It’s all ball-bearings these days
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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
It’s all ball-bearings these days
Even with how much I enjoy discussing everything involved with marine aquarium keeping, I just can't have a thread page that is void of any photos.
So here's what I have from this morning... such little tusks!!!
I took 54 photos of just the Eight Line Flasher Wrasse and not a single one of them in focus; or good enough!
I took 18 photos of just the Pintail Fairy Wrasse and not a single photo worth sharing!
Wrasses!!!But I'll keep trying!!!
I suppose I could've posted a photo of the screen top, but that's nothing too exciting.
Had to post this topical video.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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A topical and timely video at that.
I recognize that t-shirt...
I recognize that t-shirt...
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Meeting Host 2020
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Today was the first official water change with fish present.
With a water change comes photos; at least I tried (again) to get photos.
So here's the Eight Line Flasher Wrasse; definitely has become the dominant fish.
And the Pintail Fairy Wrasse.
The coloration of his posterior half pales out when being harassed by the flasher. If I can get a photo of him when he's calm (and in focus), his head is very bright and absolutely glows.
The harlequin tusk fish is doing just fine. I have noticed that some of the substrate has been piling up outside the one cave in the tank. The tusk has been cleaning. out the cave for his personal sleeping quarters; it's kind of funny watching it pick up the large rubble pieces with his tiny mouth.
I added a dozen trochus snails to the tank today, so I'll be keeping an eye on their numbers to see if the tusk is behaving itself. Some algae is starting to grow in the display with there lighting now running full time. I hope the snails can keep it in check, but I haven't ruled out adding a tang or rabbitfish yet.
With a water change comes photos; at least I tried (again) to get photos.
So here's the Eight Line Flasher Wrasse; definitely has become the dominant fish.
And the Pintail Fairy Wrasse.
The coloration of his posterior half pales out when being harassed by the flasher. If I can get a photo of him when he's calm (and in focus), his head is very bright and absolutely glows.
The harlequin tusk fish is doing just fine. I have noticed that some of the substrate has been piling up outside the one cave in the tank. The tusk has been cleaning. out the cave for his personal sleeping quarters; it's kind of funny watching it pick up the large rubble pieces with his tiny mouth.
I added a dozen trochus snails to the tank today, so I'll be keeping an eye on their numbers to see if the tusk is behaving itself. Some algae is starting to grow in the display with there lighting now running full time. I hope the snails can keep it in check, but I haven't ruled out adding a tang or rabbitfish yet.
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Even with how much I enjoy discussing everything involved with marine aquarium keeping, I just can't have a thread page that is void of any photos.
So here's what I have from this morning... such little tusks!!!
I took 54 photos of just the Eight Line Flasher Wrasse and not a single one of them in focus; or good enough!
I took 18 photos of just the Pintail Fairy Wrasse and not a single photo worth sharing!
Wrasses!!!
I suppose I could've posted a photo of the screen top, but that's nothing too exciting.
That Tusk is truly incredible, Jason. Living the dream!
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
Lifetime Member
Event Committee
Meeting Host 2020
Meeting Host 2021
Meeting Host 2022
Here's one way to distract a wrasse while trying to take some photos; PE Mysis.
The colors are really coming along with the Eight Line Flasher Wrasse after a few weeks in the new tank. Unfortunately, this guy has become quite intolerant of the pintail. There's no physical aggression, but the pintail is relegated to the back half of the tank and always on edge. I think it's time that more fish are introduced to help alleviate the attention on the pintail, but what to add???
The other two fish are doing well considering, but the tusk fish is extremely camera shy. It's a shame because it will follow me around as I move about around the tank.
The corals are still adjusting to living in the new tank. It appears that the RTN with the Hawkin's Echinata has stopped; about half the colony is gone. Some other acropora corals are adjusting too the new lighting, while others are doing very well. The "Phoenix" montipora is starting to change color; some of the orange/peach colors are starting to show through the pink. And the LPS corals are still looking great. I still need to decide on where I'd like to mount/place everything... Ugh.
The colors are really coming along with the Eight Line Flasher Wrasse after a few weeks in the new tank. Unfortunately, this guy has become quite intolerant of the pintail. There's no physical aggression, but the pintail is relegated to the back half of the tank and always on edge. I think it's time that more fish are introduced to help alleviate the attention on the pintail, but what to add???
The other two fish are doing well considering, but the tusk fish is extremely camera shy. It's a shame because it will follow me around as I move about around the tank.
The corals are still adjusting to living in the new tank. It appears that the RTN with the Hawkin's Echinata has stopped; about half the colony is gone. Some other acropora corals are adjusting too the new lighting, while others are doing very well. The "Phoenix" montipora is starting to change color; some of the orange/peach colors are starting to show through the pink. And the LPS corals are still looking great. I still need to decide on where I'd like to mount/place everything... Ugh.
Great pic of the eight line. Beautiful!
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Meeting Host 2021
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@nox.rupaw You're not helping...
Nice! need to add another myself.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How is the new substrate working out
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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The rubble is working out nicely. I have yet to add all of my Vortech pumps and crank up the flow to crazy levels, but I do like how easy it is to vacuum during water changes. Since I'm able to move the rubble around, I can see the bottom glass and tell if there's detritus that needs to be removed.
I would've expected that with the larger rubble, I wouldn't have to worry about having the bottom glass exposed and visible. However...
The Harlequin Tuskfish has been tidying up a couple of dens to sleep in at night. The little tusk has been dragging pieces of the rubble out of the dens and piling them up elsewhere; sometimes on top of the rocks. It's a wonder how that little mouth manages to hang onto some of that rubble; they're nearly the size of his head.
Here's the tusk just outside of one of the dens with the smooth glass visible under the rock.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Over the past couple of days, I've worked on some of the remaining equipment additions.
While in The Cities last week, I picked up my CO2 tank and went about putting my calcium reactor together. I picked up the reactor over a year ago from Riley; a Reef Octopus CR140-2R (dual chamber). I filled both chambers with TLF Reborn media mixed with about 10% of TLF ReMag. I installed the CarbonDoser regulator on the fancy red 5lb. CO2 tank from Kegco. It's a tight fit, but everything is in place and I can remove/replace the tank by going over the plumbing for the reactor. When it came time to install my Kamoer feed pump, I realized that I couldn't quite find a spot for it inside the stand. Since I want to have everything installed for easy maintenance and visibility, I have decided to buy the newer Kamoer pump; so the install is in a holding pattern until the pump is delivered. For now, I have the black feed tubing in place but that will be adjusted once the new pump arrives. Once the pump arrives, I'll fill the reactor with water, install the pH probe and add a couple of small 1/4" valves to assist with maintenance. I am tempted to find some 1/4" 90° elbows for the recirculating CO2 tubing to clean up the overarching lines.
Another couple of projects that I was able to work on over the holidays was the ATO reservoir and a wire management box.
Since the sump and calcium reactor fill the stand, I decided to move the ATO reservoir behind the stand. I designed a reservoir to hold over a one week's worth of fresh water. My last reservoir only held about 5.5 gallons which only lasted five days or so. Since I perform weekly maintenance, there would be occasions when the reservoir would run low and my return pump would start sucking air and push bubbles into the display. With a larger reservoir, I should be able to eliminate that occurrence by filling the reservoir during weekly maintenance. I included a 1.5" bulkhead that is capped for easy filling of the reservoir. I will be using my Neptune Systems DŌS pump to top off the sump. The dosing line has a 1/4" quick connect bulkhead that has rigid tubing extended to the bottom.
Since there are two pumps on the DŌS pump, I thought about adding a chamber to the reservoir for dosing a supplement (Acropower, ESV Transisition Elements, kalkwasser,...). So before I machined the parts for the reservoir, I added a partition to create a small chamber that holds just over one gallon of whatever I need. A 3/4" bulkhead allows for filling and another 1/4" bulkhead and rigid tubing set up allow for dosing.
If you noticed, there is a black acrylic box sitting on top off the reservoir. This is my wire management box. I designed the box to sit on the reservoir while allowing the most room inside for cords and power supplies. The lid of the box has a long cutout to allow the cords to enter/leave the box. I still have more work to do here. I still to install three more MP40 pumps which all have a power supply and control unit. I picked up a WiFi controlled power strip that the power supplies will new plugged into; the power strip will be plugged into a EB832 energy bar.
It really is incredible how many wires, cords and cables that are involved in this hobby. I do know that if I upgrade to a larger system, there will be a fish room behind it or under it to accommodate all of the equipment. Trying to minimize the clutter of a fully equipped reef system in a single stand is a daunting task; especially when confronted with massive OCD issues.
As a side note, the ATS unit is now growing a decent carpet of green algae. I harvested the first batch this past weekend, but I didn't record any information about it. There's plenty of time to do that once the system is completed.
I still need to mount many of the corals yet. (Another OCD influenced task.)
While in The Cities last week, I picked up my CO2 tank and went about putting my calcium reactor together. I picked up the reactor over a year ago from Riley; a Reef Octopus CR140-2R (dual chamber). I filled both chambers with TLF Reborn media mixed with about 10% of TLF ReMag. I installed the CarbonDoser regulator on the fancy red 5lb. CO2 tank from Kegco. It's a tight fit, but everything is in place and I can remove/replace the tank by going over the plumbing for the reactor. When it came time to install my Kamoer feed pump, I realized that I couldn't quite find a spot for it inside the stand. Since I want to have everything installed for easy maintenance and visibility, I have decided to buy the newer Kamoer pump; so the install is in a holding pattern until the pump is delivered. For now, I have the black feed tubing in place but that will be adjusted once the new pump arrives. Once the pump arrives, I'll fill the reactor with water, install the pH probe and add a couple of small 1/4" valves to assist with maintenance. I am tempted to find some 1/4" 90° elbows for the recirculating CO2 tubing to clean up the overarching lines.
Another couple of projects that I was able to work on over the holidays was the ATO reservoir and a wire management box.
Since the sump and calcium reactor fill the stand, I decided to move the ATO reservoir behind the stand. I designed a reservoir to hold over a one week's worth of fresh water. My last reservoir only held about 5.5 gallons which only lasted five days or so. Since I perform weekly maintenance, there would be occasions when the reservoir would run low and my return pump would start sucking air and push bubbles into the display. With a larger reservoir, I should be able to eliminate that occurrence by filling the reservoir during weekly maintenance. I included a 1.5" bulkhead that is capped for easy filling of the reservoir. I will be using my Neptune Systems DŌS pump to top off the sump. The dosing line has a 1/4" quick connect bulkhead that has rigid tubing extended to the bottom.
Since there are two pumps on the DŌS pump, I thought about adding a chamber to the reservoir for dosing a supplement (Acropower, ESV Transisition Elements, kalkwasser,...). So before I machined the parts for the reservoir, I added a partition to create a small chamber that holds just over one gallon of whatever I need. A 3/4" bulkhead allows for filling and another 1/4" bulkhead and rigid tubing set up allow for dosing.
If you noticed, there is a black acrylic box sitting on top off the reservoir. This is my wire management box. I designed the box to sit on the reservoir while allowing the most room inside for cords and power supplies. The lid of the box has a long cutout to allow the cords to enter/leave the box. I still have more work to do here. I still to install three more MP40 pumps which all have a power supply and control unit. I picked up a WiFi controlled power strip that the power supplies will new plugged into; the power strip will be plugged into a EB832 energy bar.
It really is incredible how many wires, cords and cables that are involved in this hobby. I do know that if I upgrade to a larger system, there will be a fish room behind it or under it to accommodate all of the equipment. Trying to minimize the clutter of a fully equipped reef system in a single stand is a daunting task; especially when confronted with massive OCD issues.
As a side note, the ATS unit is now growing a decent carpet of green algae. I harvested the first batch this past weekend, but I didn't record any information about it. There's plenty of time to do that once the system is completed.
I still need to mount many of the corals yet. (Another OCD influenced task.)
Curious if there is any reason you wouldn't add the 1/4" 90's on the reactor?
I suppose... more joints, more potential leaks. I've not heard of one ever leaking so but I'm also not sure if that's misplaced trust on my part. Currently thinking of doing the same on a few things.
I suppose... more joints, more potential leaks. I've not heard of one ever leaking so but I'm also not sure if that's misplaced trust on my part. Currently thinking of doing the same on a few things.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Event Committee
Meeting Host 2020
Meeting Host 2021
Meeting Host 2022
“Ain’t no reason!” ***
I leaning towards using the ¼” stem elbows on the reactor.
If I replaced the fittings, there’s the possibility of a break or leak. The stem fittings will work just fine even though I’m adding more “clutter” to the mess.
*** If anyone can tell me which movie that line is from, you’re awesome and we just became best friends!
I went to google search this quote, but decided it was faster, better to just guess "The Nightmare Before Christmas" or "Slap Shot"
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Meeting Host 2021
Meeting Host 2022
Anyone could've guessed those two movies would be on my favorite movies list but to become a best friend, this is a deep, deep dive!
(Speaking of movies and such... Are we ever going to get a Sump Forum again???)
Looking great Jason. I like your idea of 90 degree elbows and less tubing. Fine the way it is but I think it would look sharp. Anxious for you to get that calcium reactor running. I would love to try one but am afraid of chasing numbers. 2 part for me for at least a little while longer.
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jlanger
@thatfishcookieguy
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Meeting Host 2021
Meeting Host 2022
I decided that I needed some assistance in keeping the display looking cleaner so I hired a little help; keyword: little.
This Kole Tang was listed on Diver's Den at 2-3/8". That would be accurate if its lips were puckered and its tail fully extended. This is one itty bitty Kole Tang; my Phoenix Monti frag is bigger. There's going to be plenty of work for this little fish to keep my display spotless!
Although still camera shy, the little fish acclimated well into the new tank. There was no aggression from the tusk or the wrasses. In fact, the little tang followed the tusk around for the first few minutes like a little puppy trying to meet new friends.
This Kole Tang was listed on Diver's Den at 2-3/8". That would be accurate if its lips were puckered and its tail fully extended. This is one itty bitty Kole Tang; my Phoenix Monti frag is bigger. There's going to be plenty of work for this little fish to keep my display spotless!
Although still camera shy, the little fish acclimated well into the new tank. There was no aggression from the tusk or the wrasses. In fact, the little tang followed the tusk around for the first few minutes like a little puppy trying to meet new friends.