update pics

[slipknottin]

Well I recieved about 50 pounds of LR from liveaquaria two days ago. I couldnt see into the tank more than an inch for a week, so i got fed up and added quite a bit of carbon to the tank. You can see the AC 300 running in the sump. The sump/refugium is now full of all the rock rubble from my two rock orders...

Water parameters are

temp- 81
Ph- 8.2
NH3/NH4- .25
NO2- above 1
NO3- 50

The ammonia spiked up to 7.0 the day i added my rock, so the cycle is coming along very nicely. I had added quite a bit of ammonia a week before getting the rock, so thats why it seems to be happening so quickly.

Lighting is going to be 4 or 6x54 watt 6500K T5s with two 400 watt radiums running on DIY pulse start ballasts ($150 for both ballasts)

The hood isnt finished, but you can see the two 54 watt T5 bulbs i have now. The bulb in front swings up and towards the back of the tank so i have better access. I need to add reflectors over the bulbs so i dont get so much light in my eyes, then i need to paint the entire inside and outside of the hood, as well as rig up some contratption to keep the access door up when im working. Its no fun resting it on your head. :p

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1461219/18365667.jpg

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1461219/18365662.jpg

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1461219/18365598.jpg

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1461219/18365594.jpg

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1461219/18365589.jpg

[gcvt]

It's just like a big blank canvas - soooooo many possibilities! :D :)

Have you formulated a final game plan?

And, of course, congrats again on the new tank!

[slipknottin]

Probably going to end up being mainly SPS... maybe a clam or two... havent decided.

I still need to get the top-off and kalk reactor up and running.

[fishfreek]

Looks like a great start.

I have to ask why is the canopy so tall if the bulbs are just a few " above the water? Do you plan on MH lighting at some stage?

ALso I see it looks like your sump is very full. Do you have any one way valves in place to prevent sump overflow when your circulation pump stops due to power outage?

[slipknottin]

I already ordered the bulbs and im going to put together my own ballasts soon.

dual 400 watt radiums.

Ive tested out the sump a couple times and it doesnt overflow.

[Boogiechillin]

Originally posted by slipknottin
Ive tested out the sump a couple times and it doesnt overflow.

Heh...famous last words. :rolleyes:

Remember: Drill MULTIPLE siphon breaks in the return tubing!!!

[slipknottin]

lol... I have about 12 holes in the three return tubes now :D

overkill? :confused: maybe....

[slipknottin]

Well tomorrow is the big move.

The T5 lighting is all setup, and im just going to use some powerheads in the 90 until they send me a Wave2k.

NH3/NH4- 0
N02- 0
NO3- ~10

I tossed in two snails and a couple hermits to see if they make it through the night. Im assuming they will.

[slipknottin]

Well new pics are up. These were taken this morning before the tank had time to clear up. I added another clown to pair with the one I have, and a 4" yellow tang to clear up the algae.

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1474063/19196529.jpg

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1474063/19196541.jpg

http://pic4.picturetrail.com/VOL62/756544/1474063/19196566.jpg

Now I need to buy the 2x400 watt MH setup, and I need to get my Wave2k shipped. Then I add a www.ipsf.com 9 for $99 deal and then get some more coral frags.

[Pootspete]

Very, very, very nice Slip!:D

[slipknottin]

Thanks.

I added a bicolor pseudochromis and 5 blue/green chromis yesterday. I used half a bottle of ammonia to cycle the tank, so the bio-capacity is more than enough.

Ill try to get some new pics in a little while, but Ill start a new post, this one is getting jam packed with photos already.


Im starting to wonder if i should go with the 2x400 watt magnetic ballasts, or save up and get two 250 watt icecap ballasts.