Zibba's Reefs
- Thread starter zibba
- Start date
zibba
New member
When I feed the tank he really glows a brilliant golden color; it's amazing to watch.
We brought back 3 from MACNA: the male pictured above and two females. We kept the male and a female that it was bonded with and the other female, which came from a separate tank at the conference, went to Jeff (and sounds like it's doing well in his tank!).
We brought back 3 from MACNA: the male pictured above and two females. We kept the male and a female that it was bonded with and the other female, which came from a separate tank at the conference, went to Jeff (and sounds like it's doing well in his tank!).
zibba
New member
Made a decision on skimmers this afternoon.
I don't think I previously mentioned it, but I had been running an ATB 840v2 on my old 150g system. That skimmer was used for a few weeks during the transition until a friend and I switched skimmers. He had an ATB Elegance 200 Pro on a 60g system that only skimming intermittently. Since the beginning of August, I've been running just one ATB Elegance 200 Pro (rated to 300g-ish). I've been planning on running two skimmers the whole time since I have a big footprint in the under-tank sump but I don't have a lot of headroom (31"). I was also limited on what I could fit through the gap between the top of my sump and the top of the stand: at best, I could have gotten a 10.5" diameter skimmer in there. I started looking at needlewheels since I had previously ran them with success -- in particular Reef Octopus, Reef Dynamic, Skimz and Vertex all seemed nice. Then I started looking at other options besides needlewheels. I came across some threads about "Lifereef" skimmers and all of the users were raving about them.
After reading Lifereef's website, multiple threads, watching youtube videos and exchanging PMs with a local guy running one, I called them up. Jeff, the owner who also happens to be the manufacturer and customer and tech support (yep, one man shop!), and I spoke for over an hour about his design and my system. I ended up ordering the SVS3-30 model with a slightly modified cup to ensure I have enough room to remove it. He literally hung up the phone and started making my modified skimmer cup -- it ships tomorrow!
The plan is to run the Lifereef and the ATB side-by-side. I should get a good feel for which one performs best. Assuming they're equal, I'll keep running both and run the ATB "wet" (since that's really what it does best anyway) and the Lifereef however it wants to run. If the ATB is clearly slouching in comparison to the Lifereef, I'll add another Lifereef and remove the ATB. I have a Waveline DC12000 on hand that I think would work perfectly as a feed for 2 SVS3-30s. We'll see.
I'm still not sure which pump I'll put on the single Lifereef when it comes in. I have several back up pumps, pumps from old builds, etc. The potential list includes: the previously mentioned Waveline DC12000, a Reef Octopus DC5500, or an Eheim 1262. A friend has a Laguna 1350 that he said I could try out too. There might be a little trial-and-error but really, any pump that pushes between 900-1200 gph should be sufficient. That also happens to match the flow though that portion of the sump.
Noise always plays a big factor in my decision, which is why I liked this option. According to Jeff and owners of his skimmers, they're as silent as the pump you put on them. I like that. I know my Reef Octo DC5500 is silent. I know the Waveline DC12000 is silent. So this should be a good match. I'm looking forward to the comparison and I'll be sure to share my results.
I don't think I previously mentioned it, but I had been running an ATB 840v2 on my old 150g system. That skimmer was used for a few weeks during the transition until a friend and I switched skimmers. He had an ATB Elegance 200 Pro on a 60g system that only skimming intermittently. Since the beginning of August, I've been running just one ATB Elegance 200 Pro (rated to 300g-ish). I've been planning on running two skimmers the whole time since I have a big footprint in the under-tank sump but I don't have a lot of headroom (31"). I was also limited on what I could fit through the gap between the top of my sump and the top of the stand: at best, I could have gotten a 10.5" diameter skimmer in there. I started looking at needlewheels since I had previously ran them with success -- in particular Reef Octopus, Reef Dynamic, Skimz and Vertex all seemed nice. Then I started looking at other options besides needlewheels. I came across some threads about "Lifereef" skimmers and all of the users were raving about them.
After reading Lifereef's website, multiple threads, watching youtube videos and exchanging PMs with a local guy running one, I called them up. Jeff, the owner who also happens to be the manufacturer and customer and tech support (yep, one man shop!), and I spoke for over an hour about his design and my system. I ended up ordering the SVS3-30 model with a slightly modified cup to ensure I have enough room to remove it. He literally hung up the phone and started making my modified skimmer cup -- it ships tomorrow!
The plan is to run the Lifereef and the ATB side-by-side. I should get a good feel for which one performs best. Assuming they're equal, I'll keep running both and run the ATB "wet" (since that's really what it does best anyway) and the Lifereef however it wants to run. If the ATB is clearly slouching in comparison to the Lifereef, I'll add another Lifereef and remove the ATB. I have a Waveline DC12000 on hand that I think would work perfectly as a feed for 2 SVS3-30s. We'll see.
I'm still not sure which pump I'll put on the single Lifereef when it comes in. I have several back up pumps, pumps from old builds, etc. The potential list includes: the previously mentioned Waveline DC12000, a Reef Octopus DC5500, or an Eheim 1262. A friend has a Laguna 1350 that he said I could try out too. There might be a little trial-and-error but really, any pump that pushes between 900-1200 gph should be sufficient. That also happens to match the flow though that portion of the sump.
Noise always plays a big factor in my decision, which is why I liked this option. According to Jeff and owners of his skimmers, they're as silent as the pump you put on them. I like that. I know my Reef Octo DC5500 is silent. I know the Waveline DC12000 is silent. So this should be a good match. I'm looking forward to the comparison and I'll be sure to share my results.
Newbie Aquarist
Reefing is my middle name
Great thread. I like all the new additions to your system and your 45 is off the hook. That is a great video you have also. Great job.
zibba
New member
Hey, thanks! I appreciate that. I've followed your thread as well, but just lurked!
Appreciate you chiming in. I'll welcome any thoughts or advice along the way.Thank you! Yes, it's a work in progress and I'm hoping to make a lot of it this weekend so I can put up a proper FTS.
zibba
New member
Continuing to work on the aquascaping. Here's a very quick progression video from last night:
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_etZlQLvImw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The existing corals were just tossed back in there until I have time to get the lights up and remount the coral.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_etZlQLvImw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The existing corals were just tossed back in there until I have time to get the lights up and remount the coral.
zibba
New member
Made a lot of progress over the weekend.
I think I mentioned it earlier but in the midst of all this, we've set up frag tank and are going to be setting up a QT system. We plumbed the frag tank and started cycling it the week before MACNA and added our first corals to it over the weekend. We swapped out the old bulbs in the T5 fixture and are now running 3xATI Blue + and 1xATI Coral Plus. More than anything, that's Kwoww's project and it's keeping her very entertained.
Still a little cloudy (guessing bacterial bloom) but here's a picture of it running:
Frag Tank by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
We also got in the second skimmer for the A.G.E. and the remaining lights and hanging kits so we had a lot to keep us busy. Here are some pictures of the new goods:
Lifereef SVS3-30 running off of a Waveline DC12000:
LifeReef Skimmer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Starting to assemble the rails and organized the lights:
Assembling AI Rails by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Just about ready to go up over the tank:
Hydra 26 + 52 +26 by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Before we put the lights up, I installed the new skimmer:
LifeReef Skimmer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Here's the existing ATB skimming away (very wet):
ATB Skimmer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Snapped this picture of the UV to show how it's mounted because I couldn't remember if I had shown it or not:
UV by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
You can also see the cable management brackets behind the UV. I have 3 of those installed along the back portion of the stand, they work really well!
I have another sloppy timelapse video of me putting the lights up and starting work on wire management that I'll post as soon as it uploads.
Here's a look at how the dry box came out -- still some tweaking to do, but it's mostly there so you can get an idea:
Electrical Panel by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Better look at how the tank sits today:
Lights over tank by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
There's still a lot of aquascaping and some more wire management ahead but I'm really relieved that the lights are up and the skimmer is installed.
I think I mentioned it earlier but in the midst of all this, we've set up frag tank and are going to be setting up a QT system. We plumbed the frag tank and started cycling it the week before MACNA and added our first corals to it over the weekend. We swapped out the old bulbs in the T5 fixture and are now running 3xATI Blue + and 1xATI Coral Plus. More than anything, that's Kwoww's project and it's keeping her very entertained.
Still a little cloudy (guessing bacterial bloom) but here's a picture of it running:
Frag Tank by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrWe also got in the second skimmer for the A.G.E. and the remaining lights and hanging kits so we had a lot to keep us busy. Here are some pictures of the new goods:
Lifereef SVS3-30 running off of a Waveline DC12000:
LifeReef Skimmer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrStarting to assemble the rails and organized the lights:
Assembling AI Rails by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrJust about ready to go up over the tank:
Hydra 26 + 52 +26 by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrBefore we put the lights up, I installed the new skimmer:
LifeReef Skimmer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrHere's the existing ATB skimming away (very wet):
ATB Skimmer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrSnapped this picture of the UV to show how it's mounted because I couldn't remember if I had shown it or not:
UV by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrYou can also see the cable management brackets behind the UV. I have 3 of those installed along the back portion of the stand, they work really well!
I have another sloppy timelapse video of me putting the lights up and starting work on wire management that I'll post as soon as it uploads.
Here's a look at how the dry box came out -- still some tweaking to do, but it's mostly there so you can get an idea:
Electrical Panel by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrBetter look at how the tank sits today:
Lights over tank by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrThere's still a lot of aquascaping and some more wire management ahead but I'm really relieved that the lights are up and the skimmer is installed.
zibba
New member
Dave, I appreciate you looking out. I am also a bit concerned about maintenance long term with that clearance. I can remove the cup by turning off the skimmer and tilting it slightly (of course, draining the cup before I move anything around). The entire top half can come off without any tilting because it's attached using nylon thumb screws.
I was hoping that, after giving LifeReef my exact sump height dimensions and hearing that he was going to build me a custom cup (which he did), that it would fit seamlessly and be easily removable. I'll admit, it's not a perfect fit but I did want to maximize the height so I guess I achieved that aspect!
I was hoping that, after giving LifeReef my exact sump height dimensions and hearing that he was going to build me a custom cup (which he did), that it would fit seamlessly and be easily removable. I'll admit, it's not a perfect fit but I did want to maximize the height so I guess I achieved that aspect!
zibba
New member
As promised....
Watch in 1080 or 720
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8NCsj-6mrJc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Watch in 1080 or 720
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8NCsj-6mrJc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
prop-frags
SPS Slave
zibba
New member
It has been awhile since I’ve updated this thread. I needed to take a little break after hanging all of the lights, spending a lot of time trying to organize wire, and getting the last of the rockwork in place. The tank has been running on auto-pilot for the last few months while I’ve been battling algae issues associated with adding all of the dry rock.
On top of that, I was burnt out after a bad experience with adding some new fish from a vendor that supposedly QT’d fish before sending them. I don’t want to place all of the blame on the vendor because I should have QT’d myself as well. I have the QT systems in place, but they aren’t plumbed yet. I need to get re-motivated. Anyway, the new fish died in my tank and took out my royal gramma, red-saddled anthias and randall’s anthias. The starki damsel and ember’s blenny looked grim for about a week. I ran the UV sterilizer 24/7 and things have been clear for the past two weeks. The damsel and blenny seem to have made a full recovery. I think it was Uronema marinum but I’m not 100% sure and, if it was, I think it will be in my tank forever. Could have been hemorrhagic septicema too. Haven’t gotten a positive ID. Hopefully with the UV and a good diet, the fish with thrive going forward. I’m going to be backing the UV off to run for 4-hrs in the morning only going forward.
The tank has serious hair algae and some cyano trapped under the hair algae. It looks like a mess but I’ve been manually removing it with water changes and I’m trying to let the cycle run its course. My preference is to handle the algae issues with herbivores – adding tangs, crabs and snails – but if that doesn’t do the trick, I’ll add GFO temporarily. I have plenty on hand.
The reason I’m not jumping head-first into GFO at the moment is because the SPS are coloring up nicely and I’m going to be traveling. I’d prefer to add the GFO when I can personally observe the effects.
Last thing before I get to the pictures: I’m having issues with zoas/palys staying partially or fully closed and don’t know what the cause. I posted about it over here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2449710. So hopefully I’ll get some answers.
Enough text, here are some recent pictures, including some growth/comparison pictures:
Grapejuice Acro
Midnight Stag by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
RR USA Cherry Bomb by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
WWC Firefly by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Cherry Blossom by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Red Planet by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
RR USA Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Shroom by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Blastos & Spitfire zoas by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Splatter hammer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
On top of that, I was burnt out after a bad experience with adding some new fish from a vendor that supposedly QT’d fish before sending them. I don’t want to place all of the blame on the vendor because I should have QT’d myself as well. I have the QT systems in place, but they aren’t plumbed yet. I need to get re-motivated. Anyway, the new fish died in my tank and took out my royal gramma, red-saddled anthias and randall’s anthias. The starki damsel and ember’s blenny looked grim for about a week. I ran the UV sterilizer 24/7 and things have been clear for the past two weeks. The damsel and blenny seem to have made a full recovery. I think it was Uronema marinum but I’m not 100% sure and, if it was, I think it will be in my tank forever. Could have been hemorrhagic septicema too. Haven’t gotten a positive ID. Hopefully with the UV and a good diet, the fish with thrive going forward. I’m going to be backing the UV off to run for 4-hrs in the morning only going forward.
The tank has serious hair algae and some cyano trapped under the hair algae. It looks like a mess but I’ve been manually removing it with water changes and I’m trying to let the cycle run its course. My preference is to handle the algae issues with herbivores – adding tangs, crabs and snails – but if that doesn’t do the trick, I’ll add GFO temporarily. I have plenty on hand.
The reason I’m not jumping head-first into GFO at the moment is because the SPS are coloring up nicely and I’m going to be traveling. I’d prefer to add the GFO when I can personally observe the effects.
Last thing before I get to the pictures: I’m having issues with zoas/palys staying partially or fully closed and don’t know what the cause. I posted about it over here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2449710. So hopefully I’ll get some answers.
Enough text, here are some recent pictures, including some growth/comparison pictures:
Grapejuice Acro
Midnight Stag by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
RR USA Cherry Bomb by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
WWC Firefly by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Cherry Blossom by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Red Planet by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
RR USA Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Shroom by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Blastos & Spitfire zoas by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Splatter hammer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
zibba
New member
SWA Branching Hammer by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
PROP Chiquitas by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Zoas by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Hornets by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
ATL Shades of Fall by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Miagi Tort by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
zibba
New member
Some growth/comparison:
June 2014
Strawberry Shortcake by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct 2014
Strawberry Shortcake by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
New frags are coloring up and growing:
Sept 2
Oct. 13
Sept. 2
PC Rainbow by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13
PC Rainbow acro (from WWC) by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Sept. 2
WWC *** by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13
WWC WFT Acro by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
June 2014
Strawberry Shortcake by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrOct 2014
Strawberry Shortcake by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on FlickrNew frags are coloring up and growing:
Sept 2
Oct. 13
Sept. 2
PC Rainbow by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13
PC Rainbow acro (from WWC) by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Sept. 2
WWC *** by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13
WWC WFT Acro by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
zibba
New member
Sept. 2
TCK Pikachu by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13 [forgive the algae farm!]
TCK Pikachu by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Sept. 2
RR USA Underwater Wonder by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13
RR USA Underwater Wonder by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Here’s a 1-year progression on my favorite piece:
Oct. 2013
RR Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Jan. 2014
Reef Raft Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
June 2014
DSC_7713.jpg by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 2014 (best color so far)
RR USA Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
TCK Pikachu by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13 [forgive the algae farm!]
TCK Pikachu by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Sept. 2
RR USA Underwater Wonder by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 13
RR USA Underwater Wonder by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Here’s a 1-year progression on my favorite piece:
Oct. 2013
RR Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Jan. 2014
Reef Raft Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
June 2014
DSC_7713.jpg by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
Oct. 2014 (best color so far)
RR USA Led Zeppelin by ..:.. EZ ..:.., on Flickr
