Constructive Criticisms? My ugle stage tank

[Dr4gula.f32]

I got bored with freshwater a few months ago and bought some used stuff. I paid 250 for this tank, stand, Bashsea sump, an Apex classic, 3 fluval marine lights, 2 kessel light mounts, and lots of other stuff. I picked up the used Apex EL for 350.

I walk into the LFS and ask for corals I won't kill immediately and usually walk out with a few frags. I probably have some that I have no business owning at this point. If you see anything like that, please, point it out. My big lobo in the right front is dying. I made a post about it a few weeks ago. No remedy.

3 blue green Chromis
2 clowns, 1 is a misbar blood orange - they get along
6 line wrasse - does well for now even though lots of people say these guys are trouble
bi color blenny -my favorite, he has the best personality
blue spotted watchman goby and tiger pistol pair - Ok these 2 are my real favorite!
pintail fairy wrasse - I got duped on this guy. I asked for a centerpiece fish for my 30 gallon frag tank. They recommended this. I know, the tank is too small. How big can this guy get and still be ok in this tank?

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

How old is the tank? (After cycling)

 

[Dr4gula.f32]

If we factor in the 20 gallon I started with, and lasted 2 weeks with, we're about 3.5 months in.

20 pounds of caribsea live sand, fiji pink I believe, 40 pounds if fiji not live. In the sump I have about 20 pounds of live rock, bare bottom. 10 or so pounds is ocean direct live rock that I paid 10 dollars a dang pound for, and the other 10 pounds is artifical live rock that came out of the sump of a different LFS, which cost about 3/pound. I used dry white rock in the DT.

I started with a spare 20g I had laying around, and quickly decided I would need an upgrade soon. I started looking for used setups and found this frag tank setup.

I really like being able to look down into the tank. If it was a little deeper I'd love it, maybe 18"

 

[GarrettT]

Are my eyes deceiving me or is the sump and right side of the tank left unsupported?

 

[Neuratox]

That is a killer deal! Great way to start the hobby off right! It looks like you have a UV sterilizer too, is that right? Its looking great for 3.5 months in! Things that I wish that I had done differently as I started... Test more often. Test at least once a week and keep a record of it. I've got a notebook that is no different than a lab notebook - I record everything I measure, everything I do, everything I notice, and everything that goes in. It will be a GREAT resource when a problem occurs. Yes, a problem will occur eventually. I also wish that I bought a par meter earlier. I bought one for the most recent tank and it has made a world of difference knowing where the right and wrong places to put the corals are!

As for the fish. I tend to add fish slowly. Partly because I really tend to focus on my coral - My clowns get very mad about this and block my view all the time so they can get some TLC. You will find that your fish have personalities and that some play well and others don't. I'd never get rid of my clowns because they were my first and have a special place in my heart. I've surrendered several fish because they didn't get along with the rest of the community. If you watch your fish closely you'll be able to tell through their interactions and weight if you have too many. I've been trying to diversify the levels that are occupied (sand, vs rock, vs main water column).

This is just my two cents. In the end you'll find that you'll succeed where some say that you can't and fail where it seems everyone else has no problem. Just keep in mind that everything in there is alive and have fun with the environment you create!

Cheers

 

[Dr4gula.f32]

It does have a UV steralyzer that came in the bundle, as well as this nice ATO resevoir. I do test at least once a week. I have redsea test kits, the marine care and foundation kits. I was eyeing the trident earlier but thats for later. When I test, I record the results in Apex Fusion. I work with cars a lot, so datalogging, and reviewing the logs is something I'm familiar with, and one of the things I love about the apex.

The sump and right part of the tank are supported. The photo leaves out some detail I guess. The stand isn't something that I'd call nice, but it's sturdy and works for now. I'm thinking of building a different stand for the tank. The sump is deeper than the tank, so it sticks out the front of the stand a few inches,

 

[Neuratox]

I think what GarrettT was referring to was what looks like ~1in overhang on the right side. Its your tank and definitely up to you, but I would google "overhang tank stand" or something like that. There are some pretty scary stories out there.

 

[Rp8]

That was a great find. May want to get a PAR meter and see how evenly spread your lights are. Looking at the picture they seem close together. Super saturating the middle and weak on the sides.

 

[Dr4gula.f32]

Yes, the right side overhangs a bit. Part of the reason I want to build a new stand. I'm not sure how the PO had it set up. Where he drilled the tank, interferes with the corner post of the stand. I flipped the tank all ways before filling it to try and remedy this issue. I know an overhang is a no-no, but I didn't think 1 inch was detrimental. A new stand is already in the works...at least being thought about before this thread was posted anyway.

I have been using a PAR meter app on my phone, which was pretty highly recommended on this site. I didn't dunk it yet, but right at the surface in the center of the tank is just under 300 PAR, and it does taper off at the sides because I have some corals that require a little less light

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

Could you possibly put some plywood or something for the time being under to atleast somewhat support it? I wouldnt keep it that way for long

 

[Neuratox]

Yes, the right side overhangs a bit. Part of the reason I want to build a new stand. I'm not sure how the PO had it set up. Where he drilled the tank, interferes with the corner post of the stand. I flipped the tank all ways before filling it to try and remedy this issue. I know an overhang is a no-no, but I didn't think 1 inch was detrimental. A new stand is already in the works...at least being thought about before this thread was posted anyway.

I have been using a PAR meter app on my phone, which was pretty highly recommended on this site. I didn't dunk it yet, but right at the surface in the center of the tank is just under 300 PAR, and it does taper off at the sides because I have some corals that require a little less light

I built the stand for my first tank and for my son's tank as a father son project. Embarrassingly, these were among the first true projects of this nature that I've ever undertaken. It was a learning experience, but very enjoyable!

 

[Acros]

I got bored with freshwater a few months ago and bought some used stuff. I paid 250 for this tank, stand, Bashsea sump, an Apex classic, 3 fluval marine lights, 2 kessel light mounts, and lots of other stuff. I picked up the used Apex EL for 350.

I walk into the LFS and ask for corals I won't kill immediately and usually walk out with a few frags. I probably have some that I have no business owning at this point. If you see anything like that, please, point it out. My big lobo in the right front is dying. I made a post about it a few weeks ago. No remedy.

3 blue green Chromis
2 clowns, 1 is a misbar blood orange - they get along
6 line wrasse - does well for now even though lots of people say these guys are trouble
bi color blenny -my favorite, he has the best personality
blue spotted watchman goby and tiger pistol pair - Ok these 2 are my real favorite!
pintail fairy wrasse - I got duped on this guy. I asked for a centerpiece fish for my 30 gallon frag tank. They recommended this. I know, the tank is too small. How big can this guy get and still be ok in this tank?

I have those nano lights on a betta tank, they do get pretty blue. However, they cannot produce nearly enough light for corals. They are only 20 watts.