Chris' algae farm (ELOS 160)

Pagey · Mar 10, 2016

Good pics but what's up with the tank? Why new plans?

ChristopherKriens · Mar 10, 2016

Pagey said:
Good pics but what's up with the tank? Why new plans?

No new plans for this tank for now, just setting up an additional system.

ChristopherKriens · Mar 10, 2016

reefjunkie88 said:
Chris we need a new full tank shot! And whats going on with your new tank where can we follow that?

I'll be starting a build thread in the next couple of weeks

fragit · Mar 10, 2016

Glad to see an update! Your tank is an inspiration for my build!

revhtree · Mar 10, 2016

Amazing photos and detail!

I hope you're planning on starting the new build here at R2R too! @ChristopherKriens

coral tarracino · Mar 10, 2016

revhtree said:
I like how you take photos. Keep us updated!

Cant' do 218 Duval they cant' stand Me! & I am not gonna be insulted! like why should I be? here I am on My way out You KNOW? just got the letter

Eric Straus · Mar 10, 2016

Awesome tank!! Do you know what template your running for the Ecotech Radium Lights?

melev · Mar 10, 2016

I like your artsy pictures.

Jake432 · Mar 10, 2016

Following!

Jake432 · Mar 10, 2016

Why is your start tank temperature 86? And not the end result 78?

ChristopherKriens · Mar 10, 2016

revhtree said:
Amazing photos and detail!

I hope you're planning on starting the new build here at R2R too! @ChristopherKriens

You know it!

Eric Straus said:
Awesome tank!! Do you know what template your running for the Ecotech Radium Lights?

I've used a custom template for years, which closely matches the new PHX14 template with a bit more white. There should be a link somewhere in the thread to download.

melev said:
I like your artsy pictures.

Thanks! I was bummed I missed you when you were in town, but we couldn't take winter anymore and had to escape.

Jake432 said:
Why is your start tank temperature 86? And not the end result 78?

I started the tank temperature higher during the cycle to increase the metabolism of the bacteria. This works with a fishless cycle because there's nothing in the tank so the temperature can be increased to cut a little time off of the process.

ChristopherKriens · Mar 10, 2016

Some beauty shots of the wet side area of the sump.

SeaMonkeys · Mar 10, 2016

Wow that is an amazing tank and some great photos.

thylocene · Mar 10, 2016

Your tank is absolutely beautiful. I saw you're using a 5d camera, can you tell us what lens you're using? Your photos are fantastic.

nhout1975 · Mar 10, 2016

How do you keep it so pristine?

JMLewis · Mar 10, 2016

ChristopherKriens said:
You know it!

I've used a custom template for years, which closely matches the new PHX14 template with a bit more white. There should be a link somewhere in the thread to download

I went back and found the download link but received an error 404 when I clicked on it. Would you mind posting a new link? This amazing tank give me hopes for my Radions.

Also from scrolling back I see that you use gen 3, are they regular or pro and do you use tir lenses?

JMLewis · Mar 11, 2016

Found the schedule!

mila sheehan · Mar 11, 2016

ChristopherKriens said:
Hello I'm new to the forum. I'm beginning my second reef aquarium- I started out a couple years ago with a second-hand 90 gallon mixed reef. After buying a house and moving last fall I had to take everything down as I didn't have the time or money to keep everything going. Now that I'm settled in a little bit I've decided to get started again.

I decided on an ELOS System 160 as a centerpiece for the living room area. The room's layout is such that I had to order a custom aquarium with a left hand overflow. After being delayed by hurricane Sandy, being repackaged after forklift damage, and tipping over during unloading, it's been a rough ride. Luckily everything looks great.

I'm still in the early stages of setup. I went with Pukani Dry Rock from Bulk Reef Supply because of its light weight and large surface area. I also think its some of the best looking rock you can buy. After receiving the rock, I dug out a fairly large crispy critter- I think it was a brittle star- which prompted me to give the rock a 24 hour bleach, followed by a 3 hour acid bath and plenty of rinsing to get rid of the dead stuff.

I have an early aquascape set up, but I have a lot of time to scrutinize during the cycle, so we'll see if it stays. I'm using CaribSea's AragAlive Fiji Pink, which has a nice consistent grain size and some great color. Hoping it won't blow around too much when I get some more flow going. I'm inoculating with Prodibio BioDigest and Bioptim to get everything going.

Salinity: 1.025
Temperature: 86ÂºF

Cooking it clean

Sand storm after 8 bags

The PS2000 Skimmer started up right away- no break in for this guy

Next morning everything was settled down. Low iron glass is a beautiful thing.

this type of rock is the exact same one I use ouo