SDguy's 240g FOWLR upgrade!

[SDguy]

Yes, finally!!! I ordered the tank early this year, but now it's finally running, with salt water, at least :)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1352.jpg

Sump with SWC skimmer:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1347.jpg'

Fuge + LR chamber:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1348.jpg

[nanoreefbro]

Looks great Peter! Where did you get the stand from? I'm in the market for my 112 gal tank...

[Bananahands]

Beautiful! Can't wait to see it filled, with fish that is.

[SDguy]

Beautiful! Can't wait to see it filled, with fish that is.
They are thinking the same thing from my QT's in my kitchen!

[reefer38]

looking great!!!!!! what are you gonna be using for lighting?

[jada1]

Looks great...

[SDguy]

Looks great Peter! Where did you get the stand from? I'm in the market for my 112 gal tank...

It's actually the Atlantis series from Leemar, just like the maple one I have for my reef, except I had them stain it red mahogany.


looking great!!!!!! what are you gonna be using for lighting?

Thanks! I plan to use the same lights I have on the 110g currently (T5 4x54W) except I'll use only two bulbs per 4' stretch. As it stands now I only run 2 of the 4 bulbs on the current 4' tank. I'm going to have to check which bulbs they are...I love the color they provide. One is a Korallen -Zucht Fiji Purple, not sure on the other one...


Looks great...

Thanks! Hoping to get most of the live rock in this weekend.

[fresh2120]

It looks good i wish i could of gotten my tank up and running as fast as you did. Cant wait to see it with fish

[SDguy]

It looks good i wish i could of gotten my tank up and running as fast as you did. Cant wait to see it with fish

Thanks!

LOL!!! Fast?! I was just commenting on a thread over on RC that I can't believe my poor little butterflies have been in QT in my kitchen since Feb 15 waiting for this tank! :lol:

[reefrf]

That's going to be a sweet looking FOWLR!! Congratulations Peter. Nice upgrade!!!!!

[SDguy]

Thanks Ron!

[jada1]

U keeping the reef tank..

[SDguy]

U keeping the reef tank..

Undecided...

[jada1]

I hope that pump was the issue..goodluck bro enjoy starting that new tank..I'm still waiting for my house so I can start my upgrade

[SDguy]

Yeah, I really hope the impeller was the issue. I'm going to run a ton of carbon, and get some polyfilters in there. Time will tell...

[jada1]

A pump caused me some Colonies of sps till I figured out it was a pump that was starting to burn internally cuz it turned my water black..on my auto top off container ..

[JohnnyAirtime]

Yes, finally!!! I ordered the tank early this year, but now it's finally running, with salt water, at least :)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1352.jpg

Sump with SWC skimmer:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1347.jpg'

Fuge + LR chamber:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1348.jpg

Awesome!!!

Makes me want to go all FOWLR with my 240!

[acronautical]

Undecided.... Say what!?

[SDguy]

Long story, Steve...

OK, gettin' there! :D
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/240g%202012/IMG_1356.jpg

[fresh2120]

Thanks!

LOL!!! Fast?! I was just commenting on a thread over on RC that I can't believe my poor little butterflies have been in QT in my kitchen since Feb 15 waiting for this tank! :lol:

Well compared to my tank I ment, its fast from us putting it in ur house to getting it going, thats a lot faster then I was able to get things rolling on my tank....

[DaveMorris]

Looks beautiful Peter. It'll look even better when you get the sandbed in there! :)

[Vince]

Looks beautiful Peter. It'll look even better when you get the sandbed in there! :)


:hideeyes::hideeyes: ===lmao DM

[SDguy]

Ugh ****ing sand freaks

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[specvjeff]

We want sand! We want sand! We want sand!

Jeff
San Diego Reefs Moderator
Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

[Vince]

http://blog.sandbaraquatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_4445.jpg

Seeing Peter cringe right now--lol

[SDguy]

1. Get your own 240 and fill it with sand.

2. Even IF I do get sand it will be shallow.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[specvjeff]

1. Get your own 240 and fill it with sand.

2. Even IF I do get sand it will be shallow.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Someone's panties are in a twist!

Jeff
San Diego Reefs Moderator
Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

[SDguy]

Haha... "get your own 240" is over the line for you forum and FB sand stalkers? : D

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Vince]

Im closing this thread--:shocked::shocked: --- hahahaha

[SDguy]

IATL In After The Lock even if you do : p

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Vince]

Hahaha

[DaveMorris]

Hey come on Peter...I'm just getting in my jabs to make up for all of the grey submarine comments you're going to hurl at me when I start putting Naso's in my 300g.

I do like the look of your 240. Especially the matching wood between the stand and the floor. :)

[specvjeff]

Naso's? :lol:

Jeff
San Diego Reefs Moderator
Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

[specvjeff]

Tank looks great Peter! I'm sure all those fish in the kitchen will appreciate their new home!

Jeff
San Diego Reefs Moderator
Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

[acronautical]

What is the Cliff's Notes version of the "long story" Peter?

[SDguy]

Cliff Note's? Everything is dying :)

Begging for food as I sit at my computer:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1357.jpg

[Vince]

Like...

[LotsaFishies]

Looking good Peter!

[jada1]

Nice fishes..

[h20poloman]

I still vote for sand Peter - I'm a fan of the natural reef look and sand is included in that. At least with your reef you had some partial sand for wrasses and the rest was covered with corals :)

[SDguy]

Yeah, I'll have sand... just need to add some eel PVC tubes first :)

[h20poloman]

Yeah, I'll have sand... just need to add some eel PVC tubes first :)


AWESOME!! What kind of eel(s) are you going to get? Never had one...I like the look of them but they freak me out a bit especially after hearing Pirate Dave's story when he had his latch onto his hand and flung it across the room :shocked:

[SDguy]

I have an Echidna polyzona. He's been in the QT with the butterflies for many months now. Trying to grow him large enough so that he won't fit through eggcrate. Then he'll get moved into the big tank...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G7U1ae_Qfs

[DaveMorris]

That's cool. I didn't know you had an eel.

[SDguy]

It's going to be a bit before sand gets in there. I still need to cure the rocks that used to be in the original FO... the ones that are drilled for the pillars. Then add the pillars to the 240g. Can't add the sand until that's done. I just moved those rocks into the trash can that I used to cure the first set of rocks. Now I just wait...

Actually, just checked out the rock. It's looking good. Considering I threw it in a tub a while back and it smelled so bad that I had to move it onto my balcony! I think a week in new water will suffice...

[SDguy]

Couldn't resist this little hybrid!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/1225-2821-thickbox.jpg

[SDguy]

My latest pickup. Big thanks to Marc at AW and the folks at Quality Marine for getting this rare beauty to me!!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/Chaetodongardineri.jpg

[Shells]

Sweet Peter two more beautiful fish. Please install in the indoor/outdoor carport in FO room so it is ok for me to drool

[SDguy]

Hehe, thanks Shelly. The hybrid and the angel will be here Tuesday... prepare to drool!

[nanoreefbro]

Peter have you ever ordered from Pacific Island Aquatics? I was thinking about ordering some fish from him.

[SDguy]

The insanity that is my obsession to this hobby continues...

Arriving tomorrow...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/1225-2821-thickbox.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/11SEP12_RSRegal_CRCR_4i_003.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/1253-2908-thickbox.jpg

[LotsaFishies]

Eww - what ugly fish Peter! I will do you a favor and take them off your hands...especially that yellow belly regal! :)

[SDguy]

I know, I have horrible taste ;)

[nanoreefbro]

Nice score Peter!

[SDguy]

It's Christmas in September here, I tell you!! :D :D

[nanoreefbro]

It's Christmas in September here, I tell you!! :D :D


Virgos do it big Peter lol....

[SDguy]

Well, some good news and bad news. The good news is all three new arrivals ate a little last night, including NLS pellets for the regal angel! The little tinkeri hybrid didn't eat pellets but had quite an appetite for PE mysis. Bad news is the marginalis came in super skinny... like I would never buy that fish in person, skinny. But he did eat a couple mysis, so maybe I can turn him around. I spoke to Kevin at PIA and he said not to worry about the 7 day guarantee... he'll extend it as long as he needs to. I thought that was decent of him.

[lowfi]

Sorry about the margi, did you lose the other one (I'm assuming so because of the purchase :( ) Let me know how Qx goes and if you need anything.

[SDguy]

Sorry about the margi, did you lose the other one (I'm assuming so because of the purchase :( ) Let me know how Qx goes and if you need anything.

Yeah, that was a year long battle. I wanted to try again, thinking more room in the 240 would make it more comfortable...

[SDguy]

OK, sand has been purchased! Thanks, Drew, at PK. He also got me my live blackworms without issue ;)

Check out my newest addition!!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1400_zpse4116008.jpg

[slicktoppomp]

Wow that's an awesome fish! Can't wait to start my FOWLR tank!

[SDguy]

Thanks! I've never ventured into the larger aggressive fish (misnomer I know) so I'm super excited to have a puffer.

[SDguy]

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1438-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1431-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1434-1.jpg

[ManTis]

Nice! I always wanted one of those guys!

[Vince]

Nice snaps!!!!

[SDguy]

Thanks. Easy subject to photograph when he just hangs there :)

[h20poloman]

Nice Peter, he already has a scar from a gang fight? :lol:

[SDguy]

Yeah, you know, I'm wondering if those are scars caused during capture (I imagine capturing shy, deepwater nocturnal fish isn't as easy as catching a fleet of tangs). Or they are just a part of his natural somewhat blotchy look. Regardless, such a cool fish. Eats anything, including large pellets, and is super peaceful. Plus that red just POPS and will be a nice change compared to all the yellow, black and white ;) .

[lowfi]

Peter-all the catalufa's that i've had, had the same markings. It's cool when the silvery blotches come out (when stressed/feeding, etc.) You should get more if your fish are cool with them!

[JohnnyAirtime]

Awesome snapper... your not worried to how big they can get over the years?

I've got a PILOT FISH that's growing like a weed. I mean, it's tripled in size over a period of 6 months. It'll be time to take him out, as he'll start to eat small fish if I don't keep'em fed. Also... he's got potential to grow to 3 feet... so I knew he'd grow, but holy cow... never knew so fast!!

[SDguy]

Peter-all the catalufa's that i've had, had the same markings. It's cool when the silvery blotches come out (when stressed/feeding, etc.) You should get more if your fish are cool with them!

Fenner recommends them singly, so I'm not sure how more than one would do. BTW, any idea if I have alta or serrula?


Awesome snapper... your not worried to how big they can get over the years?

I've got a PILOT FISH that's growing like a weed. I mean, it's tripled in size over a period of 6 months. It'll be time to take him out, as he'll start to eat small fish if I don't keep'em fed. Also... he's got potential to grow to 3 feet... so I knew he'd grow, but holy cow... never knew so fast!!

It's actually a bigeye, and max length on this particular is about a foot, with a bit smaller being average/in captivity from what some folks have told me that kept them. I don't plan on having any small fish in the tank, except the cleaner wrasse. Hopefully it will be safe since most fish recognize them as cleaners and tend not to eat them. Some info: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bigeyes.htm



Yeah, pilot fish get huge... I never understaood why anyone sells those things.

[SDguy]

Fenner recommends them singly, so I'm not sure how more than one would do. BTW, any idea if I have alta or serrula?


BTW, Marc at AW says the bag was labeled "West Americas"... I guess that makes this a P. serrula.

[Sat Cong]

Any FTS pic, Peter? Nice fishies, btw...

[JohnnyAirtime]

......It's actually a bigeye, and max length on this particular is about a foot, .....

Yeah, pilot fish get huge... I never understaood why anyone sells those things.

Uh duh! I was reading past posts, and re-typed as they had posted "snap..." How embarrassing, I even looked up Bigeye Catalufa and STILL typed snapper :runaway:

Pilot fish are super cool to watch... just ownership is short term. ;)

[SDguy]

Big mouth predator covers it, no worries LOL.

Watching him scoop up pellets off the floor sideways is pretty funny...

[acronautical]

Wow, the Bigeye is sick!

[SDguy]

Moving more fish over to the new tank...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1363.jpg

[LotsaFishies]

Very nice Peter!!

[SDguy]

Thanks Chris. Some more pics of the butterfly hoard...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1522.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1521.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1523.jpg

[Vince]

Looks good with the sand Peter--ton of nice specimens !!!

[socalaly]

Nice!~ What some aptasia for your tank ;) I have a lazy file fish...

[SDguy]

I doubt aptasia would last 10 seconds in this tank :lol:

[SDguy]

Quick video...

http://youtu.be/BpYlU3xSrWU

[naso tang]

awesome collection of fish Peter, that's got to be fun to watch!!

[jada1]

Looking great Pete I really like all the fish you got ..I'm just do a fowlr..with my.upgrade ..

[SDguy]

Thanks! This collection has taken years to acquire, but is well worth the time and effort.

[SDguy]

Things are still progressing, though slowly. I am expecting a shipment of a few final additions from LiveAquaria. Once they are in (next month) I will then move the meredithi angels and puffer and bigeye over to the 240, and shut down the 110 finally!

[bpro32]

Your copperband seems to be missing a stripe, is something wrong with it? :D

[SDguy]

Less stripes = more $$$ :)

[specvjeff]

, but is well worth the time and effort.

Now put that attitude towards your reef tank!

[acronautical]

Peter, did you ever get the little Regal?

[SDguy]

Peter, did you ever get the little Regal?

I did, and it didn't make it, so I am officially done with regal angels. It seems I will never be able to replace the first one I had :(

On another note, I decided on the one BIG fish I wanted for my FO :)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1535-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1532-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1533-1.jpg

[SDguy]

Now put that attitude towards your reef tank!

I feeling better about the reef. Not like trying acros again better, but ready to re-aquascape, and maybe throw in a big carpet nem or something...

[acronautical]

Wow! Beautiful parrotfish Peter.

[SDguy]

Wow! Beautiful parrotfish Peter.

Thanks yeah the colors are crazy!

[jason142]

That is one great looking parrot Peter. Looks like its trying to give you a kiss in that last picture, or trying to bite your head off, whichever works better for you :D.

[SDguy]

That is one great looking parrot Peter. Looks like its trying to give you a kiss in that last picture, or trying to bite your head off, whichever works better for you :D.

He most definitely does not like me and will attack the glass if I put my face up close to it. also doesn't like certain shirt colors like red...

[Vince]

2 funny+.

[socalaly]

He most definitely does not like me and will attack the glass if I put my face up close to it. also doesn't like certain shirt colors like red...
fWell obviously pPeter he would LOOOOOVE me :)

[SDguy]

fWell obviously pPeter he would LOOOOOVE me :)

:lol:

[DaveMorris]

SO what you're saying is he has a personality? Or just an attitude?

[SDguy]

I think a little of both.... definitely attitude. From what I've read, he will prevent me from having any other large wrasses or similar in the tank. He leaves the cleaner wrasse alone, at least. Still too soon to tell what sort of personality he has :)

[lowfi]

peter - you ever kept any Chaetodon citrinellus before?

[SDguy]

peter - you ever kept any Chaetodon citrinellus before?

No I have not. It's not a terribly attractive fish :o

Why?

If I was to get a spotted type butterfly, I'd go for C. guentheri

[SDguy]

OK, the puffer, the bigeye, and the meredithis all got moved into the 240 yesterday!! Today I'm moving the lights over, and I'll FINALLY be able to take some decent photos!

[SDguy]

Some sad news to report. The puffer died :( Just stopped eating, and dead 2 days later. Not sure what happened. The meredithi angels didn't like the move either. The male stopped eating, and the female turned all gray for a few days. Not sure what was up, but both are now eating and looking/acting fine.

I still have the liverock from the 110 cooking in a trash can that will eventually fill in the left half of the tank.

Here's a quick video... it looks more crowded than it actually is, since for some reason they all like to hang out in only one half of the tank :lol:

http://youtu.be/m5VdIbk9Xcc

[SDguy]

http://youtu.be/YVYXF3VPxvM

[Vince]

Wow looks nice Peter, didn't get to see the canopy on when we were there. Sorry for the loss..:curse:

[DaveMorris]

Wow, that is one crowded tank! ;)

[SDguy]

I'm assuming once there is live rock in the other half of the tank the fish will spread out more?

[lowfi]

I'm assuming once there is live rock in the other half of the tank the fish will spread out more?

Definitely. They like structure.

[Shells]

Looking great Peter!!!!! When did you get the majestic?

[SDguy]

She's one of my newest additions, Shelly. She was one of the special order fish kevin at LADD collected for me.

[SDguy]

Some very disappointing news to report. Both angels were a bit fussy after the move... in fact the male didn't eat for the first few days. But by last weekend everything seemed fine. Yesterday I came home to find the male huddled next to the overflow, head pointing down. Breathing looked OK, but he had some weird marks on his body. I didn't really have time to deal with it since I had people coming over. Well, I bring my friend Larry into the room to see the new tank and there it is... the female meredithi tearing the male apart... not bothering to bite his fins... going straight for the body. So it looks like my meredithis are following in the footsteps of so many famous Hollywood couples and getting a divorce :(

I was a little afraid this would happen one day, since she is so close to his size, and her blue face also had yellow dots in it, albeit smaller. Yesterday I already noticed those yellow dots looking much larger than before. Seems the tank transfer was the turning point.

The good news... I was able to go 3:30am fishing this morning and caught him without incident. Luckily I still had the old 110g filled, so I plopped him back in there. I have at least two friends that can take him, so he'll end up in a good home.

[SDguy]

So I changed my mind. Watching the big male meredithi in the holding tank... I just couldn't do it. So, instead, I caught the female out of the main display, and put the male back in. She will go to a good home. I may or may not add another juvi to the 240 to pair them... we'll see. In the meantime, a few new pics. Taking fast moving fish pics with a point n shoot camera under T5's sucks, BTW, so cut me some slack.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1621-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1586-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1610-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1570-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1622-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1559-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1594-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1583-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202012/IMG_1613-1.jpg

[SDguy]

A treat of clams :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE6m79Q1IpI

[SDguy]

Muelleri still kickin' it...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05808-1.jpg

Saddleback
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05800-1.jpg

General freeway congestion...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05786-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05772.jpg

[socalaly]

The big Red ones eye is going to give me nightmares tonight!!!

[SDguy]

Haha... look closely... you can see the veins!!!

[scubasteve]

Sweet pics!

[socalaly]

Oh I see it now! Scary. Is his eye cloudy or just photo?

[fresh2120]

the more i look at this the more i want to sent my 300 up and go with a fish only system.

[SDguy]

Oh I see it now! Scary. Is his eye cloudy or just photo?

It's the flash from the camera. His eye reflects like a mirror.

[SDguy]

the more i look at this the more i want to sent my 300 up and go with a fish only system.

Sooooo much easier....

[SDguy]

Sweet pics!

Thanks... got a few more to upload

[SDguy]

Hope I'm not going to suffer from the early photo curse.... but here's my newest little addition!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05909.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05910.jpg

[scubasteve]

What's the two tone angel in the pics with the moorish idol? Its' blue and orange.

[SDguy]

Which pic... I've got a navarchus angel in there, as well as a small rock beauty. Hmmm, not that I think about it, the asfur angel is two toned as well. I'm sensing a pattern :lol:

[scubasteve]

your post from 12/14.....4th pic down right behind idol.

[SDguy]

That's a rock beauty. Holacanthus tricolor.

[scubasteve]

Very cool!

[Therapy]

Peter
Do you think you could keep rose anemones in your F/O tank with butterfly and angel fish if you had some clown fish to defend them or would the angels and butterfly eat the anemones anyway.
If not for my clown fish I would have converted my reef tank to fish only years ago.

[SDguy]

Good question. I fear the water quality of a FO may prove more problematic than the fish themselves. My pair of melanopus clowns is nice sized.... I'm sure they'd have no problem keeping any hungry butterflies at bay.

[Therapy]

Can you use tap water and just use a dechlor/chloramine water conditioner for top off ?
I think I may go the fish only route after all these years.

[SDguy]

Yeah, I use tap on the FO.

[pirate2876]

Really sweet tank Peter! Love the Tinkeri b/f, one of mt favs. Watch that Asfur for agression. No tangs? A Sohal would really look sweet in there.

[SDguy]

Really sweet tank Peter! Love the Tinkeri b/f, one of mt favs. Watch that Asfur for agression. No tangs? A Sohal would really look sweet in there.

Thanks! That's actually a tink/burgessi hybrid. I hope to get a true tink soon. The asfur is super mellow actually. I'ver had him like 4-5 years now. The melanopus clowns can be a handful though! Not planning on any tangs, honestly. I don't really love tangs... the few I do like are too big and/or aggressive for a tank full of butterflies. Plus, the moorish idol really fills the niche of a tang, and I don't want any competition for him.

Here's a neat pic of some obviously closely related fish:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish Pics 2013/DSC05982.jpg

And to think there are additionally 2 more similar species!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish Pics 2013/1114121-435closer.jpg

[SDguy]

And Aly, this one's for you... we shall call him laser eye fish :lol:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish Pics 2013/DSC05969-1.jpg

The angel was being a punk and swatting him with his tail. Guess he learned not to do that again!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05844-1.jpg

[SDguy]

This is for all the damsel haters!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05976.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05977-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC05966-1.jpg

[fresh2120]

Any full tank shots.
Beautiful fish! How many r u up to now,
if u don't want to say I will understand.

[SDguy]

Thanks. FTS don't look so great, because I have different T5's on each end :o And I still haven't finished the rock work on the left side. Here's a vid though. I have a lot of fish, but majority of them don't get any bigger than 4-5"...

Here's a FTV

<object width="640" height="360"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/00sRkR8g6tw?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/00sRkR8g6tw?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Ugh, stoopid video embedding issues :mad:

Here';s the ****ing link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00sRkR8g6tw

[fresh2120]

I don't think anyone would care about the light to much, I bet it's nice to see in person with all that movement.

[SDguy]

I also don't have a good enough camera to do it... point and shoots aren't great for FO atnks in general. The video will have to do for now :)

[acronautical]

What an awesome display Peter. What is the longest you've heard anyone keeping a Moorish Idol alive and kickin'?

[SDguy]

There's a couple guys on RC currently at the 4-5 year mark. Another guy kept a couple for 10 years before a hurricane killed the tank. I think the key to them is TONS of food. They'll get skinny very fast, even after being established for a long time. I really need an autofeeder for this tank.

[acronautical]

Beautiful specimen. Its streamer is nice and long.

[SDguy]

Update on the mitrtus butterfly and a regal I bought around 6 weeks ago from VP. Both eating NLS pellets at this point :)


http://youtu.be/UXThksvthjE

[fresh2120]

Beautiful regal angel

[SDguy]

Thanks, I'm really diggin' her. Just hope she can hang in the big tank eventually. She needs to be more aggressive when she eats, so she probably won't see the DT for some time...

[jason142]

Beautiful fish peter. Glad to see you found a healthy regal.

[fresh2120]

The fish typically catch on.
I bought a wrasse at a pet store and it ate
When I brought it home I put him in and feed the tank a little later.
The fish saw everyone eat but didn't chase the food.
After about 3 days as soon as I took my hand to the top of the tank he was right there with the rest of them waiting to eat...

Just say...
But I can understand the need to want her to eat fast, I know there a pretty expensive fish...

[SDguy]

My experience with regals has been that they are "casual" eaters... they won't aggressively chase after food, especially if other fish are. Hopefully this one will change my opinions! She actually wasn't very expensive... $60 at VP.

[Vince]

Like Mr. Laser eye the best!!!!

[fresh2120]

Wow that's not a bad price at all. Man I might need to do a FO tank. It sounds cheaper then my coral tank

[SDguy]

The current QT denizens...


http://youtu.be/k8TgjBBmJxg

[DaveMorris]

That Regal is purdy. I miss mine.

[d-man]

My regal voraciously eats in my reef. She is there with a bunch of wrasses and a larger gold flake angel.
She went or food on day 1. Also from Vets Pets. Helps that Chris, Mike and Ashley make sure the fish are eating well first before they go home.

[SDguy]

My regal voraciously eats in my reef.

What do you consider voracious? Do you have a video by chance? I just want to know if I'm expecting too much :) Thanks.

[SDguy]

Some new pics...

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/6cf6eb1b-1ac8-4e73-af60-4f0cd343559c.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1427-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1429-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1438-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1445-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1473-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1459-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1466-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1467-1.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1476-1.jpg

[SDguy]

Dusky butterfly.... developed a little HLLE during copper
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1450-1.jpg

Collare butterfly I've had 3 years now!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1448-1.jpg

Another parrot pic:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/IMG_1435-1.jpg

[SDguy]

Starkii
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06120-1.jpg

talbots
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06119-1.jpg

Starkii and talbots:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06100-1.jpg

semilarvatus:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06113-1.jpg

fasciatus:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06112-1.jpg

Red Sea merger:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06111-1.jpg

Xanthurus:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06088-1.jpg

Medly:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Fish%20Pics%202013/DSC06092-1.jpg

[bbandu]

awesome pics peter

[SDguy]

Thanks Larry.

[acronautical]

Beautiful collection Peter! Do you still have the Blackback's?

[SDguy]

Beautiful collection Peter! Do you still have the Blackback's?

Thanks. I sold the blackback butterfly to Shelly actually, along with a Chaetodon lineolatus.

[d-man]

Looking good Peter. How's the other tank? Did you tear it down?

[russ13]

Very nice fish Peter

[SDguy]

Looking good Peter. How's the other tank? Did you tear it down?

No, it's still up. Haven't done much to it.


Very nice fish Peter

Thanks!

[SDguy]

So I finally threw all the kids into the pool :)

http://youtu.be/CykhLTdm7q4

[Rob619]

looks awesome peter!

[SDguy]

Thanks Rob! :)

[LotsaFishies]

It was great seeing you again today Peter!

The big tank is STUNNING -- well done!

[Vince]

Wow Amazing Peter that M.I. is huge ,has to be my favorite:beer:

[SDguy]

It was great seeing you again today Peter!

The big tank is STUNNING -- well done!

Thanks Chris, you too. Congrats again on the new addition :) And thanks again for a great job setting up my tank!

Wow Amazing Peter that M.I. is huge ,has to be my favorite:beer:

Thanks V, yeah, he's big... but he needs more food... thinking about setting up an auto feeder for him.

[SDguy]

http://youtu.be/LoVv5i83sEk

[SDguy]

New list:
Added

LARGE pomacanthus navarchus (replacing the smaller one I got rid of)
Pygoplites diacanthus (have had him for a while in the fuge, just finally put him in the DT)
Pentapodus emeryii X 3 (cleaner wrasse HATES them )
Chaetodon falcula (semilarvatus HATES him)
Chaetodon mertensii (no issues, surprisingly)
Chelmon rostratus (muelleri hates him, no issue with the marginalis, surprisingly)
Parachaetodon ocellatus x 2 (I'm not hopeful with these guys...they refuse everything but live blackworms - oh, and semilarvatus hates them too )
Chrysiptera parasema (In hiding from the other damsels)
Pomacentrus alleni X 2 (haven't seen them since they were put in the tank )

I'm surprised even in an 8' tank how aggressive tiny damsels can be to each other.


Labroides dimidiatus
Thalassoma bifasciatum
Chaetodontoplus meredithi
Pomacanthus asfur
Pomacanthus navarchus
Holacanthus tricolor
Chaetodon collare
Chaetodon declivis
Chaetodon ephippium
Chaetodon fasciatus
Chaetodon flavirostris
Chaetodon mitratus
Chaetodon paucifasciatus
Chaetodon pelewensis/punctatofasciatus hybrid
Chaetodon rainfordi
Chaetodon semilarvatus
Chaetodon xanthurus
Chelmon marginalis
Chelmon muelleri
Zanclus cornutus
Scarus quoyi
Amphiprion melanopus x 2
Chrysiptera hemicyanea
Chrysiptera starcki x 2
Chrysiptera talboti x 2
Pomacentrus alleni

[Nick_Kun]

nice mertensii peter.

[SDguy]

Thanks Nick. I need you to take some good quality photos of these guys sometime!

[naso tang]

Beautiful collection Peter, you are the fish whisperer!

[jason142]

Absolutely amazing Peter!!!!

[acronautical]

Looks awesome Peter. I like how during the feeding frenzy one of the Personifiers is just hanging stationary while the cleaner wrasse goes to it.
Does the wrasse clean each fish in a systematic way each day, or just randomly (whoever needs cleaning gets cleaned)?

[SDguy]

Looks awesome Peter. I like how during the feeding frenzy one of the Personifiers is just hanging stationary while the cleaner wrasse goes to it.
Does the wrasse clean each fish in a systematic way each day, or just randomly (whoever needs cleaning gets cleaned)?

Thanks Steve... the wrasse actually doesn't do a whole lot of cleaning, some quick passes on a fish here and there and that's about it.

[Nick_Kun]

Thanks Nick. I need you to take some good quality photos of these guys sometime!

for sure peter.

[SDguy]

I've got a box arriving from LiveAquaria today :bounce:

[Shells]

what did you get???? what did you get????

[SDguy]

Updates!!

Current stock list (items in red are changes since my last update.

Acanthurus leucosternon - added (used to reside in my reef... 7 years in my care)
Pentapodus emeryii (single remaining specimen killed the other two... don't let their grouping behavior when young fool you, they do NOT get along)
Labroides dimidiatus
Thalassoma bifasciatum - removed
Chaetodontoplus meredithi
Pomacanthus asfur
Pomacanthus navarchus
Holacanthus tricolor
Pygoplites diacanthus
Centropyge loricula X 2 - added (used to reside in my reef)
Chaetodon collare
Chaetodon declivis
Chaetodon ephippium
Chaetodon falcula
Chaetodon fasciatus
Chaetodon flavirostris
Chaetodon mertensii
Chaetodon mitratus
Chaetodon paucifasciatus
Chaetodon pelewensis/punctatofasciatus hybrid - removed
Chaetodon rainfordi
Chaetodon semilarvatus
Chaetodon xanthurus - removed
Chelmon marginalis
Chelmon muelleri
Chelmon rostratus "aussie" (moved to the fuge until he can compete for food better - may have to sell him off though)
Parachaetodon ocellatus x 2
Zanclus cornutus
Scarus quoyi
Amphiprion melanopus x 2
Chrysiptera hemicyanea
Chrysiptera parasema
Chrysiptera starcki x 2
Chrysiptera talboti x 2
Pomacentrus alleni x 3

[SDguy]

Got a small fowleri tang. But he does not look good in the acclImation bucket :(

[SDguy]

Got a small fowleri tang. But he does not look good in the acclImation bucket :(

Well he's in QT and looking much better! What a gorgeous fish!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/9557419687_56207ff5d3.jpg

[SDguy]

Another update... I installed a Tunze 6255 with controller on the tank. Wow, is all I have to say. Big thanks to Marc and the folks at AW for hooking me up. The flow is amazing for such a relatively small pump.

[SDguy]

Ugh.. I hate the aw guys. They make me buy so much lol

[Aquatic Warehouse]

Sorry Peter :lol:

I still think that giant Maori Wrasse would make a nice addition to the tank :beer:

[h20poloman]

ugh.. I hate rhe aw guys. they make buy so much lol

Ha! You live too close - great to see you today. Need to see your set ups one of these days in person

[pylos]

http://youtu.be/LoVv5i83sEk

I never thought a FO could look so good. Gives me ideas! Thanks.

[SDguy]

:D http://reefbuilders.com/2013/10/18/peter-martis-fowlr-tank/

[RussM]

Wow! Just WOW!

Peter, I've admired your talent for maintaing gorgeous, super healthy tanks ever since I first saw your 110g many years ago. You still got it, man! And now a well-deserved article on RB. Way cool...

[ManTis]

Congrats! Well deserved!

[SDguy]

Thank you!

[DaveMorris]

That tank looks awesome. Such a cool rainbow of color too. Congrats on the write up.

[SDguy]

Thanks! I'm pretty happy with it at this point. Oh, and yes, the reef is back up and running. Live rock is going in now. :)

[DaveMorris]

Thanks! I'm pretty happy with it at this point. Oh, and yes, the reef is back up and running. Live rock is going in now. :)

That's great to hear. We need another tank to see as an example of how to do things. :) I'm hoping to get water in mine very soon. I'll be keeping an eye out for updates on your reef.

[bbandu]

Congrats peter on the write up, hope to see pics of the reef tank soon.

[SDguy]

This little guy is developing some beautiful markings! Not sure if he'll go in this tank, or the reef :)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/10545660016_04fb5f1fdb_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/10545888683_e75689a497_z.jpg

[acronautical]

Congrats on the well-deserved Reef Builders article Peter!

[SDguy]

Thanks Steve!

My newest acquisitions:
http://youtu.be/JcyC_tmH6Xg


http://youtu.be/JcyC_tmH6Xg

[SDguy]

And here they are in QT: :D

http://youtu.be/m_bFEb-_DA4


http://youtu.be/m_bFEb-_DA4

[lowfi]

The video of you feeding them in that bucket stressed me out! Nice fish dude, good luck.

[SDguy]

The video of you feeding them in that bucket stressed me out! Nice fish dude, good luck.

Why's that?

[lowfi]

Looked like a small amount of water...with the feedings I was worried about nh3 and DO. Glad they are doing well! That whole complex is my favorite group of bf's. they are hardy as well which is an obvious plus :)

[lowfi]

You're back on sdmas staff??! Nice!

[SDguy]

Looked like a small amount of water...with the feedings I was worried about nh3 and DO. Glad they are doing well! That whole complex is my favorite group of bf's. they are hardy as well which is an obvious plus :)

Oh, haha, yeah, that was just them drip acclimating in the bucket. I thought it was pretty cool that they were eating pellets 15 minutes after being pulled out of their shipping bags! Yeah, they are duper hardy. I now have all the ones I want from the complex (except of course flavocoronatus) :)


You're back on sdmas staff??! Nice!

Yeah, they hog tied me.

[lowfi]

Yeah, they hog tied me.

Sucker!

Great fish though, good luck with them. Think about the bandit ;)

[clira13]

Peter,
How's the Margined Butterfly holding out? I'm very interested in having one.

[SDguy]

Peter,
How's the Margined Butterfly holding out? I'm very interested in having one.

Doing great.... one of my favorite fish.

[Dugaru]

Hey man, absolutely love the tank. It is my current inspiration for my new tank (don't have time for a reef any more, but gotta keep a tank!). Would you be able to post some info about your maintenance schedule/filtering/CUC? Curious at what I would be looking at if I were to switch to a heavily stocked FOWLR similar to yours.

[SDguy]

Hey man, absolutely love the tank. It is my current inspiration for my new tank (don't have time for a reef any more, but gotta keep a tank!). Would you be able to post some info about your maintenance schedule/filtering/CUC? Curious at what I would be looking at if I were to switch to a heavily stocked FOWLR similar to yours.

Thanks!

I have a pretty big skimmer (SWC300). I run a dual BRS reactor (both with carbon). I have a fuge with a light, but I have yet to add any chaeto :o. I also have a biopellet reactor I have yet to install :o :o. I change about 80g every 4 weeks. No cleanup crew... and since I added a tusk, I doubt I'll get one.

[Dugaru]

I figured no CUC, but wanted to make sure. The tangs probably do a half decent job of keeping any algae that does pop up in check? What are you trying to filter out with the carbon? Just general fish waste?

I had thought about trying to propagate macro algae in my sump and move it into the display, with plans on the tangs keeping it in check (also great nutritionally for them). Do you think tangs would just eat it back to nothing?

Sounds like a pretty easy to take care of , but great to look at, tank, which is absolutely my goal.

[SDguy]

Unfortunately with a heavily stocked FO, algae Is going to grow, especially If the tangs don't eat it, so I don't have the most attractive algae on the rocks, but It cleans up pretty easily with a powerhead during water changes. The powerhead is also great for blowing detritus out of the rocks during water changes. Trust me, NO amount of flow (and I have lots) will keep detritus out of the rocks.

You really need to run carbon on a FO... the water can get tinted pretty fast. I run carbon on all my tanks.

Between angels and tangs, I don't think any macro would make it in my DT.

Yeah, the tank is easy enough to care for. Minimal equipment and electricity too. Getting all the fish through QT and keeping them long term can be a challenge, depending on the species you go with.

[SDguy]

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/12595542643_9578b8c8d6_z.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/12595426865_c1e095ce44_z.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/12595416655_9a5623ed44_z.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/12595846514_3c328aacbd_z.jpg

[jason142]

That is just insane Peter, looks amazing.

[Nick_Kun]

loving the rock structures peter!

[Vince]

Nice Peter!!

[SDguy]

That is just insane Peter, looks amazing.

Thank you!


loving the rock structures peter!

Thanks I'm really happy with the way it turned out.


Nice Peter!!

Thanks V.

[DaveMorris]

You gots some purdy fish there Peter! Tanks looks fabulous. Do you have any recent videos of it posted?

How's the reef resurrection going?

[duecejt]

Looking good Peter. I really like the rare Butterfly collection. What are you feeding them and how often? I know that those fish need several small feedings and a wide variety to stay healthy. Also most seem to be finicky eaters. If anyone can keep those in captivity it will be you.

[SDguy]

You gots some purdy fish there Peter! Tanks looks fabulous. Do you have any recent videos of it posted?

How's the reef resurrection going?

No recent videos... I need to do some soon. I added the blueline angel and the lone tinkeri (lost his mate :( ) to the DT recently.

The reef is up and running, with a nice big healthy mag anemone in it, as planned. I hope to grab my corals from pirate Dave this weekend!


Looking good Peter. I really like the rare Butterfly collection. What are you feeding them and how often? I know that those fish need several small feedings and a wide variety to stay healthy. Also most seem to be finicky eaters. If anyone can keep those in captivity it will be you.

LOTS of food... people grossly underestimate how much food butterflies take in! I start with pellets when I get home from work, then move on to frozen (things like PE Mysis, scallop, clam, etc), then by the end of the night, live blackworms if I happen to have them in the fridge.

[SDguy]

Sorry Marc :o

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/13170198575_dcc1ca87e6_c.jpg

[Funkateer_1]

Ill bring the respirator and power washer when I come over lol

[SDguy]

The FOWLR is looking great!


http://youtu.be/_xBgYepf3hw


http://youtu.be/wHUIzv4ebpU


http://youtu.be/Dc-nNYxA5UA

[SDguy]

A face only a mother could love :)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1664/25061698269_579158bbba_c.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1683/25429451085_93f1523373_c.jpg

[XO PRESENTS]

AMAZING Peter !

[DaveMorris]

Beautiful tank, as always. Such nice fish and so well taken care of. Thanks for sharing!

[SDguy]

https://youtu.be/8EYb9bgatEI

[jason142]

Just amazing Peter, so envious of that tank.

[SDguy]

Thanks man!

[Vince]

Very Nice, suckers are huge now!!!

[sushi]

Dang! Look at all them fish! That looks great!!

[cboltsd]

Love that Pakistani butterfly, that is a beaut!

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[SDguy]

Thanks all, yeah, they have gotten big! Which unfortunately means I needed to thin a heard a while back.

[cboltsd]

Thanks all, yeah, they have gotten big! Which unfortunately means I needed to thin a heard a while back.What are you letting go of?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[SDguy]

What are you letting go of?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk


None currently from this tank. I have a few in the reef that need to go, eventually, as I tear the reef down.

[SDguy]

Believe it or not I still have this tank :bounce:. It's been through a lot. I'll post details here one day. For now, here's a recent video.


https://youtu.be/wq4hwMux69s

[[G]h0s'][']

Good to see you’re still here, Peter. That fish look happy and that sand bed cleanliness is on my bucket list to achieve. Lol

[cboltsd]

Looks great man!!

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[Funkateer_1]

Wait.... Is that the stripey I gave you? That thing is a dinosaur now

[pirate2876]

Whoa, Peter is still around?

[jason142]

Awesome seeing you still going Peter, was just talking about you the other day!

[SDguy]

h0s'][';1154421"]Good to see you’re still here, Peter. That fish look happy and that sand bed cleanliness is on my bucket list to achieve. Lol

Ha! Thanks! I actually don't do much anymore with the sand.... gravel vacuum it maybe once every year or two. I think it is fine enough, and there is enough flow in the tank, that very little crap actually settles into it.


Looks great man!!

Thanks!


Wait.... Is that the stripey I gave you? That thing is a dinosaur now
Yup, still a few old timers in the tank. I mean, look at the size of that saddleback :shocked:


Whoa, Peter is still around?

Creepers gotta creep ;)


Awesome seeing you still going Peter, was just talking about you the other day!

My ears were burning! ;)

[SDguy]

So here's my TL;DR update, for anyone interested.

2018 and 2019 were rough years for me, and therefore for the tank as well. Between work being insane, and some personal medical issues, I admit to a pretty severe amount of neglect towards the tank. Maybe 2 water changes total in that time, and basically throwing in some pellets once a day (at best) for food.


2020 has been a bit of a resurrection for the tank, and myself. At the end of 2019 I left my job of almost 20 years. Amazingly, all my medical issues apparently stayed with the job :) While I had only planned to take a few months off, a certain pandemic hit, and I ended up taking all 2020 off.
Changes to the tank itself at the start of 2020: I did a major deep clean of the neglected tank. The 2nd fuge with just LR had like 7” of detritus in the bottom of it. The rest of the filter/sump wasn’t much better. So I first did a major water change where all I did was clean the sump/fuges. I completely removed the LR from the 2nd fuge. Next, I deep cleaned the display LR and internal overflow. I set up a temporary second return pump, a strong one, to maximize flow from the tank to the sump. With a dozen pairs of clean filter socks ready, I started using a MJ1200 to blow clean every nook and cranny of the rock in the tank. You can imagine what a **** storm that was. Filter socks clogged quickly, and were replaced as needed. To clean the inside of the overflow, first I used a long brush throughout. Then I pumped water directly from the sump into the overflow, bypassing the actual tank. Again, multiple filter socks filled up. And of course, a good size 120g water change was finally done on the system, during which I gravel vacuumed ALL the sand. Again, nothing but grossness to be found LOL.


After the SWC300 skimmer pump died (and nothing available as a replacement, I replaced the entire skimmer with a Reef Octopus Regal 250INT 10" Internal Protein Skimmer (VarioS). I LOVE how quiet the DC pump is, so I also replaced my return pump with a Current Eflux DC pump.


I moved my Neptune AC Jr. from the reef (finally sold that tank too after sitting empty in my living room for years). The AC Jr. basically functions as a glorified light timer.


Lights: The tank originally had 2 x Blue PLUS and 2 x Fiji Purple T5. I added four 4ft TrueLumen Pro strips (2 x daylight, 2 x diamond white) just because I had them laying around for some reason. I also then added some 5050 LED accent lighting (the 5 meter strip rolls you can get from Amazon) 2 x 8ft red, 4 x 8ft violet. There are also 3 smaller LED units used for minor dusk/dawn/moonlight effect. With all these options, and the AC Jr. I can create/simulate all sorts of times of day. At no point during the day are all the lights on, however.


After the tank settled down, I began to restock. Still always using my QT – cupramine, prazi, nitrofuracin green powder, and other meds as needed. I also did metro in food in the main display after most additions were done.

Here’s the current stock list.


Amphiprion occelaris “gladiator” x 2
Apolemichthys trimaculatus
Apolemichthys xanthurus – currently in the fuge looking for a new home.
Chaetodon burgessi
Chaetodon ephippium
Chaetodon lunula x 2
Chaetodon vagabundus
Chaetodon kleini
Chaetodon ulietensis
Chrysiptera parasema x 2
Chrysiptera talboti
Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus
Ctenochaetus strigosus
Ctenochaetus tominiensis
Genicanthus lamarck – M/F pair
Halichoeres chrysus x 2
Halichoeres melanurus
Hemitaurichthys polylepis x 3
Hemitaurichthys zoster x 2
Holacanthus tricolor
Labroides dimidiatus
Microcanthus strigatus
Paracanthurus hepatus
Pomacanthus annularis - Tiny juvi.
Pomacanthus navarchus
Pomacentrus alleni
Pomacentrus coelestis
Salarias ramosus
Xanthichthys auromarginatus



I think that's it :D