Hex Tank Diary

[barometer]

edit: tank stats to date 4.20.08 42g Hex, 175w 15k Iwasaki in bell pendant, AquaClear70 DIY mini-fuge, Koralia 1, 2 nano pumps, 40 lbs LR, 3" sand bed
2 Amphiprion Ocellaris (Clowns), Gramma Loreto (Royal Gramma), Trimma Tegevae (Blue Striped Cave Goby), Trimma Cana (Red Striped Goby), Eviota Pellucida (Gold Neon Eviota Goby), Paragobius Lacunicolus (Panda Goby), some cool shrimp, mostly zoas and rics, some LPS (love my tubastreas) and montis

The Beginning

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_0.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_1.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_2.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_3.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_4.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_5.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_6.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_7.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/start_8.jpg

[jblaze]

You might want to search the threads about drilling your rock and putting in acrylic rods. You could make your rock taller and more stable.

[barometer]

I guess I should add some account of what I'm doing here as well.

Got the tank and light from a friend who's also helping me along.

Started the tank on April 28, 2007 (just after my anniversary) with sand bed (live sand mixed with coral sand and rubble) and LR running the protien skimmer and a small PH.

I do weekly 10-15% water changes and make my own RO/DI for top off and mixing salt.

Cycled 'til 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and under 10 nitrates. It went pretty fast since I got the rock from an established tank.

Added cleaning crew on May 19.

Added first zoas, mushroom and GSP to the tank. Had cuke explosion on May 25. What a mess. I don't think I'll try cukes again for a long time :(

Tripled water changes for 2 weeks.

Added more zoas here and there. Added Koralia 1 June 14

Added two Ocellaris clowns June 18. Also replaced the bulb.

An here we are :)

[barometer]

You might want to search the threads about drilling your rock and putting in acrylic rods. You could make your rock taller and more stable.

I've definitely given that some thought, and will consider when I need to rearrange this in the future. But they're pretty secure in there. I actually had it taller before, but removed about 20 lbs of live rock because it just felt too crowed to me. I like the 360 kind of thing and wanted to have plenty of open water. We'll see how things evolve though, I already know I'm gonna want more than what this will hold :p . Thanks :)

[GoTakuF1]

Fantastic job! This tank is off to a great start. I love your minimalist approach. The bell pendant is a nice touch to the hex profile. Love your aquascape as well - plenty of room for the fish to swim around and it allows your Koralia to get a nice gyre going. One thing I would add is a pre-filter box; Remora model if it fits or if you need something smaller, BakPak model. It's not a crutial addition but it'll help you get rid of the film on the water surface, hide the MJ pump and reduce the microbubbles in your tank. Keep up the great work!

[barometer]

Fantastic job! This tank is off to a great start. I love your minimalist approach. The bell pendant is a nice touch to the hex profile. Love your aquascape as well - plenty of room for the fish to swim around and it allows your Koralia to get a nice gyre going. One thing I would add is a pre-filter box; Remora model if it fits or if you need something smaller, BakPak model. It's not a crutial addition but it'll help you get rid of the film on the water surface, hide the MJ pump and reduce the microbubbles in your tank. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for the kind words GoTaKuF1. I tend to go with the simple-is-best philosophy in everything I do. Just seemed natural to take the same approach here. Funny you mention the pre-filter box, I was just gonna talk to Jason at AquaC about getting one since I do get alot of microbubbles whenever I feed. Now I just gotta patiently wait for the right frags to come along.....:rolleyes:

[Jessy]

I have a rock I got at the frag swap that has a like 4 kenya trees on it. The rock is kinda thin...wouldn't be to hard at all to break it and give you one of those if you'd like a softy in your tank.


Thanks for the kind words GoTaKuF1. I tend to go with the simple-is-best philosophy in everything I do. Just seemed natural to take the same approach here. Funny you mention the pre-filter box, I was just gonna talk to Jason at AquaC about getting one since I do get alot of microbubbles whenever I feed. Now I just gotta patiently wait for the right frags to come along.....:rolleyes:

[GoTakuF1]

I tend to go with the simple-is-best philosophy in everything I do.
Words of the wise :)


Now I just gotta patiently wait for the right frags to come along.....
Good things come to those who wait - this is especially true when you have a smaller tank and real estate is a premium.

Keep us updated with your progress.

[barometer]

I have a rock I got at the frag swap that has a like 4 kenya trees on it. The rock is kinda thin...wouldn't be to hard at all to break it and give you one of those if you'd like a softy in your tank.

Thanks for the offer Jess. I think I'm gonna hold off a week or two before putting anything else in there, and I've already got some stuff lined up for that time frame. But I will keep it in mind, haven't given much thought to a kenya tree yet :)

Ed

[slurpeshark]

I like your start you have, especially the 360 approach. I have virtually the same setup as you (Tank, skimmer, fish, corals when i started, and now lights) which I thought was funny, though I cant do the 360 approach due to my tank being in the corner so everything goes back and up and Ive crammed as much stuff in there as possible! I need to probably frag stuff now. But I started just like yours late last summer and I cant wait to upgrade. Keep up posted on the pics and updates and if you see anything in my tank that you'd like a frag of let me know.
-Mike

[pnguy3n]

any updates on the tank? I like the aquascaping. btw it was great meeting you at RAP.

[barometer]

Nice to meet you too! :)

Updates will be coming along shortly. I'm still battling ich and things are in a bit of chaos since RAP. I'm also in the midst of a DIY canopy and I was hoping to finish that before updating. Thanks for looking :)

[acbaldwin]

Looking good, Ed! I'm looking forward to more great pictures once you handle the ich!

[marineman1978]

Ed, the tank looks good. I love the aquascaping. Keep em comin'. Nice work. I hope the Ich goes away soon.

[barometer]

back by popular demand.....well, not really :p
I've been waiting to do updates 'til I get everything situated, i.e. ich gone, fish back in main display, set up chiller and lighting, etc.
But I've been asked by a few and since I took these shots for another thread, I'll put 'em up here too.
The new canopy project is on hold until my inlaws get the heck out of my house, and the new chiller purchase put a dent in the wallet so actinics might have to wait some more :o

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/crappyFTS_2.jpg

[Jessy]

I think I'm finally getting a tangerine yuma of my very own this weekend :D

[barometer]

lol, I saw that Jessy. If you're getting it from Minh, it's the exact same yuma as mine. :p
But seems like we'll be parting ways shortly now that you have room to do what you really want and I'm still stuck in my little hex :rolleyes: :cool:

I do have one new addition, Jerry! He's our new mandarin. I'll get pics up of him soon. And I'm ordering parts now for the new canopy. Updates to come :)

[Techknowledgy]

Man........ Ed got a mandirin before me. Cool........... look forward to seeing the new canopy....... and coming to visit.

[barometer]

Sorry Roland, I just couldn't resist. After about a month of research, going back and forth, an out of control pod population, my father prodding me along and seeing it eat frozen in person I had to get him. Jerry is so cool, I could watch him for hours. He seems to be eating cyclopeeze and prawn eggs and is even trying to eat bigger pieces of mysis, though they seem to be just a bit too big for him. I think I'm gonna add some brine to the mix for better size.

Of course you're welcome for a visit anytime. The tank is still a bit unorganized, but I'm slowly getting there. :)

[acbaldwin]

Hey buddy I think we're gonna need some new pics of the mandarin!

And congrats to Jess on getting an awesome awesome ric!


Oh, and Roland - don't feel too bad, I don't have any yet either! :o

[Techknowledgy]

No worries.......... I will get one eventually... I just want to make doubly sure it will not starve. My fuge seems to have really kicked in. I have two CC stars in there that I am fattening up for my harlequins, (the bristle worms seem to like the silver sides I feed them too) and it is becoming pod heaven. I will get one when the mood strikes me. My fishy senses seme to have kept it alive all along so far..... so no need to rush. I saw one but it really wasn't "the one" so I passed, but he did feed it frozen mysis which it ate and prawn eggs which it really liked. I want one like that. Just one with amazing colors.

[Diver Dan]

Im going to need to see an update on this thing! I cant wait to see it in person. When ever i can get a ride, most days im stuck at home doing homework, and surfing the web on sdreefs...:D

[barometer]

I took a few quicky shots of Jerry. I'm gonna need some time to sit by the tank with the camera to get good ones, but it's something. I love him, he's just the coolest fish to watch :D
Sorry about the dirty glass, I've been slacking :o

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/phishies/Jerry_collage.jpg

[Nick_Kun]

I love these guys... I had a Fat one that met a power head...suckss...

[Diver Dan]

Theres Jerry!!!
Cool little guy!

[Techknowledgy]

Pretty fish. I want one.

[GoTakuF1]

"What's the deal with airplane food?" says Jerry, ha! He's gorgeous in person. His orange markings are remarkably intense!

[dukenukem]

Mandarins are a favorite of mine as well... I'll get one when my tank is established enought :D

[marineman1978]

Jerry is really cool. Nice fish Ed, ooh ooh I want one too! Tanks coming along great.

[barometer]

here's a new set of crappy FTSs. I have to get a chance to take pics during the day. When the MH is the only illumination in the room the pics come out bad (grainy, glary, less color) :o

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/FTS1.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/FTS2.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/FTS3.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/FTS4.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/FTS5.jpg

[GoTakuF1]

Lookin' good bud, that yuma is getting gnarly!

[barometer]

Thanks Minh,

It just sprouted it's first baby, You can see where it's popping off underneath. Yay I'm a new daddy :p The muted rainbow yuma on the other side is getting bigger than the tangerine I think :cool:

[Nick_Kun]

Updates??? :)

[barometer]

:eek: snap, hitting me early eh Nick? ;)
You know they'll be plenty of test shots once my new toy gets here. It's coming from England so I don't know how long it's gonna take :rolleyes:

[Nick_Kun]

http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/reviews/sig105.jpg

Droool....

[RussM]

Just got one of those 105mm Sigma macros for my wife's D40X... but I have to wait until after the 25th though to give it a try.

[barometer]

Sweet! :D The reviews for still macro and portraiture are great. Supposedly super sharp with awesome color and contrast. I sure hope so, I want to use it for FTSs as well as close ups.....we'll see :cool:

[RussM]

You know they'll be plenty of test shots once my new toy gets here. So what cool toy are you getting, Ed? One of those lenses? New camera?

[barometer]

the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro is on it's way :D

[RussM]

the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro is on it's way :D
Oooh... duelling macros... 45s at twenty paces... ugh i mean 105s at 20 inches. It's gonna be war;)

We'll have to compare results! What DSLR body you using?

[barometer]

Oooh... duelling macros... 45s at twenty paces... ugh i mean 105s at 20 inches. It's gonna be war;)

We'll have to compare results! What DSLR body you using?

hehe, yeah, can't wait to see what this baby can do compared to adjustable zooms. I've just got the Rebel XT body, but it's been pretty good to me. I can take some decent shots with my 70-300 on macro setting, but I need ALOT of light. This should be much better and I'm looking forward to more DOF control. :)

BTW, did you mention something about being from PA before?

[RussM]

BTW, did you mention something about being from PA before?
Yep, I'm from central Bucks County

[barometer]

Yep, I'm from central Bucks County

Oh yeah, I'm from Macungie in the Lehigh Valley. Howdy neighbor. :p
We'll definitely have to do a macro photo comparison after Christmas. I'll be posting in this thread if I get anything good :rolleyes:

[barometer]

Well I guess an update is long overdue. Beat the nastiest hair algae infestation ever after several months of battle (Thanks Minh and Jessy :D). Still skimmerless (4-5 months now) and things are going well. I've got lots of pics to process so in the meantime here's a taster :)

a couple of shots of one of my recent additions.....Trimma tevegae or Blue Spot Cave Goby
funny that in these pics he's horizonatal as most of the time he swims vertically in the water column

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/trimma2_sm.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/trimma1_sm.jpg

.....and a couple crappy FTS's.....Holy Coralline Batman! :p

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/1yrFTS1_sm.jpg

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/1yrFTSactinic1_sm.jpg

[Techknowledgy]

Looking good Ed. Congrats!

[Redeye]

AWESOME fish

[Nick_Kun]

good to hear that you are winning the bryops battle ed. Tank is looking good btw.

MORE PICS PLEASE!!!!! :)

- Nick

[limestro]

Looking good Ed, I can spot the CARs from here. Where's all the close ups, all this talk about macro lenses with you and no macro shots? Booo =)

~Mike

[ManTis]

that is it? Only those pics? You said u will have more...!!! jk..:D

Looking good Ed....Congrats on the battle...

MORE PICS PLEASE...

[iceemn360]

love it . great tank!

[barometer]

After much hounding :rolleyes: :p I got to do some processing. Not necessarily the best shots, but some things I wanted to show.

crappy FTS collage of the 5 viewable sides of my hex

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/1yrFTScollage.jpg

blastos that started as one head about 6 months ago (from Harold)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/blasto_merletti_sm.jpg

my male clown trying to host the acan for some reason :confused: (clowns: Brady, Orange Crush/Agent/whatever it's becoming: Harold)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/clownacan_sm.jpg

This one was like fingernail size when I got it (from Jessy)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/fijiyellow_sm.jpg

4th generation lettuce slug
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/another_nudi_sm.jpg

this is how the Trimma usually swims.....GULP! (from Gus)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/TrimmaGulp_sm.jpg

[barometer]

Candy Apple Reds (Vivid RAP)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/CARS_sm.jpg

new zoas from Dennis via Mike.....thanks guys
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/Dennispalys_sm.jpg

more new zoas from Mike, let's see what happens to these colors
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/LimestroPalys_sm.jpg

I love yumas (left from Jordan, right baby of one from Jon and Julia)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/bullseyeyuma_sm.jpg

monti macro (PIF from Paul)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/orangemonti_sm.jpg

red headed dendro (from Harold)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/dendroR1_sm.jpg

yellow headed dendro from Brahm (lots of babies on the other side)
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/barometer/tank_progress/dendroY_sm.jpg

[limestro]

Wow Sugoi Des Ne!

http://darkdiamond.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/anime-eyelids.jpg

~Mike

[barometer]

DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASU MIKE-SAN! :D :cool:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/516824346_98e32d720d.jpg

[Techknowledgy]

Ed,

I am completely in awe of your photographics skills. You are the God of Reef Photography.

[Nick_Kun]

Wow nice collection of neat things there ed. Those Candy Apple Reds looks yummy!

- Nick

[barometer]

Ed,

I am completely in awe of your photographics skills. You are the God of Reef Photography.

:hideeyes:ACK! you should not say such things Roland. Though I appreciate the comment (thank you), I don't think any of these shots actually 'pass' as far as photos go. I've got ALOT to learn and of course could always use more light :rolleyes: :cool:


Wow nice collection of neat things there ed. Those Candy Apple Reds looks yummy!


Arigato gozaimasu sensei. Not compared to you ;) I wish I could get shots of so much more.....we gotta work on the top-down dealio.

[JoeJ]

If these aren't the results of god-like skills, I'd hate to see what kinda pics you take after "learning" more; I'd probably go blind from viewing the results!:cool::cool::cool:


:hideeyes:ACK! you should not say such things Roland. Though I appreciate the comment (thank you), I don't think any of these shots actually 'pass' as far as photos go. I've got ALOT to learn and of course could always use more light :rolleyes: :cool:



Arigato gozaimasu sensei. Not compared to you ;) I wish I could get shots of so much more.....we gotta work on the top-down dealio.

[ManTis]

Hey Ed, we need an updated of this and that Cubicus Maximus!!!! I want to see pics, it been a while and I can't wait any longer....:D

[barometer]

Yeah, I've been totally SWAMPED lately. But all the pieces are in place for C. Maximus. Gonna start putting it together in the next week or 2. Then I'll post an update and a new upgrade thread, I promise :D

[GoTakuF1]

Hate to see this very beautiful natural system go down. Great job with the tank, Ed.