my 50g,help plz. [Archive] - San Diego Reef Forums

pnguy3n

03-06-2007, 11:47 AM

I'm new to this site. I think it's very informing and I would appreciate everyone's input. I've been doing freshwater for the longest and now converging to the reef side. It's really different. You go to AW,OG,fountains and you get different information and it's hard to trust anyone. So i've been browsing the forums and very informative stuff. Anyways I'm going through the cycling stage. Just needed help arranging the LR I have. Just been messing around with it. I've browse through the Tank forum. I know the fishes need a lot of hiding places. Sorry I'm a reef nooB. thanks

EDITED Oct 16,2007: Wow this was my very 1st post here on SDreefs. My have things changed,I have learned so much on this site. Thanks to the knowledge of my fellow reefers. My tank has gone so many changes and it's only been 7 months.

Tank-60g tall(title says 50,but I use the tank calc.)
Lighting-250w HQI pendant
Flow-2 Koralia 3
Filtration-CPR bakpak(looking to change soon)

victortrav

03-06-2007, 12:11 PM

welcome to the board let the people here know about your equipment and goals. and take your time.

crstjohn

03-06-2007, 12:18 PM

I think most people just arrange the rock according to the tank size, the amount of rock available, and what looks good to us. The best way is to try and recreate a piece of the ocean. look through books, magazines, etc. and find some reef picture that blows you away. Research the area to determine the actual conditions, livestock, temperature, current conditions, etc. and try to recreate those conditions and aquascape in your tank. Check out this video link for another way to set up aquascape: http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22331
Good luck.

Redeye

03-06-2007, 12:20 PM

I would recommend getting one of Fenner's books, besides the boards, probably the most informative book I bought in the begining

cagirly2006

03-06-2007, 12:29 PM

welcome you will get lots of help here.

here is just 2 cool ideas if you wanna check them out. It helps to plan ahead b4 you stick all the livestock in, its easier that way. So now is the perfect time. On the 2nd link, you will see in the first picture that there is a rack thing that the rocks are sitting on, it gives more caves and alot more support so rocks dont fall, and you dont have to use as much rock. I think he explains later on in the post how he did it, but there had been quite a few ppl here that have done the same thing. Good Luck!!

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22483&highlight=DIY

and

http://www.sdreefs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20557

Ashley :)

coral diver

03-06-2007, 04:47 PM

Scroll down this forum and look at members tank when you find one you like inquire to the member who posted it there's a lot of member with cube tanks that my advice.

rollinghead

03-06-2007, 06:03 PM

pnguy3n

03-06-2007, 11:18 PM

Welcome to sdreefs, alot of us welcome people to come see our tanks and ask any ?'s they want to. maybe U would like to see someone's tank! I would recommend to try to make it to some of the meetings we R starting up and TAKE what U want and leave what U do not! If U ask 10 different reefers a ? U will get 5 different answers (not that they R wrong, just what they did), and then at least U have a educated guess as to what U want to do. Good luck to U!

Thanks for everyone's input so far. As far as equipment, I'm running the FluVal 405,a couple of powerheads. I'm going to get a protein skimmer soon. I think the CPR BakPak. Sorry If I ask noob question's I guess we all have to start somewhere. Just browsing the forums I see a lot of setups with crazy plumbing and sumps. What's that all about? I mean I have a FluVal should I change to a sump?

DaChrisDude

03-06-2007, 11:24 PM

Just browsing the forums I see a lot of setups with crazy plumbing and sumps. What's that all about? I mean I have a FluVal should I change to a sump?

Are you planning on going true Reef with corals and invertebrates? Or are you doing a SW fish-only (FO) type setup?

There are many advantages of having a sump.
-greater total water volume (which = a more stable ecosystem)
-a place to put unsightly equipment (skimmer, heater, filter, etc)
-keep the water level in display-tank constant (the evaporation will show up in the sump rather than in the display)
-you have more options as far as types of equipment.

If possible, I'd definitely go with a sump. Canister filters are good at filtering water, however, the tend to produce a lot of Nitrate. Nitrate is for the most part harmless for FO setups, but is bad for corals and invertebrates.

pnguy3n

03-06-2007, 11:31 PM

DaChrisDude

03-06-2007, 11:35 PM

Should be. I'd do 15% weekly or so.

pnguy3n

03-07-2007, 09:56 PM

I've been reading on how to aquascape live rock with pvc pipe and epoxy. Do you drill 1/2 or 3/4 inch hole in the LR and the put the pvc/epoxy to connect them?I've messed around with the aquascaping so many times. Still haven't figured out that "one" setup I liked. It's frustrating,LOL i know I have to be patient. I'm thinking about using this technique.

DaChrisDude

03-07-2007, 10:12 PM

I've never glued / epoxied my rocks together, I simply set them on each other making sure they're stable enough that they won't fall.

Acezandfacez

03-07-2007, 10:27 PM

Welcome, from one "noob" to another, create what you want with your rocks. The options are endless. BUT, keep in mind what it is that you want to accomplish. Victortrav said it right when he asked what's your equip., goals, and take your time. Depending on the livestock you want to grow you must understand that there are many things you can do. I can't find where you've posted the lighting that you have. If nothing else, I've found that lighting is a huge factor in the results you get. I'm not going to suggest anything on lighting because I am far from an expert on this subject. (just do some research or ask one of the mods here what they think) There is plenty of information on this site for you to take advantage of. There are no dumb questions but, search for the answer before asking is my only advise. ( otherwise you end up with a pm box full of smart ass answers) good luck, and I look forward to trading frags with ya.

micah

pnguy3n

03-17-2007, 09:12 AM

here's the latest pics on my tank. after about 5 weeks of rearranging the lr so many times. i'm sure there's going to be more.

kinktao

03-17-2007, 01:05 PM

thanks chris. I was planning on doing a full reef/inverts. I want to see how this will work. I have a the canister filter 405,couple of powerheads,heater,skimmer,compact fluoresent lighting. Will it be just fine running a reef setup with those and doing frequent water changes?

I would get rid of the entire canister filter all together. That's for freshwater tanks. In saltwater tanks it tends to do more damage than good. It causes the increase of nitrate.

Since it's 50 gallons, I would invest in a protein skimmer. A nice Hang on the back skimmer is the aqua c remora. You can normally find one used for 100 dollars. I would never buy the remora brand new, (especially in a fish store) since they will be around 200 - 250. A used one works very well.

kinktao

03-17-2007, 01:09 PM

Also, I see that you have a maxi-jet. I would recommend doing the maxi-jet mod (google it on nano-reef.com)with a wave timer. Of course you would need to buy another maxi-jet and a wave timer.

You want to cause a lot of random flow, since corals do best in random flow.

pitfish

03-17-2007, 02:25 PM

I would get rid of the entire canister filter all together. That's for freshwater tanks. In saltwater tanks it tends to do more damage than good. It causes the increase of nitrate.

I agree, the cannister is nice once you clean it out and put in fresh carbon, but quickly becomes a source of pollution if you don't service it often enough.
I'm running a sumpless 40g and like having everything up high. It looks ugly, but it can be easier to do the maintenance sometimes. All I have to do is walk by my tank and in a glance I'll be able to check my skimmer cup, temp, polyfilter, and water level, all without bending over and looking in the stand.

pnguy3n

03-22-2007, 07:31 PM

here are some recent pics.

i did the mj mod kinktao thanks, i looked it up on RC.

SDFISHMAN

03-22-2007, 07:56 PM

Nice light;) .. Looks good bro..

pnguy3n

10-16-2007, 08:14 PM

Here are some current pics of my tank. I just have a point and shoot camera so it's not the best of quality. Tank is a mixed tank with a variety of SPS/LPS. I took all the sand out and decided to go bare bottom.

pnguy3n

10-16-2007, 08:17 PM

edited: November 8,2007

Nick_Kun

10-17-2007, 06:37 AM

Very nice paul. Collecting discomias?

That derasa is nice and that plate is monti growing.

- Nick

pnguy3n

11-08-2007, 01:06 PM

New Pics.
fts
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/287451056.jpg
side
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/287451081.jpg
mushroom
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/287451073.jpg
zoa's
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/287451437.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/287451432.jpg

Nick_Kun

11-08-2007, 01:13 PM

It's looking amazing paul.

- Nick

acbaldwin

11-08-2007, 01:15 PM

Wow Paul looking good!! I like those striped shrooms and the yellow zoos! :cool:

Hey I've still got your garlic!!

barometer

11-08-2007, 01:16 PM

nice pirate's booty there Paul :cool:

pnguy3n

11-08-2007, 01:18 PM

My tank seems so compact Nick. I wanted to replace that Derasa with the clam that you are going to pick up. hmm, on one side I'm going SPS and the other LPS, and it's been a struggle for me to have a mix tank. I'm tryin' my best, I'm reading my posts when I first got on the site. Man was I asking dumb questions. LOL:cool:

GoTakuF1

11-08-2007, 01:18 PM

nice pirate's booty there Paul :cool:

Careful where you mention that compliment, Ed :D

Paul, your tank looks HUGE in these pictures. Looking good bro!

pnguy3n

11-08-2007, 01:19 PM

I'll swing by your place Andrew to pick it up. So close it doesn't even matter haha. How was Vegas? I was reading your bday forum. Man, going to Vegas with out an I.D? MAAAAAAAAAAAN!

barometer

11-08-2007, 01:21 PM

Careful where you mention that compliment, Ed :D

Paul, your tank looks HUGE in these pictures. Looking good bro!

Wouldn't that be boo-tay :p
Yes, looking great Paul, better in person as always though ;)

pnguy3n

11-08-2007, 01:23 PM

Ed, I forgot to ask you is that mushroom frag doing ok?

barometer

11-08-2007, 01:27 PM

yup, still kickin' it in my attachment chamber.....er, uh.....little tupperware :rolleyes: :p
It hasn't grabbed hold yet, but is looking fine. Thanks again :)

acbaldwin

11-08-2007, 01:32 PM

I'll swing by your place Andrew to pick it up. So close it doesn't even matter haha. How was Vegas? I was reading your bday forum. Man, going to Vegas with out an I.D? MAAAAAAAAAAAN!

Sounds good! ygpm.

Vegas was great!!!! Thanks for asking.

...my ID got here in the mail yesterday... :mad: Oh well let's just say that lots o smirnoff + new southpark = happy acbaldwin. :D

pnguy3n

11-27-2007, 02:50 PM

updated pics

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/290474480.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/290474462.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/290474441.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/290474052.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/290474042.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/290474015.jpg

pnguy3n

05-07-2008, 10:23 PM

It's been a little over a year since I started my tank. Here are some update pics.
-60g
-skimmerless
-Tunze 6055
-HOB filter to run carbon

Fishes
-Pair of osc. clowns
-Midas blenny
-Stigmata blenny
-Sunburst Anthias
-Sixline wrasse
-Laboutei wrasse
-Solarensis wrasse
-McCosker wrasse

Inverts
-Fire shrimp
-Various hermits/snails

Corals
-LPS/Softies

pnguy3n

05-07-2008, 10:32 PM

daisy polyps
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448315.jpg

blastos from pako
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448314.jpg

Minh's blastos
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448313.jpg

Candy cane from Dennis
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448304.jpg

pnguy3n

05-07-2008, 10:37 PM

FTS

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448822.jpg

Left side
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448842.jpg

Right side
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448836.jpg

Light fixture with my fishing pole
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316448847.jpg

pnguy3n

05-07-2008, 10:40 PM

recovering favia

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316449304.jpg

Goni from Minh<BFF
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316449300.jpg

Snail with hitchiker
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/316449275.jpg

WanaLeime

05-07-2008, 10:41 PM

Looking SWEET!!!!! Where are the ACRO's? LOL.....

What you doing tomorrow?

pnguy3n

05-07-2008, 10:43 PM

I gave up on SPS Dennis. What's up man? What you need? Someone to do a water change? Since you are in a sling still.

pnguy3n

05-07-2008, 10:48 PM

Cloves from Quince
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17308944/300317142.jpg

Atlantis palys
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17308944/304080214.jpg

Orange crush/Darth mauls/Favias
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17308944/300079803.jpg

SWi palys?
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1595/1940369/17497579/295849064.jpg

WanaLeime

05-07-2008, 10:54 PM

nice cloves.... i used to have some on my old avatar....

I'm headed to scripps in the AM then to Drews or I'll have drew meet me at scripps...
come down get some frags!!!! I'll tell mike to come over too.....Then all we need is Minh..

SuperDragon

05-07-2008, 11:09 PM

I gave up on SPS Dennis. What's up man? What you need? Someone to do a water change? Since you are in a sling still.

Paul did you get bored of SPS?
I remember you tank, beautiful.
Nice RBTA BTW... I need more hitchikers like that.