jlanger's 120gal Arts and Crafts Inspired Reef Build (1 Viewer)
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Thank you.
The "stone" top is actually a laminate top.
A whole lot lighter than stone. And much less expensive.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Water Change Improvements
Here's some improvements I have made to my water change maintenance routine.
Since I upgraded from the 45gal to the 120gal system, I purchased a 44gal Brute container for making new saltwater and a 32gal Brute container for moving the water from/to the tank.
The first thing I did to the Brute containers was to thoroughly clean them.
After I cleaned them, I used 5gal water containers to fill the Brutes with water. While doing so, I recorded the height of the water levels for each 5 gallons in the two different containers. I did this so I could quickly measure the amount of water I had available when making new batches of saltwater.
I made a couple of "measuring sticks" using leftover sections of white pvc pipe with vinyl numbers and line markers.
I started with 10 gallons and placed a line at each gallon; with numbers for every 5 gallons.
When I need to know how much water is in a container, I just drop in the stick and have an accurate measurement.
This works well with needing to know how much salt to add, how much water I remove from the display and how much water I need to refill the display.
Another project was to create a siphon for draining water out of the display.
I created a U-tube Siphon out of pvc parts and hooked it up to a length of 3/4" flexible tubing. The tubing just empties into my 32gal Brute container on a dolly.
I didn't glue any of the parts together so I can make modifications and changes as I see fit.
If I want to siphon out more or less water, I just change to piece of pipe that is inside the tank to a longer or shorter piece.
Once the water level reaches the upturned elbows, the siphon breaks.
When using this siphon, I can be away from the tank to do other maintenance and not have to worry about overflowing the Brute container.
With this setup, I remove about 23 gallons of water.
Since I know how much water was drained from the display, I fill the Brute container to that same level and wheel the fresh saltwater over to the display.
Using the same U-tube Siphon, I hook up a smaller water pump to pump the fresh saltwater up into the tank.
Since I have the same amount of water in the container that was removed, I don't need to worry about over-filling the display.
Which regardless, wouldn't be much of an issue as my sump has the overflow space available.
Another little toy I picked up was the Bucket Head wet/dry vacuum for cleaning out the detritus that accumulates in my sump.
For about $22, it's a great way to clean out a sump that is too low for a siphon system.
Having a dedicated vacuum and bucket for my tank should eliminate any possible contaminations from other sources.
And since the basin is just a 5gal bucket, it's a breeze to pick up and dump out the waste water.
Doing these type of upgrades really made my water change maintenance routine a lot easier and not such a chore.
No more guessing about how much water I have.
No more lugging around 5gal buckets.
No more lifting and dumping buckets of water into the display.
No more splashing and dripping water all over the place.
And I can get it all done in less than half an hour.
Here's some improvements I have made to my water change maintenance routine.
Since I upgraded from the 45gal to the 120gal system, I purchased a 44gal Brute container for making new saltwater and a 32gal Brute container for moving the water from/to the tank.
The first thing I did to the Brute containers was to thoroughly clean them.
After I cleaned them, I used 5gal water containers to fill the Brutes with water. While doing so, I recorded the height of the water levels for each 5 gallons in the two different containers. I did this so I could quickly measure the amount of water I had available when making new batches of saltwater.
I made a couple of "measuring sticks" using leftover sections of white pvc pipe with vinyl numbers and line markers.
I started with 10 gallons and placed a line at each gallon; with numbers for every 5 gallons.
When I need to know how much water is in a container, I just drop in the stick and have an accurate measurement.
This works well with needing to know how much salt to add, how much water I remove from the display and how much water I need to refill the display.
Another project was to create a siphon for draining water out of the display.
I created a U-tube Siphon out of pvc parts and hooked it up to a length of 3/4" flexible tubing. The tubing just empties into my 32gal Brute container on a dolly.
I didn't glue any of the parts together so I can make modifications and changes as I see fit.
If I want to siphon out more or less water, I just change to piece of pipe that is inside the tank to a longer or shorter piece.
Once the water level reaches the upturned elbows, the siphon breaks.
When using this siphon, I can be away from the tank to do other maintenance and not have to worry about overflowing the Brute container.
With this setup, I remove about 23 gallons of water.
Since I know how much water was drained from the display, I fill the Brute container to that same level and wheel the fresh saltwater over to the display.
Using the same U-tube Siphon, I hook up a smaller water pump to pump the fresh saltwater up into the tank.
Since I have the same amount of water in the container that was removed, I don't need to worry about over-filling the display.
Which regardless, wouldn't be much of an issue as my sump has the overflow space available.
Another little toy I picked up was the Bucket Head wet/dry vacuum for cleaning out the detritus that accumulates in my sump.
For about $22, it's a great way to clean out a sump that is too low for a siphon system.
Having a dedicated vacuum and bucket for my tank should eliminate any possible contaminations from other sources.
And since the basin is just a 5gal bucket, it's a breeze to pick up and dump out the waste water.
Doing these type of upgrades really made my water change maintenance routine a lot easier and not such a chore.
No more guessing about how much water I have.
No more lugging around 5gal buckets.
No more lifting and dumping buckets of water into the display.
No more splashing and dripping water all over the place.
And I can get it all done in less than half an hour.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Making maintenance less of a chore really helps with keeping a healthy tank.
mapierce7
Senior Member
Really beautiful work. I would be very interested in taking a look at it next time I am twin cities bound!
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Absolutely.
Just give me a heads up and I'll let you know if I'll be around. I'm always willing to give a "tour".
I have Friday's off of work, so those days would be the best bet.
cubetankguy
its hip to be square
may have to go to my old stomping grounds and hit up Donny boys and then swing through and see this tank... seriously just a great job
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Thanks for the comments.
Here's the newest FTS.
Still crappy pics from crappy camera by a crappy photographer.
Even with all the montipora spp. frags I've sold/traded recently, there's still a lot in there.
But a few more sticks are beginning to appear.
The latest excitement has been the largest of the female Red Sea Lyretail Anthias has been changing into the male.
He's getting the purple and pink edging in the fins, the spots on the pectoral fins and turning a bolder pink color than the yellow and pink of the female form.
You can also see the latest addition. The female Lamarck's Angelfish.
I really like the Watanabei female angelfish, but the small size (2-1/4") and price were way too good to pass her up.
Highly recommend one of these if you want a reef-safe angelfish.
If any of you are ever in the area and want to stop in for a look, let me know.
And if you can take better pics than I can... definitely, stop on in!
Here's the newest FTS.
Still crappy pics from crappy camera by a crappy photographer.
Even with all the montipora spp. frags I've sold/traded recently, there's still a lot in there.
But a few more sticks are beginning to appear.
The latest excitement has been the largest of the female Red Sea Lyretail Anthias has been changing into the male.
He's getting the purple and pink edging in the fins, the spots on the pectoral fins and turning a bolder pink color than the yellow and pink of the female form.
You can also see the latest addition. The female Lamarck's Angelfish.
I really like the Watanabei female angelfish, but the small size (2-1/4") and price were way too good to pass her up.
Highly recommend one of these if you want a reef-safe angelfish.
If any of you are ever in the area and want to stop in for a look, let me know.
And if you can take better pics than I can... definitely, stop on in!
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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The latest pic of my male Red Sea Lyretail Anthias; along with his two consorts from tonight.
His coloration is really becoming spectacular!
His head and body are a deep rich ruby color with purple trimming the fins. The remaining yellow-orange highlights on the scales give him the appearance of being made from gold.
The pectoral fin spots have a fuscia center with purple trim.
And the streamers on his tail have really taken off.
He has definitely grown in the last couple of months, but his disposition is still being held in check.
I thought the added testosterone would have made him more aggressive, but he hasn't really bothered any of the other fish in the tank (save for keeping his females in line.)
I'm thinking I should give my fish their own thread. This is a "Build Thread"; right?!
His coloration is really becoming spectacular!
His head and body are a deep rich ruby color with purple trimming the fins. The remaining yellow-orange highlights on the scales give him the appearance of being made from gold.
The pectoral fin spots have a fuscia center with purple trim.
And the streamers on his tail have really taken off.
He has definitely grown in the last couple of months, but his disposition is still being held in check.
I thought the added testosterone would have made him more aggressive, but he hasn't really bothered any of the other fish in the tank (save for keeping his females in line.)
I'm thinking I should give my fish their own thread. This is a "Build Thread"; right?!
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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I couldn't wait until I got enough decent photos of all the fish and corals to begin a new thread!!!
New additions!!
Picked up these two females over the weekend.
Both are eating frozen foods very well. It didn't take them long to figure out where to go when I walk up to the tank.
So far there has been no aggression towards them from the other residents, unless they poke their noses into someone's personal space.
When they do get spooked, they huddle together under a ledge. Aww...
Leopard wrasses have always been a genus that I admired, but thought I wouldn't ever keep.
I'll need to adjust my substrate for them a little bit. I have a mix of small crushed shells/coral and aragonite sand that was geared for my two pistol shrimps. So I'll sift out the larger pieces and add more fine sand, but the wrasses don't have any issues burying themselves now.
Any chance that they will both stay female? Or will the one change? I like the coloration of the females better.
Then again... I liked the bold colors of my female anthias trio before the one changed into the spectacular male specimen he is now.
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This is an awesome tank and I love the water change idea.
sweet , very classy set up! Nice woodking
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Sand Bed Update
I spent the last week or so changing out my sand bed.
When I upgraded to the 120gal tank, I put in a layer of crushed shells to aid my two pistol shrimps with building their burrows. I topped the crushed shells with the fine aragonite sand from the 45gal to create a nice 2" sand bed.
What it didn't count on was the shrimps would toss out all of the shells in front of their burrows into large mounds. A sort of landscaping project for them.
The larger pieces were somewhat of an eyesore, but they also collected more detritus and became algae covered which created a less than appealing sand bed.
After I added the pair of leopard wrasses, I was convinced to remove as much of the crushed shells as I could and top off with more aragonite sand.
I used a small plastic strainer and sifted through the sand bed from one end to the other. I managed to get out quite a bit of it, but there is still plenty behind the rock work. I added about 20 pounds of the live sand I won back in June. (Thanks TCMAS!) This created quite a sand storm as the tank was quite cloudy for about 24 hours.
Once the sand settled, I had a nice new white sand bed.
The only thing that I failed to notice was I knocked my rose Millipora frag off the rocks and it was buried overnight! I lost the entire frag to suffocation! DAMMIT!!
So Eric (sleeri), the next time you're fragging your mille, I'll be looking for another.
The shrimp don't seem to mind the change. They're just as busy as they ever are.
And the wrasses probably enjoy it as well.
And the urchin doesn't pick up and drag around as many shells.
I'm really glad I went back to a fine sand bed.
Brighter reflection from the lighting. Easier to keep clean. Looks more realistic (to me).
As of right now, the sand bed is covered in Montipora frags, so no new FTS pics.
But here's one that I liked from tonight with the female Lamarck Angelfish.
I spent the last week or so changing out my sand bed.
When I upgraded to the 120gal tank, I put in a layer of crushed shells to aid my two pistol shrimps with building their burrows. I topped the crushed shells with the fine aragonite sand from the 45gal to create a nice 2" sand bed.
What it didn't count on was the shrimps would toss out all of the shells in front of their burrows into large mounds. A sort of landscaping project for them.
The larger pieces were somewhat of an eyesore, but they also collected more detritus and became algae covered which created a less than appealing sand bed.
After I added the pair of leopard wrasses, I was convinced to remove as much of the crushed shells as I could and top off with more aragonite sand.
I used a small plastic strainer and sifted through the sand bed from one end to the other. I managed to get out quite a bit of it, but there is still plenty behind the rock work. I added about 20 pounds of the live sand I won back in June. (Thanks TCMAS!) This created quite a sand storm as the tank was quite cloudy for about 24 hours.
Once the sand settled, I had a nice new white sand bed.
The only thing that I failed to notice was I knocked my rose Millipora frag off the rocks and it was buried overnight! I lost the entire frag to suffocation! DAMMIT!!
So Eric (sleeri), the next time you're fragging your mille, I'll be looking for another.
The shrimp don't seem to mind the change. They're just as busy as they ever are.
And the wrasses probably enjoy it as well.
And the urchin doesn't pick up and drag around as many shells.
I'm really glad I went back to a fine sand bed.
Brighter reflection from the lighting. Easier to keep clean. Looks more realistic (to me).
As of right now, the sand bed is covered in Montipora frags, so no new FTS pics.
But here's one that I liked from tonight with the female Lamarck Angelfish.
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Really love that leopard wrasse pair. Are these the bipartis species? I think you'll like the male coloration if one changes.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Yep. That's them. I really like them too.
I really couldn't pass on them when I seen how well they were eating.
I know I'll like the male coloration.
It's just that the violet/blues and greens will really blend in with my corals, whereas the white and orange really stand out right now.
I was trying to get a nice pic of one of the wrasses hovering over my ricordeas as the spotted color pattern of the wrasse camouflages really nice with the tips of the rics.
Needless to say, none of those really turned out as nice as the Lamarck Angelfish pic.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Custom Built Frag Rack
For the past year or so, I have wanted to change out my old frag rack.
It was way too small for my needs and it wouldn't keep discs or tiles from falling off. (I have an urchin that likes to move things around.)
Since I incorporated a frag grow out section in my sump, I was hoping to find a rack system that could utilize the space to it's maximum potential.
I wanted to stay away from using eggcrate. The unused openings were great locations for bubble algae or vermetid snails to grow.
And many of the acrylic racks were too limited or costly.
So I decided to make my own.
We have done quite a bit of work with polycarbonate on our CNC Router at work.
I knew instantly that I could use this machine and material to make some custom frag racks.
After some rough test projects, I came up with this.
It measures 8"W by 10"L by 2"H.
I can fit 20 large frag plugs/frag discs along with 12 standard frag plugs.
I used 1/4" polycarbonate for the tray with 1/2" polycarbonate rod for the legs.
The larger circles are pocketed 1/8" into the tray to keep discs from sliding.
The smaller holes are 1/2"+ for the plugs to sit in.
Here's what it looks like when filled up.
Now I just need to get my frags glued onto plugs or discs so I can show you what it looks like while in use.
I have also created other designs that I started working on.
Sneak peak at a corner rack....
So if you would like to get some racks built for your system, please stay tuned.
I hope to get some posted in the Classifieds Section soon.
For the past year or so, I have wanted to change out my old frag rack.
It was way too small for my needs and it wouldn't keep discs or tiles from falling off. (I have an urchin that likes to move things around.)
Since I incorporated a frag grow out section in my sump, I was hoping to find a rack system that could utilize the space to it's maximum potential.
I wanted to stay away from using eggcrate. The unused openings were great locations for bubble algae or vermetid snails to grow.
And many of the acrylic racks were too limited or costly.
So I decided to make my own.
We have done quite a bit of work with polycarbonate on our CNC Router at work.
I knew instantly that I could use this machine and material to make some custom frag racks.
After some rough test projects, I came up with this.
It measures 8"W by 10"L by 2"H.
I can fit 20 large frag plugs/frag discs along with 12 standard frag plugs.
I used 1/4" polycarbonate for the tray with 1/2" polycarbonate rod for the legs.
The larger circles are pocketed 1/8" into the tray to keep discs from sliding.
The smaller holes are 1/2"+ for the plugs to sit in.
Here's what it looks like when filled up.
Now I just need to get my frags glued onto plugs or discs so I can show you what it looks like while in use.
I have also created other designs that I started working on.
Sneak peak at a corner rack....
So if you would like to get some racks built for your system, please stay tuned.
I hope to get some posted in the Classifieds Section soon.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
Lifetime Member
Event Committee
Meeting Host 2020
Meeting Host 2021
Meeting Host 2022
Happy Birthday!!!
My 120gal Mixed Reef has turned one year old this holiday season!
Here's a quick pic showing the full set-up as I usually get to see it.
With all of the other room lights off and allowing the tank to be the focal point.
And here's a FTS from today.
I just purchased a new camera this week; the Sony NEX-3N.
A big "Thanks!" ChristopherKriens for the recommendation!
Not quite a full-blown DSLR; but for a "pocket" camera I really like what it can do.
So far, I really like it. Not much editing to do to get realistic colors and detail.
The first pic above was the first pic taken with the camera!
So I will be taking lots and lots of pictures to learn what it can do.
I should actually sit down and read the manual so I can really use the camera to it's full potential.
What do you think?
"Thanks" for everyone's comments and support for the past year.
My 120gal Mixed Reef has turned one year old this holiday season!
Here's a quick pic showing the full set-up as I usually get to see it.
With all of the other room lights off and allowing the tank to be the focal point.
And here's a FTS from today.
I just purchased a new camera this week; the Sony NEX-3N.
A big "Thanks!" ChristopherKriens for the recommendation!
Not quite a full-blown DSLR; but for a "pocket" camera I really like what it can do.
So far, I really like it. Not much editing to do to get realistic colors and detail.
The first pic above was the first pic taken with the camera!
So I will be taking lots and lots of pictures to learn what it can do.
I should actually sit down and read the manual so I can really use the camera to it's full potential.
What do you think?
"Thanks" for everyone's comments and support for the past year.
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pongo
Senior Member
very stunning set up, I love the arts/crafts style. looks great!!!!!
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Thanks!
A couple of more quick photos.
I'm really enjoying this new camera.
These images are untouched; sans cropping to image size.
The first pic did come out darker than the rest, I'll have to see what settings the camera used.
Otherwise, I'm just using the Superior Auto Setting with no adjustments.
My pair of Percula Clowns hosting in a ORA Red Goniopora.
And a close-up of my Halloween Urchin.
A couple of more quick photos.
I'm really enjoying this new camera.
These images are untouched; sans cropping to image size.
The first pic did come out darker than the rest, I'll have to see what settings the camera used.
Otherwise, I'm just using the Superior Auto Setting with no adjustments.
My pair of Percula Clowns hosting in a ORA Red Goniopora.
And a close-up of my Halloween Urchin.
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