Lukas' Tank Build [Archive]

Lukas

09-28-2009, 07:34 AM

Hi everyone!
My Tank Build is Here!
From Beggining To end.
(Pictures Will come later, Dont have the camara right now)

OK, So as you all probably know Angie Gave me My awesome 45 gallon tank,
And Brought it over to my house (With a Whole ton of other things too),
So much people helped! I got 3 Aquarium heaters that Day!
So than In a couple weeks, I got a protien Skimmer, But oh my gosh I cant remember the persons name I got it from (I'm so sorry).
And Than in another couple weeks or so, I did the big trade, All my DS stuff For (It seemed like) All Beckys aquarium stuff lol Thanks Becky for the Trade.
Than Came The Hardest Part so Far, Mixing the salt.
It Took me sooooo Long to do that.
First I totally forgot about Mixing it in a bucket, Than I Messed up and Made the salinity really high (1.035).
So than I have a aquarium half filled with High salinity water,
But a few questions and answers from everyone here on TCMAS, And I got the salinity Just right.
And yesterday at angies meeting I got my first 20 pounds of live rock!
So thats About everything so far.
Please say something if I missed some part of what happend.

-Lukas

Mike Bennett

09-28-2009, 09:35 AM

Hi everyone!
Than Came The Hardest Part so Far, Mixing the salt.
It Took me sooooo Long to do that.
First I totally forgot about Mixing it in a bucket, Than I Messed up and Made the salinity really high (1.035).
-Lukas

Get/make a scooper that's about the size so that 1 scoop salt=1gallon water and then mix that way. I also recommend picking up an extra power head that you can just stick in a bucket so it mixes for you. That way you can add the water, then salt, then powerhead, leave for a while, then come back and test the salinity and add salt or water accordingly. If you wanted to you could also pick up a power head with an air line and oxygenate your water heavily before adding it to the aquarium but its not a necessity. Good luck and happy reefing!

Aberrix

09-28-2009, 10:18 AM

I picked up a set of $1 plastic measuring cups from Target. 1/2 cup of salt mix per 1 gallon of water, for Reef Crystals anyways... So if I'm mixing 10 gallons of SW, I just toss in 5 x 1 cup measuring of salt mix, it makes it pretty easy and is spot on (double check with refractometer).

Aberrix

09-28-2009, 10:22 AM

p.s. always double check your salinity of your new SW before adding it to the tank ;)

Lukas

09-28-2009, 04:33 PM

Woah, I was just about to freak out.
I tested my salinity just now to see if the Live rock raised it higher.
So I looked into the refractometer, and it said 1.032, I was right about to freak out when I remembered, Just before I was about to test the salinity I almost dropped the refractometer and my fingure Touched the Place where you put the Water (I dont know what its called), It probably also read the salt off of my fingure too.
So I tested it again and it was about 1.028, And i was like "thank Goodness"
the live rock Only Raised it a little bit.
Now I'm About to put in I teenee Bit Of Ro/do.

hypertech

09-28-2009, 04:36 PM

Live rock shouldn't raise it at all.

Are you using a swing arm hydrometer? If you are, put a refractomer from BRS on your halloween, thanksgiving, and christmas lists. Until then, try to find someone with a calibrated refractometer to check your swingarm against and be sure to rinse it really well after every use.

Lukas

09-28-2009, 04:47 PM

I'm Using a Calabrated Refractometer.
Let me Check Again.....
Its the Same 1.028 Still

hypertech

09-28-2009, 04:51 PM

How are you putting the water on the slide - for lack of a better word because I don't know what to call it either :)

I've often thought that dried up salt in the eye dropper could throw a reading off, so I squeeze the dropper back into the tank a few times before sucking up the water for the reading. I suppose I could rinse it out after using it, but that just sounds like too much work :biggrin:

Mike Bennett

09-28-2009, 04:54 PM

Hey Lukas just wondering if you remembered to check your temperature of the water before adding it to the tank. I'm not sure if it matters with the Refractometer but with hydrometers Specific Gravity is affected by temperature. Different temperatures will give you different specific gravities. Either way I'd syphon some of that out and add back some RO water till it's down to a better salinity.:biggthumpup:

hypertech

09-28-2009, 04:59 PM

Refractometers are supposed to be temperature compensated (at least all the ones I've seen sold to reefers are). It is a good tip though to put it on the counter for a few minutes to let the temperature adjust if you think there might be measurement error due to temp.

Lukas

09-28-2009, 05:07 PM

Lukas

09-28-2009, 05:08 PM

Lukas

09-28-2009, 05:20 PM

Its the Same.
So i just put In a teense bit of Ro/Di Water.

Lukas

10-08-2009, 11:48 PM

Ok, Salinity is fine now.
Here come the pics!
Just got more Live Rock, The Coral Thats in the tank was on the live rock already so thats why its in there, sorry if I might kill something like that, please tell me if I might.
Pics:
From the side
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/885.jpg

Hermit crab
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/887.jpg

Other pics around the tank
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/890.jpg
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/889.jpg
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/892.jpg

More will be coming.

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 12:01 AM

Lookin good buddy!

Lukas

10-09-2009, 08:23 AM

Lookin good buddy!

Thanks!
I can't wait to put the other coral in.

RaysReef

10-09-2009, 08:27 AM

Nice job Lukas...keep us posted

Lukas

10-09-2009, 08:30 AM

Thanks!
But I'm a bit worried if any fish try to burrow under the live rock because than it will All Fall down.

RaysReef

10-09-2009, 08:59 AM

Thanks!
But I'm a bit worried if any fish try to burrow under the live rock because than it will All Fall down.

Thats the least of my worries ;) Just make sure your LR is stable and you'll be fine

Aberrix

10-09-2009, 09:24 AM

looks good lukas!

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 12:11 PM

Thanks!
I can't wait to put the other coral in.

I have a frag it forward from Matt(hypertech) if your ever in my area. They are green and purple paly's. I think they are called mean green. I could give you 5-10 polyps free of charge!

bkoppes

10-09-2009, 12:27 PM

I have some Teal zoas you can have as well. Probably like 15-20 polyps. I live in Ramsey as well.

Lukas

10-09-2009, 04:34 PM

Woah, Thanks Everybody!

Bkopps, Dustybaker - Cool! Maybe after I get the tank settled I can take the corals, And whats a "frag it forward"?

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 04:40 PM

When someone gives you something free in the club. You give it to someone else when your done with it, or when it grows bigger you frag it keep half and give the other half to someone else for free!

bkoppes

10-09-2009, 04:44 PM

Woah, Thanks Everybody!

Bkopps, Dustybaker - Cool! Maybe after I get the tank settled I can take the corals, And whats a "frag it forward"?

Yea you don't have to frag what I give you forward. I have a bunch of it. Let me know when you want them.

Lukas

10-09-2009, 04:46 PM

Ok, So basicly You keep it until you don't want/need it anymore and than Give/frag it to someone else?
Cool!

Lastest update:
Starting to find little Starfish in the aquarium, Another coral popped up outa' the blue, and filling up the aquarium full.
Than Putting the rest of softies in and than test it.

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 04:48 PM

Yea you don't have to frag what I give you forward. I have a bunch of it. Let me know when you want them.

Yeah, you don't have to give any away. You can keep it forever. You just can't sell it, it has to be given away!:goldfish:

Lukas

10-09-2009, 04:49 PM

I have some Teal zoas you can have as well. Probably like 15-20 polyps. I live in Ramsey as well.

Awesome, I searched it up on the internet and it looks really cool.

jesse5.0

10-09-2009, 04:49 PM

Sweet Tank! I love setting up new tanks! So much fun... but so much patience as well! Looking great!:biggrin:

Lukas

10-09-2009, 04:50 PM

Yeah, you don't have to give any away. You can keep it forever. You just can't sell it, it has to be given away!:goldfish:

So theres no time limit on how long I can keep the coral?

Lukas

10-09-2009, 04:51 PM

Sweet Tank! I love setting up new tanks! So much fun... but so much patience as well! Looking great!:biggrin:

Thanks, At first I didnt think it looked that good, but now I got used to it ans I think it looks awesome now.

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 05:07 PM

Nope it is yours to do with as you choose, but like Hypertech(matt) said in another thread, other people might have different rules for anything they frag forward.

Lukas

10-09-2009, 05:18 PM

Nope it is yours to do with as you choose, but like Hypertech(matt) said in another thread, other people might have different rules for anything they frag forward.

ok, awesome!

hypertech

10-09-2009, 05:21 PM

Lukas-

Do you have a SPS coral floating in a bag in your tank? How long have you had corals floating in bags?

They can't live in bags for long and if your tank isn't ready for SPS, you would be best to trade it for easier corals and get them in the tank.

Lukas

10-09-2009, 05:29 PM

Umm, I think there all softies.
And I'm Putting them in the tank today or tomorrow, the bags have been in there for about a day.

hypertech

10-09-2009, 05:33 PM

You said incredible hulk in another thread - isn't that an acropora?

In any case, most corals won't last much more than 2/3 days - some less in bags. Acclimate them slowly and get them in the tank. They have a better chance in the tank than in the bag.

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 05:40 PM

Could be someones made up zoa name?

Lukas

10-09-2009, 05:41 PM

Ok, Should I start acclimating them?
I'm starting to get really scared, I don;t want any of them to die..

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 05:45 PM

No matter what it is, you should acclimate it and put it in the tank. If its Sps you can figure out what to do with it after.

hypertech

10-09-2009, 05:46 PM

As long as your tank has circulation, light, and heat - go ahead and acclimate them.

No need to be scared about doing anything - if there is a part of it you aren't sure of, just post your questions and we'll help you figure it out.

dustybaker

10-09-2009, 05:46 PM

Even if your water isn't perfect it will be better off in the tank than in the bag.

Lukas

10-09-2009, 05:52 PM

Ok, Thanks I'll start doing that.

Lukas

10-12-2009, 10:09 PM

Ok, So All the corals are acclimated and everything, but now theres a new addition to the tank!

Miss-Bard (I spelled it wrong) Clown Fish, (thanks atienne!)
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/025.jpg
Hes Eating Great, Doesnt seem stressed at all, and seems to love hes/her New Tank!

acharpenter

10-12-2009, 10:20 PM

Awesome fish Lukas, he/she looks very happy and awesome to Atienne for hooking up Lukas! Keep the pics coming dude!~

Lukas

10-12-2009, 10:23 PM

Thanks angie!
He Likes To challenge himself to the power head occasionally, Since its little the power head is kinda strong, but he likes it.

mrbeachbum2

10-12-2009, 10:38 PM

Lukas, everything is looking really nice! Awesome set up :greenguy:

Lukas

10-12-2009, 10:45 PM

Thanks!
Can't Wait until Its totally finished

TriggerFreak

10-12-2009, 10:48 PM

so since you avatar is a longnose hawkfish are you going to buy one?

Lukas

10-12-2009, 10:50 PM

so since you avatar is a longnose hawkfish are you going to buy one?
There my favorite fish!
I'm gonna try to get one, But should get a gargonion First

Lukas

10-15-2009, 01:26 PM

Update:
Clowns Eating Really good! He'll Come up and eat out of my hand when I'm about to put the brine shrimp in! I'm not kidding!

And Frog spawn came out all the way, Also I'm starting to see the incredible hulk pop up places i didnt put it... I can tell its incredible hulk now thought because its starting to come out. I probably wont keep all of it though because my tanks not ready yet. pics Coming soon to comfirm its Uncredible hulk.

Lukas

10-15-2009, 01:41 PM

Pictures

Frog spawn:
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/008.jpg

Incredible Hulk(?)

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/007.jpg
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/006.jpg
Looks A little bit brighter green actually.

acharpenter

10-15-2009, 01:53 PM

Looking good Lukas! :biggthumpup:

Lukas

10-15-2009, 01:55 PM

Yay! Do you know if it is Incredible Hulk?

Andrew.C

10-15-2009, 05:18 PM

nice job i wsh that many people gave me credit for setting up a seventy five gallon with my own money!:coolmad:

Lukas

10-15-2009, 05:20 PM

nice job i wsh that many people gave me credit for setting up a seventy five gallon with my own money!:coolmad:

Yes, they should Give you credit,
CREDITS TO ANDREW!

nate_mcnasty

11-02-2009, 10:30 PM

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm64/nate_mcnatsy/DSC_0180-1.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm64/nate_mcnatsy/DSC_0190.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm64/nate_mcnatsy/DSC_0191.jpg

i also have some food that i will bring to you the next time i can remember haha

after you get your other light the pictures will turn out a lot better as well

lr9788

11-02-2009, 10:33 PM

I wish I had something like that as a 12 year old

bkoppes

11-02-2009, 10:57 PM

I wish I had something like that as a 12 year old

No kidding. My mom wouldn't let me have a goldfish in a small goldfish bowl. I did get lucky and find a wife that let me set up a nice tank but she won't let me get a bigger one until she gets her wish for a bigger house. Wife's................. UGH!!

Looks great Lukas!!

acharpenter

11-02-2009, 11:34 PM

Awesome pics Nate - please be sure to bring your camera when you come swing by my place!!

BTW all - the paly's in the last pic are from a rock I brought with me to give to Lukas' tonight when we swang by. They started opening up the minute I put them in the tank.

Lukas' told ya, good sign, your doing well, just needed some tweaking! :biggthumpup:

Keep asking for help and advice when you need it....TCMAS will be there for you!

acharpenter

11-27-2009, 02:14 PM

:poke: Updates??

Lukas

11-27-2009, 02:31 PM

Sorry, I forgot. I didnt see that anyone else posted.
The tank is doing good, The snails I got from the frag swap pretty much cleaned up the dead spot in the side of the aquarium. And the Ammonia seems to be going down :D

Lukas

11-27-2009, 02:43 PM

A visual Of what has changed (off of nates picture)
http://s720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/ScreeniesMan/?action=view&current=Aquariumupdates.gif

lr9788

01-08-2010, 10:30 PM

Lukas, Any updates man?

acharpenter

01-08-2010, 11:59 PM

Lukas, Any updates man?

+1 - BTW good luck with that sig Lukas - I highlighted and enhanced the font and color on the H in my name and people still think I am a carpenter...:gay1::gay1:

Lukas

01-09-2010, 08:49 AM

Thanks :biggrin:

I have one big update :)
I have gotten a Pair of, Long Nose Hawkfish!
Thanks to Andrew and Fritz who worked out the deal, and accepted it for me.

The Hawkfish are boy and girl I think, mainly because ones darker red (I think girl?) And the other is birghter red (Maybe boy?).
I also think they are boy and girl because one circled around the other,
Wich in an ocean video (blue planet) two other fish did the same thing
and they said it was because they were boy and girl.

Most of all, the fish are eating and seem happy.

Andrew.C

01-09-2010, 10:45 AM

Lukas watcha gonna get next, fish that is?

Lukas

01-09-2010, 03:18 PM

I don't know. I gott wait a while though

Andrew.C

01-09-2010, 05:54 PM

Yah but maybe a blenny

Lukas

01-20-2010, 06:06 PM

Update:

Awesome news, I got the metal Halide light working thanks to Saltwater Empire!
All's it needed was a ballast.

I also got a Blueberry gorgonian, Wich is in a little cave in my tank (Its still noticable) Because its non-photosynthetic, and is only open in the darker parts of the aquarium, it looks awesome.

Hopefully pictures will come.:biggthumpup::biggrin:

Lukas

03-15-2010, 07:49 PM

Update:

I've gotten some more corals so far, and a new protein skimmer!
A reef Octopus Hang on Back skimmer. Its working good so far.

For my last addition to the aquarium. (I don't know when) I'm going
to try to have a scooter Blenny.