No way did @jlanger not bring a box back from Rhinelander. I'm holding out hope for an update to the tank formerly known as the office tank before assuming the worst.
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jlanger's Reef Build: Episode II - The 120gal Strikes Back (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter jlanger
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- 120 gallon coral fish reef tank build
No way did @jlanger not bring a box back from Rhinelander. I'm holding out hope for an update to the tank formerly known as the office tank before assuming the worst.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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It was definitely a bummer not coming home with anything to add to the 120gal.
It wasn't due to the facility not having a small selection to choose from, in fact, this was probably the most varied and largest collection of fishes that they've had in stock during one of my visits.
Some of the highlights (fish-wise) included a nice captive-bred Clarion Angelfish, many Bandit Angelfish, the Armitage Angelfish, a few True Personifer Angelfish, a couple of Griffis Angelfish, numerous gorgeous fairy wrasses, a couple of Diamond-tail Flasher Wrasses, multiple species of leopard wrasses, more butterflyfish than I've seen available, and one of my bucket list species; a nice plump Pelicier's Perchlet. They had 6-8 nice looking Harlequin Tuskfish, but all of them were too large for me.
If my tank wasn't in full diatom bloom mode, I might have caved and purchased something not on my short list just to have something swimming in the tank but I didn't. When a smaller tusk does come in, I will be getting a call.
I didn't come home empty-handed, though. My small office tank got some new residents.
There it is...
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Even though there were no livestock additions to this system this weekend, there was an equipment upgrade.
A few weeks ago, I ordered some filter cups to replace the filter socks in my sump. (I hate washing filter socks!!!) While researching the various filter cups on the market, I had found out that the sizes of the cups don't always fit the holders in the sumps. I asked Randy from BRS if they had done any testing of the filter cups to find out which cups would replace their filter socks. They hadn't; yet. After looking around, I decided to buy a few of the 4" High Flow Media Cups from Rimer & Rimer via Marine Depot; sorry BRS. These were the only cups that advertised a high flow rate. The cups not only have holes in the bottom of the cup, but they also have slots around the bottom edge. Sweet!!!
After the cups arrived, I pulled the filter socks from my sump and dropped the cups into the holes. The cups dropped right through the holes to the bottom of the sump. What?!!
As it turns out, these cups have an outside diameter of 4 inches. The BRS filter socks have a slightly larger outside diameter and fit into a 4 inch hole. Since I designed, machined and built my sump, the openings are specifically designed to hold a BRS sock with the ring sitting flush and tight. So the new filter cups couldn't be used; just yet.
Since I didn't want to waste time and money returning the filter cups, I decided to design an acrylic/polycarbonate ring that would fit onto the filter cup to make it large enough to fit in my sump. The new ring is sized so that the filter cup actually clips into the ring and stays tight, while the ring's outside diameter is 0.005" smaller than the sump so it falls into place but won't move around. I machined a few rings in clear polycarbonate for my small office reef sump and a few black acrylic rings for my 120gal reef sump. Now the filter cup matches the filter sock.
With the cups in place, I was now able to add some filter media. For the first couple of days, I just placed some craft batting into the cups; skimmer went nuts. From watching some videos online, I wanted to try the Sera Crystal Clear Filter Medium. Dr. Fosters and Smith carries this media so I picked up a couple of boxes while there this past weekend.
One of the highlights of this filter medium is that it can be easily rinsed by squeezing the dirty filter medium under running water. I know that I can just use the craft batting and throw it away, but I wanted to try something less wasteful.
Each box contains twelve of the filter media balls, and I was able to place four balls of the filter medium into each filter cup; possibly five if I push them down tighter. I have plenty of extra on hand for when needed.
The filter media will discolor as it collects the detritus from the water. When the media is dark in color, they can be removed, rinsed and replaced. As you can see, the media is collecting the diatoms that are currently present in the display.
I have already tried rinsing a couple of the balls of media and it does rinse out quite well. The media ball has a dense center floss that wraps around itself. The media doesn't seem to unravel when squeezed and rinsed. The diatoms and detritus easily rinsed out of the media.
If there's a drawback from this type of filter media it is that it may not capture every single piece of unwanted particulate in the water. If the media is loosely stacked, the water could pass through without being filtered. Although, if the media is more tightly packed, that would help reduce that probability.
At this point, I'm going to use both cups for the filter media. I currently have a bag of carbon placed underneath the cups, but I could move the bag of carbon into one of the cups. I could place bags of other chemical filter media (GFO, Phosban, Purigen, etc.) in the cups also. The manufacturer even suggests placing biofiltration media in the cups if desired; but I think that's pushing it for a 4" by 6" cup.
The only disappointment is that I forgot to order extra cups for my office system; D'oh!!!
A few weeks ago, I ordered some filter cups to replace the filter socks in my sump. (I hate washing filter socks!!!) While researching the various filter cups on the market, I had found out that the sizes of the cups don't always fit the holders in the sumps. I asked Randy from BRS if they had done any testing of the filter cups to find out which cups would replace their filter socks. They hadn't; yet. After looking around, I decided to buy a few of the 4" High Flow Media Cups from Rimer & Rimer via Marine Depot; sorry BRS. These were the only cups that advertised a high flow rate. The cups not only have holes in the bottom of the cup, but they also have slots around the bottom edge. Sweet!!!
After the cups arrived, I pulled the filter socks from my sump and dropped the cups into the holes. The cups dropped right through the holes to the bottom of the sump. What?!!
As it turns out, these cups have an outside diameter of 4 inches. The BRS filter socks have a slightly larger outside diameter and fit into a 4 inch hole. Since I designed, machined and built my sump, the openings are specifically designed to hold a BRS sock with the ring sitting flush and tight. So the new filter cups couldn't be used; just yet.
Since I didn't want to waste time and money returning the filter cups, I decided to design an acrylic/polycarbonate ring that would fit onto the filter cup to make it large enough to fit in my sump. The new ring is sized so that the filter cup actually clips into the ring and stays tight, while the ring's outside diameter is 0.005" smaller than the sump so it falls into place but won't move around. I machined a few rings in clear polycarbonate for my small office reef sump and a few black acrylic rings for my 120gal reef sump. Now the filter cup matches the filter sock.
With the cups in place, I was now able to add some filter media. For the first couple of days, I just placed some craft batting into the cups; skimmer went nuts. From watching some videos online, I wanted to try the Sera Crystal Clear Filter Medium. Dr. Fosters and Smith carries this media so I picked up a couple of boxes while there this past weekend.
One of the highlights of this filter medium is that it can be easily rinsed by squeezing the dirty filter medium under running water. I know that I can just use the craft batting and throw it away, but I wanted to try something less wasteful.
Each box contains twelve of the filter media balls, and I was able to place four balls of the filter medium into each filter cup; possibly five if I push them down tighter. I have plenty of extra on hand for when needed.
The filter media will discolor as it collects the detritus from the water. When the media is dark in color, they can be removed, rinsed and replaced. As you can see, the media is collecting the diatoms that are currently present in the display.
I have already tried rinsing a couple of the balls of media and it does rinse out quite well. The media ball has a dense center floss that wraps around itself. The media doesn't seem to unravel when squeezed and rinsed. The diatoms and detritus easily rinsed out of the media.
If there's a drawback from this type of filter media it is that it may not capture every single piece of unwanted particulate in the water. If the media is loosely stacked, the water could pass through without being filtered. Although, if the media is more tightly packed, that would help reduce that probability.
At this point, I'm going to use both cups for the filter media. I currently have a bag of carbon placed underneath the cups, but I could move the bag of carbon into one of the cups. I could place bags of other chemical filter media (GFO, Phosban, Purigen, etc.) in the cups also. The manufacturer even suggests placing biofiltration media in the cups if desired; but I think that's pushing it for a 4" by 6" cup.
The only disappointment is that I forgot to order extra cups for my office system; D'oh!!!
Looks like it must be a common problem for these to not fit correctly. I had these ready to order but goin to try mesh socks for a bit and see how it goes. Keep us posted!
They do make an insert ring. Maybe you can give them some pointers if your functions better!
They do make an insert ring. Maybe you can give them some pointers if your functions better!
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Very interesting, love the concept
zoolan70
Is this how you change your title?
BOD
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FYI, you can get the filter cups direct from the manufacturer at a significantly better price.
http://filtermediacup.com/Filter-Media-Cups/
http://filtermediacup.com/Filter-Media-Cups/
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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With the filter socks, you need to turn the socks inside out (which is a pain) and rinse off as much of the mulm as possible before throwing them into the family washing machine. To get them really clean, most people use bleach and then have to rinse the socks with a dechlorinator before reusing them in the sump. This process is laborious and takes quite some time.
The Sera filter media can be rinsed under the faucet and squeezed to release what collects in the media. They actually rinse very clean and can be reused right away. This process just takes minutes from start to finish.
I started with felt socks and switched over to mesh socks. In a soft coral reef, it doesn't take very long for the mesh socks to collect enough mulm before they start to clog up also. You may be able to extend the use of operation with the mesh socks, but it didn't make a huge difference in my situation.
Good to know.
I did look at a few sources, but I waited for a sale and was able to get them for around $15 each. I'll order my extra cups direct this time; maybe buy an extra cup or two from the savings.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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That went by quick...
Last Monday, I started noticing diatoms and by Wednesday it was in full bloom; rocks, substrate and glass. When I came home today, the diatoms are almost all but gone. A quick wiping down of the glass and the tank looks ready for bringing my corals home soon. The rocks are starting to show signs of color instead of the stark bright white color. There are patches of green algae present that are probably due to the ATS coming online. (The algae in the ATS has seeded and is starting to grow out some; not a lot, but some.)
Last Monday, I started noticing diatoms and by Wednesday it was in full bloom; rocks, substrate and glass. When I came home today, the diatoms are almost all but gone. A quick wiping down of the glass and the tank looks ready for bringing my corals home soon. The rocks are starting to show signs of color instead of the stark bright white color. There are patches of green algae present that are probably due to the ATS coming online. (The algae in the ATS has seeded and is starting to grow out some; not a lot, but some.)
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Now that the diatom bloom has passed, here's the latest FTS of the new system.
Since the last update, I forgot to mention that I had finished my screen top.
This screen top is just temporary. In hopes of adding fish last weekend, I decided that I didn't want to leave the tank uncovered while I designed what I actually want for a screen top. I will most likely add a feeding window or two; not decided on number or location yet. I have also been debating making removable windows along the back over the overflow and the returns. But if I ever need to access those items, I'm sure I'll need to remove the entire screen top anyways.
I ended up purchasing a new ReefLink for my Radion fixtures. I saved my old ReefLink from the previous set up but when I hooked it up and tried to access it, there was no response. Even when connected to my computer, the Set Up program could not identify a serial number or anything.
One thing I have yet to purchase for the lighting is the diffusers for the Radion fixtures. I'm excited to see how they blend the colors from the LEDs; especially in photos. I'll have to check to see if the diffusers fall into the BRS Black Friday sales.
Speaking of Black Friday sales, BRS has discounted the Carbondoser CO2 regulator. I snagged one of those right away this weekend before they're gone and it also feels good to save $50+. I still need to purchase a couple of tanks for the CO2 and I should have everything I need to start installing the calcium reactor.
I added one of my MP40QD pumps for now. I have the others on standby for when they're really needed.
I still need to decide on what to build for my ATO reservoir. This topping off daily by hand is getting old; again. I can't believe that I used to do this for a couple of years before I invested in an ATO system before.
All in all, it's coming along but it looks so empty without any fish swimming around.
Since the four coral frags are doing well, I'll probably start scheduling days when I can bring home some of my old corals. I should probably stock up on glue first!
Since the last update, I forgot to mention that I had finished my screen top.
This screen top is just temporary. In hopes of adding fish last weekend, I decided that I didn't want to leave the tank uncovered while I designed what I actually want for a screen top. I will most likely add a feeding window or two; not decided on number or location yet. I have also been debating making removable windows along the back over the overflow and the returns. But if I ever need to access those items, I'm sure I'll need to remove the entire screen top anyways.
I ended up purchasing a new ReefLink for my Radion fixtures. I saved my old ReefLink from the previous set up but when I hooked it up and tried to access it, there was no response. Even when connected to my computer, the Set Up program could not identify a serial number or anything.
One thing I have yet to purchase for the lighting is the diffusers for the Radion fixtures. I'm excited to see how they blend the colors from the LEDs; especially in photos. I'll have to check to see if the diffusers fall into the BRS Black Friday sales.
Speaking of Black Friday sales, BRS has discounted the Carbondoser CO2 regulator. I snagged one of those right away this weekend before they're gone and it also feels good to save $50+. I still need to purchase a couple of tanks for the CO2 and I should have everything I need to start installing the calcium reactor.
I added one of my MP40QD pumps for now. I have the others on standby for when they're really needed.
I still need to decide on what to build for my ATO reservoir. This topping off daily by hand is getting old; again. I can't believe that I used to do this for a couple of years before I invested in an ATO system before.
All in all, it's coming along but it looks so empty without any fish swimming around.
Since the four coral frags are doing well, I'll probably start scheduling days when I can bring home some of my old corals. I should probably stock up on glue first!
Now that the diatom bloom has passed, here's the latest FTS of the new system.
Since the last update, I forgot to mention that I had finished my screen top.
This screen top is just temporary. In hopes of adding fish last weekend, I decided that I didn't want to leave the tank uncovered while I designed what I actually want for a screen top. I will most likely add a feeding window or two; not decided on number or location yet. I have also been debating making removable windows along the back over the overflow and the returns. But if I ever need to access those items, I'm sure I'll need to remove the entire screen top anyways.
I ended up purchasing a new ReefLink for my Radion fixtures. I saved my old ReefLink from the previous set up but when I hooked it up and tried to access it, there was no response. Even when connected to my computer, the Set Up program could not identify a serial number or anything.
One thing I have yet to purchase for the lighting is the diffusers for the Radion fixtures. I'm excited to see how they blend the colors from the LEDs; especially in photos. I'll have to check to see if the diffusers fall into the BRS Black Friday sales.
Speaking of Black Friday sales, BRS has discounted the Carbondoser CO2 regulator. I snagged one of those right away this weekend before they're gone and it also feels good to save $50+. I still need to purchase a couple of tanks for the CO2 and I should have everything I need to start installing the calcium reactor.
I added one of my MP40QD pumps for now. I have the others on standby for when they're really needed.
I still need to decide on what to build for my ATO reservoir. This topping off daily by hand is getting old; again. I can't believe that I used to do this for a couple of years before I invested in an ATO system before.
All in all, it's coming along but it looks so empty without any fish swimming around.
Since the four coral frags are doing well, I'll probably start scheduling days when I can bring home some of my old corals. I should probably stock up on glue first!
Any updates of the pros and cons of your substrate?
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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It's still quite early, but...
Pros: Doesn't get picked up by the algae magnet to scratch the glass.
Cons: The hermits seem to have a tough time navigating across the rubble.
Have you tried contacting customer service. Sometimes if the serial number is acting up or if it was obtained second hand (I understand yours was not), customer service can factory reset it for you remotely. I'm sure you've probably exercised all options though.
The tank is starting to look like a reef! Looks great.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Now we're going to start seeing something happening in this new tank.
Today, I stopped into Acanlord and brought home the corals that I was rehoming with Stephen since I tore the old 220gal system down this past spring. With Stephen having great success with keeping LPS corals (and no potential fishy predators), I trusted my LPS corals in his care.
I also had one special SPS frag that I brought over as well. When my montipora colonies were crashing last winter, I brought my Phoenix Montipora frag over so not to lose it also. After being there for a couple of months and the frag was growing well, we fragged off a few small pieces that I gave to Stephen as "payment" for housing my corals.
After spending the last 8-9 months or so at Acanlord, these corals have finally come home to a new aquarium; which means I get to take pictures again!!!
My original rainbow Lobophyllia hemphrichii.
The coral has predominantly turned completely green while away but it still looks great! I have set up my new Radions to my original lighting template, so I'll see if I can get those other colors to come back over time.
My Key Lime Green Lobophyllia that I originally purchased from Acanlord over a year ago.
Another Lobophyllia coral; small colony of purple and teal heads with gold highlights.
Another coral that I originally bought from Acanlord over a year ago.
A small trachyphyllia coral that I have tucked into the shadows while it adjusts to the new tank and lighting.
This coral was originally in my small office tank, but I knew that the larger Tiger Pistol Shrimp would've kept this coral buried or flipped over if I kept it in there.
And the Phoenix Montipora frag.
I'm not certain that it is a "Phoenix" montipora as it is more red than yellow. This was the frag I purchased from a TCMAS swap sometime last year and the vendor thought it could be a Phoenix, but he did say that it was a Jason Fox coral which could make it a number of variants of this montipora; Phoenix, Beach Bum, etc... Once it acclimates to my lighting, we'll have to see what colors do develop and just what it is. Right now, I have it hiding in the shadows for a while.
(The frag is on a 3" square tile, so it's doing well.)
Hopefully soon, I can find some time to schedule a day or two where I can bring home some more of my corals.
And I'm still waiting on adding fish; waiting on the tusk. Although, there's a fish available that I am seriously contemplating on getting soon if the tusk doesn't show up.
Today, I stopped into Acanlord and brought home the corals that I was rehoming with Stephen since I tore the old 220gal system down this past spring. With Stephen having great success with keeping LPS corals (and no potential fishy predators), I trusted my LPS corals in his care.
I also had one special SPS frag that I brought over as well. When my montipora colonies were crashing last winter, I brought my Phoenix Montipora frag over so not to lose it also. After being there for a couple of months and the frag was growing well, we fragged off a few small pieces that I gave to Stephen as "payment" for housing my corals.
After spending the last 8-9 months or so at Acanlord, these corals have finally come home to a new aquarium; which means I get to take pictures again!!!
My original rainbow Lobophyllia hemphrichii.
The coral has predominantly turned completely green while away but it still looks great! I have set up my new Radions to my original lighting template, so I'll see if I can get those other colors to come back over time.
My Key Lime Green Lobophyllia that I originally purchased from Acanlord over a year ago.
Another Lobophyllia coral; small colony of purple and teal heads with gold highlights.
Another coral that I originally bought from Acanlord over a year ago.
A small trachyphyllia coral that I have tucked into the shadows while it adjusts to the new tank and lighting.
This coral was originally in my small office tank, but I knew that the larger Tiger Pistol Shrimp would've kept this coral buried or flipped over if I kept it in there.
And the Phoenix Montipora frag.
I'm not certain that it is a "Phoenix" montipora as it is more red than yellow. This was the frag I purchased from a TCMAS swap sometime last year and the vendor thought it could be a Phoenix, but he did say that it was a Jason Fox coral which could make it a number of variants of this montipora; Phoenix, Beach Bum, etc... Once it acclimates to my lighting, we'll have to see what colors do develop and just what it is. Right now, I have it hiding in the shadows for a while.
(The frag is on a 3" square tile, so it's doing well.)
Hopefully soon, I can find some time to schedule a day or two where I can bring home some more of my corals.
And I'm still waiting on adding fish; waiting on the tusk. Although, there's a fish available that I am seriously contemplating on getting soon if the tusk doesn't show up.
Juskr
Senior Member
How did you mount your lights? I have a couple XR30s that I want to install on my 120 but don’t really want to pay 150+ for the mounting kits for the euro brace. Looking for ideas.
It’s nice to see some corals getting to take a bath. Been a long haul, congrats.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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My lighting is mounted inside my floating canopy and I used the same mounting system from the previous set up.
I made a custom mounting frame that holds the Radions and the T5 strip lights. The Radions are attached with longer machine screws that allow the fixtures to slide back and forth into the position that I want them to be.
This is a pic from three years ago with the two XR30W fixtures; just replace those with three XR15W fixtures.
The mounting frame sits inside the canopy and has about a couple of inches of play front and back; and the whole canopy moves back also.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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A long haul indeed.
Thanks.
Amazing canopy, was going to pm you about building one myself but after seeing the pics most of my questions already answered. Great pics too!!