Ashrs new 36x30x20 Sps build!

[ashr]

I moved.. So the story goes that I spent about 4 hours taking the tank down/apart. I begged all my fish, all my smaller corals. At the time of the move I had some very large SPS colonies that I was fragging and making some good money on. I dumped all the old sand, put all the rock in tots but some of the rock was out of the water, so i took wet paper towl and layed it over the rocks to keep moist.

It was a hot day when we moved so I think there was more die off on the rocks than I had thought there would be. So anyways I get to the new place.. start adding the rock, the fish and the corals. The issue was I didnt have enough water anymore to fill the tank all the way and the Ro/DI unit was not unpacked.

So over the night I think I had a ammonia spike, this lead to the death of 90% of my fish. Also the flow may have been a bit low, along with a bacatria bloom I lost all my SPS, an 8x6" clam and almost everything else in a 24hr period. (the clam lived for a few days, I should have moved her but she seemed to be doing fine)

The only thing that surrvided was a few zoa coloines, most of my LPS and a large maroon clown and yellow goby. It was a hard day/week. Watching 43 years of my tank die off..

Here are some pictures to show you what it was like I hope my next tank will be even better!

 

[Fishinwall]

Really all depends what you want to do and how much you want to spend!! That will work at first. Once your tank is up and running and your SPS is growing you want to think about dosing Alk, Calc and Mg. I started dosing by hand at first and then bought a doser. Love it.. helps keep the tank in check!

Thank you! Sad about your tank. Can't wait to see the new one!

 

[Fishinwall]

What brand of salt do you use and why?

 

[ashr]

What brand of salt do you use and why?

I used to use SeaChem as I had read good things. I have recently switched to Reef Crystals. I am wanting a salt with a higher mix of Calc, AK and Mg to help grow my SPS. As I do less water changes than most people I want these levels to stay as stable as I can with minimum dosing of these elements. So far so good with the CR and I have not noticed any ill effects!

 

[Colorado reefer]

This is my 27 gallon sps cube. I had all these guys in a mixed 120, but was struggling to keep the colors so finally decided to try them on their own. I have been using RC also, and doing 5 gallon water change every 2/3 days (I dump the old water in my 120) After a few week I was able to get the colors all back. I'd like to move them to a 50 gallon or larger cube soon.

 

[ashr]

This is my 27 gallon sps cube. I had all these guys in a mixed 120, but was struggling to keep the colors so finally decided to try them on their own. I have been using RC also, and doing 5 gallon water change every 2/3 days (I dump the old water in my 120) After a few week I was able to get the colors all back. I'd like to move them to a 50 gallon or larger cube soon.

That is good to hear. I really like the RC so far and my colors on my frags (old tank still) are looking great!!

 

[ashr]

Some work made on my stand!

 

[ahchris]

Keep the updates coming

 

[Fishinwall]

Nice

 

[ashr]

It feels like Christmas!
Used (6 months) old Vertex Omega 150. I got an awesome deal on it too!

 

[ashr]

Does anyone have any tips for the stand build? I would like to seal all the plywood edges and stain the wood. Any thoughts, tips or tricks?

 

[ashr]

I also want to supplement my new ATI 36x8 fixture with a LED light hung off the side of my ATI unit. Something that will give a shimmer and also a deep blue moon light. Any thoughts?

 

[inkedsparkster]

If you are looking for shimmer then Kessil is the way to go. Nothing beats their shimmer effect. However they have terrible par readings! I have a video to prove it). But if it's just for looks then that's your best bet.

 

[ashr]

If you are looking for shimmer then Kessil is the way to go. Nothing beats their shimmer effect. However they have terrible par readings! I have a video to prove it). But if it's just for looks then that's your best bet.

I was also thinking the same.. Might be the way to go.. hmmm

 

[ashr]

Look at what came in the mail today!!

8x36 dimmable fixture. ATI said that these new lights also have new relays in them, so that is good news

 

[ashr]

It's getting close!

 

[Fishinwall]

Nice

 

[inkedsparkster]

Looking good! Finish it up already! Ha

 

[ashr]

haha I am trying. I need some ideas for the trim and doors now. Also, I still need to paint the inside! All in good time

 

[ashr]

So things are going slow but they are going to pick up here really soon. I have painted the inside of the blue ( to be a bit different) and sealed the bottom of the stand to make sure water does not seep through the seems.

Now I need to work on the trim for the top, bot and sides. Also working on getting doors.

Now I need some ideas on power cords and stations. I ended up going with a DJ-100a Power bar.. just need to see what to do with it.

Thoughts?