Viewpoints – A Photographic Journal of my Reef Tank
- Thread starter urbaneks
- Start date
coralreefdoc
New member
I've always been partial to that view from the L side. As surely you remember from my prior visits, with my head wrapped around the side, stabilizing myself with one finger on the top edge of the Starphire 
Next visit, if you remind me Brad, I'll bring the Ogles Mesoscope so you can truly get a glimpse into the intriguing Macro World within your Reef !
Next visit, if you remind me Brad, I'll bring the Ogles Mesoscope so you can truly get a glimpse into the intriguing Macro World within your Reef !
Last edited:
coralreefdoc
New member
Unknown Acro - Anyone help with ID?
This appears to be an A. loisetteae, Brad ...
urbaneks
New member
November 27th, 2012 - Photo Update
November 27th, 2012 - Photo Update
November 27th, 2012 - Photo Update
This is one of those corals that teaches us not to give up on a coral that may not be what it once was. One of the LFS's that has since closed had a very large colony of this Blue Chalice that was just beautiful. I bought a piece that was about the size of the quarter and put it into my Nano Cube. The coral never really did much and lost it's blue coloration. It seemed to sit idle for a long time before it started to grow again and just recently began to get it's blue color back.
ORA Blue Chalice
I'm not a big LPS guy but really like the color and texture that this Blastos adds to the aquarium. Unlike the Duncan and Torch that I have, this coral really does not seem to add heads very often.
Red Blastos
I've posted several pictures of this Setosa lately, but I have not posted one that shows the greater size of this piece. This coral was grown out of a 1/2" frag and now measures about 4" by 4". In addition, I've been able to frag 5 other pieces that are now growing in other areas of the aquarium.
Setosa
November 27th, 2012 - Photo Update
November 27th, 2012 - Photo Update
This is one of those corals that teaches us not to give up on a coral that may not be what it once was. One of the LFS's that has since closed had a very large colony of this Blue Chalice that was just beautiful. I bought a piece that was about the size of the quarter and put it into my Nano Cube. The coral never really did much and lost it's blue coloration. It seemed to sit idle for a long time before it started to grow again and just recently began to get it's blue color back.
ORA Blue Chalice
I'm not a big LPS guy but really like the color and texture that this Blastos adds to the aquarium. Unlike the Duncan and Torch that I have, this coral really does not seem to add heads very often.
Red Blastos
I've posted several pictures of this Setosa lately, but I have not posted one that shows the greater size of this piece. This coral was grown out of a 1/2" frag and now measures about 4" by 4". In addition, I've been able to frag 5 other pieces that are now growing in other areas of the aquarium.
Setosa
urbaneks
New member
November 28th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 28th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 28th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
Acronic - Thanks for the view and comment. Glad you are appreciating the updates. I shot a few more photos the other day so I will have some additional photos to post shortly.
coralreefdoc - I can't believe you have an Ogles, I've been wanting want one of those for a while now but have not been able to justify the cost. Please bring it over the next time you are by. Also, thanks for another coral id.
Patzig - I've had that coral almost as long as the tank (1.7 months). It grew very slow for the first year but has been growing quickly the past 6 months or so. I think part of that is my husbandry has improved.
November 28th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
November 28th, 2012 - Responses to Feedback
Oooo ahhhh, very nice. Thoroughly enjoying the frequent updates as of late
Acronic - Thanks for the view and comment. Glad you are appreciating the updates. I shot a few more photos the other day so I will have some additional photos to post shortly.
I've always been partial to that view from the L side. As surely you remember from my prior visits, with my head wrapped around the side, stabilizing myself with one finger on the top edge of the Starphire
Next visit, if you remind me Brad, I'll bring the Ogles Mesoscope so you can truly get a glimpse into the intriguing Macro World within your Reef !
coralreefdoc - I can't believe you have an Ogles, I've been wanting want one of those for a while now but have not been able to justify the cost. Please bring it over the next time you are by. Also, thanks for another coral id.
Patzig - I've had that coral almost as long as the tank (1.7 months). It grew very slow for the first year but has been growing quickly the past 6 months or so. I think part of that is my husbandry has improved.
venom550pm
Member
Double post
Last edited:
venom550pm
Member
Your thread has been an amazing read. I'm planning a big build in the next year and will be taking alot of pointers from your journey. I am a very tedious person, and my jaw dropped when i saw your layout under your sump. Keep up the good work
Subscribed.......
Subscribed.......
urbaneks
New member
November 30th, 2012 - Response to Feedback
November 30th, 2012 - Response to Feedback
November 30th, 2012 - Response to Feedback
venom550pm - I'm glad to hear from someone who is as tedious as I am. Sometimes I see sumps, wiring, plumbing, tanks, etc, etc that I'm downright scared of. I realize not everyone likes to keep things tidy but there are lots of tanks out there that are doomed from the start. As you build your new tank, holler if you want an opinion on anything. Thanks for checking out my tank and best of luck to you.
reefSTC - Thank you so much for checking out the journal and taking time to post your kind words. I'm really hoping for continued growth and improved color.
November 30th, 2012 - Response to Feedback
November 30th, 2012 - Response to Feedback
venom550pm - I'm glad to hear from someone who is as tedious as I am. Sometimes I see sumps, wiring, plumbing, tanks, etc, etc that I'm downright scared of. I realize not everyone likes to keep things tidy but there are lots of tanks out there that are doomed from the start. As you build your new tank, holler if you want an opinion on anything. Thanks for checking out my tank and best of luck to you.
reefSTC - Thank you so much for checking out the journal and taking time to post your kind words. I'm really hoping for continued growth and improved color.
urbaneks
New member
November 30th, 2012 - Nutrient Control and the Big Three Dosing
November 30th, 2012 - Nutrient Control and the Big Three Dosing
November 30th, 2012 - Nutrient Control and the Big Three Dosing
I keep this same journal over on another forum and I recently had someone ask me the questions listed below. I figured I would go ahead and post the same response here on RC as well just in case someone had a similar question.
The colour on everything is so deep and rich - something I've been struggling with for quite some time. Could you please update me on what your using for nutrient control and dosing (if any)? Where are you targeting alk, cal & mag?
Great questions! In the last 6 weeks, my color has changed tremendously and I attribute it to 2 different events.
The first was an accident that turned out to be a great thing. Let me start by saying that for Alk, Cal and Mag, I dose BRS 2 part which I mix myself. I dose using a Bubble Magus dosing pump into the the rear chamber of my sump. After running this way for a year now, I test just once a week to ensure that my Cal/Alk/Mag demand is not going up. During a weekly test I found my Alk to be at 8.5 vs. the 10 that I was keeping it at for the last year. Upon investigation, I found that over time, the Alk solution had created a block that was preventing all of the Alk solution from getting into the tank. This was enough to allow the Alk to fall by 1.5dKH over a week's time. During that time I was already noticing better color but was not sure what it was from. At this point, I'm convinced it was the Alk change. Since that time, I've reduced my 2 part dosage to a point where I'm maintaining my Alk between 8 and 8.5. My target for Cal is 430 and my target for Mag is 1330.
The second thing that was done during this time was a treatment for Red Bugs. I knew that I had Red Bugs for the last year but due to a combination of fear for my Pistol Shrimp and the lack of Interceptor, I kept putting it off. I recently came across some Interceptor and decided it was time. While the biggest improvement has been in my smooth skin acros, I now believe that the bugs were impacting the entire tank. The photo posted below tells the story better than my words. This coral has been in my tank for about a year. Other than polyps on the stocks, the base was completely smooth with just some green specs that you could see under the skin. I took this picture 2 days after the Red Bug treatment, you can see that the green specs under the skin are starting to pop out and several polyps are visible. It's been almost 14 days now since the treatment and this coral is amazing. Not only are their polyps all over this coral, it's an even deeper purple than what you see here. I'm also happy to report that my beloved Pistol Shrimp lived through the treatment and remains busy moving gravel.
For nutrient control I've always relied on GFO for phosphates, I purchase my GFO from BRS and run it inside a TLF Reactor per the instructions on BRS's website. I replace my GFO every 5 weeks which coincides with seeing my phosphates start to raise from 0-.01 to .03-.04 range. I also run a second TLF Reactor with ROX Activated Carbon which also comes from BRS.
For nitrates, I've always been able to get 0's on my tests with strong skimming (Bubble King Mini 180) and water changes every 2 weeks. Just recently, my nitrates have started to test at 1.5-2.0 ppm. I've have not been able to get them back to 0 with extra water changes or using a bacterial supplement. I just ordered a Bio-pellet reactor from Reef Dynamics that will be here the 2nd week of December. I'm hoping this will do the trick in getting my nitrates back down to 0.
The last thing you asked about was what else I dose. I've tried many supplements from Amino Acids to several of the Zeo products. I wish I could tell you that I think one of these is great, I really can't say that. During this time when my color has improved I have not been dosing any of these supplements. I do feed Reef Roids once a week as well as a frozen blend(Nutramar Ova, Rods Coral Blend and Oyster Eggs) twice a week. It's my opinion that these 3 feedings, aimed at my coral are more beneficial than any of the supplements that I've tried.
I realize, I got a bit wordy but hopefully I've answered your questions. If you have any follow up questions please don't hesitate to ask.
November 30th, 2012 - Nutrient Control and the Big Three Dosing
November 30th, 2012 - Nutrient Control and the Big Three Dosing
I keep this same journal over on another forum and I recently had someone ask me the questions listed below. I figured I would go ahead and post the same response here on RC as well just in case someone had a similar question.
The colour on everything is so deep and rich - something I've been struggling with for quite some time. Could you please update me on what your using for nutrient control and dosing (if any)? Where are you targeting alk, cal & mag?
Great questions! In the last 6 weeks, my color has changed tremendously and I attribute it to 2 different events.
The first was an accident that turned out to be a great thing. Let me start by saying that for Alk, Cal and Mag, I dose BRS 2 part which I mix myself. I dose using a Bubble Magus dosing pump into the the rear chamber of my sump. After running this way for a year now, I test just once a week to ensure that my Cal/Alk/Mag demand is not going up. During a weekly test I found my Alk to be at 8.5 vs. the 10 that I was keeping it at for the last year. Upon investigation, I found that over time, the Alk solution had created a block that was preventing all of the Alk solution from getting into the tank. This was enough to allow the Alk to fall by 1.5dKH over a week's time. During that time I was already noticing better color but was not sure what it was from. At this point, I'm convinced it was the Alk change. Since that time, I've reduced my 2 part dosage to a point where I'm maintaining my Alk between 8 and 8.5. My target for Cal is 430 and my target for Mag is 1330.
The second thing that was done during this time was a treatment for Red Bugs. I knew that I had Red Bugs for the last year but due to a combination of fear for my Pistol Shrimp and the lack of Interceptor, I kept putting it off. I recently came across some Interceptor and decided it was time. While the biggest improvement has been in my smooth skin acros, I now believe that the bugs were impacting the entire tank. The photo posted below tells the story better than my words. This coral has been in my tank for about a year. Other than polyps on the stocks, the base was completely smooth with just some green specs that you could see under the skin. I took this picture 2 days after the Red Bug treatment, you can see that the green specs under the skin are starting to pop out and several polyps are visible. It's been almost 14 days now since the treatment and this coral is amazing. Not only are their polyps all over this coral, it's an even deeper purple than what you see here. I'm also happy to report that my beloved Pistol Shrimp lived through the treatment and remains busy moving gravel.
Within 2 days of the Interceptor treatment, this coral exploded with polyps at the base
For nutrient control I've always relied on GFO for phosphates, I purchase my GFO from BRS and run it inside a TLF Reactor per the instructions on BRS's website. I replace my GFO every 5 weeks which coincides with seeing my phosphates start to raise from 0-.01 to .03-.04 range. I also run a second TLF Reactor with ROX Activated Carbon which also comes from BRS.
For nitrates, I've always been able to get 0's on my tests with strong skimming (Bubble King Mini 180) and water changes every 2 weeks. Just recently, my nitrates have started to test at 1.5-2.0 ppm. I've have not been able to get them back to 0 with extra water changes or using a bacterial supplement. I just ordered a Bio-pellet reactor from Reef Dynamics that will be here the 2nd week of December. I'm hoping this will do the trick in getting my nitrates back down to 0.
The last thing you asked about was what else I dose. I've tried many supplements from Amino Acids to several of the Zeo products. I wish I could tell you that I think one of these is great, I really can't say that. During this time when my color has improved I have not been dosing any of these supplements. I do feed Reef Roids once a week as well as a frozen blend(Nutramar Ova, Rods Coral Blend and Oyster Eggs) twice a week. It's my opinion that these 3 feedings, aimed at my coral are more beneficial than any of the supplements that I've tried.
I realize, I got a bit wordy but hopefully I've answered your questions. If you have any follow up questions please don't hesitate to ask.
urbaneks
New member
December 2nd, 2012 - CAD Lights Photo Contest Entry
December 2nd, 2012 - CAD Lights Photo Contest Entry
December 2nd, 2012 - CAD Lights Photo Contest Entry
CAD Lights is having a photo contest for all CAD Owners, over on another forum. I entered tonight and figured I would add my entry here since it had a few new photos. Comments requested.
My Custom CAD Lights
My aquarium has been running for 1 year and 7 months. I ordered this aquarium and stand directly from CAD Lights. My goals for this aquarium have always been to successfully grow colorful SPS while maintaining a very clean tank and equipment installation. As I approach the 2 year mark with this aquarium I continue to learn and improve my aquarium husbandry. Overall I'm happy with the progress and I look forward to another 2 years of adventure and SPS growth.
Aquarium Details
- Display Tank - CAD Lights Custom 48x30x18, Rimless, Starfire Aquarium
- Stand "“ 48x30x30 Custom CAD Lights Artisan Stand
- Lighting "“ 48" Geisemann Infinity "“ 2x250Watt Metal Halides and 4x54Watt T5s
- Sump "“ 30x18x16 Acrylic Sump with a built in ATO Reservoir
- Skimmer "“ Bubble King Mini-180
- Heater "“ Finnex Digital 300 Watts
- Return Pump "“ Sicce Syncra 3.0
- Circulation Pumps "“ (2) Vortechs - MP40W ES with Battery Backup
- Controller "“ Neptune Systems Apex Controller w/ WMX
- Media Reactors - Two Little Fishes 150, one with GFO, one with Carbon
Full Tank Shot - 12/2/12
A View from the Front
A View from Below
A View from the Top
Red Planet Macro Shot
Torch Coral Macro Shot
Under the Hood
December 2nd, 2012 - CAD Lights Photo Contest Entry
December 2nd, 2012 - CAD Lights Photo Contest Entry
CAD Lights is having a photo contest for all CAD Owners, over on another forum. I entered tonight and figured I would add my entry here since it had a few new photos. Comments requested.
My Custom CAD Lights
My aquarium has been running for 1 year and 7 months. I ordered this aquarium and stand directly from CAD Lights. My goals for this aquarium have always been to successfully grow colorful SPS while maintaining a very clean tank and equipment installation. As I approach the 2 year mark with this aquarium I continue to learn and improve my aquarium husbandry. Overall I'm happy with the progress and I look forward to another 2 years of adventure and SPS growth.
Aquarium Details
- Display Tank - CAD Lights Custom 48x30x18, Rimless, Starfire Aquarium
- Stand "“ 48x30x30 Custom CAD Lights Artisan Stand
- Lighting "“ 48" Geisemann Infinity "“ 2x250Watt Metal Halides and 4x54Watt T5s
- Sump "“ 30x18x16 Acrylic Sump with a built in ATO Reservoir
- Skimmer "“ Bubble King Mini-180
- Heater "“ Finnex Digital 300 Watts
- Return Pump "“ Sicce Syncra 3.0
- Circulation Pumps "“ (2) Vortechs - MP40W ES with Battery Backup
- Controller "“ Neptune Systems Apex Controller w/ WMX
- Media Reactors - Two Little Fishes 150, one with GFO, one with Carbon
Full Tank Shot - 12/2/12
A View from the Front
A View from Below
A View from the Top
Red Planet Macro Shot
Torch Coral Macro Shot
Under the Hood
iwishtofish
Active member
Yeah, your tank is pretty top-notch. I can only imagine the satisfaction of looking into that box of glass!
Are you at all apprehensive of putting the biopellets on line? I ask this because things are going so well for you now. :hmm1:
Are you at all apprehensive of putting the biopellets on line? I ask this because things are going so well for you now. :hmm1:
ReefKeeper64
Wanna be a reefkeeper
Urbaneks, Your tank has a very modern look to it and you've done a fantastic job of documenting everything you've done along the way. Thanks for sharing!
110galreef
New member
Looking very clean!!
coralreefdoc
New member
Urbaneks. Seriously reconsider the biopellets addition ...
A slightly elevated NO3 level is something you dont need to be concerned about, unless it continues to increase above 10-15ppm, in fact it can/will help you more efficiently lower PO4 levels naturally through small carbon doses.
*Redfield Ratio
Ill take some of those NO3s, versus having the added work/risk of dosing KNO3/NaNO3 in order to further bring down PO4 in the bacterioplankton based filtration utilized on my systems ...
Nitrates at 1-3, even upwards of 10 isnt anything to be concerned about. Itd be the equivalent of taking out all of your substrate and inserting Starboard because you're getting a slight SiO2 reading. You'll be assuming a great deal of risk to 'fix' something that isn't broken ...
I'd highly suggest, instead of biopellets, to initiate a non-aggressive carbon dosing (vinegar/vodka solution, not just vodka) regimen. Also, consider slightly decreasing your GFO amounts, as severely limited PO4s may very well be inhibiting the consumption of NO3s regarding the bacteria you are dosing !
Shouldn't mess with a product that has many negative attributes, including the ability to drastically/rapidly change your chemistry, relatively uncontrollably, when there's really no need whatsoever.
"Drops" of vinegar will undoubtedly take care of your supposed problem, barring an extreme lack of PO4.
A slightly elevated NO3 level is something you dont need to be concerned about, unless it continues to increase above 10-15ppm, in fact it can/will help you more efficiently lower PO4 levels naturally through small carbon doses.
*Redfield Ratio
Ill take some of those NO3s, versus having the added work/risk of dosing KNO3/NaNO3 in order to further bring down PO4 in the bacterioplankton based filtration utilized on my systems ...
Nitrates at 1-3, even upwards of 10 isnt anything to be concerned about. Itd be the equivalent of taking out all of your substrate and inserting Starboard because you're getting a slight SiO2 reading. You'll be assuming a great deal of risk to 'fix' something that isn't broken ...
I'd highly suggest, instead of biopellets, to initiate a non-aggressive carbon dosing (vinegar/vodka solution, not just vodka) regimen. Also, consider slightly decreasing your GFO amounts, as severely limited PO4s may very well be inhibiting the consumption of NO3s regarding the bacteria you are dosing !
Shouldn't mess with a product that has many negative attributes, including the ability to drastically/rapidly change your chemistry, relatively uncontrollably, when there's really no need whatsoever.
"Drops" of vinegar will undoubtedly take care of your supposed problem, barring an extreme lack of PO4.
Similar threads
