update pics

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.

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.

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.

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

overkill? maybe....

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.

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.







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.