Show off your T5 run (non Zeovit + similar) SPS tank please

[Mike de Leon]

This threads title-"Show off you T5 run (non Zeovit + similar) SPS tank please"

So I think my tank meets the restrictions described by the OP.
FTS (form last November)

My Sunset Millie

ORA Pearlberry

Keylime granulosa
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr191/boodlefish/keylime-11

I set this tank up following the KISS method. I have never run a Zeovit or other system (i.e. a supplement regime that involves a bacteria reactor) I also have never used vodka... But in the past I did try dosing prodibo bacteria and then at one point I dosed NB7 (bacteria only)... I have since stopped "regularly" dosing all forms of bacteria. I will add a couple drops of (leftover) NB7 every other month or so, but by all means this is not a "carbon driven bacteria system".

Honestly, When this tank was set up, I thought it would be a "carbon driven bacteria system" but after trying it for a bit (Probido then NB7) it became apparent that the dosing regiment did not significantly benefit my system.[/QUOTE]

Love your very clean tank!Awesome!

 

[clowndude]

This threads title-"Show off you T5 run (non Zeovit + similar) SPS tank please"

So I think my tank meets the restrictions described by the OP.
FTS (form last November)

I set this tank up following the KISS method. I have never run a Zeovit or other system (i.e. a supplement regime that involves a bacteria reactor) I also have never used vodka... But in the past I did try dosing prodibo bacteria and then at one point I dosed NB7 (bacteria only)... I have since stopped "regularly" dosing all forms of bacteria. I will add a couple drops of (leftover) NB7 every other month or so, but by all means this is not a "carbon driven bacteria system".

Honestly, When this tank was set up, I thought it would be a "carbon driven bacteria system" but after trying it for a bit (Probido then NB7) it became apparent that the dosing regiment did not significantly benefit my system.

Awesome looking tank Tucker. Do you happen to have a tank build thread?

 

[Pallobi]

great insight boodlefish... tried both, found what you like and why... good job

 

[boodlefish]

Boodlefish, that sunset milli has me drooling over here, i want one so bad, and yours is jus "lights out" awesome... great tank, very good work my friend!

Thanks Neal. The sunset milli started out as a 1" multi branched frag that I bought from a fellow reefer about 9 months or so before this pic. I feel like its one of my faster growing corals. and its so colorful!

Love your very clean tank!Awesome!

Thanks Mike. My girlfriend was afraid of letting me buy a 100 gallon saltwater tank to put in our < 600 sqft apartment. She even resorted to nicknaming our tank "death valley" for the first 3 to 4 months. Now of course she brags about it to any one who comes over--"Yes those are REAL corals, and yes they are ALIVE. In fact everything in this system is alive, even the rocks and sand". Its funny cuz you would swear she designed and built the dang thing. I guess she like it now :love2:

 

[boodlefish]

Awesome looking tank Tucker. Do you happen to have a tank build thread?

Thanks clowndude.
I actually planned to do a build thread for this tank, but... Well when I was first starting this tank i was not 100% confident in my ability to setup and maintain a SPS dominated system. I was finally successful with SPS on my previous 55 gallon but we are talking about a new system and well i didnt want to start a build thread to just show off "DEATH VALLEY". I have a ton of back dated pics and am considering doing a retroactive build thread but we'll see. :spin2:

great insight boodlefish... tried both, found what you like and why... good job

Thanks Neal.
I have noticed over the years that lots of people on the internet give advice... but very few of them actually validate that advice.

I have run into plenty of RC guru's who KNOW all the ANSWERS, yet they refuse to post pictures of their own tanks. I am talking about all the close-minded reefers who drop statements like, "T5's are NOT powerful enough to grow SPS!" (ok if you say so...) or "You wont be able to keep a SPS dominated tank with LED's" (have you tried?)... :strange:

I am the type to focus on the how and why not just the what. As in if you tell me what to do, I will ask you both how and why. :beer:

 

[Bruce Leroy]

here is my 200 gal 14x39w t-5 tank

<a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/?action=view&current=P1010021-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/P1010021-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/?action=view&current=P1010022-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/P1010022-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Really NICE Tank!!!!!!

 

[essencereefer]

Here's mine. 24" powermodule with 10 bulbs. 60gal cube. Only a few months old so still stocking.

 

[glennr1978]

here is my 200 gal 14x39w t-5 tank

<a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/?action=view&current=P1010021-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/P1010021-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/?action=view&current=P1010022-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii228/ri12678/P1010022-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Holy monti cap, Batman!!!

 

[sahin]

Very very beautiful tanks. Let's keep this thread going. thank you.

 

[pimp4cheddar]

HOLY WACKAMOLEY!

That is one perfect tank. That's exactly the look I'm going for in my tank...they almost look identical (except mine doesn't have 1 piece of coral in it LOL).

Do you mind sharing the tank and bulbs specs? LxWxH and Bulb layout front to back?


YOUR TANK IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[returnofsid]

200DD, Predominately SPS, but there are several clams, some LPS and a lot of Zoanthids.

Lit with 10X54 T5HO

I dose Ca, Alk and Mg

 

[boodlefish]

HOLY WACKAMOLEY!

That is one perfect tank. That's exactly the look I'm going for in my tank...they almost look identical (except mine doesn't have 1 piece of coral in it LOL).

Do you mind sharing the tank and bulbs specs? LxWxH and Bulb layout front to back?

YOUR TANK IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks pimp4cheddar,

My tank was custom built from a LFS the specs are:
48"L x 24"W x 21.5"H (all 1/2" think glass) the water level is 20" diagonal corner over flow (1.5"drain & 1" return) The front and side of the tank are low-iron glass. 100 gallon tank with a 14 gallon sump.

My light fixture is an 8 bulb power module.
Bulbs form fornt to back.
1- ATI Blue+
2- KZ Fiji Purple
3- ATI Blue+
4- ATI Blue+
5- ATI Aquablue Special
6- ATI Blue+
7- ATI Aquablue Special
8- ATI Blue+

The bulb combo was recommended to me by SunnyX a long time ago. :beer:

 

[pimp4cheddar]

Thanks pimp4cheddar,

My tank was custom built from a LFS the specs are:
48"L x 24"W x 21.5"H (all 1/2" think glass) the water level is 20" diagonal corner over flow (1.5"drain & 1" return) The front and side of the tank are low-iron glass. 100 gallon tank with a 14 gallon sump.

My light fixture is an 8 bulb power module.
Bulbs form fornt to back.
1- ATI Blue+
2- KZ Fiji Purple
3- ATI Blue+
4- ATI Blue+
5- ATI Aquablue Special
6- ATI Blue+
7- ATI Aquablue Special
8- ATI Blue+

The bulb combo was recommended to me by SunnyX a long time ago. :beer:

Looks great.

My tank is basically a smaller version of yours 36x18x16h. Custom made by a builder in Florida - Reef Savvy. Rimless, 1/2 inch glass w/ black silicone. Just 45 gallons...

I have a 6 bulb powermodule and I'm stuck as to what my bulb pattern should be...

Thanks for the info!:beer:

 

[JG1]

Thanks pimp4cheddar,

My tank was custom built from a LFS the specs are:
48"L x 24"W x 21.5"H (all 1/2" think glass) the water level is 20" diagonal corner over flow (1.5"drain & 1" return) The front and side of the tank are low-iron glass. 100 gallon tank with a 14 gallon sump.

My light fixture is an 8 bulb power module.
Bulbs form fornt to back.
1- ATI Blue+
2- KZ Fiji Purple
3- ATI Blue+
4- ATI Blue+
5- ATI Aquablue Special
6- ATI Blue+
7- ATI Aquablue Special
8- ATI Blue+

The bulb combo was recommended to me by SunnyX a long time ago. :beer:

I have the same size tank as you. What mode and intensity are you running your vortechs? I ask because your LPS look happy as well.

 

[Breakbeats2334]

Is it possible we can get alittle more info such as How long you guys run your lights for how often you replace bulbs high placement ect?

 

[Ethan_W]

Looks great.

My tank is basically a smaller version of yours 36x18x16h. Custom made by a builder in Florida - Reef Savvy. Rimless, 1/2 inch glass w/ black silicone. Just 45 gallons...

I have a 6 bulb powermodule and I'm stuck as to what my bulb pattern should be...

Thanks for the info!:beer:

from back to front (at least what i would do)

1. blue+
2. aquablue special
3. true actinic OR fiji purple
4. blue+
5. aquablue special
6. blue+

i have a 29g 4x24 t5 and ive started adding sps lol. i'll post pictures down the road when things grow out. but i've never dosed and dont plan on it really. just water changes. so far a small nub of some red digitata, about 1.5" frag of ORA green birdsnest, and some green pocillapora. all are having great polyp extension so far. the birdsnest has started to encrust on the rock

 

[boodlefish]

Looks great.

My tank is basically a smaller version of yours 36x18x16h. Custom made by a builder in Florida - Reef Savvy. Rimless, 1/2 inch glass w/ black silicone. Just 45 gallons...

I have a 6 bulb powermodule and I'm stuck as to what my bulb pattern should be...

Thanks for the info!:beer:

-pimp4cheddar-
I would go with a similar bulb pattern to this...
Front
1-ATI Purple+ or KZ Fiji Purple
2-ATI Blue+
3-ATI Blue+
4-ATI Aquablue Special
5-ATI Blue+
6-ATI Blue+

I am guessing your PM is like mine and the 2 dusk to dawn bulbs are positioned at 2 and 5.

You can always buy a couple extra bulbs to give you more options, then change the combo until you are happy. Its nice to have a spare bulb around anyway.

I have the same size tank as you. What mode and intensity are you running your vortechs? I ask because your LPS look happy as well.

-JG1-
I have my vortechs running at 100% on reef crest mode in anti-sync. I try to locate my lps in slightly lower flow areas, those areas in my tank are also less intensely lit so its a win win for lps.

Is it possible we can get alittle more info such as How long you guys run your lights for how often you replace bulbs high placement ect?

-Breakbeats2334-
There is a plethora of info on this subject in the Reef tank equipment area.
Here is what I have:
PHOTO PERIOD-
Blue+ only (dusk/ dawn) 10 hours; the rest of my lights run for 8 hours or so.
BULB REPLACEMENT-
most agree you should replace your bulbs about every year or so... some claim bulbs should be replaced as often as every 9 months and others think t5 bulbs last up to and past 16 months. I try to replace my bulbs incrementally through out the year. So every couple of months i will buy a new bulb and replace the oldest bulb i have, this way i end up keeping my bulbs for an average of 10 to 12 months and I don't shock my corals by changing too many too soon.
FIXTURE PLACEMENT-
My bulbs are about 9" off my tank, that way I can do maint with out moving my light.

from back to front (at least what i would do)

1. blue+
2. aquablue special
3. true actinic OR fiji purple
4. blue+
5. aquablue special
6. blue+

i have a 29g 4x24 t5 and ive started adding sps lol. i'll post pictures down the road when things grow out. but i've never dosed and dont plan on it really. just water changes. so far a small nub of some red digitata, about 1.5" frag of ORA green birdsnest, and some green pocillapora. all are having great polyp extension so far. the birdsnest has started to encrust on the rock

Sounds like you are off to a good start. I just wanted to point out that KZ Fiji Purple and True Actinic are very different bulbs. Fiji purple is actually a white bulb and true actinic is as dark purple as you can get, so they aren't really interchangeable.

 

[Ethan_W]

what i meant was whichever you would prefer not that they are the same >.< personally i like the look that the true actinic gives more.

 

[JG1]

-pimp4cheddar-
I would go with a similar bulb pattern to this...
Front
1-ATI Purple+ or KZ Fiji Purple
2-ATI Blue+
3-ATI Blue+
4-ATI Aquablue Special
5-ATI Blue+
6-ATI Blue+

I am guessing your PM is like mine and the 2 dusk to dawn bulbs are positioned at 2 and 5.

You can always buy a couple extra bulbs to give you more options, then change the combo until you are happy. Its nice to have a spare bulb around anyway.



-JG1-
I have my vortechs running at 100% on reef crest mode in anti-sync. I try to locate my lps in slightly lower flow areas, those areas in my tank are also less intensely lit so its a win win for lps.



-Breakbeats2334-
There is a plethora of info on this subject in the Reef tank equipment area.
Here is what I have:
PHOTO PERIOD-
Blue+ only (dusk/ dawn) 10 hours; the rest of my lights run for 8 hours or so.
BULB REPLACEMENT-
most agree you should replace your bulbs about every year or so... some claim bulbs should be replaced as often as every 9 months and others think t5 bulbs last up to and past 16 months. I try to replace my bulbs incrementally through out the year. So every couple of months i will buy a new bulb and replace the oldest bulb i have, this way i end up keeping my bulbs for an average of 10 to 12 months and I don't shock my corals by changing too many too soon.
FIXTURE PLACEMENT-
My bulbs are about 9" off my tank, that way I can do maint with out moving my light.



Sounds like you are off to a good start. I just wanted to point out that KZ Fiji Purple and True Actinic are very different bulbs. Fiji purple is actually a white bulb and true actinic is as dark purple as you can get, so they aren't really interchangeable.

How high above the tank is your powermodule?

 

[pimp4cheddar]

How high above the tank is your powermodule?

Who?

Both he and I have PM's...

Mine is about 6-8 above my tank: