Seven secrets of a seven year SPS veteran. Why I should be tank of the month.

[JPMagyar]

O.K. So this thread is a gratuitous attempt at self aggrandizement and if you don't like that then stop reading right now . . . but I believe that I have 12 of the most beautiful corals in the US plus two huge Heteractis Magnificas, including the mother colony which split twice. Pictures are forthcoming and this is a cursory start, but here it goes . . . If you're curious you can go to my website until I get some better photos. BlueFrags.com

The seven secrets are:



1) Emerald Crabs

2) Pin Cushion Urchins

3) Tangs

4) Actinic + 10K lighting

5) Hard work.

6) Patience

7) B-Ionic



I'll start with a brief dissertation on my opinions regarding emerald crabs:

I have fought every kind of algae known to aquarists, and most recently I had an outbreak of hair algae and valonia. Simply put I added 48 emeralds to a 220 gallon system and both the valonia and the hair algae are gone. Now I have heard that Emerald Crabs grow big and eat fish, but I have never witnessed this in my own tank, and if one takes time to examine the claws of an Emerald one will find that they are large and flat at the tips. The tips of their claws are perfectly designed for picking debris off of LR, but wholly inappropriate for killing prey. I have never lost a fish to a crab, and I keep the smallest of fish around including neon gobies.

Like I said . . . take time to peruse my website and wait for updates to this thread . . . I deserve TOM or atleast I will attempt to prove such in the coming weeks.

Thanks for reading and remember this is all for fun


Joe

 

[JPMagyar]

Post replies.

Post replies.

Of course my attempt at self actualization will never work without the aid of "groupies" so if you think I have a case or if you think I'm a loser dumb schmuck, I urge you to reply one way or another . . .

 

[68551]

Hey Joe....After visiting your website....I agree!!! You definately have some great pictures....

 

[luv4paws2]

I'd like to get a frag of that blue polyp monti if you ever have any!

 

[Elan L.]

I think the new tank is worthy of TOM, but it would be nice to have more pictures of the whole thing.

 

[JPMagyar]

Fealty

Fealty

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13534291#post13534291 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luv4paws2
I'd like to get a frag of that blue polyp monti if you ever have any!

Well now . . . if you agree to advance my agenda on a regular schedule, I'm sure we can come to an agreement. Seriously though I have been trying to kill that damn fast growing Monti for some time and will happily ship a piece to you for the cost of shipping. But be forwarned that it requires INTENSE lighting to hold that color; otherwise it turns a boring brown with purple polyps.


Joe

 

[xenon]

How about some real raw pictures that have not been over saturated?

 

[luv4paws2]

Do you think two 10k 150's and 260watts of actinic on a 110 tall is good enough? My purple rimmed green cap went from quarter sized, light green with a little purple to softball size, neon green and glowing purple on about the outer 3/4" of it's scrolls in less than a year.

 

[spleify]

 

[tydtran]

Very nice work. Thanks for sharing. How long to the emerald crabs live in your tank?

 

[weluvfish54]

NOTHING SPECIAL TO ME.

 

[JPMagyar]

Honesty is the best policy.

Honesty is the best policy.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13534402#post13534402 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
How about some real raw pictures that have not been over saturated?

So this might be hard to believe, but I do not adjust my pictures. I use a Fuji FinePix 7000 with Radium bulbs + 10k, but I don't alter my photos. I take hundreds of photos to get one I like, but I don't alter them in any way. Believe it or not . . .

I agree this thread is a POS without photos, but I'm trying to build a little anticipation here so I ask for some patience . . . Regardless I say "thanks for the reply" even if you think I'm a schmuck.

Joe

 

[spsfreak]

JPMagyar
I watched your last thread on the current tank.... I like it alot. I do however find it strange that you have started a thread like this, but different personalities is what make everyone unique. As for the comment about over saturation of pics, I don't agree... there is only really one pic that would be in my eyes considered "fixed" but even then... who cares - your tank is very nice.
JM2C

 

[JPMagyar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13534462#post13534462 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tydtran
Very nice work. Thanks for sharing. How long to the emerald crabs live in your tank?

I'm not sure because I have never surveyed them precisely, but I have only added emeralds twice so far in the seven years, and I have always had many to look at so I would hazard a guess of 2 to 4 years at best for Emerald Crab longevity in my tank. Again that's only a guess.


Joe

 

[spsfreak]

Oh, and ditto to what spleify said... MORE PICS!!!!!

 

[JPMagyar]

Mid-life crisis.

Mid-life crisis.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13534553#post13534553 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spsfreak
JPMagyar
I watched your last thread on the current tank.... I like it alot. I do however find it strange that you have started a thread like this, but different personalities is what make everyone unique. As for the comment about over saturation of pics, I don't agree... there is only really one pic that would be in my eyes considered "fixed" but even then... who cares - your tank is very nice.
JM2C

Thanks for the reply Matt! I agree . . . a bit bizarre as far as normal RC behaviour goes. I chalk it up to existential mid-life crisis plus pure unadulterated fun either way. Thanks again.


Joe

 

[JPMagyar]

Lighting.

Lighting.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13534419#post13534419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by luv4paws2
Do you think two 10k 150's and 260watts of actinic on a 110 tall is good enough? My purple rimmed green cap went from quarter sized, light green with a little purple to softball size, neon green and glowing purple on about the outer 3/4" of it's scrolls in less than a year.

I have come to believe it is the combination of 10K plus Actinic that is crucial in any form, and the type is irrelevant. At the moment I am experimenting with 10K VHO plus Actinic VHO plus 250 watt Radium, but I have used 150 watt 10k plus Actinic T5 to good effect in the past as well. I am NOT a believer in intense lighting, and that is coming from one who has tried 1000 watt bulbs as well. So yes I think you're lighting sounds GREAT! Hope you'll share some pictures on your experiences as well.


Joe

 

[68551]

I think that anyone who has stayed committed to the hobby & has succeeded should be rewarded with tank of the month when they have tested & true results to share....What is wrong with tooting your own horn when you have a nice horn to toot????

Ps....I'd gladly pay for shipping once I get my new tank up & running with 2/150 halides & 4 t5's!!!!!!

 

[cashman95]

Nice Tank, but getting TOTM seems to be harder and harder....this month there isnt even one good enough! Instead we got a lame "How its done" Lecture!!!!! Come on Melev...this is the second time since you started editing!

Again NICE TANK and sorry for the rant!

 

[Tang Salad]

A very nice tank. Good luck on your quest.