Ok, here's the deal.

My 55 all glass tank has served me well. It took me a year to figure out how the siphoning thing works, so the wood floor needs replacing. We are going with travertine this time.

Why only 75? It sits in my foyer, so space is limited. Plus, it keeps ME limited, and I feel I can maintain this one tank as finances & personal time fluctuate over time.

So Chris (fishscales) came over this morning and moved my 55 on it's stand about twelve feet over to allow us to redo the floor, while he builds my tank, stand, & sump. The move was very easy for me (I watched), but these guys took only 50 minutes to slide the tank after I emptied maybe 25 gallons or so. I had bought some of those ez-move discs that worked very well.

The tank is 4 years old, but needless to say, I, ummm, learned as I went, so to speak. Like a lot of you, I tried a lot of different techniques, experiments, and so forth. One of the worst & best things I did was carbon dosing. For a few years I used AZ-NO3 which worked great, but stunted my corals, so they are a few years behind in growth. Switching to Vodka this past April, wow! they love it!


I don't have any pics of my new tank! BOO! However, I thought it would be neat to post a few pics of my current "old" tank, and some of it's inhabitants. At least, this won't be as boring..........well.............we'll see.

most pics are from today (some were camera shy).



MY OLD TANK & CRITTERS:

of course, some more:

Going to be tough breaking down that good looking tank, looking forward to your build.

yeah, a few more.........

It's great to see some tanks going up after all the tear downs.

Nice pictures love the Clam.

Joe

thanks!

Beautiful tank, stunning pictures.

What is this one?
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17729&d=1246151406

Are those dragon face pipefish? They are amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing your new tank set up.

Beautiful tank, stunning pictures.

What is this one?
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=17729&d=1246151406


thanks!

turbinaria (scroll coral)

Are those dragon face pipefish? They are amazing! I'm looking forward to seeing your new tank set up.


yup, had them 3 years now. Thanks!

Love macro in a tank. Do you plan on transfering it over?

Ralph, all I can say is wow! That is an awesome tank, I look forward to the new build.

Love macro in a tank. Do you plan on transfering it over?


oh yeah, without a doubt. Did you want some?

Ralph, all I can say is wow! That is an awesome tank, I look forward to the new build.


Hey Thanks! humm :blush:..........

Well, my pipes were totally extroverted today and camera hogs. For the first time, they were actually doing the "dirty dancing" close enough to get off some pics, albeit horrendous since it's a spasmatic motion, underwater, behind glass.

oh yeah, without a doubt. Did you want some?
Would love some in the future. I'll let ya know when I head that way or when it cools down for shipping.
Nice pics

Ooh this is going to be cool

Ok, the floor was completed in a couple of days, so now we are just waiting for Julie & Chris to get back from vacation to build the tank.

So, in the meantime, I added a new wrasse, a Halichoeres Melanurus.

Here's some pics:

Ralph, was that the glass for your tank I saw up at Fishscales?

I really like that wrasse. Very very pretty.

I would imagine, he said it was in, unfortunately, he had to get them to re cut the bottom piece which came in this past Wednesday or Thursday. So all should be there!

Where did you get the wrasse from?

Yup saw Ralph's glass at Fish Scales.......it's going to look sweet!!! Beautiful Wrasse BTW.

Chris just got back from vacation, so it will be a little while until my tank is done (no big), and I'm kinda stressed (work, nuthin' bad), so uh, nuthin' better than taking pics, eh?

So my Brittle Star decided to cover my clam for some odd reason.

For the very first time, I caught my Leopard going into the sand, pretty cool, not much to see though............in the meantime, my pipefish watched the whole thing, looking........."wtf?"..........

Most glass is glued, and cured already. bracing and overflow going in in the morning. Stand will be built early next week.


Chris

Hey Chris! ummm, like I said, no big................take your time! I do need help with that transition piece though, from the Travertine to the carpet. again, no rush. Thanks for the update.

Ralph,

What kind of wrasse is that? It is very cool and the tank looks great. Can't wait to see the new build.

Saw you tank today.......was it supposed to be sort of crooked? LOL :)

It's like a Picasso...it's supposed to be that way!

It's like a Picasso...it's supposed to be that way!


Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder.......I guess.:confused2:

Lol!

Wrasses

I have 2

MM Leopard
Halichoeres Melanurus.

That brittle is sweet man.

Lol!

Wrasses

I have 2

MM Leopard
Halichoeres Melanurus.

is the leopard reef safe?

I love your pipe fish, do they get knocked around by the flow?

Yes, very, but acclimation is extremely tough. Difficult shippers, difficult to get to eat, and you need to treat tank with prazi, have live brine shrimp avaiable for 2 to 4 weeks, and well established live rock. 3 to 4 inch sand bed.

I love your pipe fish, do they get knocked around by the flow?

Occasionally, but they do a great job avoiding direct assaults by swimming around it. I only saw one pipefish get stuck in the pump, and that was yesterday. No damage though.

awsome. can't wait to see new tank running.

First Peak

oooooh, went by Chris' and saw this:

another pick of Melanurus

Well, hike I was at fish scales, I measured the inside diameters, it's an 85 gallon tank. Sweet! I'll need to add a t-5 strip of 2 lights though. No big.

I heard Chris charges by the gallon. Especially high charges for anything over 75 gallons. :D Kind of like an overweight bag at the airlines.

to get that out of the way out the gate, pics TOMORROW!

you know this hobby can be so stupidly expensive at times? Like a $600.00 light fixture with $30.00 in materials? Like 2 powerheads at $1000.00 bucks? crazy what people do to rip us off! Yes, the products work for what they are supposed to do, but real folks............

I feel like I just got MORE than my money worth today. I mean I just got this crazy 85 gallon, custom starfire tank, custom 30 gallon sump with more than enough room for any skimmer & a huge fuge, and this crazy beautiful stand that even my wife said, "That's nice!".
This system is well worth more than $2000.00 to closer to $2600.00, easy. Plus, it was delivered and set up for me! CRAP! Anyway, I feel good!


Tonight's the night!:yay:

Ok, so Chris shows up at 1:30 pm, and just left at 9:30 pm. You just can't get that quality & service anywhere. I am so glad that I went went Chris instead of glasscages. The tank & stand is just beautiful with 3 sides startfire and euro bracing. The stand is higher, stained in a red mahogany, crown molding,& 2 doors (large front access & one side). The tank has 2 drains, 1 return with 4 lock-lines, black acrylic case over glass overflow, black acrylic box on back of tank for cables, & a freakin's Bird netting top, to boot! WOW! bells & whistles! One snafu was that my gorgeous brittle-star took off and got between the 1/4 inch space in my aga overflow (between outer wall, and plastic outer part that has the holes. Well, Chris took some money off my cost and bought my old setup, but said, "I can always make a new overflow" and he cut it up to save that creature. 45 minutes later, chris puts it in tank.

I'm still looking for my 3 pistol shrimp...hummm...............other than that, great! I dosed a 1/2 dose of prime, and I'll be using stability for a few days.

Pics sooooon! Thank you Chris!

Ralph

Sweet but all this talk and no pictures is not going to work for me.:)

Joe

Can't wait to see those pics Ralph!! Gotta love a custom tank!! Can't wait to see this one!:up:

You'll love it. Just sat down, first time today. Sifted through my sand looking for my pistiol shrimps. No luck. Hopefully, they got in a rock.


Pics tomorrow. Plenty, too! Lol!

photos are not that great, but best that I can do for now! No tripod used, etc.

Also, I forget to leak test tank for 3 months or so! :D
no issues so far! Yeah!


Livestock. Right now I only have one missing in action, My MM Leopard of course! They hate being moved, so hopefully she is just taking the day off to get settled in. Chris, where did it dive in the sand? Did you notice?

even my sponges & pipefish had no issue, cool!

Wow, looks nice, Ralph! Looks like you have plenty of room for more stuff. ;)

Congrats it looks great. Glad to see the wrasse is doing good as well.

Joe

a few more including the top!

Salinity at 35
trates 0 Salifert low range
Alk at 9.5

Issues:

MIA: Leopard Wrasse
micro-bubbles..................

All else is excellent.

I'll take some good pics soon with a tripod, so they come out clear. Thanks for the comments!

You may have heard of this but after a few weeks their seems to be less micro bubbles. Something to do with the pipes getting a film on them. Mine just about drove me nuts for a while.

Joe

Nope, never heard that, so thanks for the info. I put a filter sock on one of my returns and on my skimmer mod, that has slowed it down a bit.

Also, last Sunday (?) I started prazi, so that could also be an issue.

The good news is that I feel very good about my wrasse since I did just dose prazi and she ate great last night before being moved to new tank. Hopefully she'!! Come out tomorrow. I also never realized that they travel under the sand at times. Chris found her all the way at the opposite side of the tank in the sand from where she sleeps to pout her in new tank. I'm hoping. Just wait & see.

Looks great Ralph!!! I bet it looks better in person.. Have to make it over one day to check it out...

Hope the leopard pokes his head out of the sand soon.
Looks great. Loving the fact that you keep macro in your tank

Come on over! Yes, it looks crazy awesome in person. Pics just suck. I'll work on better ones soon, but they are never as good, ya know?

Yeah, Chis made a little santuary in the rear on the left side with a bunch of macro & low flow. Pipes are staying center court though so far.

Leopards hate change, but she has a few things going for it. Thanks.

looking great Ralph.

I think the micro bublles are coming from the siphon break I drilled in the bottom of the locline. Easy fix with airline tubing.

LOOKS VERY, VERY GOOD!:thumbs:

a couple of better pics of tank.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/large/1_IMG_2007.JPG (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/1_IMG_2007.JPG)



http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/large/1_IMG_2002.JPG (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/1_IMG_2002.JPG)

:yay:

MM Leopard Wrasse just got up!

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/large/1_IMG_2045fix.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/1_IMG_2045fix.jpg)

looks good Ralph!!

Thanks!

That's what I'm talking about.
Wooohooo!

Sweetness!!! Glad it's still kicking..

Sweet! Now I can sleep.:yay:

:yay:

MM Leopard Wrasse just got up!

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/large/1_IMG_2045fix.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/photoplog/images/508/1_IMG_2045fix.jpg)

Well, I just installed my Dual 400 Watt Hamilton's Reef star Pendent, sweet! I got it hanging 11 inches now, although my 2 x 150 Radium's actually seem brighter lol!(sunpod was like 3 inches from surface). I'll eventually crank it down to 8 inches I guess.

Who did that tile work in your foyer??????? Sure looks like a professionals work.:thumbs:

Lol! Our first with 28 inch travertine. Not bad. Chris has to do a transition piece still.

two pics of the Glass & lights.

That rocks Ralph!!!

two pics of the Glass & lights.

very pretty!

Thanks everybody!

a few more pics...........

Man your clowns are big. I'm used to looking at my little midget babies.

man that nuthin' LOL! I had a 5 inch royal gramma with a 3 inch circumference!

4 years old & Yup, fat & happy!

right now my concern is my pipefish. BIG CONCERN!

New tank, New Glass, New Sump, New Sand, Clean Glass, removal of HOB extra fuge.............I have plenty of Chaeto, but not enough pods! I'm adding Live Phyto (Nannochloropsis oculata), stocking Tisbe Pods, and adding a few hundred live baby brine every day. My frozen food includes cyoclopeeze & oyster eggs. I can't wait for my algae bloom! LOL!

Well, the last few pics kinda show the tank quality, and as you know Chris at FishScales custom made it. No kickback necessary here! LOL! I am sold on his quality & workmanship & would recommend him to anyone! I researched tanks for about 8 months, and on april 23, I asked chris for a quote. glad I did. Ok, enough plugging, but I am soooooooooo happy with my tank!

So watcha gonna get growing up the overflow?

Ralph,

This tank build is awesome. The tank itself is amazing and the way that you laid everything out looks great.

The last set of pictures are really cool, and I like the way that you have left the back of the aquarium un-painted... the cable management with the lights and the power heads is very well done, and makes the clear backing look that much more impressive (I have all kinds of wires hanging down the back of my tank :) )

Awesome job, keep the pictures coming!



Jeff

Thanks very much!

I can tell that my wrasses love the new tank, too! They wander in & out of all the rockwork/caves looking for food, and they stay up much later then before.

ralph, looks awesome. I can't wait to get my quote from Chris....hint hint Chris.... I sent him preliminary digital designs from three views and we talked and came up with some awesome ideas.. With any luck I will have a new build thread for a 70 cube around xmas time....in the meantime, i'm jealous. Your tank is phenominal.

MAN!!!! I'M JONES'N to get my tank setup...

Hey, thanks guys! appreciate the comments!

Welcome my new addition!

It's a 5 inch Christmas Wrasse (no, not a holiday wrasse...lol), anyway here ya go!

That's a nice wrasse you've got there.

here be my wrasses!

That's a nice wrasse you've got there.


my wife used to say that, too! hummm......

That is a beautiful wrasse! And he looks fat and healthy to boot!

I think you have one of the most "natural" looking tanks on here. I love the way it looks!

Looks great!

Joe

Hey thanks! Appreciate the compliments! I try hard to keep it "natural" looking!
Ralph

Looking better and better! What kind of camera are you using to snap these pics?

Loving it. About to place an order with gulf coast for a halimedia sample pack and some seagreass. You've given me a little inspirato for my 180 I am building

cannon xt

It looks good in there. Hopefully, it'll get along with everyone else.

I thought wrasses had a tendancy to be aggressive towards one another. Did you happen to stroll into a good mix of species?

There are many wrasses that do well, and there are many that don't. Even then, they can always turn out not expected. I would venture to say that more peaceful species will generally, get along more than aggressive. But then again, maybe not. Then you have this whole male thing.

Well, that Christmas Wrasse was a little larger than anticipated, so I was very concerned that she would either A) harass my wrasses or worst B) eat my pipefish. She has actually become more of a dithering fish, and all fish are swimming more in the open now. She went for my pipefish a few times, but bucked up at the last minute like a shark would do when approaching a human or whatever. At this point, she has added to overall dynamics of tank personality! Yeah!

Ralph I hope you decide to do a back ground as the red is a little much for me. Then again it's not my tank so who cares what I think. :)

Joe

Thanks! Yup, planning on either a Elos type removable or acrylic piece that slides on llike my last tank.

Sweet Tank!

Thank you very much!

:sad:
Well, kinda sad as I suffered my first loss after the move to the new tank.



One of my pair of Dragonface Pipefish has gone on to a better place :sad:, so I'm kinda sad as I have had that pair going on 3 years in a full blown reef.

I noticed that he started looking a little thin after I removed my HOB little fuge that I kept just for them, as I was moving to the new 85 gallon. Although that wasn't the cause, because he already was looking a bit thin, it didn't help. I have done everything that I could have done to promote pods in my new tank, adding live phyto, adding cheato, adding live pods, but to no avail.

RIP!

How devastating....
I'm sorry Ralph. They're such special little creatures that are lucky to have a dad like you to create such a great home for them!
I hope you can soon provide another one a good home

Thanks! I did have 3 spendid years with him............

Oh man! That is rough. Sorry. As I look at them in this thread I wish I could have a set like that. Very cool fish. You have photographed them very well! They look very happy.

Sorry to hear that Ralph, give the new setup some time to mature and have another go. You were obviously doing alot right if you kept that pair for three years. Good luck with all your other critters.

Thanks! The remaining pipe looks great! I will either, A) give it to a member that has a long term seahorse tank or B) get another one in a couple of months.

not sure yet.

GET ANOTHER! You're the Pipefish MAN

Probably will, but I want to make sure I have the best home for them, too. 80/20 on getting another. Thanks!

My new large Halichoeres cf. cosmetes is beginning to mildly bully/harass my MM Leopard, and Halichoeres melanurus. As long as it stays like this or improves, it will be ok, however, if it gets too stressful, I might have a truly beautiful fish for sale!

Halichoeres cf. cosmetes seems to bully mostly when the lights are off. All seems good!:)

Here's some more pics!

just a few more............

Sorry to hear about your pipe.

I really love your Wheeler's? Goby! SO CUTE

Ok, so apparently I was very wrong...............................

Halichoeres cf. cosmetes has apparently eaten BOTH pipefish. So, I felt really bad (especially the first one), but I rationalize this a bit like this:

1) at least they didn't starve (ok,ok, I know they got eaten, not good either!, but at least I'm not a total loser, lol)
2) for the last 3 years I've been restricted (I know, I did it to myself on purpose) on everything, from corals to inverts to fish, and my daily goal in life was increasing pod populations. While this was very challenging & rewarding, at the same time even adding a Mandarin was impossible. I had aggressive fish before from a Yellow Tang to a Talbot's Damsel, but in every case those pipes "were under their radar". Even with my Halichoeres melanurus, not even a "look".
3) feel kinda liberated
4) no more pipefish for me, unless I get a species tank

Ralph

Sorry to hear. I had a six line I had to remove years ago for harrassing my mandarin. I guess it was a food competition thing.

That sucks! However, a six-line is notorious for being aggressive, these guys are on the peaceful side eating crustations. (and I guess, small fish). I think it was too big of a wrasse for pipefish, even though it's "peaceful", it's still a wrasse with a big mouth.

Man I am sorry for your loss!!!

If it makes you feel any better, I accidentally "fed" a flaming prawn goby to a mystery wrasse not to long ago. The tank the FPG was in lost circulation, so I just put him in the closest tank, just happened to be a hungry mystery wrasse lying in wait!!:doh:

Sorry about the pipefish, Ralph. Guess that was one hungry fish. On the plus side, like you said, you now have a lot more room for a variety of fishes and corals that you didn't before.

Thanks everybody! Yeah, kinda depressed when the 1st one disappeared, but now I feel a bit liberated, I'm burning my bra! LOL!

If it makes you feel any better, I accidentally "fed" a flaming prawn goby to a mystery wrasse not to long ago. The tank the FPG was in lost circulation, so I just put him in the closest tank, just happened to be a hungry mystery wrasse lying in wait!!:doh:


yeah, but that was just impulse! I actually thought this out! :doh:

a few pics..............all fish are getting along very well, now. sweet.


The 1st 2 pics are right after my melanurus chomped a brittle star and she's spitting out the sand.

CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY! Guess who was hanging out in my skimmer compartment in my sump? Yup! One of my PIPEFISH! Sweet!

When I get home, I'll have to look in my overflow for the other one. Doubt it, but why not?


I'll need to find a good members home with an established Seahorse Tank. Any suggestions?

Woah. Crazy pipefish! Glad one made it though, they're unbelievably interesting fish.

WOW thats great news Ralph! I know how much you like those guys. So you are going to pass on the pipes for your new wrasse? Im shocked! you loved those little guys.

Sweet man! Hope you find the pair and simply have to escape proof the tank.
Escappee!

WOW thats great news Ralph! I know how much you like those guys. So you are going to pass on the pipes for your new wrasse? Im shocked! you loved those little guys.


yeah, pretty cool. I'm thinking this tank is "too big" for him. Since I do love him so much, a better place would be a species type tank. He's been hanging out in the open, and "under the radar" of all fish, so I guess my theories are all shot to hell on how I lost my other one. He could have been sucked in the overflow, too. I found this guy right near my skimmer pump, just hanging out.

Holy wierdness Tankman!!!

I have a friend (David Everett) that has a seahorse tank and would like to add a couple of pipes. He does not have a computer but many people on here are familiar with him and he is pretty successful with each of 13 tanks.

Isn't that the guy I met? Anyway, send me a pm. Pickup at my house.

Raj just set up a seahorse tank not to long ago. The Dave Chris speaks of is a real nice guy and has been around for sometime.

Joe

Thanks Joe, ill check with Dave since Raj still has his seahorses in a holding tank last time I saw it not too long ago. Appreciate info.

So I dropped my Dragonface Pipefish off by David Everett's home. It was similar to the GA Aquarium. 13 something tanks including a Shark & Ray tank.

Anyway, couldn't have picked a nicer person & home for my pipe.

(excuse the photo quality as they were taken from my phone)

Glad to hear it worked out well. Just think how much Salt he goes through. LOL

Joe

I saw maybe 10 buckets of reef crystals in garage! LOL!

That new tank is beautiful looking!

And yes, 6 lines get very aggressive! Mine has just recently started to bully every fish in my tank..including my sohal! I did notice today my hippo tang backing the 6 line in a corner ready to attack...I guess he's had enough of getting picked on. GOOOOOOO DORY! lol.

That new tank is beautiful looking!
Well, thank you very much! appreciate it!

And yes, 6 lines get very aggressive!

Sorry to hear. I had a six line I had to remove years ago for harassing my mandarin.
by the way, no "lined" wrasses per se. I have 2 Halichoeres wrasses (1 melanurus & 1 cosmetes) & 1 MM Leopard.


I really love your Wheeler's? Goby! SO CUTE
Actually that Gobi is a Cryptocentrus Aurora (Pinkbar) & the other a Yasha.

appreciate the comments!
Ralph

Update:

My pipefish has colored up real nice at David Everett's house! My pipes had become stressed ever since my new tank. :thumbs:


My Red Tailed Flasher Wrasse will be arriving tomorrow! Yeah! and I have a surprise fish arriving on Tuesday! Actually, it will be a real surprise since I will not know for sure what it is until then! I do know it's a Wrasse! ...and a Leopard at that..........and hoping it might be white & red............and rare........?

Here is my new: <TABLE style="WIDTH: 166pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=221 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 166pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 8082" width=221><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; WIDTH: 166pt; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8" class=xl24 height=17 width=221>Red Tail Flasher Wrasse</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; WIDTH: 166pt; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8" class=xl25 height=17 width=221>Paracheilinus rubricaudalis


right now he's kinda hiding scared in the corner. At least he came out to eat. I'll stay away from pictures and the tank as much as possible the next few days.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I'll get some better pics next week as that's the best I can do for now without scaring him.

nice Ralph!!

Here's a few better pics, albeit not "ace" of my Red Tail Flasher Wrasse.

and a pic of my Pinkbar Gobi & Melanurus Wrasse.

With my new addition Tuesday, I think I'll be complete.
Ralph

these came out pretty good as my Red Tail is more comfortable out in the open.

Beautiful fish!

So all of these wrasses are species that get along with others, huh? I like the look of the Xmas wrasse.

The Adorned Wrasse (Christmas Wrasse) bullied my Melanurus for a couple of days, after that, no problem. My Melanurus is bullying my new Flasher a bit; not bad though. Just random, I'm the boss stuff.

Yes, so far all these wrasses get along very well, albeit it could change. I did a lot of research and talked to some very experienced reefkeepers and sellers. I have one more I'm going to try to fit in on Tuesday, I'm betting it's the only one in Atlanta. We shall see, as it's such a fragile fish with most experienced reefers keeping it at 4-6 months at most. Thanks!

Please keep any negative opinions out of this thread, and thanks in advance. I do not want this thread to be a pro this versus that. As many of you are aware, I sincerely support my LFS's. Just look at this thread as an example. I will still support this community, however, I am going to "step of of the box".......just once, to share such an awesome experience with an online vendor. cool?

If anybody has any questions, concerns, or comments other than positive, please PM me! I will be happy to respond! I do realize that without lfs, this hobby wouldn't exist as we know it! Thanks!

My Leopard Wrasse, Part III

Ok, so Thursday evening last week I ordered this incredible Red Tailed Flame Wrasse from Diver's Den for Saturday delivery. Friday about 10 am I get this call from Dr. F&S telling me that they have a one time deal for me, and I need to decide then. They have a Leopard Wrasse that was going out that evening to Diver's Den, but if I wanted it, I could have it. She said unfortunately, it couldn't go out with my other wrasse since that was already shipped, so shipping would be free! I said yes, of course, knowing that they had a Choati Leopard in QT. She couldn't tell me the species, but that it was a leopard. When do you want it? Tuesday! (Ok, I had been harassing Kevin for months about a DD Leopard Wrasse, and he pulled through.........BIG TIME!)

So today I get a confirmation call & subsequent email:

yup, it's a Macropharyngodon choati

unfortunately, most reefers haven't kept one alive more than 6 months, most succumbing at 1-2 months. wish me luck!

One of the most beautiful fishes of all, and kinda rare. I would imagine, not many (if any) in Atlanta at all. But hey, ya never know. Jin might have one, eh?

This video showcases the Anampses femininus, but the choati come in and out often:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooFVAKZJ0sY&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ereefbuilders%2Ecom%2F2009% 2F08%2F20%2Fanampses%2Dfemininus%2Dliveaquarias%2D femininus%2Dwrasse%2Dworthy%2F&feature=player_embedded

Ok, no pics? that won't be for a few days as u know, she'll dive right into the sand!

Ralph

"do over" lol

My Leopard Wrasse, Part III

OK, so I open my 50 pound box at about 2:30 today, and what's inside is a total surprise!

Just this huge gorgeous fish, I mean huge! Just WOW!

He's eating, and getting along, and huge! Obviously, he's a male MM Leopard, kinda glad that I don't have to stress out as much as if it was a Choati. But this wrasse is gorgeous.

a few more pics

Nice dude!

He is quite large! Hope you have good luck with him!!!! I LOVE blue on fish, definitely a looker

Beautiful fish !!! He does look large/ They are pretty hardy aren't they?
Good decision Ralph.

.....

Thanks everybody! appreciate.......

unfortunately, this fish is "difficult" along with all Leopard Wrasses. They are difficult to get to eat, and they are difficult to get acclimated. You need a well established reef, a lot of research, and must handle stress well. lol!

Holy freaking crap that fish is huge! Wow and its beautiful.

Holy freaking crap that fish is huge! Wow and its beautiful.

ya know? kinda scared me when I opened the bag! lol! Thanks!

Definitely no worries in the pest department anymore

very nice Ralph. Good luck with him.

has he eaten yet???

has he eaten yet???

Oh yeah, eating very well. I fed him four times yesterday (too much, I overloaded my skimmer! lol), and this morning I already fed him (well, all fish) once. I am splitting my daily portions into 2 or 3 pieces, so I don't over feed again. He is eating PE Mysis, Spirulina Brine, Brine with Selcon, and few other things.

My only concern is that my Red Tailed Flasher is intimated, and not really out much. Hopefully, he will adjust.......soon.

Wow awesome news about him eating!!!
What is Selcon?

Wow awesome news about him eating!!!
What is Selcon?


the secret to maintaining healthy fish:

http://www.marinedepot.com/American_Marine_Selcon_Food_Vitamin_Additives_Supp lements-Pinpoint_Monitors-AM1511-FIADTEFS-vi.html

I use the brightwell aquatics supplement in their food. Hopefully that's similiar in quality.

"hopefully", but doubt it. It's relatively inexpensive, too.

a few updates.

This past Friday, my new Leopard woke up looking like these pics here, and on Saturday, he went to Wrasse Heaven...............

Beginning Saturday, I started treating my other fish with focus/metro mixed in their food as a precautionary thing. My new Flame had 3 or 4 white blotches (not ich) on it's side near dorsal fin yesterday, but today they are gone. I plan on doing a 5 day treatment.

:( Sorry to hear that.

:( Sorry to hear that.


yup, I cried. Thanks!

So since I upgraded my tank, I added some fish, and I stopped dosing Amino's.

I have been getting a bunch of cyno lately on my sand. I mean a bunch. looks like crapola.



So after almost 4 years of using gfo, with decent results, I decided to test my water after 2 feedings. LESS than 0.024 on a DD Merck. Almost 0. I mean yellow/beige.

I think too much of a good thing might be bad. I still dose vodka at 11ml, SO TONITE I PULLED THE PLUG ON GFO! I will monitor weekly, and see if the other algae/bacteria pull the phates from the cyno.

humm........scary, ya know?


Vodka thread:

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22849&highlight=vodka


any comments?

Will you continue to feed the same

Will you continue to feed the same


Oh yes, but remember I am dosing vodka still.

got it ( uln)

I will be monitoring closely, it's an experiment, ya know? Theory, only.

Where did you get the DD Merk?

I can't remember as I only get refills now like every 18 months or so. U get the kit once, then refils. I believe it was either marine depot or premium aquatiics. Could be champion lighting, too but I doubt it. Just check best price. Best phosphate kit out there, IMHO.

I can't remember as I only get refills now like every 18 months or so. U get the kit once, then refils. I believe it was either marine depot or premium aquatiics. Could be champion lighting, too but I doubt it. Just check best price. Best phosphate kit out there, IMHO.
I have heard that else where as well Thanks and keep us updated on the experiment. Are you going to take pics as well to help monitor?

update: All fish are looking great after a 6 day treatment of focus/metro since the death of my male MM Leopard.

I added a cheap K-4 powerhead (until my Tunze NANOSTREAM 6055 arrives) that moves the lower part of my tanks flow. At this point, most of the cyno is gone.

I still have less than 0.024 phates even after removing GFO 6 days ago and 2 x's heavy feeding. (well, it equals to about 3 to 4 Hakari Cubes per feeding, al hough it's mixed foods and vitamins).

A couple of pics of my Pinkbar hanging out and some passersby!

I still love that little goby

Well after my 3 month long battle with cyno, I've just come to the conclusion that it's not cyno, it's Dino-flagellates! DOH! I assumed it was cyno since I'm dosing vodka and that is a very common side effect. I also have 2 x 400 watt MH 10 inched above water line.

No matter what I did, how low my nutrients were, it would reappear. However, it is very dark brown, and some stringy. Of course, without a microscope, there is no way to be sure, but I am pretty sure. Dino is something that u don't want. trust me.

I've begun to raise my PH from 8.2 to 8.6 with lime-water. I plan on dosing 1 or 2 x's a day with 2 level teaspoons in RO/DI water in sump.

a few updated pics.

out of curiosity , what is your temp with 2x 400 MH? Are they SE?

out of curiosity , what is your temp with 2x 400 MH? Are they SE?


78-79

I use a pc fan over my sump on a timer that comes on when the lights are on, until 2 hours or so after.

20K hamilton SE

That is good. I hope i'll be ok with 2x400 XM over my 145 gal. I don't wanna go with chiller again.

btw , your setup looks amazing.

Great pictures you will have to tell me how you take them. I suck at fish pics. That is the best looking Christmas wrasse I have ever seen.

Good luck on the algae issue.

Joe

That is good. I hope i'll be ok with 2x400 XM over my 145 gal. I don't wanna go with chiller again.


that would be no issue if you set it up correctly, and your powerheads are low power.

Great pictures you will have to tell me how you take them. I suck at fish pics. That is the best looking Christmas wrasse I have ever seen.

Good luck on the algae issue.

Joe


Thanks! :-)

I normally don't read long build threads but had time today and read most from the beginning. To kind of summarize, Beautiful tank, love the star glass, great corals and fish. Sorry for your losses you did all you could. Years ago, like 30-35 yrs even 15-20, it was an accomplishment to have a fish live a year, maybe even a couple of months. (I had a lion 20 years that lived 3 1/2 years, it was unheard of, almost, back then) Like always Chris at Fish Scales did an awsome job with this tank. He is one of 2 LFS that I trust. Since I'm retired I've been to quite a few. Haven't been by Chris in a while I need to take a trip and see him soon. You're tank and fish are awesome. If I ever set up another tank, room and cash, I would like to do it with wrasses. I know where to go to ask my questions, hope you won't mind.

WHAT is that first fish?! He's so cool.

same as the second one!

Red Scooter Dragonet

just an update on vodka dosing, and success of eliminating dino.

I do 20% water changes weekly or bi-weekly, have a decent skimmer (skim wet), have a fuge, good live rock, 2-3 inch live sand (kinda new, too), feed 4-5 cubes a day of a mixture of frozen PE mysis, Hakari Brine, Cyclopeeze, Squid, Selcon, etc.

Live stock:

2 false percs
1 Melanurus
1 Leopard
1 Christmas
1 Red Tailed Flasher
1 Pink-bar Gobi w pistol
1 Yasha Hase Gobi w pistol
1 Red Scooter Dragonet


In July when I upgraded tank, I decided to try to start incrementally lower my vodka/vinegar dosing to 3 ml. Well, my trates got up to 10.0! no beau-no!
I was fighting dino, poor colors on sps, etc.
2 weeks ago, I gave up and decided to incrementally go to a "new dosage". Monday, my trates were at 5.0 (at 10ml Vodka/vinegar). Wed I went up to 13ml, and tonite my trates are back <1.0! Dino is almost gone, just small patches here and there.


About a month ago, I did replace all my filters on my RO/DI unit. could be a factor.

Seems like things are headed in the right direction.

The Aurora Goby is sweet, by far my favorite fish in my tank. Maybe one day I will figure out how to keep a Leopard. LOL:doh:

Great pictures, I love the new Wrasse... I don't see a lot of those and it looks great!

here's a great article on my Melanurus Wrasse. (http://reefkeeping.com/joomla/index.php/current-issue/article/32-fish-profile-)

They sure are beautiful when they mature.

you have some awsome fish. love the tank it rocks.

you have some awsome fish. love the tank it rocks.


Thank you very much!

So I decided to take Dave & Joe's expert advice on lighting, and I am happy to report they were correct, of course.

I have 2, 400 watt Hamilton Magnetic M59 ballasts w 2 reefstar reflectors. I am currently running 2 20k Hamilton bulbs, which are nice.............they just don't pop blue enough for me. In my old setup, I was using Radiums............



Today I received my 2 EVC/Helios 20k bulbs, and I decided to just change 1 side. WOW! Blue to the sand, but not "fake blue". Just a really nice rendition! Although there wasn't a huge difference from one side to the other, it was enough to make the EVC side "pop". These bulbs were the most inexpensive bulbs that I've ever spent, too! $55.00 each! sweet!

Thanks again,Acroholic (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=2255)<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_", true); </SCRIPT> & sailfish (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=1485)<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_", true); </SCRIPT> !

I changed out my quad folded Black Bird Netting screen top for Acroholic (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=2255)'s 1/4" square hole size mesh in clear polypropylene. This is very light friendly, and will keep 99% of fish in the tank, while letting your tank dissipate heat thru the open top.


This is great stuff, and it seemingly increased my lighting 10 fold from the black bird netting.

Just read/skimmed your whole thread...a great story to read. Im sorry for the losses, and applaud the successes. And yes, Chris did a wonderful job on the tank.
Any updates?

I changed out my quad folded Black Bird Netting screen top for Acroholic (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=2255)'s 1/4" square hole size mesh in clear polypropylene. This is very light friendly, and will keep 99% of fish in the tank, while letting your tank dissipate heat thru the open top.


This is great stuff, and it seemingly increased my lighting 10 fold from the black bird netting.

I have recently built my clear mesh top as well..I love that stuff!!!! Only one thing though, mine a solid top!:doh: With my light fixture sitting on top of it, it makes it hard to feed, rearrange corals, anything I have to put my hands in the tank for. I will have to make another that folds!!:D

Lovin' the Pinkbar. :up: I'm considering getting either a Pinkbar or Wheelers for the 58 gallon.

I know Chris will be following Daves lead on the mesh top for now on instead of bird netting.:D Sometimes, well most of the times I learn the hard way. This was one of my favorite builds, I cant tell you how satisfying it is to complete a system for someone who actually appreciates it being done right.

Thanks!
Soon, maybe a month or so for pics. My tank has just stablized about a month ago. Corals are coloring back up and starting to grow. I added a bunch of acans, zoa, and an awesome ORA Pearlberry from Joe. Fish are great and growing. Soon. :-)

Lovin' the Pinkbar. :up: I'm considering getting either a Pinkbar or Wheelers for the 58 gallon.

My daughter has a wheelers with pistol shrimp paired for sale. I prefer Pinkbar. Pm if u want.

where do you get your wrasses from?

they are very nice!!!

where do you get your wrasses from?


except for my clowns (Avarium, 4 years ago), my Yasha (blue zoo) & my Christmas Wrasse from Bud, all fish were purchased from Kevin at DD or Liveaquaria.

I was going to compliment you on the amazing photo of the dragonette "sitting" on the sandbed..but then I saw the watermark!

Great fish pics though; they're tough to take. I must have taken hundreds just to get one decent pic.

I was going to compliment you on the amazing photo of the dragonette "sitting" on the sandbed..but then I saw the watermark!

Great fish pics though; they're tough to take. I must have taken hundreds just to get one decent pic.


The only photo that I didn't take, you critisize................

sorry I missed your post!

I will have some updates in the next few weeks. I overdosed amino acids (I decided to follow the instructions, d'oh!), so I am just getting over a bout of hair algae and some other macro weeds. I rearanged a few things, broke a few things...................

My corals are finally growing well, I have a some new ones, and I have acquired 4 acans, too.

I think my favorite is my Pearlberry that I got from Joe. It is beautiful.

I'll update at the end of Feb with some pics, but all is well! Thanks!


ALL FISH ARE FAT!

My Leopard is 8 months tomorrow! Yeah! :yay:

a few updated pics since it's been a few months!

and more!

last set for a bit.

Just beautiful!

Awe, Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31O06GYrbx0



ok, my first video.

You have an amazing looking melanurus! Very healthy and vibrant. You're definitely doing something right.

Jeff

You make me sick!!!:yuk:

You make me sick!!!:yuk:


awesome........so that Voodoo doll does work!

I just sold my pair of Tunze 6000 and nano stream and upgraded to two Tunze Turbelle Steam 2 pH's 6105.

I am really impressed.
For aquariums from 200 to 2,000 litres (52 to 528 USgal.).
Flow rate: 3,000 to 13,000 l/h (792 to 3,434 USgal./h).
I went down from 4 powerheads to 2, and I have more flow.

best to choose 480p or 720p in youtube!

video of Pinkbar Gobi & Shrimp being BFF! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGG5bvVc24U)


Ralph's Reef video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31O06GYrbx0)




Thanks for looking!

Happy 1 year Birthday Ms. MM Leopard Wrasse!
:birthday:

Happy birthday little wrasse.

Wow good husbandry Ralph! Gotta come up and snag some of that macro from ya

Nice job on keeping him happy and healthy over the past year!

I have got to be one of the coolest looking fish that I have ever seen... beautiful coloration!

new HD video of my tank. please pm all critisism/suggestions as I am still learning! Thanks for viewing!

Ralph's Reef Video HD (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NnkvwZbbs8)

NEW HD Video with New Potters Leopard Wrasse & some changes from your suggestions! Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPs1-gg0ZSU

So far, so good!

my new potter's leopard!

omg! I love the new guy!

Ralph that is a thing of beauty!

Great setup. Really enjoyed reading the build thread. Thanks for sharing the nice pics!

JC

Awe! Thanks guys and gals!

She is pretty! She has a scale or two that it fubbed up though. I'm thinking just Selcon, no focus/metro yet. She's doing well though, being the smallest and newest and docile.

Correction-I love the new girl! Everyone accept her ok?

everybody is great! .....and the new Potter's is acting perfectly normal, so it appears to be just a bruise/scrape. :-)
Thanks for asking!

click on 480p or 720p!

video of my Pinkbar Gobi w/ Pistol Shrimp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KhcnHzjm7s)

My new Potter's Leopard is eating PE Mysis and is getting big quick!

So, here are a few updated pics of my wrasses and such.

click on 480p or 720p!

video of my Pinkbar Gobi w/ Pistol Shrimp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KhcnHzjm7s)


How cute, look at all those wrasses eyeballin that scrimp!!:doh:

Gorgeous tank Ralph! Sweet Wrasses! Aurora is my next fish.....:up:

Just gonna call you the Wrasse Man from now on. Beautiful fish and tank!

Thanks! appreciate you looking!

Par:

I'm thinking, MAYBE I need to RETHINK things.

So here are my numbers for 2 galaxy select a watt ballasts with 2, 400 watt EVC bulbs.


I just replaced my EVC (I loved the color, but they were really blue), with 2 Radiums. I had Radiums before on my 2 x 150 hqi, and I loved them.

They are much brighter, LESS blue than the EVC. After they burn in, I'll get the par meter and test/post.

The PHOTO IS NOT GREAT, but oh well.


here's the thread:
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=44211


thanks for looking!

YouTube- Ralph's Reef May 2010 with Potters Leopard (click on 480p or 720p)


my reef tank!

So........after a haul down to Tim's including a blown tire on I-85 (you people need to slow down, lol), I replaced my tire, and I just got the results on my PARS with the Galaxy Ballasts and 2, 400 watt Radiums. Fixture is 10 inches above water surface.

Very nice. :thumbs:

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24801&stc=1&d=1276819855

Numbers look good Ralph. You should be able to grow SPS on the bottom of the tank with PAR in the 300s.

OK, a few updates................


I found out I had red bugs maybe a month ago, I took David's advice, and did only one treatment. All looks great. I guess I had them at latest January 2010, and no it wasn't a lfs, and no I not saying where I think I got 'em. Anyway, DONE!

I thought about the advice that I had given someone....don't use chemi-clean........it can crash your tank............
Yesterday (after much recent investigating), I decided to use chemi-clean. I was very pro-fix the issue kinda guy.........I was also, very, very concerned since I use vodka to feed bacteria............I figured that I was off for three days, what the 'ell. I've been fighting cyno for almost a year now, due to vodka dosing..........d'oh! I have an ultra low nutrient system.........nah, just a pita.............

So, anyway, I added another power head close to the surface (K-4 cheapo), and all I can say is that it has worked. Cyno is gone, fish & corals are happy!

be careful! O2 levels can drop dramatically and cause a crash!

OK, a few updates................


I found out I had red bugs maybe a month ago, I took David's advice, and did only one treatment. All looks great. I guess I had them at latest January 2010, and no it wasn't a lfs, and no I not saying where I think I got 'em. Anyway, DONE!

I thought about the advice that I had given someone....don't use chemi-clean........it can crash your tank............
Yesterday (after much recent investigating), I decided to use chemi-clean. I was very pro-fix the issue kinda guy.........I was also, very, very concerned since I use vodka to feed bacteria............I figured that I was off for three days, what the 'ell. I've been fighting cyno for almost a year now, due to vodka dosing..........d'oh! I have an ultra low nutrient system.........nah, just a pita.............

So, anyway, I added another power head close to the surface (K-4 cheapo), and all I can say is that it has worked. Cyno is gone, fish & corals are happy!

be careful! O2 levels can drop dramatically and cause a crash!

How has your protein skimmer reacted to the chemi-clean? Made mine go nuts, overfoaming for about a week.

That was a cool video... the music was good and the tank looks even better!

I know that I have made the comment before on this thread, but it is worth saying again.... that is an awesome looking leopard wrasse! You have done a really good job with this fish. How hard has it been to keep this fish? I know that the feeding can be touchy... was it challenging to get it to eat frozen or dry food?

Keep up the good work on the tank, looking good!

How has your protein skimmer reacted to the chemi-clean? Made mine go nuts, overfoaming for about a week.

Well yesterday was 48 hours and all I did was adjust skimmer gatevalve a hair, all seems fine! Tank looks great!

That was a cool video... the music was good and the tank looks even better!

I know that I have made the comment before on this thread, but it is worth saying again.... that is an awesome looking leopard wrasse! You have done a really good job with this fish. How hard has it been to keep this fish? I know that the feeding can be touchy... was it challenging to get it to eat frozen or dry food?

Keep up the good work on the tank, looking good!

Thank you! I sent you a pm!

did you sell the 55?