Jason's Mr Aqua 25g cube

[jasonp87]

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/null_zpsed6cc786.jpg

Here is the start of my new build. The tank will be a Mr Aqua 25 gallon 18" cube tank. Mike (Ratkiller) drilled this one for me same as the last and it turned out great again.

Same as last time I will be building the overflow, sump and stand myself. It will be really nice to have more than twice as much display as my previous tank.

Taking this build pretty slow for now since I am saving up for the LEDs that will light it. I plan to go with an AI nano fixture. For skimmer I am thinking a CAD lights pipeless skimmer. Not sure on return pump just yet.

I plan to move everything from my current tank to this one and add a little more rock. Livestock will start with my semi Picasso perc and twin spot goby along with some mixed zoas and palys. I plan to add LPS like acans, torch, frogspawn and hammers. I would eventually like to add some simple but colorful SPS but not in a hurry there.

[nanoreef1]

Another Mr aqua yeaahhh lets start a Mr aqua club.lol Great little tank can't wait to see this bad boy up and going! Will be tagging along:D

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[jasonp87]

Thanks.

Picked up my bulkheads today at AW as well as a sheet of black acrylic for the overflow from ridout. They had a ton of stuff that was perfect in the scrap bin. Only cost me $2. If anyone is interested stop by there and grab it before it's gone.

[jasonp87]

Started work today on my acrylic bending table I will use to make my overflow, and any other project in the future.

Started with a piece of MDF from home depot:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/10-9-13Pics005.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/10-9-13Pics005.jpg.html)

next i cut a 2x4 to use as support underneath and attached the MDF and channel for the heating element. I notched the 2x4 so that the channel would sit down into it:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/10-9-13Pics006.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/10-9-13Pics006.jpg.html)

another shot of heating element channel:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/10-9-13Pics007.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/10-9-13Pics007.jpg.html)

Up next will be installing the side that folds up with a couple hinges. Then off to the thrift store to find a cheap hair dryer for the coil inside.

[nanoreef1]

That's interesting I should start doing stuff my self.lol I'm not very good of being a handy man.Maybe one day I'll try.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[jasonp87]

Well if it works and you need something bent give me a shout. I may build my own sump too depending on how the overflow box goes.


That's interesting I should start doing stuff my self.lol I'm not very good of being a handy man.Maybe one day I'll try.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[nanoreef1]

Well if it works and you need something bent give me a shout. I may build my own sump too depending on how the overflow box goes.

K cool will do:D

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[jasonp87]

Success! I have the bender working and my overflow is bent to the desired shape! Getting the wire heated ended up being much more difficult than I thought. I ended up using a pc power supply. The 12V line carries 15 amps which is what ended up making the difference. once I figured out that my power supply was shorting because of the aluminum channel the wire sits in everything went much better.

Bending table:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/null_zps1fcd858a.jpg

Overflow:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/null_zpsad699063.jpg

Now I can cut the teeth and get it siliconed in place in the tank! I also bent some acrylic clips for holding the lid since the tank is rimless.

[jasonp87]

Overflow installed:

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/f596d8435475e5d558caaeba757404cb.jpg

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/0c26209b676fe8bbec84fefd25d5f691.jpg

[nanoreef1]

Looks great!:D

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 2

[jasonp87]

Tore down the 10 gallon this weekend and set up my new temp/Qt system. Top area is for corals, and the bottom area where I currently have my live rock will be for fish. I haven't bought a tank for that area yet since I don't currently have any fish anyways. I will keep this running after setting up the new tank to work as my QT system. After losing all my fish to disease I'm not messing around. Everything, including fish and corals will be QTed in here for at least a month before adding to the display.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/12-2-13Pics004.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/12-2-13Pics004.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/12-2-13Pics005.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/12-2-13Pics005.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/12-2-13Pics006.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/12-2-13Pics006.jpg.html)

[Esco reef]

Any updates on your aqua cube brutha ?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[jasonp87]

Any updates on your aqua cube brutha ?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

Sorry, No updates yet. I took down the 10 gallon I was running and now just have the frag/qt system running to keep what I still have alive. I may add the fish qt tank to the setup soon since I'll probably want to start looking at QTing fish for when the tank is ready. My rock and everything has been fallow 26 days now after whatever killed all my fish. I probably wont have the new tank up and running until after the holidays since time is short and I still need to build a new stand and get new better lights.

[jasonp87]

Well I did some work on my stand this week so all I have to do is skin it and stain it. Thanks Chronzze for the Wood for the top. I should also have enough for the door on the front. I also got my first fish for the tank. It's a neon dottyback. I may hold him back in QT for a little while and add some other fish into the tank first to avoid some aggression issues though. Here are pics.

Yes, I managed to find a Denver Broncos colored fish!! I have been looking for one for a while now and finally picked him up Saturday night. Miles cheered on the Broncos as they came out victorious over the Chargers the next day! Hopefully he gets to cheer them to victory in the Super Bowl.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-9-14Pics005.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-9-14Pics005.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-9-14Pics007.png (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-9-14Pics007.png.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/A414E173-C924-459D-8569-70E39D09653F.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/A414E173-C924-459D-8569-70E39D09653F.jpg.html)

[SteveParkinson]

Cool tank build, cubes are cool. Definitely got to get a cube when I get another tank.

[jasonp87]

Thanks. As far as aquascaping goes I think I will do a pillar of LR. I'll get an acrylic rod and base plate and stack everything up. That way it isn't just a plain pile of rocks and I will still have lots of space around the outside of the tank for fish to swim.

[DaveMorris]

Nice work on that overflow. Nice and clean.

[jasonp87]

I think this is where I'll put the tank. I have a power outlet on that wall that doesn't get used by anything else.

That's the LED fixture sitting in the tank. I was testing to make sure I wouldn't get to much light spillage toward the couch and tv. The fixture does a really good job of containing the light to the tank area and not just lighting the whole room. Very happy so far. Can't wait to put water and corals in!

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/image.jpeg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/image.jpeg.html)

Stand still needs some work but I plan to knock out a good portion this weekend.

[jasonp87]

Any suggestions on return pump size? Tank is 25 gallons and sump I'm hoping will be 10-15 gallons. I figured I would have additional flow via a small powerhead in the tank so all my flow won't have to come from the return. Livestock plan is small fish and soft and LPS corals. Not looking to do any SPS in the near future.

[Esco reef]

Im running a rio model 14HF 840 gph on my 25g mr aqua cube

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[jasonp87]

Wow, that's turning over 30 times an hour. Do you have a valve on it slowing it down at all?

[Esco reef]

Nah, but I do have a 18g sump as well. Awesome flow

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[jasonp87]

Ok cool. Thanks. I wasn't looking for something quite that big but I'll expand my search. What do you have as far as drains? I have a single 1" drain. I don't want to exceed the capacity on that or things could get messy.

[Esco reef]

You know what I might be wrong lol ill check the size of pump once im home..

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[Esco reef]

Yup I was wrong im running a rio hf12 750 gph

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[jasonp87]

Ok, still the same range of turning over the tank 30 times an hour.

[Esco reef]

Yeah my original plan was sps but that changed. But for the past 4 months so far so good. Check out my built thread for more details bro. Happy reefing

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

[VW REEFS]

tagging along looks great

[frostee]

Eheim 1250 pump should work nicely.

[jasonp87]

Progress!! Well I started my DIY acrylic sump project today. Picked up the acrylic pieces from notorious here on the forum and grabbed some weld on from Ridout over on ruffin. The finished product is a cube sump a little over 12" in each dimension.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-27-14Pics009.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-27-14Pics009.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-27-14Pics010.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-27-14Pics010.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-27-14Pics011.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-27-14Pics011.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-27-14Pics012.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-27-14Pics012.jpg.html)

I'm hoping to finish up the stand shortly after I'm done with the sump.

[antoneoh]

Nice acrylic work Jason! I'm gonna have to keep you in mind if I need acrylic bending.

[jasonp87]

Nice acrylic work Jason! I'm gonna have to keep you in mind if I need acrylic bending.

Thanks. I'm definitely picking up some new skills as I set up this tank. I'm pretty excited that I just built my own tank from scratch. Maybe I should wait until tomorrow when I water test it to be excited lol.

[XO PRESENTS]

How cool Jason !!!!!

[jasonp87]

Well great news, I water tested the sump and no leaks! I really wasn't expecting that on the first try but I'll take it. Now to add baffles!

[jasonp87]

Finished up the sump this weekend. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. Starting in the upper right hand corner going clockwise I have an area for a filter sock, skimmer, fuge and return. I also picked up my return pump this weekend. Going with a Mag 5. That paired with a small powerhead in the tank should give me the flow I'm looking for.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-30-14Pics003.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-30-14Pics003.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1-30-14Pics004.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1-30-14Pics004.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Pic of the corals growing in the frag/qt tank. Looking back I've seen awesome growth on my CB Purple Monster chalice (top left corner) and also my rastas. Hoping once they get into the new tank with better lighting and filtration stuff will take off even more. The new clowns have started hosting some of the corals in the tank and the male will actually lay between the frag tiles at night when it sleeps.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/bd5869e1-08f8-4870-9c85-e97b46334a87.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/bd5869e1-08f8-4870-9c85-e97b46334a87.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Well this should be a big weekend for this tank. Good thing I have 3 days! Everything is pretty much ready to put together and add water.

Saturday: Stain stand, cement plumbing, build/stain floating canopy (new addition by wife :) ), final tank and sump water test.
Sunday/Monday: Put everything together! Fill tank. Check plumbing for leaks. Add fish and corals after debris has settled.

I also picked up a DJ power strip which should make things easier. I mounted it in the stand this morning. Saturday I pick up a couple nano koralias for some additional flow. Got the last of the PVC fittings and was able to dry fit everything today. I also picked up some Tropic Marine salt mix so I will mix my own water for the first time, I've always just bought pre-mixed in the past, plus a short stint with scripps.

I picked up an acrylic rod from Ridout and plan to build a pillar like aquascape. Had to get a new drill bit though since the 1/2 bit I had wouldn't fit in my cordless drill.

[cHRoNzZe]

Hey Jason I wouldn't put the fish and coral right after you set it up,for sure let it run for a few weeks with live rock and some charcoal to take out any of the cement crap that will definitely come out and any other chemicals...........I did the same thing a few months ago when I put my sump and it crash my system.......good luck buddy............ Build is coming out great...

[jasonp87]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll watch out for that. I have everything living in a QT system right now anyways so there is no rush to move livestock.

[jasonp87]

Stand is finished. Tank is plumbed. Should be moving it into position in the house tomorrow and filling it up!

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/2-18-14Pics007.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/2-18-14Pics007.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/2-18-14Pics008.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/2-18-14Pics008.jpg.html)

[nanoreef1]

Looks real nice and clean.Can't wait to see it up and going!!!

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 2

[jasonp87]

Started the aquascape and making water. I'm going with a little less live rock than I normally do. It always ends up being so cluttered and just looking like a pile and I can never get my mag float around the tank so I am planning this one a little better. I used acrylic rods to hold everything in place. I have a couple other small rocks in my frag tank that will go in somewhere on the sand bed once this is up and running. Still trying to figure out how to mix the salt, I may have to do that in the tank since I don't have any other containers big enough.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-4-14Pics009.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-4-14Pics009.jpg.html)

[nanoreef1]

It's looking great Jason keep it up bro!

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk 2

[jasonp87]

Added the floating canopy, I think i still have some tweeks I want to make to it though. Tank looks good with the lights on though. I'm going to put all my timers and everything up top so they are easier for me to get to and adjust, the sump area is pretty cramped and will only get worse so it will probably be permanent to have everything in the canopy.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1d84106d-38ba-4f09-a806-f7f81f91ada9.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1d84106d-38ba-4f09-a806-f7f81f91ada9.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

WATER!! It has already cleared up quite a bit since taking this picture this morning. I also added a lawnmower blenny to the mix of fish I have, not sure yet if he will go to this tank or stay in the frag tank.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/15CC55D0-F3CD-40C2-BD38-BF201BF6CA28.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/15CC55D0-F3CD-40C2-BD38-BF201BF6CA28.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-12-14Pics.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-12-14Pics.jpg.html)

[jessegarcia28]

Looks really nice
Love the floating canopi


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jessegarcia28]

"""""

[jasonp87]

Looks really nice
Love the floating canopi

Thanks.

[nanoreef1]

Looking great jason cant wait to see it with corals!!!!

[jasonp87]

New pictures! My fish are in. Only thing holding up the corals is all the algae that I don't want to transfer to this tank from the frag tank. Not really sure what I'm going to do about that. I have a lawnmower blenny that I had hoped would go to town on it but I'm not really sure what he's up to. I also got a trial of nualgi but that seems like a long term thing and won't help me right now. I may have to get some more turbos.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-12414Pics004.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-12414Pics004.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-12414Pics002.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-12414Pics002.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Most of my corals are now in the tank. They seem to be very happy with the new environment and lighting.

Sorry for the blue pics, I need to get used to taking pictures with the new lights.

CB purple monster chalice
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-20-14Pics009.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-20-14Pics009.jpg.html)

Purple discosoma mushrooms
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-20-14Pics008.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-20-14Pics008.jpg.html)

Rastas (center) fruit loops (upper left) neon dottback (left center)
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-20-14Pics007.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-20-14Pics007.jpg.html)

Pink implosions (left) peach zombies (right)
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-20-14Pics006.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-20-14Pics006.jpg.html)

Pink salted agave (top) yellow rimmed dragon soul favia (bottom)
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-20-14Pics005.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-20-14Pics005.jpg.html)

Rainbow skittles acan (left) superman acan (right)
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-20-14Pics004.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-20-14Pics004.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Well the tank had a good weekend. First I picked up a JBJ ATO and finished off my reservoir. I'll have to take another picture of it hooked up and running. I built a little mount for an internal float sensor and used solvent to affix it in place so the pump wont run dry. I also put another mount in there to keep the hose in place so it doesn't float up or anything like that. All I can say is that I do not know how I ever did without an ATO before and it's only been a couple days. It makes it so much easier not having to worry if I forgot to top off before heading to work.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-21-14Pics.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-21-14Pics.jpg.html)

I also picked up some new corals from ASD. Got a torch and a few acans. I'll post pics tomorrow but they are all open and happy.

[jasonp87]

Acans I picked up at ASD over the weekend. It's the 3 in the back row and also the torch. First pick is only the white channel, second is with the blues.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-21-14Pics008.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-21-14Pics008.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-21-14Pics009.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-21-14Pics009.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Pics of the ATO reservoir I built all hooked up.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-26-14Pics003.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-26-14Pics003.jpg.html)

In this one you can see the sensor mounted in the back left hand corner and the hose mounted to the bottom panel in the center.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-26-14Pics004.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-26-14Pics004.jpg.html)

More pics of the newest corals. Really liking the torch.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-26-14Pics005.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-26-14Pics005.jpg.html)
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-26-14Pics006.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-26-14Pics006.jpg.html)

[leonel619]

nice build! like the acan garden you have going there
also like the ATO reservoir.

[jasonp87]

Well I built a new acrylic framed lid. I used the BRS clear netting over the tank. The acrylic blends a little better with the tank and I don't lose that rimless look.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/4-15-14Pics005.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/4-15-14Pics005.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/4-15-14Pics006.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/4-15-14Pics006.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/4-15-14Pics007.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/4-15-14Pics007.jpg.html)

[nanoreef1]

Looking real good jason!

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

[jessegarcia28]

Coming along real nice
Good choice on the acrylic
Came out real clean


Sent from my iPhone 6s perros using Tapatalk Pro

[jasonp87]

Looking real good jason!


Coming along real nice
Good choice on the acrylic
Came out real clean

Thanks! The tank is still a work in progress. As you can see I have some algae on the sand bed but I think that's under control. What I really need is a better skimmer. Right now I just have a little Bio Cube skimmer, i need something a little more heavy duty and with a water pump instead of air stones. I don't think I'm getting great water circulation through the skimmer despite it being in a high flow area of the sump.

[ChouDawg]

Thanks! The tank is still a work in progress. As you can see I have some algae on the sand bed but I think that's under control. What I really need is a better skimmer. Right now I just have a little Bio Cube skimmer, i need something a little more heavy duty and with a water pump instead of air stones. I don't think I'm getting great water circulation through the skimmer despite it being in a high flow area of the sump.

That acrylic screen top looks great Jason, glad it worked out for you! Any close ups of how you made the acrylic frame, did you still use spline to hold the netting in? How much space do you have in your sump for a skimmer? I had a Tunze 9002 on my old AquaPod 24 that worked well with a small footprint.

[jasonp87]

That acrylic screen top looks great Jason, glad it worked out for you! Any close ups of how you made the acrylic frame, did you still use spline to hold the netting in? How much space do you have in your sump for a skimmer? I had a Tunze 9002 on my old AquaPod 24 that worked well with a small footprint.

I don't have any close up pics right now. I used a 0.375 square acrylic rod. Weld-on 3 to attach the pieces. The netting is actually held on by small dots of hot glue all the way around. Worked much better than I hoped. I had thought about cutting a groove and using a white spline but I wanted to try this first.

I think I have about 7x7" for a skimmer in the sump but I'd have to double check. The bio-cube skimmer has plenty of space.

[ChouDawg]

I don't have any close up pics right now. I used a 0.375 square acrylic rod. Weld-on 3 to attach the pieces. The netting is actually held on by small dots of hot glue all the way around. Worked much better than I hoped. I had thought about cutting a groove and using a white spline but I wanted to try this first.

I think I have about 7x7" for a skimmer in the sump but I'd have to double check. The bio-cube skimmer has plenty of space.

Oh wow hot glue haha never would've though, easier than dealing with spline for sure. 7'x7" is plenty of space for a decent venturi pump driven skimmer. The BM Nac 3 line looks like it would fit, a cheaper option that I've heard good results from are the SCA-301 skimmers.

[jasonp87]

New skimmer! Added an ASM Mini G that I modded to fit into my stand and sump. As it stood it was just a little too tall so a cut off the bottom couple inches and mounted the pump outside the body of the skimmer instead of directly underneath. This should be more than enough to keep my water clean.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/64C96B23-737D-4E90-A81A-8E93D999C304.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/64C96B23-737D-4E90-A81A-8E93D999C304.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/117B378A-EC11-443B-9F9B-A9F6FBB3E682.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/117B378A-EC11-443B-9F9B-A9F6FBB3E682.jpg.html)

[pigpimpc]

nice setu p!!!

[jasonp87]

nice setu p!!!

Thanks!

[YokoYoko]

Nice build! I like the ATO reservoir.

[jasonp87]

Nice build! I like the ATO reservoir.

Thanks, It was actually really easy to build. I want to go pick up some black for a new one and do a window. I think that would be really cool.

[jasonp87]

The Mini G seems to be working. I checked this morning and it had built up some pretty nasty junk in the collection cup. There wasn't a ton but what was there was dark. So far a big improvement over my old skimmer. I'll let it go a couple more days and see if it needs anymore tuning.

[jada1]

Looks good buddy great job on the acrylic work.

[jasonp87]

Looks good buddy great job on the acrylic work.

Thanks Danny. Building stuff myself has made it a lot easier to get everything just the way I want it and save a good amount of money. If I had gone with a regular tank for my sump it would've been about half the size since my stand isn't very large. It's also saved me a bunch of money. Custom sumps and stuff are expensive. The ATO reservoir I built probably would have cost me around $150 if I bought it from a store. Overflow boxes can be pricey too, esp if they're custom.

[jasonp87]

Well I've been battling algae in the tank for a while now and I'm not sure what else to do. I guess it's good that it isn't getting any worse but it would be nice if the steps I've been taking would show some positive results. I have this thick green algae that can get long and flowing. I have tried hermits, snails, a lawnmower blenny and most recently a sea hare. I also reduced feeding to every other day, been doing water changes, reduced lighting hours and replaced my biocube skimmer with an ASM Mini G (rated for around 60 gallons). It's been producing really nasty skimmate so I know it is pulling junk out. Nothing seems to work on this stuff. Parameters are all normal. I'm sure my phos and nitrates are higher than they read since the algae is absorbing them.

The only other thing I can think of to eat the algae is a tang but I don't really have the water volume for one.

Below is a pic of the algae, this is a different tank but its the same stuff. It coats rock, sand and is starting to move onto the glass near the bottom of the tank.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3-11-14Pics007.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3-11-14Pics007.jpg.html)

[ChouDawg]

New tank syndrome is probably the cause of that algae, I had the same stuff covering the harder to reach parts of my tank. I found manual removal to be the best bet. After my past two tanks that I started from "scratch" I've seen that after about the 6 month point things really start getting established and maturing and the algae kind of naturally goes away, manual removal helps keep it bearable while you wait it out and once it balances out it won't come back, hopefully..I've found using airline tubing you can get some of the algae into the tube, close off the end with your finger and pull that will get you a good grip on the algae, then release and it should get pulled into the tube. It's tedious but necessary if you want to keep the algae in check, your herbivores won't be able to keep up with algae management until it's stabilized.

[DiverDave]

What's your pH, ALK AND CA+ levels? How much is your pH fluctuation from day to night? What is the flow rate in the tank?

Keep the pH up and stable, above 8.0 at all times and the higher the better. CO2 is your enemy. If your pH is dropping significantly at night its due to CO2 increasing. When your lights come on, the bad algae feed off the CO2. I know that OLD information states that you should dim, or not use your lights…that's old and counter productive. If anything, keep those lights pumping 24/7 and starve the tank of food. Keep your ALK above 8.5meq/l and CA+ at 450+ to encourage Coraline algae growth, and minimize free CO2 in your tank. The algae in your corals will get all the CO2 they need from the coral. Toss in a bag of chemi-pure pro with GFO to assist in lowering your PO4 and nutrients released from the algae die-off.

Keep the flow heavy to keep detritus suspended for the skimmer to remove.

You said you've tried hermits and snails. I agree that we should support local stores, but if you're looking to get a crew that will clean up your tank, go to the GARF website and get you're crew from them. Each critter is $1 so even when you figure in shipping, you're still better off than the local stores if you buy more than 20 critters. I recommend you get 3x the amount you think you'll need, let them clean up the tank, then sell them off to other members.

Good luck and keep us posted.

DD

[jasonp87]

Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 0 (probably higher but algae is masking)
PH: 8.2
Phosphates: 0 (same thing here as nitrates)
DKH: 6 kinda low
Calcium: 410
Spec Grav: 1.024

Flow: mag 5 return, 2x koralia nano 240 power heads

Sump lights stay on 24x7 for the fuge and macro I have in there so PH fluctuation should be minimal.

[jasonp87]

Had this nem a couple weeks now but never put up any pics. Got it from Mike (ratkiller). It has grown a pretty good amount and hasn't moved (fingers crossed). My female clown sleeps in/near it at night but doesn't stay near it during the day. I'm hoping that changes over time.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/F34762D5-8369-4FC1-832A-9693D91EF506.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/F34762D5-8369-4FC1-832A-9693D91EF506.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/9969A998-A33F-4121-9CFA-574A5226CE91.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/9969A998-A33F-4121-9CFA-574A5226CE91.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/896AED83-A1D0-4C1F-8BB0-8DF76C9DF080_1.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/896AED83-A1D0-4C1F-8BB0-8DF76C9DF080_1.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Growth shots of some of my corals.

originally when received in October:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/Giveaway.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/Giveaway.jpg.html)

Now:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/1B04E2A4-7450-4362-A5DF-CF3B10503498.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/1B04E2A4-7450-4362-A5DF-CF3B10503498.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/6A48FE25-5014-4E03-9F1A-AF0E934DAB89.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/6A48FE25-5014-4E03-9F1A-AF0E934DAB89.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/21BA7E5E-575F-4FC7-98B9-6D36ADD62D62.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/21BA7E5E-575F-4FC7-98B9-6D36ADD62D62.jpg.html)

fragged about 40 off this guy since getting it.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/CFEB84D4-4F8C-422D-BB3D-C0F04E3509D5.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/CFEB84D4-4F8C-422D-BB3D-C0F04E3509D5.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/84151E0D-3FDE-4D13-903A-BEBCDA22AA45.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/84151E0D-3FDE-4D13-903A-BEBCDA22AA45.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/3B2745CE-5BC8-44DB-9AEA-FE731E5726C1.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/3B2745CE-5BC8-44DB-9AEA-FE731E5726C1.jpg.html)

[RTee]

Wow really awesome thread. Keep it up. Try keeping your alk up, thats the trick to getting rid of dinoflanellates, not sure about gha. I have that problem as well.

[jasonp87]

First piece of SPS in the tank. Been in there a week now and still looking good. Fingers crossed!

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/EF873DB9-788B-4181-AE28-D7B679B5F5BE.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/EF873DB9-788B-4181-AE28-D7B679B5F5BE.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

My clown is finally fully hosting its nem!! She pretty much only comes out when I feed the tank and she'll take a few laps around in the morning. The rest of the time she is nestled inside.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/524761E1-3400-4845-A5EF-C4056545D85E.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/524761E1-3400-4845-A5EF-C4056545D85E.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/6E120EFE-283B-4078-B062-F31DC32027CF.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/6E120EFE-283B-4078-B062-F31DC32027CF.jpg.html)

[ChouDawg]

Ah, so jealous on the hosting, one of my main goals in my new tank was to display the symbiotic clown/anemone relationship but my clowns dgaf about the RBTA, congrats! Also awesome growth on those pieces..you fragged 40 polyps off that Rasta already!?

[jasonp87]

Thanks. Yeah, at least 40. Everytime I frag it the space gets filled back in

[ChouDawg]

Wow, nice let me know the next time you're ready to frag some :D

[jasonp87]

Wow, nice let me know the next time you're ready to frag some :D

No problem, will do.

[jasonp87]

Just put new sand in the tank! I used the figi pink fine sand. Since I did use live sand I am already set up to do a big water change tomorrow if needed. So much happier with this over the crushed coral.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/6068D536-1A44-4EF4-B682-53DE3C7D0C35.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/6068D536-1A44-4EF4-B682-53DE3C7D0C35.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/CD6E7044-9E69-47F9-BB2A-2D1CF3750D94.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/CD6E7044-9E69-47F9-BB2A-2D1CF3750D94.jpg.html)

[acbaldwin]

Looks good! Did you get the GHA issue figured out?

[SDguy]

Great build! Thanks for sharing it.

[jasonp87]

Thanks. It's better than it was. I've just had to be consistent about picking it out. I also switched to a finer sand which isn't trapping waste. I feed very carefully now as well and ditched the flakes I've been using, just pellets now.

[acbaldwin]

Thanks. It's better than it was. I've just had to be consistent about picking it out. I also switched to a finer sand which isn't trapping waste. I feed very carefully now as well and ditched the flakes I've been using, just pellets now.
There's a general consensus in the planted tank world that NPK (and CO2, and lighting) need to be in balance for plants to outcompete undesired algaes. When something in the NPK balance is limiting plant uptake, algaes take over and get out of control.
I don't know if these concepts apply to saltwater, or to macroalgaes in general, but it's something I've wondered about for a while now. I don't ever really see it discussed, and I'm not enough of a reef expert to really stake a claim on the subject.
You might run your fuge light on a reverse 12 hours cycle instead of 24/7. Chaeto may grow better if it has an 'off' time during the respiration cycle (can't remember the term for this... been years).
That will also help the pH stabilize (if that is the issue).

[jasonp87]

I've thought of giving the macro an off period but I don't have room for another timer so I would have to do it manually, and I forget lol. I have noticed that the algae growth has slowed by a great deal so at this pint it is at least manageable.

[acbaldwin]

Ahh, I hear ya. Running into the same issue here, gonna pick up some of these (http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022808&p_id=5308&seq=1&format=2)to rectify.

[jasonp87]

Ahh, I hear ya. Running into the same issue here, gonna pick up some of these (http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10228&cs_id=1022808&p_id=5308&seq=1&format=2)to rectify.

Those are cool

[jasonp87]

New radiant wrasse in qt now. Been waiting a couple weeks for this guy. I have a sand box in the qt tank to make him feel at home.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/CE7B6412-5567-4D85-BC29-B734E589B0B4.jpg

[pigpimpc]

ohhhhhhh yeaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Twiegs]

How's the Neon Dottyback doing in your tank? Wanting to get one but have read that they can be pretty aggresive.

[jasonp87]

He's doing well. He only messes with snails and crabs occasionally. He'll kind of pick them up or knock them off the rocks. He leaves my clown alone. I'll have to see how he does with the wrasse. The radians are listed as semi aggressive so I'll think it will be ok.

[Twiegs]

That's cool. Maybe I'll give one a shot!


QUOTE=jasonp87;887780]He's doing well. He only messes with snails and crabs occasionally. He'll kind of pick them up or knock them off the rocks. He leaves my clown alone. I'll have to see how he does with the wrasse. The radians are listed as semi aggressive so I'll think it will be ok.[/QUOTE]

[jasonp87]

Haven't updated this in a while now. Not many changes really, tank has just been maturing.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/76849DEB-8897-4BF7-AC21-2CE1D76FEDB6.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/76849DEB-8897-4BF7-AC21-2CE1D76FEDB6.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/58A1965A-DE75-476F-9BC3-19A03F810470.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/58A1965A-DE75-476F-9BC3-19A03F810470.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/A18C57BE-9A99-41F7-ADA4-7700718E53CA.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/A18C57BE-9A99-41F7-ADA4-7700718E53CA.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/B31B0FD0-A4CF-44CA-8001-6F56C08CA0B6.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/B31B0FD0-A4CF-44CA-8001-6F56C08CA0B6.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/7AC5BA2B-C019-4006-BD3E-12C032FD5FC5.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/7AC5BA2B-C019-4006-BD3E-12C032FD5FC5.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/CA20A520-37B7-4CB3-8369-F5703DB03D25.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/CA20A520-37B7-4CB3-8369-F5703DB03D25.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/5C29EB3B-B058-4FF9-B446-1890351E4099.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/5C29EB3B-B058-4FF9-B446-1890351E4099.jpg.html)

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/60C24DEC-87DF-4967-BE8A-A2197DABC0C0.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/60C24DEC-87DF-4967-BE8A-A2197DABC0C0.jpg.html)

[nanoreef1]

Looking very good already!

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

[jasonp87]

Snapped this the other day, birdsnest is growing nicely and has good pe.

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/04F9A5C3-3FDF-42D0-9C92-E319C1809740.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/04F9A5C3-3FDF-42D0-9C92-E319C1809740.jpg.html)

[Drama D]

Awesome build man, just reread the whole thread. Nice diy skills and esp like the acrylic bender. Great job for sure

[CMD2213]

Looking good Jason keep us updated bro

[jasonp87]

New addition! Good sized, healthy, female african leopard wrasse. She chows down on the prepared foods I toss in and has settled in nicely. Gets along well with the other tank mates too, also seems to protect the smaller yellow coris wrasse from the neon dottyback.

Leopard:
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/55752B3C-0A52-47D6-80F1-04991D59B2A2.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/55752B3C-0A52-47D6-80F1-04991D59B2A2.jpg.html)

bad pic including the yellow coris. This guy is also eating prepared foods, hoping he will chow down on some red planaria flatworms I have in the tank.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/0F1C4796-D75C-49F7-9C51-859CFC79BC80.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/0F1C4796-D75C-49F7-9C51-859CFC79BC80.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/03B4A185-F4E8-4E86-B8DE-B1F863ED6210.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/03B4A185-F4E8-4E86-B8DE-B1F863ED6210.jpg.html)

[cyn]

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/03B4A185-F4E8-4E86-B8DE-B1F863ED6210.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/03B4A185-F4E8-4E86-B8DE-B1F863ED6210.jpg.html)

haha! what's going on here??
love your cube. is that a plate coral?
on my wishlist but 8g is already pretty
crowded.

[jasonp87]

He sleeps in the sand or hides there when scared, it's a wrasse thing. The purple coral on the sandbed? that is a CB Purple Monster chalice. Been growing it since it was the size of a postage stamp, one of my favorite pieces. The wrasses keep getting sand on it though so I have to use a baster to blow it off a couple times a day, need to move it up sometime.

[cyn]

too cute! and thanks for
coral ID.

[jasonp87]

Thanks. No problem.

[jasonp87]

Got some good stuff at RAP last weekend.

new clown, we call him spot. I'll have to get a better picture.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/42769DDB-C62F-4C3F-8B4F-73CD9CC2792A.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/42769DDB-C62F-4C3F-8B4F-73CD9CC2792A.jpg.html)

A few heads of bi-color hammer. This has really been opening up very nice.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/0E71CBB7-C213-440E-8D2A-47502D3E7550.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/0E71CBB7-C213-440E-8D2A-47502D3E7550.jpg.html)

Blue hornets.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/DF5AA37C-A2BC-47C4-B22D-3A30E8DBA766.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/DF5AA37C-A2BC-47C4-B22D-3A30E8DBA766.jpg.html)

Red hornets, also the other side of the blues.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/B4739968-EA2C-4F89-B77D-91D276D4FF08.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/B4739968-EA2C-4F89-B77D-91D276D4FF08.jpg.html)

These are called hyperspeeds. They seem a little dull so I'm hoping they color up.
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/6A3BF4C1-08C8-4043-8E53-DF35A2F33AF0.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/6A3BF4C1-08C8-4043-8E53-DF35A2F33AF0.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Was looking at my froot loops the other day and it was hard to believe this:

http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/806DC20A-93DA-434F-A27B-6CEF64192B09.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/806DC20A-93DA-434F-A27B-6CEF64192B09.jpg.html)

Had turned into this:

Front
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/2826EB38-E813-4E23-AC09-58A2FB7AC0EE.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/2826EB38-E813-4E23-AC09-58A2FB7AC0EE.jpg.html)

Left
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/9B157BE9-7009-4ED4-9608-D3282828F4F3.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/9B157BE9-7009-4ED4-9608-D3282828F4F3.jpg.html)

Right
http://i940.photobucket.com/albums/ad244/jasonp87/07E811A3-5EE1-4A25-BABD-AA389DFA66C8.jpg (http://s940.photobucket.com/user/jasonp87/media/07E811A3-5EE1-4A25-BABD-AA389DFA66C8.jpg.html)

[jasonp87]

Been a while since I updated. No pictures today but I did pull the trigger on an AI Prime today. Should be here from BRS in about a week!

[chireef]

Looking good fam! So how long was it between those fruitloops pictures?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jasonp87]

Been a while since I posted. Looking at going the direction of nems and clowns for this tank. Anyone know a good place to get more unusual colored bubble tips? Figured I would do mostly rose and green and mix in some nicer ones like the ones over at Coral Collection. Just want to see if there are other options out there. I see LA Reefs sells a lot on Ebay but they don't have much on their website.