February Tank of the Month
mojo


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/medium/IMG_1524.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1524.jpg)


(Click on any picture for larger version)


Introduction
A bit about you as the hobbyist


I started keeping reefs in 1995 while at Georgia Tech. My first attempt was a 60g with VHO's and a horrible excuse for a skimmer. While it was a decent tank at the time, I'd be embarrassed to show pictures of it today. Fellow reefers were impressed with my ability to grow Xenia and GSP.


I enjoy both the art and the technical side of the hobby. I've always said that being a reefer requires a lot of different disciplines - electrician, plumber, chemist, botanist, biologist, computer nerd, etc, and I enjoy mixing and the challenge of bringing all these together. On top of all this, I strive to keep my animals as healthy and happy as possible, and tend to buy from sustainable sources when possible.


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1474.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1474.jpg)


What or who were/are your influences and inspirations?


There are a number of people here in the club who have inspired me over the years; their tanks are (or were) top notch. I'm sure I'll miss some people: schwaggs, simon.kruger, jmaneyapanda, glxtrix, sailfish, sshindell, Robert Michealson (http://angel-strike.com/aquarium/MICHELSONAquarium.html), thehitman, futureinterest, and many others. Some inspired me because of their corals, some because of their equipment and ingenuity, and some because of their overall knowledge.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1605.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1605.jpg) http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1594.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1594.jpg)


How do you feel about your tank being picked for ToTM?

I've recently been added onto the TOTM committee as a photographer, but have been asked for a long time to present my tank. I felt it would have been poor form for a club leader to show their tank, so have deferred. I've been trying to move more into the sidelines (so far, unsuccessfully), and so felt I could finally show off some of the fruits of my labors.


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1480.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1480.jpg) http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1481.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1481.jpg)




Overview

History of the tank


The tank originally started in early 2005 while I lived near Stone Mountain. I moved to Roswell in 2007, and the tank and all contents moved with me. I lucked out with a room in the basement directly below where the tank would best fit into the house- it was a perfect match.


I had the tank setup for about a year and a half, always disappointed with both the layout and shape of the rock and the number of majanoes I was plagued with. I swapped out the rock (and documented it here (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21518)) with about 200 lbs of Tatoka rock, and mounted my existing corals to it. I paid close attention to the aquascaping, keeping open spaces and some exposed sand bed. I was then able to mount the corals based on color, shape, and growth patterns to have the most impact.


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1593.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/medium/IMG_1593.jpg)



Specifics of the tank




The tank itself is 84x26x26 inches - custom 240g acrylic made by MRC.
The sump is a 300g tank, although only 200g of it used for the sump
The system also has a 140g frag tank and my wife's 300g tank
Combined system volume is 800g


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/medium/IMG_1508.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1508.jpg)




System Profile
Equipment list such as pumps, lighting, cooling/heating, and miscellaneous



Four 400w SE halides in Lumenbrite-mini reflectors
Coralvue 400w electronic ballasts and Reeflux 12kK bulbs
Two Redundant Sequence 3200 return pumps
Two Vortech MP-40Ws
Tunze 6100 and 6200
40" needlewheel skimmer
MRC CR-6 Calcium reactor


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1596.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1596.jpg) http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1511.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1511.jpg)



More in depth sections
Lighting

I've been through 3 different lighting schemes on this tank, and while I'm not 100% happy with the current setup, it's been the best so far. In an effort to get as much light as possible, I went with the 400w halides in good reflectors.

However, I constantly fight over-lighting issues. The top corals all get ~900 PAR - enough to burn anything that's not truly light-loving.

I plan to add VHO supplements soon to cut down on my overall energy usage.


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1478.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1478.jpg)http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1479.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1479.jpg)



Filtration:

My filtration is provided mainly by a custom made 40" tall, 12" diameter needlewheel skimmer.

Mechanical filtration is provided by three 7" felt filter socks, swapped out weekly.

114w AquaUV sterilizer

Cooling/Heating


I'm currently using a 2hp chiller, plumbed inline and situated outside the house for best performance. The 2hp is a little overkill, but I've got plenty of elbow room for those very hot days!


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1464.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1464.jpg)http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1613.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1613.jpg)

Livestock
Coral

The corals are comprised of a range of different species and types, most heavily focused on the SPS's - mostly for the color. A few of my prized corals are LPS's and full softies, including a large Yellow Fiji Leather that I've had for more than 5 years now.

I'm not all that big into "LE" corals for the sake of being an "LE", but rather base my decision on color and growth pattern. If a coral looks good, then great; putting a fancy name on it doesn't change anything.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1486.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1486.jpg)http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1487.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1487.jpg)




Fish


The fish just get in the way of the corals, and are mostly there for movement in the tank, so I've focused on the fish that I really like, and a couple "standards":


Naso tang
Yellow tang
Powder Blue tang
Chevron tang
Magnificent foxface

Red Head Solon Fairy wrasse
Hawaiian Flame wrasse pair

Pair true percula clownfish
Cleaner wrasse

Two Lyretail anthias


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1608.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1608.jpg)http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1562.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1562.jpg)
http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1609.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1609.jpg)http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1573.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1573.jpg)


Other Inverts




Typical cleanup crew - astreas, red legged hermit crabs, bristle stars, nassarius snails, tuxedo urchin, cleaner shrimp
Clams - I love clams. I had about a dozen at one point, including a 14" Gigas, and due to some unknown reason, lost them all within a month. After being clam-free for 8 months, I've started to collect rare and beautiful clams to make a clam garden front and right. Right now, I have a 8" Teardrop Maxima, a 6" Tuamotu Maxima (http://reefbuilders.com/2009/11/03/tuamotu-tahiti-maxima-clams-are-the-reef-builders), a random crocea, and a 1.5" maxima


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1467.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1467.jpg)http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1513.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1513.jpg)



Feeding and Additives
Specific brands
 and/or types

I feed mostly nori, PE Mysis, and frozen brine shrimp. I feed for the corals' sake as much as for the fish - the corals will capture whatever small particles that the fish don't eat.

Routine


I don't add much in the way of additives. I boost the magnesium from time to time, and use some Alkalinity booster about once every two weeks, but otherwise, don't have a need to dose.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1483.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1483.jpg) http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1485.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1485.jpg)


Maintenance


Daily: Feed the fish
Weekly: 100g (12.5%) water change, using IO salt, replace filter socks
Every 2 weeks: Clean skimmer

Monthly: Check tank parameters


Water Parameters

I rarely test many parameters any more. While I wouldn't suggest this as a key for success, after 15 years in the hobby, I can look at my tank and have a pretty good idea if something is off. And with weekly 100g water changes, most of my parameters- esp trace elements - stay pretty consistent.

When I do test, it's usually only calcium and alkalinity, and then dose to compensate, if necessary. Occasionally I test magnesium.

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1496.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1496.jpg)



Final Thoughts
What is your key to success or what have you learned?


Stability is everything
Patience is key
Everyone has advice. Wait to see their tank before deciding to use that advice
You don't have to have "LE" anything to have a nice tank
A smaller tank is easier to make into a show tank

And finally,


Being ARC president, administrator, and moderator does nothing to help your fish tank. :)


http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1597.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1597.jpg)



What are your future plans for the tank ?



Make it more energy efficient. Notably, adding additional lights and staggering the lighting schedule
Find some more "show" clams



What is the worst and best thing you have ever bought/added/done to your tank?



Worst thing: Adding a Black Durgess Trigger. While it was "reef safe," I lost sleep at night with that thing in my tank
Best thing: Creating a very easy way to do 100g water changes by only flipping some switches. I don't even have to measure my salt - just dump in two bags.



http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/small/IMG_1496-2.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/../%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/large/IMG_1496-2.jpg)


Describe any disasters you have had



I've had two "Kalk Disasters" - the biggest one was when I lost ~50% of my corals and fish.

Right after I replaced my sump, I lost ~100g of RO water on the floor from a hose that fell out of the sump. This was in the basement, but I had to replace sheetrock on several walls from the water damage

Advice for beginniners/Words of wisdom



Go around to people who have tanks. Look at their system and see what works for them. Ask questions. You'll learn more from this than any other method. Tour of Tanks is a good start
Knowledge is key, followed by patience


Tips and Tricks



After 15 years, I have plenty - just search these forums for pearls of wisdom. :)



Things you couldn't live without



My loving, supportive wife, MrsMojo!



Acknowledgments

My list of acknowledgments would be longer than this writeup. I've been in this hobby for 15 years, in the club that preceded ARC, president of this club in 2006, and a leader in the club in some form or fashion since then. In that time, I've met probably hundreds of people, and have had direct help from scores of them. Many have come over to my house, offered their time in phone calls, emailed me long solutions to problems, sent over equipment, offered up needed fish medications, and in general, provided more help than one can imagine. To all those people, I am indebted to you - this tank could not have been what it is today without the support of those people over the years. Thank you.

"If I have seen further, it is only because I have stood on the shoulders of giants." - Newton



One last surprise:

ARC Members can access a video of my tank here. Hopefully this will be the first of many of videos hosted by the ARC site!

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/%7Earcimages/TOTM/2-2010/video/mojo.jpg (http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?p=457778#post457778)

Amazing tank! I highly suggest going to see this tank in person, it's for sure one of the best the ARC has to offer.

Fantastic pictures and video! Definitely something to see in person. Congratulations!

Pics are great and still don't do the tank justice! Beautiful as always.

Man..... That is beautiful!!! I would love to have my next tank look half as good as that one. Great Job!

Well deserved, Chris!

Bravo!

Very nice. Definitely shows your love and understanding

Greats pics and a great tank. Thanks for sharing it with us Chris.

Congratulations on tank of the month, VERY nice looking tank! Great pictures, awesome setup! :thumbs:

Beautiful tank and Congratulations!

nice tank as always chris.

Beautiful setup Chris.:thumbs:

Joe

Chris that is amazing!

Great tank Chris :up:

Spectacular; absolutely spectacular!

:hail:

Congratulations! It is a beautiful tank!

Where are the pics of the sump and equipment? BOOOOOOO!

Gorgeous tank!



Any pictures of the guts of the system?

Hey, you can't post your own tank for TOTM ... J/K

This tank must be seen in person as the pictures are far from showing the true colors.

Thanks for all the kind words!

Where are the pics of the sump and equipment? BOOOOOOO!

It's "Tank" of the Month, not "System" of the month! :)


Any pictures of the guts of the system?

Check out the thread linked in my signature - starting about halfway through page two.

*triple blink*



wow

wow...always looks great

Your tank is certainly a perfect example of what every serious reef keeper would strive for! Keep up the great work.

Great Write up!!! Well Deserved! I wish my tank was even half that nice and colorfull...

It's "Tank" of the Month, not "System" of the month! :)



Oh sure, way to get technical ;)

Congrats! This really is an awesome tank!!! Seeing it in person is a must!

Over the top nice!

Contrats on TOTM, really nice looking tank and the write up.

This is long overdue. Chris's tank is stunning

About time Chris. I got to see this tank not too long ago and it is beautiful. It deserves the TOTM stamp. Well done.

:thumbs: Big time!

Love how you made it easy to do 100G changes. I am sure new water all the time does wonders. I have always wanted to work that one out.

Congrats buddy!

I have personally seen Mojo's tank a few times. It is truly unbelievable, one of the best systems in Atlanta area.

Truly incredible Chris, a work of art. Your photography skills are second to none, stunning pictures!

Where is the info on your controller? Inquiring minds want to know how you have that baby rigged up!

Truly incredible Chris, a work of art. Your photography skills are second to none, stunning pictures!

Where is the info on your controller? Inquiring minds want to know how you have that baby rigged up!

Thanks for the compliments!

My apex bit the dust about a month ago. I sent it back for repairs, but haven't heard anything yet. The whole simply stopped working. I've got it rigged up with a RK1 for the time being and manual top off... :(

FINALLY! i get to see your tank lol

at a lost for words at the amazement I would have at staring at it all freakin day.. i like, great job.

It sounds like I should host a "Tour of Tank" day at my house. Maybe when it warms up some outside...

Congrats Chris!!....and I definitely agree with everyone else who have seen this tank in person like myself.....pics are awesome but to truely appreciate it ya have to see the whole setup.....amazing!.....oh and BTW the watermelon Milli and the cumulus?....are both doing great.....thanks again for the drags and it was nice meeting you the other day.

I was going to chime in that watermelon millie picture is the best I've seen. You should use that on your next FS thread to show off the true colors of the colony, very nice.

congrats, after seeing the tank myself i wondered why you were never tank of the month. the amazing thing to me was the aquauscaping and careful use of space to highlight each coral.

truly incredible! Just incredible! wow!

Thanks for the continued compliments!


I'm surprised no one has asked any questions about how or why I do something a particular way... ?

Amazing Chris! I remember seeing that tank when it was pretty empty with just LR and wondering how long it would take to fill up. Awesome and congrats!

Stunning Chris, I love the arrangement of color and the rock work.

I never go to the home page since I have a link directly to the new threads. I sat next to Chris almost the whole meeting and he never mentioned his tank was TOTM. When I was asking how your set-up was doing and all the details about it you should have just told me to read some dumba$$.

I never go to the home page since I have a link directly to the new threads. I sat next to Chris almost the whole meeting and he never mentioned his tank was TOTM. When I was asking how your set-up was doing and all the details about it you should have just told me to read some dumba$$.

LOL! I figured you were just looking for an update since those pictures were taken two week ago! :)

Absolutely stunning! Btw, as others have said your photography is fantastic!

inspiring to say the least . truly an amazing tank i will strive to get my tank on par. tks a million for sharing that great tank. awsome.

You have a beautiful tank, it gives us something to aspire to. Thank you for showing it to us. Your Figi is soooo beautiful!!!!

One of these days my display will looks like that. Hey, a man can dream. :)

What an amazing tank! :thumbs: