Viewpoints – A Photographic Journal of my Reef Tank
- Thread starter urbaneks
- Start date
urbaneks
New member
November 19, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 19, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 19, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
Vlado4x4 - Long overdue update will be following this post. Let me know if there is one particular part of the system that you are interested in seeing.
Reeferhead - Thanks for the views and comments. I'm a firm believer that more time invested up front means more time down the road.
jroovers - Thanks for the view and comments.
redwingrob40 - many thanks!
npartzz - Thanks for the compliments on the clean setup.
Sisterlimonpot - Stay tuned, I'll be posting some photos just after I finish this post.
Munchdog - Thank You!
secrest - update on it's way. Thanks for the compliment, favorite is a strong word, that's appreciated.
shellsea - Thanks for the kind words. I don't have the Octopus Skimmer any longer but yes the silencer did run below the water. Love the Watchmans!
November 19, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 19, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
Vlado4x4 - Long overdue update will be following this post. Let me know if there is one particular part of the system that you are interested in seeing.
Reeferhead - Thanks for the views and comments. I'm a firm believer that more time invested up front means more time down the road.
jroovers - Thanks for the view and comments.
redwingrob40 - many thanks!
npartzz - Thanks for the compliments on the clean setup.
Sisterlimonpot - Stay tuned, I'll be posting some photos just after I finish this post.
Munchdog - Thank You!
secrest - update on it's way. Thanks for the compliment, favorite is a strong word, that's appreciated.
shellsea - Thanks for the kind words. I don't have the Octopus Skimmer any longer but yes the silencer did run below the water. Love the Watchmans!
urbaneks
New member
November 19th, 2012 - Photo and Tank Update
November 19th, 2012 - Photo and Tank Update
November 19th, 2012 - Photo and Tank Update
As may have pointed out, I'm long overdue for some new photos. I typically think that every 2-3 months is a good frequency to photograph the tank however the 5 months that it's been just isn't acceptable. While the tank journal has been neglected the tank has not.
I've spent the last 5 months experimenting with different dosing schedules for coral foods, aminos, vitamins, etc, etc. All the while the things that have not changed have been my maintenance schedule and Cal/Alk/Mag dosing. I wish I could tell you that I've discovered some secret mixture that has maximized color but I just can't. In the end I think I've convinced myself that stable Cal/Alk/Mag along with 0 Nitrates and Phosphates is all that really matters. My color doesn't look different enough after a month of heavy dosing than after a month of zero dosing to really justify supplements. With all of that said, I'm still on the pursuit of that perfect blend that provides maximized coloration.
For those of you that have read the entire journal you've heard me reference the center trench which from the beginning has been a focus of mine. The aquascape of my aquarium has remained unchanged since the initial setup. The photos below show the original scape as well as what the center trench has become over the last 1.5 years. True to the original vision, it has become a center piece for the aquarium as well as a safe haven for most of the fish.
In addition to experimenting with supplements, I've also added several new corals since my last update. While some additions have taken off, other are taking their sweet time to color up and begin strong growth. Of all my new additions, one is quickly becoming a favorite. I don't know the name of the coral, but it has had amazing color and growth since the day it went in the tank. The photo below shows a small frag that I cut off and mounted on the opposite side of the tank from the original piece that I purchased.
One of my newest and quickly becoming a favorite.
The only fish that has been added to the tank in the last year is the Black Cap Basslet. After putting him in the tank, I did not see if for the first 8 weeks. I was sure he did not make the transition or was killed by my Melanuras Wrasse. Then out of the blue one day he decided it was safe to come out. He's still pretty secretive but can always be found near his favorite rock overhang. He's been a great addition to the reef.
Willy - The Black Cap Basslet
November 19th, 2012 - Photo and Tank Update
November 19th, 2012 - Photo and Tank Update
As may have pointed out, I'm long overdue for some new photos. I typically think that every 2-3 months is a good frequency to photograph the tank however the 5 months that it's been just isn't acceptable. While the tank journal has been neglected the tank has not.
I've spent the last 5 months experimenting with different dosing schedules for coral foods, aminos, vitamins, etc, etc. All the while the things that have not changed have been my maintenance schedule and Cal/Alk/Mag dosing. I wish I could tell you that I've discovered some secret mixture that has maximized color but I just can't. In the end I think I've convinced myself that stable Cal/Alk/Mag along with 0 Nitrates and Phosphates is all that really matters. My color doesn't look different enough after a month of heavy dosing than after a month of zero dosing to really justify supplements. With all of that said, I'm still on the pursuit of that perfect blend that provides maximized coloration.
Not sure of the real name of this coral but Mint Berry Crunch is what a friend of mine called it when we exchanged some frags. This is a coral I've had in the tank since the early days. Love the color, especially when viewing top down.
For those of you that have read the entire journal you've heard me reference the center trench which from the beginning has been a focus of mine. The aquascape of my aquarium has remained unchanged since the initial setup. The photos below show the original scape as well as what the center trench has become over the last 1.5 years. True to the original vision, it has become a center piece for the aquarium as well as a safe haven for most of the fish.
One of the first photos taken of the tank, a seamless center trench has been a design goal from the beginning.
A photo taken of the center trench 1.5 years into the evolution of the tank. While it's still not perfect, it's come along way since I first laid out the aquascape.
In addition to experimenting with supplements, I've also added several new corals since my last update. While some additions have taken off, other are taking their sweet time to color up and begin strong growth. Of all my new additions, one is quickly becoming a favorite. I don't know the name of the coral, but it has had amazing color and growth since the day it went in the tank. The photo below shows a small frag that I cut off and mounted on the opposite side of the tank from the original piece that I purchased.
One of my newest and quickly becoming a favorite.
The only fish that has been added to the tank in the last year is the Black Cap Basslet. After putting him in the tank, I did not see if for the first 8 weeks. I was sure he did not make the transition or was killed by my Melanuras Wrasse. Then out of the blue one day he decided it was safe to come out. He's still pretty secretive but can always be found near his favorite rock overhang. He's been a great addition to the reef.
Willy - The Black Cap Basslet
trueblackpercula
New member
Very nice have a few questions but will save them until I have my touts together.
coralreefdoc
New member
Brad. Your new coral favorite appears to be an Acropora prostrata ...
HTH, buddy
Talk soon,
HTH, buddy
Talk soon,
urbaneks
New member
November 20th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 20th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 20th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
tripdad - thanks for the kind words, a couple more photos coming your way.
trueblackpercula - Thanks for the comment, look forward to hearing from you on the questions.
Reef_Noob - Thanks for the kind words, definitely not an author.
coralreefdoc - Glad to hear from you. Thanks for the coral id. Hope to see you soon for some frag swaps.
November 20th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 20th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
Very nice but......more pleaseLove that trench idea.
tripdad - thanks for the kind words, a couple more photos coming your way.
trueblackpercula - Thanks for the comment, look forward to hearing from you on the questions.
Looking beautiful.
Your documentation skills are state of the art
Are ya an author/writer by profession? Your posts are like reading a novel very well put. Wish I had those skills.
:thumbsup:
Reef_Noob - Thanks for the kind words, definitely not an author.
Brad. Your new coral favorite appears to be an Acropora prostrata ...
HTH, buddy
Talk soon,
coralreefdoc - Glad to hear from you. Thanks for the coral id. Hope to see you soon for some frag swaps.
urbaneks
New member
Photo Update - November 20th, 2012
Photo Update - November 20th, 2012
Several folks have asked for the FTS so here you go. Personally, I'm not real pleased with this FTS as the excess light from the MH's washes out some of the color. In addition the angle doesn't do the aqua scape any favors. Of the 5 FTS I took this was the best I could manage. If nothing else, it does show how much the tank has changed.
FTS - November of 2012
With the FTS out of the way, I can now get back to showing you some additional macro shots of my corals. Personally, when I view my aquarium, I like to view at the macro level, looking for small changes in growth, color polyp extension, etc. Below is a photo of an ORA Montipora Spongodes, lots of people mistake this coral as a Digitata but it's actually in the Montipora family.
Another shot of the ORA Spongodes, this coral has really taken off in the past 3-4 weeks which times up with the feeding of Reef Roids. I bought the product a long time ago but did not use it regularly. Recently I started using it once a week and this coral in particular seemed to really respond to it. The green in this coral went from an army green to a nuclear green over the last few weeks.
I recently treated the tank for Red Bugs and the treatment made an immediate difference in my smooth skin acros like the Echinata shown below. I held off on the treatment for several months because of the availability of Interceptor as well as the thought of losing my Pistol Shrimp. I'm very happy to report that my shrimp made it through the treatment and my corals are better off. With the treatment behind me, I will be taking extra effort in the future to ensure I don't introduce the Red Bugs ever again. All future corals will get a 6 hour Interceptor dip prior to going into the aquarium.
I love this photo - The background really accents the coral.
Photo Update - November 20th, 2012
Several folks have asked for the FTS so here you go. Personally, I'm not real pleased with this FTS as the excess light from the MH's washes out some of the color. In addition the angle doesn't do the aqua scape any favors. Of the 5 FTS I took this was the best I could manage. If nothing else, it does show how much the tank has changed.
FTS - November of 2012
With the FTS out of the way, I can now get back to showing you some additional macro shots of my corals. Personally, when I view my aquarium, I like to view at the macro level, looking for small changes in growth, color polyp extension, etc. Below is a photo of an ORA Montipora Spongodes, lots of people mistake this coral as a Digitata but it's actually in the Montipora family.
A closer look at macro level shows an array of color, interesting growth form and healthy polyps
Another shot of the ORA Spongodes, this coral has really taken off in the past 3-4 weeks which times up with the feeding of Reef Roids. I bought the product a long time ago but did not use it regularly. Recently I started using it once a week and this coral in particular seemed to really respond to it. The green in this coral went from an army green to a nuclear green over the last few weeks.
ORA Spongodes - A second photo of this coral shows the interesting growth form that it's taking on
I recently treated the tank for Red Bugs and the treatment made an immediate difference in my smooth skin acros like the Echinata shown below. I held off on the treatment for several months because of the availability of Interceptor as well as the thought of losing my Pistol Shrimp. I'm very happy to report that my shrimp made it through the treatment and my corals are better off. With the treatment behind me, I will be taking extra effort in the future to ensure I don't introduce the Red Bugs ever again. All future corals will get a 6 hour Interceptor dip prior to going into the aquarium.
I love this photo - The background really accents the coral.
urbaneks
New member
November 21st, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 21st, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 21st, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
tripdad - Thanks again. I do vacuum my gravel regularly. I do a water change every 2 weeks and at each water change I vacuum a third of my gravel bed, over the course of 6 weeks the entire bed is done. The other thing that makes that clean look is a clean back wall. When I did my aquascape, I made sure that a mag cleaner fits back there easily. The back wall gets cleaned every time I clean the glass.
cFloor - Thanks for the view and comments. Macro viewing - the only way to go. My family often asks, "What are you looking at", as I'm studying the smallest of changes. They just don't get it.
Pallobi - Many Thanks!
November 21st, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 21st, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
tripdad - Thanks again. I do vacuum my gravel regularly. I do a water change every 2 weeks and at each water change I vacuum a third of my gravel bed, over the course of 6 weeks the entire bed is done. The other thing that makes that clean look is a clean back wall. When I did my aquascape, I made sure that a mag cleaner fits back there easily. The back wall gets cleaned every time I clean the glass.
cFloor - Thanks for the view and comments. Macro viewing - the only way to go. My family often asks, "What are you looking at", as I'm studying the smallest of changes. They just don't get it.
Pallobi - Many Thanks!
urbaneks
New member
November 21st, 2012 - A few more Macro Shots
November 21st, 2012 - A few more Macro Shots
November 21st, 2012 - A few more Macro Shots
This first shot is of my Cali Tort which if looking at the FTS is the large coral sitting high and in the middle of the tank. If you look back at old FTS you will see that this has been a very steady grower for me. It's almost time to frag again. I have smaller frags down lower in the tank and this coral shows more green down low, needless to say, I like it higher.
Cali Tort - This photo makes me think of a vinyard
The Setosa has also been a steady coral for me. Again, looking the FTS, you will see this coral in the lower left hand side of the tank. I've slowly been fragging this coral and adding additional pieces to the same rock. Over time, I'm hoping to get a complete Setosa overhang from that piece of rock.
Setosa
This last shot is an Acro that I picked up at a LFS (The Aquarius) While this coral is not the most colorful, it makes up for it in polyp extension. Day or night, you can count on this coral being out there for everyone to see. It also does well down lower in the tank which is a plus.
November 21st, 2012 - A few more Macro Shots
November 21st, 2012 - A few more Macro Shots
This first shot is of my Cali Tort which if looking at the FTS is the large coral sitting high and in the middle of the tank. If you look back at old FTS you will see that this has been a very steady grower for me. It's almost time to frag again. I have smaller frags down lower in the tank and this coral shows more green down low, needless to say, I like it higher.
Cali Tort - This photo makes me think of a vinyard
The Setosa has also been a steady coral for me. Again, looking the FTS, you will see this coral in the lower left hand side of the tank. I've slowly been fragging this coral and adding additional pieces to the same rock. Over time, I'm hoping to get a complete Setosa overhang from that piece of rock.
Setosa
This last shot is an Acro that I picked up at a LFS (The Aquarius) While this coral is not the most colorful, it makes up for it in polyp extension. Day or night, you can count on this coral being out there for everyone to see. It also does well down lower in the tank which is a plus.
Unknown Acro - Anyone help with an ID?
urbaneks
New member
November 24th - Photo Update, Additional Macro Shots
November 24th - Photo Update, Additional Macro Shots
November 24th - Photo Update, Additional Macro Shots
The photo below is of one of my Montiporas (X-Factor). I just recently fragged this coral, what you see remaining here is about 1/4th of what the coral was. The coral had completely cupped and was blocking flow and the view into the aquarium. The fragging has really opened up the tank again not to mention this coral is much prettier to look at from the top vs. seeing the bottom of the cup. I was able to trade the frags in for the Abro pictured at the bottom of this post.
X-Factor Montipora - Love the small blue polyps
The coral pictured below is an unknown acro which I picked up at a LFS (The Aquarius). While you can't see if from the photo, the coral grows long and thin branches. What drew me to this coral was the baby blue coloration. The base started to STN on me shortly after purchase, I was able to save 4 good pieces from the colony which have since encrusted and began growing nicely.
Unknown Acro - Anyone help with ID?
I bought these polyps in a moment of weakness a few months back. While at the LFS, I was not finding any SPS however these Clove Polyp's caught my eye. I had a particular spot in my tank where I wanted a low light coral that would provide some movement. The coral has really taken off and has grown into higher light areas around some of my acros. So far none of the corals seem to be bothered by it but it quite invasive. If given the chance to do it over again, I would not have brought these home.
Clove Polyps
I mentioned above that I traded some frags of X-Factor for this Abro Acro. Currently this coral is a light brown with a bit of green. Based on some google searches, this coral should get some intense pink tips. I'm very hopeful that given some time, this coral will color up for me. Until then I still enjoy the interesting growth form with the small cups that protect the polyps.
Abrotanoides Acro
November 24th - Photo Update, Additional Macro Shots
November 24th - Photo Update, Additional Macro Shots
The photo below is of one of my Montiporas (X-Factor). I just recently fragged this coral, what you see remaining here is about 1/4th of what the coral was. The coral had completely cupped and was blocking flow and the view into the aquarium. The fragging has really opened up the tank again not to mention this coral is much prettier to look at from the top vs. seeing the bottom of the cup. I was able to trade the frags in for the Abro pictured at the bottom of this post.
X-Factor Montipora - Love the small blue polyps
The coral pictured below is an unknown acro which I picked up at a LFS (The Aquarius). While you can't see if from the photo, the coral grows long and thin branches. What drew me to this coral was the baby blue coloration. The base started to STN on me shortly after purchase, I was able to save 4 good pieces from the colony which have since encrusted and began growing nicely.
Unknown Acro - Anyone help with ID?
I bought these polyps in a moment of weakness a few months back. While at the LFS, I was not finding any SPS however these Clove Polyp's caught my eye. I had a particular spot in my tank where I wanted a low light coral that would provide some movement. The coral has really taken off and has grown into higher light areas around some of my acros. So far none of the corals seem to be bothered by it but it quite invasive. If given the chance to do it over again, I would not have brought these home.
Clove Polyps
I mentioned above that I traded some frags of X-Factor for this Abro Acro. Currently this coral is a light brown with a bit of green. Based on some google searches, this coral should get some intense pink tips. I'm very hopeful that given some time, this coral will color up for me. Until then I still enjoy the interesting growth form with the small cups that protect the polyps.
Abrotanoides Acro
dainiusiva
New member
Great updates. I always like to read your updates. Also your macro photography is top notch.
urbaneks
New member
November 25th, 2012 Photo Update - Side Views
November 25th, 2012 Photo Update - Side Views
November 25th, 2012 Photo Update - Side Views
Here are the side shots of my aquarium at 1 year and 7 months. While the depth of focus does not show the entire tank in detail, I feel both pictures represent the colors that I currently have. Both of these pictures were taken under 20K MH's without any of the T5's running.
The first photo was taken from the left side of the aquarium and is focused on the blue/gray unknown acro about center tank. One of my two Bartlett's Anthias, one of the two Clownfish and my Blue Tang are making their presence known. If you look in the bottom right corner you will see my Chevron Tang who's been with me since he was the size of a quarter. The very bright green coral in the front right is a Pokerstar Montipora.
A view from the left
The second photo was taken from the right side of the aquarium and is focused on the Pink Prostrata Acro. Also very visible with the blue tips is a new wild Echinata Acro which I just recently added. Again one of the Bartlett's and the Blue Tang are out front. Also in this photo is one of my 5 Blue Chromis and one of 2 LeMark's Angelfish.
A view from the right
November 25th, 2012 Photo Update - Side Views
November 25th, 2012 Photo Update - Side Views
Here are the side shots of my aquarium at 1 year and 7 months. While the depth of focus does not show the entire tank in detail, I feel both pictures represent the colors that I currently have. Both of these pictures were taken under 20K MH's without any of the T5's running.
The first photo was taken from the left side of the aquarium and is focused on the blue/gray unknown acro about center tank. One of my two Bartlett's Anthias, one of the two Clownfish and my Blue Tang are making their presence known. If you look in the bottom right corner you will see my Chevron Tang who's been with me since he was the size of a quarter. The very bright green coral in the front right is a Pokerstar Montipora.
A view from the left
The second photo was taken from the right side of the aquarium and is focused on the Pink Prostrata Acro. Also very visible with the blue tips is a new wild Echinata Acro which I just recently added. Again one of the Bartlett's and the Blue Tang are out front. Also in this photo is one of my 5 Blue Chromis and one of 2 LeMark's Angelfish.
A view from the right
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