Viewpoints – A Photographic Journal of my Reef Tank

[urbaneks]

Viewpoints - 7/13/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/13/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/13/11 Responses to Feedback

Very nice setup! We have almost identical system but your is alot neater! Lol. I'm glad you like the EVC's 20k's. I 've seen the Phoenix 20k's and IMHO they are not as nice as the EVC. What combo t5's are you using? Congrats on your tank.

reefsahoy - Thanks for the comment on my journal. Its not a coincidence that our tanks are very similar. I really like what you did with your tank and it influenced several of my decisions. Your tank was the one that tipped my decision to go with the Geisemann. I went back and forth on MH and LED and had it narrowed down to the Geisemann and AI Sol. In the end I could not get past the results you were getting with the Geisemann. Thanks so much for your thread, it's been a good resource for me.

On the T5's I'm running one Figi Purple, one Aqua Blue and two Actinic +.

Urbanek - Thanks for allowing us to join you on this build. I looked over your Vortech programming. That's quite extensive. I'm still experimenting with modes. One comment. I believe NTM is 2.5 hours. If you look at the diagram on page 20 of the Vortech Owner's manual you'll notice that each cycle is broken into two phases; the wave phase & the nutrient transport phase. The diagram show what appears to be two full cycles. You'll notice that in the wave phase of the first cycle that the period between pulses increases. However the interpulse period of the second wave phase remains constant. So I believe each cycle consists of two separate cycles of waves followed by nutrient export mode. Also, what period are you using in pulse mode?

On a totally different note, when you get a chance could we see some more under tank shots now that all is operational?

Thanks,
Marc

Orcrone - You could be right on the times, the ones I quoted in my journal were what I got via email from the Eco Marine. As for my programming, I really played with several modes when I was having the nightly bloom. It was through these trials that I locked into the schedule that is posted. I had a tough time getting the correct percentages on the modes. I've finally found the right balance that is giving me good flow and keeping the water in the tank. My pulse is set at .50. Also, my night mode is set to NTM.

Next time I get the camera out, I will get a couple current shots under the sump.

Wow - what a beautiful aquarium! Do you worry about jumping fish. I recently lost some fish (midas bleny, solaris wrasse and fire fish) and have decided never again and ordered material to make a screen top.

needmore-reef - Between my new tank and my Nano Cube, which is ran with an open top, I've only lost one fish which was a 6 Line Wrasse. I've witnessed my McCosker's jump a couple inches out of the water but landed in the water. It's always a concern but I stick with fish that are not known as jumpers and cross my fingers. I love the open top and would not be happy with a cover over the tank.

 

[Orcrone]

Viewpoints - 7/13/11 Responses to Feedback


Orcrone - You could be right on the times, the ones I quoted in my journal were what I got via email from the Eco Marine. As for my programming, I really played with several modes when I was having the nightly bloom. It was through these trials that I locked into the schedule that is posted. I had a tough time getting the correct percentages on the modes. I've finally found the right balance that is giving me good flow and keeping the water in the tank. My pulse is set at .50. Also, my night mode is set to NTM.

Next time I get the camera out, I will get a couple current shots under the sump.

Urbanek - I can definitely believe you hit the right percentages on the modes. I have a 6' 125 gallon DT and most of my modes are in the 80% range, so 50 - 60% seems like it would work well for you. I've tried several different pulse durations, but I don't think I've gone below 1.5 seconds and I've always put my slave in anti-sync mode. I'll have to try 0.5 seconds in sync mode.

 

[Michael B]

I just enjoy every detail of this tank - thanks for sharing & please keep us posted

 

[landy]

Viewpoints - 5/16 Responses to Feedback



To those of you following along on my journal, Landy took the original tank that was broken during shipping off of my hands. I'm very excited that the sister of my tank is getting brought back to life. Landy, I think you will really love the tank once it's repaired. The size of the tank is turning out to be exactly what I was after.

Well it took the better part of 2 months to get the glass out of cadlights... but it showed up last week and i installed it sunday. I can post few pictures if you like. Im just happy i actually got the glass, as i was about 1 week away from just ordering it from glasscages minus the polished edge...

landy

 

[SaltwaterAdict]

Awesome tank! Very well thought out! :thumbsup:

 

[urbaneks]

Viewpoints - 7/18/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/18/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/18/11 Responses to Feedback

Urbanek - I can definitely believe you hit the right percentages on the modes. I have a 6' 125 gallon DT and most of my modes are in the 80% range, so 50 - 60% seems like it would work well for you. I've tried several different pulse durations, but I don't think I've gone below 1.5 seconds and I've always put my slave in anti-sync mode. I'll have to try 0.5 seconds in sync mode.

Orcrone - Hope that the shorter pulse and sync duration worked out for you.

I just enjoy every detail of this tank - thanks for sharing & please keep us posted

Michael B - Thanks for the view and compliment on the tank. I'll do a better job of keeping my journal updated.

Well it took the better part of 2 months to get the glass out of cadlights... but it showed up last week and i installed it sunday. I can post few pictures if you like. Im just happy i actually got the glass, as i was about 1 week away from just ordering it from glasscages minus the polished edge...

landy

landy - I'm glad to hear that Cad Lights came through with the replacement glass for the original Viewpoints. I would love to see the tank when it's all together. Please share the tank thread when it comes together. Thanks again for taking the broken tank off my hands. Worked out well for both of us.

Awesome tank! Very well thought out! :thumbsup:

SaltwaterAdict - Thanks and Thanks!

 

[urbaneks]

Viewpoints - New Tank Inhabitants

Viewpoints - New Tank Inhabitants

Viewpoints - New Tank Inhabitants

Since my last update, I received an order from rockymoutainfrags.com. I bought 5 frags which have been placed and seem to be adapting nicely to their new home. After they have a chance to adjust and begin to encrust I will get some photos of them.

I also added a new shrimp/goby pair to the tank. I can lose an hour in a quick hurry watching them work together to build and protect their home. One would think at some point the shrimp would be happy with the home but he never rests.

I placed both in the tank at the same time but the goby immediately bolted in a different direction. When i work up this morning the goby was hanging around the rock the shrimp was under but the shrimp had not surfaced yet. Just this evening, the two have paired back up. What a cool relationship. In my opinion a must for every reef tank.

Yellow Watchman Goby pair with a Tiger Pistol Shrimp

Both went into the tank together but it took about 24 hours for them to find one another​

As I've mentioned before, I moved a couple corals over from my Nano Cube. In the case of the Duncan, it was one of the first corals I ever bought and has been with me for almost 3 years. The frag started with 3 heads and at last count has 18. It's not the most colorful coral but it adds some nice movement to the tank. I've also noticed that the centers are getting greener in the new tank. This tank will be dominated by SPS but there will be a few LPS sprinkled throughout the tank.

Duncan moved into the new tank from my Nano Cube​

Blastos - Also moved from the Nano Cube​

I'm making my third attempt at keeping a cleaner shrimp. The first two vanished into thin air but I'm quite certain they were taken down by an Arabian Dotty Back. After witnessing the Dottyback kill my baby Blue Tank, he was traded in on a new Blue Tang. The cleaner shrimp has been going strong for 2 weeks now so it appears that we are in the clear. I'm liking what he adds to the tank.

Very active cleaner shrimp adds some character to the tank​

 

[reefsahoy]

Urbaneks, it would seem a real pita to service anything in the tank since the electrical is done so nicely. Don't get me wrong I do love the looks of the electrical board but for example, how would you remove the pump or skimmer from the system to soak and clean without removing all the wires, tywraps, clips etc. behind the electric board? Btw, I love the goby and shrimp combo in your tank.

 

[Mr. Right]

Great build! But I am also curious to see how easy it is for you to service pumps with the layout of you electrical.

 

[urbaneks]

Viewpoints - 7/19/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/19/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/19/11 Responses to Feedback

Urbaneks, it would seem a real pita to service anything in the tank since the electrical is done so nicely. Don't get me wrong I do love the looks of the electrical board but for example, how would you remove the pump or skimmer from the system to soak and clean without removing all the wires, tywraps, clips etc. behind the electric board? Btw, I love the goby and shrimp combo in your tank.

reefsahoy - extension cords are the key. I have 3 extension cords that are plugged into dedicated outlets on my Apex System. Those cords are then routed nicely to a location behind the sump. One cord is for the skimmer, one for the return pump and one for the heater. I also have enough slack on the extension cords which allow the sump to pull out on the extending shelf. When I need to do maintenance, I simply disconnect the two plumbing lines via quick disconnects, slide the sump out towards me, unplug the equipment right at the sump and remove them for servicing.

Glad you like the shrimp and goby. They are one of my favorite things to watch in the tank.

Great build! But I am also curious to see how easy it is for you to service pumps with the layout of you electrical.

Mr. Right - Thanks for the compliment. See response above for how the cords are routed.

 

[phi delt reefer]

Re: Apex system issues

Re: Apex system issues

RE: APEX SYSTEM ISSUES

does the system act up when the ballasts are off? I think you are getting some interference from the ballasts considering how close they are to the neptune display and eb8's. I've read similar stories of reefkeepers, Tunze ATO controllers and other electronics going nuts when mounted very close to halide ballasts.

 

[krjackso]

very impressive. I am about to embark on my next build and I will be referencing your work for inspiration and ideas. Thanks

 

[Padrino]

Very clean build, reminds me of my 90 gal with the neat system and giesemann Infiniti. You will love that light. I am working on upgrading to 220 so i bought a larger light I am sad that I have to sell it now. It was awesome and gave me the quality to maintain a beautiful SPS dominated system. Good Choice!!

good work and keep the updates flowing

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

cool tank!!

FYI, this isn't going to get you to the for sale forums any sooner.

 

[Ty1e]

Urbaneks, your system is looking just amazing, with regards to the yellow watchman and the shrimp; did you buy them togeather as a pre sold pair, or were they shipped together in the same bag?
none the less super thread.

 

[urbaneks]

Viewpoints - 7/28/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/28/11 Responses to Feedback

Viewpoints - 7/28/11 Responses to Feedback

RE: APEX SYSTEM ISSUES

does the system act up when the ballasts are off? I think you are getting some interference from the ballasts considering how close they are to the neptune display and eb8's. I've read similar stories of reefkeepers, Tunze ATO controllers and other electronics going nuts when mounted very close to halide ballasts.

phi delt reefer - The Apex was acting up at all times of the day, with the halides on and off. Since it was sent for repair, it has not had one issue.

very impressive. I am about to embark on my next build and I will be referencing your work for inspiration and ideas. Thanks

krjackso - That's the best compliment one could ask for. Please share your build thread so I can return the favor.

Very clean build, reminds me of my 90 gal with the neat system and giesemann Infiniti. You will love that light. I am working on upgrading to 220 so i bought a larger light I am sad that I have to sell it now. It was awesome and gave me the quality to maintain a beautiful SPS dominated system. Good Choice!!

good work and keep the updates flowing

Padrino - Thanks for the compliment and vote of confidence on my light. It's still early but I'm happy with the Giesemann thus far. So many people have had great success with it, that was the major reason I went with the Giesemann over the AI Sol.

Urbaneks, your system is looking just amazing, with regards to the yellow watchman and the shrimp; did you buy them togeather as a pre sold pair, or were they shipped together in the same bag?
none the less super thread.

Ty1e - Thanks for the view and compliments on my tank. The shrimp and goby were already paired up at one of my LFS. I tried a similar combo in my nano cube but they disappeared. I'm thinking now that I had a rouge gorilla crab in the tank that took them out. The new pair is outstanding, their home is right in front of the tank and they are constantly active. They have been a great addition.

 

[CoopMD]

Awesome Brad ... now I know why you are providing very few updates to your Nano tank.

Did you basically break it down and move everything to the new tank? Is the new tank in the same space as the old?

 

[elmitz]

Awesome thread! Thanks for the great pictures!

 

[dantdodge]

Truly inspirational!

Truly inspirational!

I love your setup, a lot of great ideas! I hope you don't mind I am going to probably be asking some questions if they havent already been answered when I start my rimless build thank you for sharing this wonderful tank with everyone!:bounce1:

 

[chrishayes]

Been awhile since you updated man...whats goin on?