I am building a new setup and figured I have enough to start a build thread. If my tank is not large enough someone can move it. LOL

The tank will be an Oceanic 156 gallon (60”x 24”x 25) from Sal at Salt Water City. I had MRC build me a custom sump/refugium (20” x19” x20”) . It has a working capacity of around 43 gallons. I will add an additional refugum at sump point of about 15 gallons. The sump and all equipment will be in a pantry directly behind the tank. I also plan to put my chiller under my house.

Equipment List:
Lights 3 400 watt 20k Helios run by 2 PFO HQI ballasts and 1 M59. I may run 1 250watt in the center but will not decide tell the tank is up.
Reflectors are Luminmax Elites.
Actinic supplementation will be from 2 54wattT-5 aqua blue plus by ATI

Flow 2 Vortechs and 2 Tunze 6101

Return Pump is a Reeflo Snapper that will also feed my 1/3 Prime Chiller. If the Snapper is not able to handle the load I also have Dart pump ready to go.

Geo 612 Calcium Reactor for supplementation.

Skimmer is a CnC 300 with a Laguna Askoll 1500 pulling between 65 & 80 SCHF depending on depth..

Controllers: I will eventual get some type of controller like Aqua or Reef Keeper. I will use my current equipment as of now.
1 Ranco duel temperature controller.
1 Milwaukee Ph Controller
1 Milwaukee Ph Monitor

Electrical: I will have 3 to 4 different circuits to protect against tripped GFI. I also have 1 battery back up for the Vortechs

The Stand will be a custom built by a local reefer Dave AKA groupertherapy. I am still working out the details on this but have a basic design. Nothing over the top because that is the way I like it. The basic dimensions will be 35” tall base and 16” tall canopy.

I will build a semi permanent rock structure supported by Fiberglass & Acrylic rods. The sand will be Caribsea Pacific Black Reef sand. It will be a Short sand bead.

This will be a mixed reef with mostly SPS.

This is a good start and I will add some pic’s as well.

Thanks Joe

Can't wait to see the pics, Joe. I'm really looking forward to this build thread!

Some Pic's

I am really happy with the MRC sump but Raj said he put his mark on it so there is at least one flaw.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0011.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0018.jpg

Skimmer on a tub full of live rock.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0001-2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0003.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0005-3.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0012.jpg

Stand design as of today by Dave

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/156_stand_dated_.jpg




Thanks Joe

Looks pretty good Joe! I still got ya beat though! Thanks for the frags today!

Nice. Cannot wait to see this progress.

Thanks Patrick it is two years of contemplating finally coming to a head.

My plumbing plan as of now.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/plumb2.jpg

My sump/pantry as of now. It is an old pic but gives you an idea of what I have to work with. I also think it will make a good before and after comparison.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P10000951.jpg

Thanks Joe

Thanks guys I am getting excited. One correction is the sump is 42"x 19"x 20.

It looks like it will be 2 to 3 weeks till both the tank and stand are here.

Joe

Looks good Joe. Can't wait to see it all put together!!

Looks like it'll be a killer setup! I still need to come out and see your tank. Niiiiiice readings on the air meter!

Thanks anytime just pm me and we can work out the details.

Joe

Very very nice.:yay:

This is gonna be good.

Joe, that's another thing I need to test, the air pull on this ASM G-2.

It's looking like it's gonna be really good!

I'm glad to see you have Dave doing your stand. I dont know if you got to see any of his work, but I think his craftsmanship is hard to beat. I remeber the first stand I saw from him was for an oceanic half circle (170ish gals I think) and it by far the best stand I have seen to this day.

I have an update on the stand build. David is building it in two section an inner structure that actually supports the tank made out of ¾” Western Pacific Birch and an outer shell made out of ¾” sold African Mahogany. My sump will be behind the tank so there is no need for a large opining in the back. I plan on cutting two 8”x 10” squares under each drain/return. David feel free to correct me if I made any mistakes.

He are some pictures of the progress so far.

Inner cabinet
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/IMG_2643_edited1.jpg

Center view
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/headonview.jpg

Side 1
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/leftside.jpg

Side 2 and you can see how the inner slides into the outer cabinet

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/rightsideinnercab.jpg

Close up of details
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/reeding.jpg

Close up of bottom details
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/closeupofbottom.jpg

I also have a custom 20" X 15" x 16" acrylic refug that should be finished this week with some pictures to come.

Thanks Joe

I would like to add a couple off things to Joe's description of the stand. The cut outs in the back of the inner structure can be custom sized for each indivdual's needs. The center brace of the inner and outer structure can be removed for the installation of a sump. Joe does not need this since his sump is in a room behind the tank.

So does the outer shell just slide over the inter support structure?

Yes It does slide over the inner structure. But it does become attached to it with use of srews. It can actually be removed at a later date for either refinishing or for a totally new look with out disturbing the tank. The inner structure is constructed in a way that far exceeds the typical stand you see as for as strength deflection etc.

I am glad you were here to answer that for me since I have not seen it in person yet.

Joe

Ummm Nice!

Wow, that is really nice! Dave I've got some questions when you come into the store next time!

I'll see ya tomorrow steve

Thats kinda sexy!

wow, that sump is awesome! Somebody really cool must've made that! :D

Yeah somebody who's name is all of three letters. I'll give you one guess.... It's gotta be Tim, Raj is still a noob at making sumps. lol I'm on Raj's case tonight...

David, the stand looks great. Many times I have kinda regretted not getting you to help me build a custom one.

Yeah somebody who's name is all of three letters. I'll give you one guess.... It's gotta be Tim, Raj is still a noob at making sumps. lol I'm on Raj's case tonight...

:) I've heard that Raj kid is hella-cool

I've head he knows some crazy kung fu so watch out.

Joe, when do you plan to have this setup and cycling? A collection like yours deserves a fancy new home.

Sweet progress man. yeah your stuff needs a nicer home! Got an ETA for startup yet?

After seeing the stand he did for that half circle and this I cant wait for him to do mine!

Thanks guys no real ETA just when ever the tank gets here. I hope it will be in next week if not I going to bePO.

Picked up the refugium it is 20"X15"x16" and adds around 19 gallons. So in total I will have around 30 gal of refugium. This will be fed by the same pump that feeds the fug in the MRC sump. It will drain back into the skimmer section of the sump. It has 1 3/4" return and 2 3/4"drains just in case one clogs.

Refug built by Woody at precession customs looks to nice to be used as a refugium.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010184.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010183.jpg

Dry run of the plumbing.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010178.jpg

Thanks Joe

That's an awesome little fuge!

Thanks Glxtrix I really like it and the sup from MRC. I think I am more excited about the new sump and fug as the new tank. LOL

Update I have the stand for the fug and the rolling base complete for the top off container. The top off can roll forward for easy filling and roll back out of the way. I used one set of appliance rollers for the top off container wheels. They have a maximum rating of 2,000 lbs. It will only need to support about 105 lbs. The pictures show the way it will be setup in the Fish Pantry.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010192.jpg


http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010190.jpg

Thanks Joe

wow! nice!

Update: I installed two adjustable supports under the house to help support the tank. Luckily the back of the tank rests on a 4 by 8 so I only need to support two other cross members.I bought the supports at Home Depot and they can support up to 18,000lbs.

The Stand is finished and will be delivered tomorrow. :thumbs: It looks outstanding in the pictures so I am really excited to see it when it arrives. I will post the pictures David sent me and I will take few later. We made a few changes to the original design by switching for just 2 panels to 4 for the canopy.

I have to say that I was not originally excited about building the stand. It was actually something I dreaded. Working with David to build such a beautiful piece turned this into another exciting part of my tank build. I am not just BS you. Thanks David.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/frontstainzoom.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Sidestainedzoomed.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/bottomedetail.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/deatialstained.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/stineddooropen.jpg

Joe

Wow that is some great wood working!

i saw the stand and canopy at SWC today, very nice work. wish i could afford it.

WOW!! :up: Looks great Joe.

Awesome!! Where's the tank?

Thanks Guys!

In a warehouse some were. Sal said he is going to see his supplier tomorrow morning so I will find out then.

Joe

outstanding!!!

How did I miss this thread?!? Joe, the stand and canopy look terrific! Glad you held out, man!


This is really turning out to be top notch from the smallest thing up. A setup that should be on display at MACNA or something similar. :)


Now, if only the tank would show up.....

Wow, that is a good looking stand, can't wait to see the live stock.

Thank you Joe
The imput you had one the design was nice to have and made my work look better. It was kinda of cool working with some one that wanted their own ideas incorporated into the project . see ya tomorrow!!!

Looking good Joe!

Finally I got the tank thanks to Raj & Tim at MRC/SEA. Chris at Einstein even had a hand in me getting this tank. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate you guys finding me a tank on such short notice.

Wahoo! Now the fun begins. I finished most of the plumbing and filled it yesterday. I still have to hook up the chiller and one of the refugiums but it's up and running. I took some crappy pic's but will get some better ones later.

Thanks Joe

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010196.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010195.jpg

One pic from the take down Long polyp pink mille.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010193.jpg

Great looking tank! That size is on my wishlist ;p

looking great man!

Looks very nice!

That thing is going to be awesome!

Finally Joe. What do you think about the stand?

We need close-ups!

awesome! Looks really, really good! really!

Thanks guys. I am really excited, like a kid on Christmas morning. I will have more pic's as things progress and close up to. I not sure on the rocks yet I will probably change my mind.

Derek I love the stand it is beyond my expectations thanks for giving me his number. I owe you a frag.

I added two fish this afternoon. If all is well tomorrow I will add a few more.

On a bad note part of my elegance got sucked into a max-jet. I have had this coral for at least 2 years, I sure hope he makes it.

Thanks Joe

Joe

Oh man, sorry to hear that Joe....that coral was absolutely beautiful!

Sweeeeeetness! Show that baby off Joe!!

So when is open house?

For you Never!LOL Everyone else can come by anytime. I am sure I will have all the real work completed by Wednesday. I am sure there will be some kinks to work out for a while.

The chiller is almost completely installed so tomorrow I plan to add the canopy. Luckily I have not needed the chiller yet. It hit 80 yesterday and only 79 today.If all is good over the next couple of days I will add a few easy sps and see how they respond.

Joe

For you Never!LOL Everyone else can come by anytime.
Joe

I figured so.........

Joe, that's awesome. I am glad I got to see your "old" set up though. I hope you took some pics too, so you can see before and after.

Were you able to move all of your corlas from the old set-up into holding tanks? And how soon are you going to move them back into the living room? It looks great. I hope you have a successful and uneventful time getting your beautiful corals placed. I enjoyed seeing your set-ups and meeting you a few weeks back.

This is going to be an RC ToTM one day. I'm submitting it!

No doubt... your passion is undenyable and you have a knack for it. I'm a huge fan of your tank and can't wait to see this thing setup! :)

so when is the canopy going on? and when do we get to see some better shots of the stand?

Thanks Jin and I am, fan of your tank as well. Barbra I glad you guys had time to stop by, let me know if the digi turns green for you.

I moved the large sps into the tank because I sort of had to. It was hard to give them a stable environment and enough light to keep them alive. All my favorite sps are in the other tank and will be there until I am sure the tank is good to go.

I will take some pic's of the stand when I put the canopy on tomorrow. I finally fished installing the chiller under the house yesterday and tested it today. So far so good I will hate having to go down there to clean the intake. I think not having that heat and eye sore in the house will be worth it. It stays around 65 down there so there should be no problems even during the summer.

I brought the 2nd refugium on-line this evening. I used a small bag of miracle mud in it and it took forever for the water to clear enough to hook it up. I have never used this stuff but thought I would give it a try. Since it's separate from the system it will be easy to make changes later if I decide to.

These pic are from last night but give you an idea of the progress.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010198.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010199.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010201.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010203.jpg



http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010206.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010207.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1010208.jpg

Joe

Hooray! Looks even better than before. Always learning something from one setup to the next!

Tank Pics?????

Thanks Derek you will have to stop by sometime and check it out. I still have some work to do on the organization of the wires and top off.

Joe

No one wants to look at half done painting nor a half put together tank. lol

I will post some soon I promise. How is your tank coming James. I may need to add one more circuit so I can add to your tank fund. lol

Joe

So when do you want your frags? Looks T-I-G-H-T!

That's just freakin' awesome!

Looking good. I'll have to come by sometime soon!

I will post some soon I promise. How is your tank coming James. I may need to add one more circuit so I can add to your tank fund. lol

Joe

Tank is coming along.

I am going to Keen's Reef today to pickup my UV parts he ordered for me, then that will be the last of the Equip stuff I need.

Work is slow right now so if you want me to come by and add another circuit just give me a call.

No one wants to look at half done painting nor a half put together tank. lol

Joe

Then no one would be looking at my thread,lol.

Alright it is time for a few pic's. The tank is complete except for cleaning up wiring and such. I will have to secure a few piece of live rock before I attach the rest of the coral. So far so good no deaths but most of the sps look like crap. I will not add the rest till after Christmas.

I tested my phosphates yesterday and it was .09 which is not to bad considering half the rock tested at .25 while waiting to be put in the tank. I added some macro algae to help and the diatoms phase has started (not to bad yet).

Almost all the fish I bought before hand are in except my powder blue b/c he is an _ss and I want to let everyone else settle in before he is added. I may add a few more fish but I am not sure yet.

I tried to get some pic's of the tank and stand but they are not very good. The room is really small and there is no way to fit them both in the picture.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0009-5.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0015-1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0003-10.jpg

Tank
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0009-6.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0008-1.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0010.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0021.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0034-2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0046-1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0047.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0042.jpg

Sorry for the bad pic's I can't seem to get them to come out right. Most come out overexposed.

Joe

What's got 2 thumbs and is super jealous?






:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
This guy!

Wow, your tank looks great. Very nice stand that he built for you, saw it before he brought it to you at SWC. I'd have to agree with Jin that this tank will be a ToTM one day, and one day soon from the looks of it. Great build.

Very Nice Joe! I love everything about it....the fish collection,the tank,stand canopy.....Really Nice! Elegance looks happy in the corner!

Thanks guys. I am getting a second wind for the hobby as this setup is coming to completion.

Joe

Joe I'm coming by soon! That looks awesome!

Looks fantastic Joe. A harleqin tusk? Glad to see someone keeping such a beautiful fish.

A friend of mine mentioned ordering bulk snails off ebay to feed his. Seems to work well if you ever need to do that.

Thanks

Don,t know about snails yet but he has not hurt the pair of cleaner shrimp.
I got him from a Jereme and he said he never had a problem.
Joe

I love the tusks. I considered one for my tank at one time due to the beauty and size, but didnt want CUC issues. THat is when this particular friend mentioned just buying bulk welks specifically for feeding.

I love their blue fangs.. haha Super cool fish, and I think you are among the few keeping them on this forum (that I am aware of)

By the way, NYaquatics.com has a good deal on bimacs if you are needing a few more.

Very nice, Joe!

Derk I have 5 in the tank you just can't see them all.

Thanks T

You see I stole your manifold idea. I will have to redo them as they stick out too far for my taste.

Joe

Joe,
I have a few questions for you. I just ordered my new tank (should be here in 4 months) 60"x36"x26" and I wanted to ask you about you lighting. I see that in your first post you said you were going with three 400's... If you don't mind please fill me in on your reasoning here... I would have thought that 250s would have been plenty with only a 26" or 27" tall tank... Also, why 3? I was hoping to get away with two 250s in Lumenarc III reflectors and supplement with T5's, but concede that I might have to go with four 250s due to the depth (front to back). I also noticed that in your last pictures there was a slight dark spot in the center of the tank... Is the center light off? And how far are the 2 outer lights away from each other?? Sorry for so many questions, but this is extremely similar to my tank and I'd like to get it right the first time without having to buy stuff twice.

Thanks,

Shane

all i can say is beautiful

gorgeous!

You see I stole your manifold idea. I will have to redo them as they stick out too far for my taste.

Joe
It looks nicer than mine! I can't tell really well, but did you add unions on both sides of the manifold? That makes it REALLY easy to redo it.

looks awesome!

beautiful

Bimacs rule, but they get BIG.

Thanks Guys

As for the manifold all I have to do is unscrew the valves and replace them. What makes them to long is I clued 2 mpt together to go from 3/4" to 1/2". I will use a double thread 3/4" to 3/4" then a 3/4" valve with a 3/4" to 1/2" barb.

As for the light I am trying to have similar par numbers to what I had before. I would have to have my sps in the top 12" of the tank if I ran 250s. Does this mean 250s would not work. No! Just not for me.:)

As for 2 lights I just don't think it will work. In the picture there are 3 lights on 2 PFO HQI on the end and a m59 in the middle. There reason it looks so dark is the light has to go through the support glass in the middle and the m59 does not push the bulbs as hard.

The lights are around 4.5" to 5" from the sides of the tanks. the reflectors are 15" wide so 3 times 15" gives 45" of reflector. In the center they are only 3" or so apart. The reflector are 9.25" off the water. I get 600 to 650 at 10" under the water and 450 to 500 around 20" to 22"(on the pfo ballasts & in the hot spot). In the middle I get 200 to 250 on the bottom. All this running helios 400 20k.

I think you can run 250s but you will need a least 3 of them IMHO. unless you want a darker middle.

Bimac's do rule and thieir larger size is a plus. I think square spots males are larger. They are the brightest fish in my tank.:thumbs:

Joe

Thanks Guys



Bimac's do rule and thieir larger size is a plus. I think square spots males are larger. They are the brightest fish in my tank.:thumbs:

Joe

You havent seen a full sized bimac then, my friend. Just as big, if not bigger. I would have some in my tank without doubt, If I had the space.

You havent seen a full sized bimac then, my friend. Just as big, if not bigger. I would have some in my tank without doubt, If I had the space.

Coming from the guy with all the huge angels.:lol2:

Joe

Looking good Joe!

I can see now why you want the hqi...price just went up ;)

Coming from the guy with all the huge angels.:lol2:

Joe


My point exactly!!! we will just ahve to live through each others fish, huh?!

... best tank build of the year! (my humble opinion only) :D

OK Joe any updates??

OK Joe any updates??
I'll second that.


How are you, Joe?

No pictures to update yet. I am having some fish issue's but all the coral seem to be doing well. I moved a few more sps over today and will start to secure them later this week. I like the rock work on the left side but will need to redo the one's on the right before I can attach the coral. It seems like I do not have much more room for coral which sucks. I will end up getting rid of some after I see how they all do.

Phosphates do not appear to be an issue like I was afraid they would be. They are down to .05 .04 which is not bad considering were they started. Tested with a Hanna meter and no Phos removers used.

I lost my Scott's wrasse but I think the rest will be fine. He was one of my favorite fish. Just so everyone knows I suck at fish. If I look at them wrong they get sick.

Joe

Or if you take a picture of em. That blows Joe. Sorry to hear that. I may be coming over your way soon, I'll give you a call when it gets closer.

Well all the colony size corals that are going to fit are in the tank. All is going well so far. I am not in love with the rock work on the right side but will leave it like it is tell I see how all the corals do. Some of the corals are not placed but I took some pictures to share. The color is off but you here you go.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0001-5.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0003-12.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0002-10.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0004-6.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0050.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0034-4.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0053.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0055.jpg

Joe

Very Nice!

Thats sweet!

Stunning.....great scape and coral placement.

Thanks guys now if I can get some of the sps to color back up I will be one happy camper.

Joe

Wow. That is awesome. :) I actually really dig that right side aquascaping.

Wow... that Hills is RED!!!

I recognize a few of those corals now that I think about it :up:

Hopefully once the tank settles... you can start back on the ELOS Omega!

Once again... GO Joe! (not the G.I.Joe slogan... just an ups for Joe!)

Looks very good Joe. Next time I am over on your side of town I wanna come by and take a gander at this beast!! I love the trigger. I want one for my tank!! One of my favorite fishies!! GJ man!! You did a great job on everything. And the aquascaping looks very good!!

Joe, looks great. Where is the FTS? It looks like you have a little more room for growth now..

Looking great man!

I agree with Jin. I dig the right side of the aquascaping. And everything is looking really good! Love the fish too! I'm glad you got a trigger also. :)

And what coral is the one in the shadow on the right side?



P.S. Just noticed the four vortechs! :up:

Thanks guys

The right side looks good but I will not be able add many sps because they will eat up the swimming room. I have placed all the slow growing corals along the valley in the middle that way it will not fill into fast. I actually think the left side will look better as the corals grow in.

T. I have 3 vortechs and think that will be all I need. I hope! Some of the fish are being camera shy but the are a few not pictured. Your eagle eye spotted my first nice chalice purchase. I got it today from Chris as well as the hills I bought a few weeks back.

Nick just let me know when you want to stop by. As for the trigger he was my major impulse buy. When I first put him in I thought he looked like a windup toy fish he looked so different then the rest.

As for the fish I still have to add the powder blue.(maybe next week) I think and hope all the rest of the fish will make it.

Fish list
Flame wrasse male
Yellow Flanked Fairy
"Victors" Lineatus
5 Bimaculatus Anthias
Harlequin Tusk
Blue Jam Trigger
Swallowtail Male and Female
Chacolate tang
Powder Blue tang

Joe

You have a tusk in there? I have only seen this page and not the whole thread.. How does he do with tankmates?

He is fine. Does not even mess with my pair of cleaner shrimp or neon goby. In fact when I first got him my powder blue kept him running and hiding for 3 days.

Joe

Thanks

joe i cant speak, they all look so perfect, more perfect than fake corals.

Looking Good Joe!!!

Joe, will the helios run on magnetic ballasts? They're 20k, right?

I've got pics of the tank, I'll try to load em up tomorrow when I'm working on my tank...

Joe's tank is among the top 3 tanks I have ever seen.

WOW! I am envious! ToTM for sure! LOL! (maybe next year!)

but, just amazing!

Joe, will the Helios run on magnetic ballasts? They're 20k, right?


Yes they will. I do not think they are par beasts on non HQI but my corals have respond well.

Thanks Ralph in year it wil be just about the right time;)


Joe

Folks, I heard some people say that Joes tank is one (if not THE) best tank in Atlanta. I have to agree. What Joe calls crappy I call magnificent. He and Jin are the best I have seen (but oddly different), so if Joe ever sell ANYTHING, even GSP frags, buy them just so you can see his stuff. Amazing husbandry.

I found some old pictures and thought it would be fun to post them.

This was after about 2 years in just getting serious. I had about 5 sps frags all on the right side and just got my first MH. I only bought 1 150 to test it out.LOL Now I have 3 400 MH. I still have 2 of those sps. I had a hang on skimmer and no sump.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/P1000001.jpg

After going crazy over sps but still only had one tank so all the sps had to fit. LOL Then I had 2 250 and 1 150 all 10,000k bulbs.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/DSC_0026.jpg

You can go back a page or two to see where I am now. I have 2 tanks still love sps.

Joe

Even your 75 looked awesome.

Folks, I heard some people say that Joes tank is one (if not THE) best tank in Atlanta. I have to agree. What Joe calls crappy I call magnificent. He and Jin are the best I have seen (but oddly different), so if Joe ever sell ANYTHING, even GSP frags, buy them just so you can see his stuff. Amazing husbandry.

sucking up, hoping for some frags are ya?:D

which reminds me, take a pic of that tort i gave ya! I wanna see what it looks like in clean water:up:

Ender I still have it but has not been in good spot latly give me a few weeks then I will post some.

Here is a link to G. Par pictures that he took of the 75gal not too long before I took it down. They are far better then any of mine.
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=19771

It was fun to go back and see how my addiction Hmm I mean hobby has grown over the years.

Joe

FTS
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03569.jpg

Huge acan and Perry's Super Orange Zoas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03570.jpg

Tusk
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03571.jpg

Male Flame Wrasse
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03572.jpg

Huge Elegance
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03576.jpg

Zoas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03578.jpg

Zoas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03580.jpg

Zoas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03579.jpg

Zoas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03632.jpg

Zoas
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03591.jpg

Acan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v440/SkylineGTR99/DSC03584.jpg

Great shots lil Steve!

Thanks man, I thought I posted these, they are from early January.

Nice pictures Steve especially the zoa's. I like the one of the tusk as well.

Joe

Looks good. Great pic's.

I, I say, What kind of telescope you got in there boy?

Just a plain ole Sony Cybershot I believe. Zoom in after the picture is taken, then crop.

sucking up, hoping for some frags are ya?:D

which reminds me, take a pic of that tort i gave ya! I wanna see what it looks like in clean water:up:

Naa, I have already made my rounds to Joe's house. I have little pieces of Joe in my tank. I was being honest (for once), as Joes tank is probably in my top 2 most impressive tanks I have seen. Very clean, very simple, very nice.

Same in mine too, Jin and Joe's tanks are at the top of the list.

Same in mine too, Jin and Joe's tanks are at the top of the list.

That is my top 2 as well. Jin was my other pic. I want a combo of both.

Naa, I have already made my rounds to Joe's house. I have little pieces of Joe in my tank. I was being honest (for once), as Joes tank is probably in my top 2 most impressive tanks I have seen. Very clean, very simple, very nice.

Don't believe a word he says my tab with him is getting so large I may not be able to pay.:lol2: Thanks for the kind words Derek. Yours tank is well on it way. Those coral will be too big for you tank in no time.

Joe

Yeah, Joe you owe me big. And to top it off, Rit told me everytime I get a "+1" on the forum I can redeem it at your house for corals.

nice tank. the scaping looks good.

Yeah, Joe you owe me big. And to top it off, Rit told me everytime I get a "+1" on the forum I can redeem it at your house for corals.
+1

but on a serious note, that is an amazing tank :)

Everyone needs an eight page thread of postiive comments!! Here's mine: Joe's new tank is awsome. I was just there three weeks ago to trade frags. His corals had colored down a bit since I saw his old setup, but that is related to the move.

His old 75 gallon setup had the most colorful corals I had ever seen in a reef tank at the time. As a matter of fact, after seeing his corals under his Helios MH bulbs, I immediately went home and ordered three helios 20K bulbs for my 210 gallon reef, and it was the best decision I ever made. My colors have improved tremendously with these bulbs.

Joe's old setup also blew the notion that you can give your corals tooo much light, because he had SPS corals receiving like 800 PAR.

Kudos Joe.
Dave

Thanks for the compliments Dave. Your set up is just as impressive.

My colors are still off on the new tank and it's hard to have patients but I am trying. I will give it another month or two before I start making some changes. I think a big part of it is it's a brand new setup and I am having to feed too much right now. At least I hope otherwise I will need a larger skimmer.

Joe

those colors are "unreal"! Just beautiful!

Wanted to update some pic's. I am happy with the tank & coral color but had some slow STN On some large corals.:mad2:

It sucks to have to cut up corals you have had for 2 years. I could find no certain cause but it seems to have stopped. Knock on Wood.

Left sidehttp://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/testleft.jpg

Right side http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/rightsidetest13.jpg

Top downshttp://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/RainbowMontcorrect.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Bluegrennmille.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Florida-1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Yellow.jpg

:lol2:I think it was caused by the absence of GFO in the system!!
Looking good Bubba.

Look Joe, You can't have the best looking tank and the best looking pictures too! You need to surrender one of those honors immediatly to someone else.

Oh yea and the best looking standing (just kidding)

Thanks Dave I will be taking some pics of your tank sometime soon. Maybe I should try some of that GFO. Hmmm NOT!:D

Joe

Folks, those colors are NOT Photoshopped. In fact, although beautiful, the pictures do not adequately capture the true colors of Joe's tank. It is simply amazing. :D

holy crap...i need some schooling from sailfish...come to my house and teach

Thanks Stacy

You have to remember some of these shots are top downs which make the coral look better then through the glass. Thats why all online sellers take them this way.

Joe

WOW all I an say is WOW

ok Joe I am coming over to look at this masterpiece soon

What is the second top down green with red tips?

That tank is filling in with a quickness.

I am pretty sure it is Acropora florida. It was a miracultured piece.

Thanks Joe

Thanks Joe I might try to find that one.

Nice pix............

Joe. It's looking spectacular. I'm gonna have to order some Helios bulbs as well... I can't find them in 250 watt version though... Really dissappointed...

Nevermind, found them.

I love those blue colored acros (I'm guessing thats what they are).
Amazing tank.

Really stellar, Joe. Can hardly believe that the new tank actually looks better than the old!

I took a few updated shot and that it was time to update this thread.

I have not been using elos aminos as I ran out. I have not seen much of a difference or a drop off in color. I know I do not need to use it everyday as before because of my current fish load helps with the deeper color I was not getting in my prior setup.

I have been toying with the idea of building a new large skimmer body for my skimmer and decided to pull the trigger. Hopefully it will be worth the trouble. The pump is a Laguna 1500 that pulls 70 plus schf but was temperamentally about overflowing. I hope that a larger body with a taller neck will help get this under control.

I have changed a lot of fish so I will do an update fish list.

Wrasse:
Pink margin super male an 2 females.
Flame super male and 1 female as one of them turned to a male and I sold it to Doug.
1 Yellow Flanked large male.
1 Velvet Fairy
1 Christmas wrasse which I may try to catch and replace with a Potters leopard wrasse from a friend.
Anthias: Bimaculatus 4 females hopefully a male in transition.
Angels: Swollow tail Pair
Tangs: 1 Chocolate
1 Golden Dwarf Eel

I am also hoping to get a Copperband butterfly from a friend as well.

I think after I catch the Christmas wrasse and add the others I will stick with this list for while.

Thanks Joe

Pics

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Groupspsgood.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/groupok.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/rosemille.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Corlina.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Florida-2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Yellowbesttagged.jpg


http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/MeanGreen3.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Lorpis2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Tricolor.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/palmersmille.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Bluetort.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Efflogood.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/BIGBoy1.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Fulllengtheel.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/EelTang.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Eel1.jpg

Thanks Joe

A+ as always! Not to mention the fantastic photography!

Thanks Chris some of my best corals came from you. I still want you to track me down a rainbow scoly.

Joe

You make it hard for me to watch my Notre Dame football with pics and corals like that! Unreal.Pm sent.

You make it hard for me to watch my Notre Dame football with pics and corals like that! Unreal.Pm sent.


Yeah...that's what makes it hard to watch....



Awesome corals and pics!

Good Lord Joe.....****

Yeah...that's what makes it hard to watch....



Awesome corals and pics!

Lmao.

Joe Clark for President!!!

I am so disappointed I missed the chance to see this tank! I should have driven my dog back home hahaa.

Those pictures are beautiful, but I'm sure they STILL don't do the actual tank any justice

Joe Clark for President!!!

President of the Alabama fan club maybe Roll Tide!!!

Thanks Joe

Glad to see you moved the GDM into the main tank. :) That picture of him in front of your elegance is amazing (as are the rest). I bow before you. :)

Yeah...that's what makes it hard to watch....



Awesome corals and pics!


No need until they play USC anyway, the rest of the schedule looks like a bunch of HS squads lol. Although I do hope they thump that dirt bag Rich Rodriguez next game.

Great shots Joe, love the Eel.

Full tank shot???

Always a joy to see Joe's tank.

Love those sps colonies. Large and colorful.

Awesome! Looks like lighting and placement is perfect the way those guys are growing out. Nice! Would love to see it in person and annoy you with questions

I'll have to read this one after breakfast..

Awesome Joe!
You have a BLUE thumb my friend!

absolutely stunning.. Great job Joe.

I was playing with the camera today and took some real nice top down shots.

I just wish my corals looked this good when viewed from the side.

This one looks bad *** from the top but not near as nice from the side.http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Tricolortopdown.jpg

This picure has a little to much green in it but I could not get it right. I still like pic.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Bluegreenmille.jpg

This one has gotten much better just in the past month because the deep purple started to come threw.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/PG.jpg

I moved this one from the right side of the tank to the left side were it will now stay.:)http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Yellow1.jpg

Loripes This was was moved out of direct light and the purple seems to be coming out more but does not show up very well in the pics.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Lorpis22.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Lorpis.jpg

No full tank shots as the battery died I will get some later this week.

Thanks Joe

amazing shots good job!

No full tank shots as the battery died I will get some later this week.



Boooo!!!



Those pics are extremely NICE Joe :thumbs:

Wow, what a tank. I would join Keath in bugging the crap out of you with questions. Love the Acan Hilli, I've got a baby version of what you have, mine is only 8 heads. I love the randome blue spots amongst the red.

Thanks Guys.

Yea I love the Hillae they are real nice corals IMO. I am always on the lookout for an orange one. I found one once but it cost as much as my tank.:(

Joe

I'm sorry if this has been asked befor, I looked through the thread and coudn't find any time you posted about this, what camera are you useing and what settings is it on? Also when Is the next time your fraging your sps? I'll take one of everything :)

These pics are amazing, awesome tank! I think that the first Loripes pic would be a good candidate for the ARC picture of the month!

I'm sorry if this has been asked befor, I looked through the thread and coudn't find any time you posted about this, what camera are you useing and what settings is it on? Also when Is the next time your fraging your sps? I'll take one of everything :)

No problem ask away. I use a Nikon D40x with 60mm macro lens. I shot these pictures in manual mode with aperture of 16, ISO 100, remote shudder release, top down box, Tripod, with pumps off. I shoot in RAW format and that makes all the difference with getting the color right. Then I use Photoshop to set the white balance, sharpen and crop.

I do basically what Gary Par suggested at the meeting earlier this year. If you went to that meeting?

Do you have access to a Photo editor? IF not there are some free ones like Gimp, and lighthouse. If so shooting RAw for mat helps alot.

As for frags some I frag others I don't because I am trying to grow them out but I usually have a few frags of some sort I try to sell around meeting time.

Thanks Joe

These pics are amazing, awesome tank! I think that the first Loripes pic would be a good candidate for the ARC picture of the month!

Thanks I am on the TOTM & POTM committee so I leave the fun for you guys.:)

Joe

How much was the 60mm macro lense if you don't mind me asking, I may have to put that on my Christmas wish list :)

Well I have been toying with my skimmer for a while now and about a month ago I talked Tim at Raj at MRC into building me a new skimmer body. I am still playing with the pump, pin wheels and volutes to see witch combination works best.

I have a laguna motor block with two different pin wheels and volutes one made be C&C marine (no longer in business) and the other by SWC. You can get the kits to make your own red dragon knock off. Of course they are not as efficient as the red dragons but very powerful and quite.

Right now I am running the SWC volute and the C&C marine pin wheel. It pulls around 80 SCFH but the watts jump from 69,70 to 79,80 with the meter hooked up so not really sure what it is really pulling.

Link to volute and pin wheel.
http://www.shop.reeffiltration.com/category.sc;jsessionid=53C483EB940C391324242B69128 147D2.qscstrfrnt03?categoryId=3

Link to pumps. It say $230 but it really cost $138 if you click on the link.
http://www.lagunapondsshop.com/Max-Flo-Waterfall-And-Filter-Pumps/Laguna-Max-Flo-1500-Waterfall-And-Filter-Pump-PT-344-p-46.html

Now for the new part the skimmer.:) The body is 10" with 5 .5" neck and total height of 28". I think the cup weighs more then all of my old skimmer . Heavy duty materials used and good craftsmanship. Plus if I have a problem I can go bang on the door.

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Skimmercompare.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Skimerforam.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Neck2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Skimerforam.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Skimmerbyitself.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/skimate.jpg
Joe

nice close up pictures!

Well it has been almost a year since I set up this tank. It has come together great and the corals are starting to compete for space. I am still messing around with which sps I like where on the far right side. I also took down my frag tank so there are a bunch of frags on the bottom till I get my small frag tank set up. This will just be one of my two refugiums turned into a frag are. It will measure 24" 11.5".

My tank is in a small room which requires me to merger two pictures together and this is the best I could do. I really needed to retake the left side picture as it is overexposed in some areas but after 3 tries I quit. LOL

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Merge3.jpg

I will try to take some coral shots over the weekend.

Thanks Joe

Well it has been almost a year since I set up this tank. It has come together great and the corals are starting to compete for space. I am still messing around with which sps I like where on the far right side. I also took down my frag tank so there are a bunch of frags on the bottom till I get my small frag tank set up. This will just be one of my two refugiums turned into a frag are. It will measure 24" 11.5".

My tank is in a small room which requires me to merger two pictures together and this is the best I could do. I really needed to retake the left side picture as it is overexposed in some areas but after 3 tries I quit. LOL

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Merge3.jpg

I will try to take some coral shots over the weekend.

Thanks Joe

Holy Molly Joe!
You are bangin it out! Sir.

What bulbs are you running currently?

Thanks!

I am running EVC 20k 400X3

Joe

WOW. Those things are giving some great color. Whats your opinion on those compared to Helios?

looking at Joe's tank live and then looking at my (your) tank live is kinda like looking down after a cold shower (male). It's beyond comprehension, and it's utterly embarrassing. LOl.

WOW. Those things are giving some great color. Whats your opinion on those compared to Helios?

huh?

I think the Helios and EVC are the same.

Here is a full tank form 6/14/09 for a comparison. Look how small the elegance is now since I fragged it. :(

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Mergedfulltankshot-2.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd223/sailfish88/Merge3.jpg

Joe

It doesn't look this good in person. I think Joe is photoshopping again....:D

It doesn't look this good in person. I think Joe is photoshopping again....:D

Yea all my corals are brown, photoshop is amazing.:)

Joe

Whatever type of plating acro in the right middle has really taken off. I think I am going to order some EVC bulbs soon!

Wow! The Elegance is crazy big.

Joe, that is simply amazing! If my tank is 1/4 that I'll be happy.

Joe,

Nice tank man!! I can't wait to come for another visit.:up:

Joe that efflo has blown up! It looks great! I'll have to make a trip to your house after the new year... maybe to watch the game on January 7th??

Great job Joe. Love the 6mo growth comparison

So how that new skimmer doing. Now that its probly broken in a little?

It seems to skim pretty dang good but it has been a little touchy lately. Not sure why but I hate having to adjust a skimmer. :( I like them to be set it and forget it.

I cleaned the volute so maybe that will fix it. I have been to busy to really fool with it.

Joe

let's get some updates Joe, enough playin' with your doggie. lol.

I wanna see updated pictures of the pup as well!

IF my tank can end up looking half as good as this one i'll be a happy camper

if any of those accros happen to break off a an arm or two gimme a call :D

Wow, this tank has inspired me to start a reef tank. Those colors are amazing! Good job!

miss Joe, what an awesome tank! reminisce?

miss Joe, what an awesome tank! reminisce?
Me too Ralph. I'm sure he'll be back into it at some point.

His tank was a great one!!

Wow...that is stunning! I would take 1 foot of his tank!

Did he get out of the hobby or something?

Yes, he moved out of state....

Bummer... that thing was nice. Now if only I could get my tank to look 1/10th as good. Guess I'll have to stop bleaching corals with light first... :P

Does anyone know where these corals ended up? I'd love to have some frags of just about everyone in his tank! I'm horrible at identifying corals

lol, my intention was never to turn this into a sale thread, but I have a few of his...pm me though.....

I spoke with Joe back in the summer and he had left town for a few and had lost a lot of the corals. If I remember correctly this was before he moved back to his home town. Beautiful tank though and a super nice guy as well. His stand was the first I ever built for an ARC member

It's a shame a tank that beautiful had to be taken down! Absolutely Awesome!