fuge, then I saw the ATS and was lost. I plan on keeping at first soft corals, zoas, clam, ric's, and then eventually down the road I will jump into some SPS. With that in mind would you recommend the ATS? If so I am going to steal your design and also have my pump to the return be split like yours, but how did you know what size pump to use?

I had more questions but fully just forgot what they were, in class and fully forgot lol

JasonBJones · Dec 7, 2012

Coral shots look great. You have some nice, deep colors on the corals! Great job.

iwishtofish · Dec 7, 2012

Beautiful colors all around!

scolley · Dec 8, 2012

JasonBJones said:
Coral shots look great. You have some nice, deep colors on the corals! Great job.

iwishtofish said:
Beautiful colors all around!

Thanks! Coming from you guys that means a lot!

Granted, having the right lights makes a HUGE difference in color. AND lots of people have a lot better color. But honestly I'm pleased. Lots of learning to go... But for now I'll take it.

Thanks!

scolley · Dec 8, 2012

EWC88 said:
Scolley, as I mentioned before your tank is gorgeous. I keep coming back to your thread to keep looking at it to get ideas for my tank that I am SLOWLY trying to build. I've read your whole thread probably 3-4 times to get all my information on how you did things. I do have a couple questions though for you, if you do not mind.

This will be my first SW tank ever. The tank I picked is a 37g tall tank (20 1/4" x 18" x 25" thats LxWxH) My original plan was to run a sump/fuge, then I saw the ATS and was lost. I plan on keeping at first soft corals, zoas, clam, ric's, and then eventually down the road I will jump into some SPS. With that in mind would you recommend the ATS? If so I am going to steal your design and also have my pump to the return be split like yours, but how did you know what size pump to use?

I had more questions but fully just forgot what they were, in class and fully forgot lol

Thanks for the compliment. Please allow me to pay you back with honest advice... Walk THEN run.

In other words, IMO your plan to start with softies and LPS is the perfect way to start learning. SPS should come - IMO - after you've cut your teeth on those lovely corals.

That said... If you intend to use a ATS as I do - Chaeto on steroids - then dont bother. Save it for when you start SPS and need to drive those nutrients down to new lows. Also - IMO - its important to first learn the disciplines of not over stocking and not over feeding. IMO an ATS helps best after you've got those basic husbandry skills down.

So when you have that lovely softie/LPS tank thriving, and want to try SPS, shoot me a PM and I'll help you design you ATS.

EWC88 · Dec 9, 2012

Thanks a lot Scolley! I am taking it slow cause I do want to make sure everything is exactly how I want it. I'll take your advice and start with the corals I mentioned first, and will PM you when that time comes! Do you recommend any creating equipment I would need for softies and lps corals?

scolley · Aug 1, 2013

It's been a long time since an update. Have added coral, and have removed corals because they got too big. And I got rid of anything that was "hostile", like my tube anemone and my Acan echinatas. So I'm pretty much left with peaceful corals - relatively speaking.

The big change is my light. After much research, I built a new DIY LED. I used one of these Makers LED Heatsink kits. Really cool. Kind of large, but great cooling, and very versatile and flexible in how you configure/arrange the LEDs. They supply a fan with every 12" of heatsink purchased, but I swapped them out with uber quiet Noctua's.

After MUCH research, and no small amount of trial and error, I wound up with the following mix of LEDs:

3 CREE XP-G 5W Cool White
5 CREE XP-G 5W Neutral White
4 CREE XP-E Blue
15 CREE XT-E Royal Blue
2 Philips Rebel ES 660nm Deep Red
4 Violet UV (from Rapid LED)
2 Hyper Violet 430nm (from LED GroupBuy)
4 True Violet 405nm (from LED GroupBuy)

And before someone asks, "What about green?". I tried it. Even one was too much green - IMO. Its specta is more than covered by the various whites. I set it up with three control channels; UV/Violet, Royal Blue, and Mixed (red, whites and blue). Maybe I should call that last channel the "American Flag" channel.

Here's the fixture up close.

And over the tank.

And finally an FTS.

As usual, I'm going to state the white balance is really a bear with LEDs, and the tank really does look better - IMO - than what you see in this shot. But hey, it's the best I can do.

Bottom line, I'm really happy with the LED. Not too expensive, and the corals are responding well to the extra light. And the UV's add a nice "pop".

Thanks for looking.

calistyle · Aug 2, 2013

sweet nectar!

scolley · Aug 2, 2013

calistyle said:
sweet nectar!

Thank you! I think...
what does that even mean? LOL

I realized that I should point out something kinda cool that you can see in the FTS. Or I like it anyway...

I had a green pollicipora high up on the left rock, near the middle overflow box, that got huge. So I pulled it and replaced it with the millipora there now. But it had started to encrust on the overflow, and I deliberately left that bit in place, just to see what it would do. Well, as you can see on the overflow, it's still encrusting - covering more and more of the overflow. And I wish you could see it up close, in a video, 'cuz it's COOL. It's just a large patch of flowing polyps, moving in ripples and waves. Up close and personal, it's pretty neat. Hope it stays that way...

D.v · Aug 2, 2013

Great looking reef man. Love the colours

HaiD888 · Aug 3, 2013

Your reef looks beautiful and healthy, but where are the fishes?

scolley · Aug 3, 2013

Thank you. I guess the fish are hiding. They do that when there is a lot of activity around the tank... not that snapping a couple of pics is a lot of activity.

I've got a Pajama Cardinalfish, a Tailspot Cardinalfish, a Neon Goby, and a Mandarin. I'm having to keep an eye on the Mandarin. It's a recent acquisition, and I had hoped I might have some success getting it to eat food offered it, but it will not touch anything that is not live. It came quite plump. So if I find that he starts losing weight, I'll have to net it and find another home. I've got lots of pods. But in a 33g "lots" might not be enough. I'm keeping my eye on him. But he's actually in the FTS, though his fins are not up, and not so easy to see. He's in the front right corner.

iwishtofish · Aug 3, 2013

Wow...looking better than ever. Very sharp-looking LED fixture.

How long has it been over the tank?

scolley's Big Little Nano â€“ yet another build thread

New member

ARKSC Founding Member

ARKSC Founding Member

ARKSC Founding Member

ARKSC Founding Member

ARKSC Founding Member

ARKSC Founding Member

New member

New member

Active member

ARKSC Founding Member

ARKSC Founding Member

New member

ARKSC Founding Member

Active member

ARKSC Founding Member

New member

New member

ARKSC Founding Member

Active member

Similar threads