Big E Rimless 80g Sps

[.AcroKiller.]

So you have 2 photoperiods each day?

Pete I think he means he turns all his t5 on at the same time for 8 hours and then off without dawn and dusk periods.

 

[Big E]

This is just AMAZING .

Have you had the chance to read the PAR in your tank ?

Par levels are 200 1" from bottom--450 just below the surface. Sweet spot for most acros is 300-350.

So you have 2 photoperiods each day?

No, my lights are on from 11am-7pm. They all come on at once, I don't use any dawn or dusk lighting schedules.

 

[Gondore]

I am running a ATI Sunpower 8 bulb along with a Reefbrite XHO over my 48x22x30 tank. It is a mixed reef but primary sps. What bulb combo, photoperiod and height from the water for the fixture would you suggest for my tank?

 

[Big E]

The bulb combo of choice is the same Blue+ and Coral+ for Sps. Your Reefbrites will serve to add more blue aesthetically which is fine. I'd start at about 9-10 inches......I wouldn't go lower than 7-8" once things settle in.

Main 8 bulbs eight hours.............Reefbrites I wouldn't do more than a total of 6 hours mid day. I'd start at 4.

Those Reefbrites XHO can be overkill of that single 450nm range........it's too narrow and can cause problems with colors longer term. This is based on what I've seen on friends Sps tanks that overdue it on number of hours per day. They will also tend to turn rainbow acans and chalices orange.

I would prefer more of a mixed LED from 400-465 for supplementating.

 

[MounteeFrag]

Do you have a canopy? If so do you vent it?

 

[favites]

BigED,

love the tank and aquascape so far! I have a 90g sps build with similar lighting and dimensions...I also prefer the look of fewer larger colonies with an emphasis on color combinations... What fish do you have in your system? Also interested in that name of last colony picture posted(44)..


Mark

 

[Big E]

Do you have a canopy? If so do you vent it?

Right now I don't, but I'm in the process of making just a floating canopy for looks. The bottom and top will be open air for passive cooling.

BigED,

love the tank and aquascape so far! I have a 90g sps build with similar lighting and dimensions...I also prefer the look of fewer larger colonies with an emphasis on color combinations... What fish do you have in your system? Also interested in that name of last colony picture posted(44)..


Mark

Thanks Mark,

I want the open look but it's hard to do with small tank and big colonies........it's seems I'm always cutting/fragging for looks. I also am very picky about color combos and artistic aquascaping. I've changed my mind a bunch of times on how I want the tank to look...........more artsy/fartsy type stuff like themes and aquascaping rules.

Right now I have two 4-5" genicanthus angels........watanabei and bellus females and one purple firefish.........I lost a few fish about 4-5 months ago when all the pics in this thread were taken, so I want to get my bioload up more and add more smaller fish.

I've got a half dozen anthias I'll be adding that are in QT right now. I might add one or two more small fish and that's it.

Post 44 pic is my Pearlberry colony

 

[favites]

I want the open look but it's hard to do with small tank and big colonies........it's seems I'm always cutting/fragging for looks. I also am very picky about color combos and artistic aquascaping. I've changed my mind a bunch of times on how I want the tank to look...........more artsy/fartsy type stuff like themes and aquascaping rules.

Ha yes, definitely harder to have both! The predictability in terms of colors and growth of the 'classics' helps in this regard, however, it takes a lot of willpower to say no to adding more goodies....My tank is half landscaped/ half frag tank after 2 years, still looking for that new colony that will bring it all together... Can't wait to see how your aquascape evolves!

Mark

 

[Big E]

Here's some newer shots I took last week-

I really like these branch type shots--

Turquoise with sky blue tip Hoeksemai

Yellow Caroliniana

Shortcake

Wild raspberry

Oregon Tort

Paletta

Purple Monster

 

[Big E]

A few more acros--

Orange Passion

Red Gecko

Aussie Ice Fire

 

[PackardD]

Wow i love your tank

 

[jaguars4263]

Very impressive!

 

[coral tarracino]

Short Cake neat!

 

[Pife]

Your shortcake has very unique coralites. It is very beautiful.

 

[coral tarracino]

Coralties' never heard that one before!

Thank You!

 

[d_adler]

Here's some newer shots I took last week-

I really like these branch type shots--

Turquoise with sky blue tip Hoeksemai

Yellow Caroliniana

Shortcake

Wild raspberry

Oregon Tort

Paletta

Purple Monster

that wild raspberry is awesome! awesome wrk on the tank. have you ever thought about selling your trimmings?

 

[coral tarracino]

awesome raspberry!

 

[Chknsamich]

Wow sweet colors on the acro man!

 

[coral tarracino]

Micro Man??

 

[1000_smiles]

Hi Ed,
No problems running T5s on the Icecap ballast?
Do you have it wired according to the diagram on the ballast?
I have read that it is the wrong ballast for T5s.
Thanks.