Michael's Elos 120

[michael_cb_125]

Hello everyone. I have posted a few times but have not really documented my system very well. I started this system five years ago and it has been the most stable and forgiving system I have ever had.
It started out as a standard Elos System 120, and has evolved over time to its current form:
Elos 120 tank and Stand
Elos sump 1000
ATB 840 cone skimmer
Eheim 1260 return pump
Ecoxotic Panorama Pro LEDs
Maxspect 160 Razor (as of this Friday)

I will go into much more detail shortly


~Michael

 

[Zack]

I'll be the first to say it- pics please!!!!
I see you have the panorama pros, as do I.
How do you like them? What's your setup like?

 

[Singlefin]

Yes. Pics!! How are your pros? Had them on my bc29. Wasn't too happy.

 

[michael_cb_125]

I am trying to work the bugs outta my photobucket account as I type this.
Originally, I was planning on setting this up as a Hawaiian Deep Water Reef, I started with an adorable pair of baby Apolemichthys arcuatus (Bandit Angels). That is where I stopped. After getting these guys through about 6 months total of QT, I was too paranoid to add anything else. I had my little 1.5 and 1.75 inch bandits in perfect health and I wanted them to stay that way. Well, it has been four and a half years since I added the Bandits and now they are right at 3.75 and 4" respectively.

Here are a few shots of the fish:

Here they were in QT


~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

Here are a few pictures from about four months ago

I am actually using a Single RGB Panorama Pro and Two 24" Stunner Strips. I made a wood canopy and suspended it from the ceiling.

Feed Us Feed Us

Since these pictures the tank has been cleaned up quite a bit, and the rockwork has been changed.

About the Lights- I think that for supplemental lighting the Stunners and Panorama Pros are great, but for main lighting they are not quite strong enough IMO.

~Michael

 

[JMMJ13902]

Beautiful pairs of fish. I remember this pairs is very expensive but can't recall the name

 

[michael_cb_125]

Here is what the tank looked like at first:

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Tank looks great and love the angels!

 

[michael_cb_125]

Thanks everyone!

JMM - They are Bandit Angels, endemic to Hawaii and typically found at depth. Really neat fish if you are fortunate enough to find properly collected and handled specimens.

I have always loved my tank, and the angels are the heart and soul of this system. Everything that I do I make certain will not harm or stress my babies.


I keep the tank at cooler temps than most reefs due to the Bandits. (65-74) Average 68. I have kept corals at this temp with great success and do not foresee any issues with adding some in a few weeks. My new light (Razor) will be here Friday and I am very excited. This will be the first time this tank has had intense light in over two years. I am worried about one thing though! I have extensive sponge and tunicate growth covering the rock and sandbed. Will adding so much more light kill off the sponge and such?

Thanks for listening (READING)

~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

Some more QT shots:

 

[michael_cb_125]

Right In The Tank, four years ago.

 

[michael_cb_125]

I know a decent amount about fish disease, and have some pretty good experience with Diagnosing and QT fish. But when it comes to corals I am clueless.
Soo, the big question. Do most people QT their corals to be certain they are not bringing in parasites and pathogens? In particular I am concerned with fish parasites. I know that fish parasites can ride in on new corals, what do most people do about this when adding to and ICK and FLUKE free tank?

Just put the new corals in a coral QT tank for several months to allow all possible fish parasites to die off?
Dip new corals? Do they make a dip that targets ICK and FLUKES as well as being safe for corals?
Freshwater Dip?

I really dont want to add anything harmful to my tank.

Thanks for any help!!

~Michael

 

[MarvinsReef]

Michael, awesome pair of Bandits. I don't think most people QT their corals. most just dip and put them in their DT. I know that's what I did from my tank. yikes!

 

[michael_cb_125]

Thanks everyone!

Yesterday I received my maxspect razor 160w. All I can say is wow, for the money there is no doubt in my mind that this is one of the best LED fixtures made.
It is nice that such a small (27") fixture can light a four foot tank very well.
I will get some new pictures posted Tom. I also have a few nice Aussie corals being held for me at the LFS

~Michael

 

[ryhoward]

I have the same light and I am very impressed with it too.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Well this evening I added the first corals to the tank in years. I managed to snag three nice Aussie corals from the LFS.
A nice apple green scoly, a purple and green reverse prism favia and a nice elegance for movement.
The corals have been in the tank for three hours now and look amazing
The fish are curious but have not bothered them so far.

Pictures to come

~Michael

 

[michael_cb_125]

Here are a few crappy Iphone pics from last night;

My fish begging!

~Michael

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

The corals look great!!! I love the fish begging pic. My fish do the same thing.

 

[michael_cb_125]

Well here are a few crappy iPhone 5 pictures. I have a decent camera but the battery is dead at the moment. I really like these guys and they are all showing a heavy feeding response. I have to say that I am enjoying having the corals and inverts.

 

[michael_cb_125]