VA Reefdog

Updates on my tank—November 2021. First a full-tank-shot. IMG_0089 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I had ordered an azure damselfish (Chrysiptera hemicyanea) from a LFS near me but they actually gave me a sapphire damsel (Pomacentrus pavo). As most of you probably already guessed—the sapphire did not play well with the other fish in the tank. So I first tried a home-made bottle trap- that worked to get him in but he was able to get back out whenever I came near the tank and if I made the opening small enough for him to be stuck- he wouldn’t go in it. IMG_9946 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr So after 2 weeks- I found where some one used a critter keeper as a fish trap. I had one that I was going to use as an acclimation box in the tank—so I gave it a try. I did have to weigh down the door. After only 2 hours in the tank—success!!! 65662766952__99711C3A-FD78-48A6-A261-2365BAE0356A by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Here is with the door weighed down. 65663168463__72B21482-7EE7-4420-AA81-6EED14F3E45A by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr So I brought him back to the store and they already had a quarantined azure damsel waiting for me. I also picked up a McCoskers (mine carpet surfed even though the tank is fully covered (I guess during a feeding when I took the top off), a new yellow watchman goby (I lost mine – not sure why 2 months ago) and a sailfin blenny. Here is a picture of the fish trap being used as an acclimation box. After 2 days— every one was released into the tank and all are getting along well. IMG_9971 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Here is a pic of the new azure – love his colors. IMG_0007 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Here is every one getting along and enjoying Nori clip. IMG_0081 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I had what I bought as a peppermint candycane (Caulastrea) that I am convinced is not. Best I can figure is that it is a lobo in disguise. I had a nice colony of regular pale green caulastrea next to a newer colony of neon green/kryptonite ones. All was going great – then I added this peppermint next to them for contrast and it wiped out half of the adjacent ones in just a few days. I didn’t believe it was to blame until I checked at night and sure enough- it had 1-1.5 inch sweepers out and stinging the now dead parts of the neighbor caulastrea. I have never had them battle before. Any one else ever have this problem? This is the pic of the offending peppermint and you can see the dead skeletons to the left that it killed off. IMG_9867 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I also decided to make this a true mixed reef tank and am trying new species I haven’t been comfortable with before. My derasa continues to noticeably grow and new sailfin/algae blenny. Amazed at the consistent growth on the derasa. IMG_0080 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I added a tiger-tail sea cucumber (Holothuria thomasi) that is about 7 inches long and is keeping my sand bed very clean. It has been in the system for about 5 weeks now. IMG_9925 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_0039 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr But I did banish the last of my hermit crabs to the sump because I am sick of their rampant snail killing. And here are some other pictures to enjoy— Another FTS- IMG_0062 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr And just a side pic that I like that shows some of the SPS colonies. IMG_0069 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Thanks for looking. Greg

Amazing pictures - really impressed. Beautiful tank. Something I hope my tank looks like in a couple of years.

Jason the filter freak-- does your azure have more yellow? I am basing my questions from the typical pictures found on live-aquaria. I was expecting a more rounded fish (more like the shape of a chromis) and with a yellow band on its belly- which mine doesn't have. It has just a more pale belly- not yellow colored. Not sure if they develop the yellow belly later or if I have a different species of damsel. I am attaching the pic from live-aquaria for reference-- it seems more rounded of a fish much more yellow. I guess if the fish keeps being an ok citizen- I'll just live with which ever damsel type it is and if starts fighting or getting territorial- then it might get moved to the sump. Any thoughts on the ID? (NOTE- this is picture from Live Aquaria captive bred azure)

Thanks Roni and YHSublime. Roni-- I read a bunch of threads where people used it and it did great- that's why I thought I could as well. I will say-- it worked to take care of an out of control bubble algae problem. But it pissed off many of the corals- loss of color, bleaching at base of acros, montis receding/bleaching on all margins-- and polyp bail-out of the elegance. I had 2 elegances and the small one did ok with it but the bigger one receded/stayed closed for days after each dose and then eventually-- the polyp just pulled away from the skeleton completely. Real bummer-- the elegance I lost was a yellow-tip that was amazing.

So earlier this month I purchased a captive bred azure damselfish from a LFS near me. At least I ordered and was told it was an azure when it was sold to me. It was quarantined, is getting along with the rest of its tank mates for last two weeks-- but I am worried it is actually a Similar Damsel (Pomacentrus similis). The yellow color is confined to the tail only and the body seems elongated for an azure. Any thoughts? If it gets along with everyone- just let it be? IMG_9677 (1) by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Thank you for your help. Greg

I put my ORA derasa on an empty 1/2 clam shell that I buried in the sand. It attached its byssal threads to the shell and I can move it around as needed and it is still able to shimmy slightly if it wants to. The clam shell was just one collected from a beach long ago. It is an inch bigger than the derasa. Granted- it has only been 6 months but it is happy and growing well. I know that isn't long enough to say success but it has been consistently growing and happy. My 2 cents and probably worth a bit less than that. 65180111966__BC1625DC-7547-4E08-9337-F78BFEDAAEA1 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr

Just a long overdue update. The tank is coasting in a grow out phase. I had a problem with bubble algae last winter. I made the mistake of using Vibrant- which did work against the bubble algae. But it also wiped out my nutrient levels. I had a lot of faded/bleached corals with some recession at the base of my acros and montis. I did lose an elegance coral but most all the rest pulled through and is now colored back up and growing. I read the forums and thought I could make it work. Nope. So a couple of full tank shots. IMG_9680 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_9679 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Right side 65180110194__E4D3EC68-CA33-4803-A7F5-2DA4753D7D05 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Left side 65180108577__134E98B9-26BF-451D-B58C-78D4D640766E by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Some new inverts Got a Fromia starfish, feather duster and clam that have been doing very well for about 6 months. IMG_9745 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr ORA Derasa clam—that has grown about ½ inch in last few months next to a featherduster. Always loved a diverse mixed reef tank and always wanted to try a clam. And conch I have had for about year photobombing/checking out clam. 65180111966__BC1625DC-7547-4E08-9337-F78BFEDAAEA1 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Thanks for looking.

Tank looks great. Love the fish selection! Amazing colors. What do you feed a group like that each day?

Truly sorry for you. It is obvious from prior pics and video how much time and effort went into the tank. I don't have anything exotic for acros but have alot of the basic acros- so reach out if you need frags when you feel the tank is ready. Good luck.

The rockwork turned out great! Never seen the purple paint before- what is it? I had just watched my cats chase air-bubbles in the RO line to my top-off and after seeing your above pic-- I am trying to convince them it is not really their toy.

Pics are amazing. Colors are beautiful and everything in image seems balanced. Colors seem true. Overall-very crisp pictures. I am impressed! You have great photo skills and beautiful livestock.

Other updates- Christmas gift from the family was 2 aquarock frag magnetic frag rocks. I like being able to use the back wall as an option for growing more corals and hate the frag rack I have in the tank. Here is a pic showing the 2 rocks with the space invader pectinia frag I got last month. IMG_9123 Jan 15 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Also I got some new corals from the family for Christmas. I have wanted to try an elegance coral for a long time but was worried about EGS. Aqua SD had these aquacultured ones for sale and then had an even bigger sale and so here we are. So far it looks happy and healthy. IMG_9125 Jan 15 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I also wanted more movement in the tank and so added some tank raised alveopora (also from ASD). Nice mix- one has pink petals and blue center, the next is bluish/green and the last is green with white center. Here are some pics- IMG_9115 Jan 15 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_9119 Jan 15 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Thanks for looking.

Incredibly happy news!!!! Last February- I got a candy-cane pistol shrimp to bond with one of my gobies. After acclimating it and adding to the display-it disappeared into the rock-work and I never saw it since that day. I have heard what I assumed was the pop/snap from its claws a few times. My orange spot goby and spotted watchman goby both have their spots in the rockwork that hasn’t changed in months. THEN SUDDENLY last week, the orange spot goby moved to a new spot in the front of the tank and is now sharing a burrow with …. you guessed it….. the pistol shrimp. And the shrimp is comfortable enough to be out and about regularly now. IMG_9101 Jan 10 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_9106 Jan 10 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I know they are not very good pics- but you get the idea. I love the way the goby alerts the shrimp if there is too much activity with a flick of its tail that sends the shrimp back into their hole. And for some reason—the spotted watchman is now hanging around the burrow and the 2 gobies seem to be co-existing very happily in the same area. Before the 2 were much more territorial and wouldn’t let the other near their spots. IMG_9108 Jan 10 2021 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I have always thought the goby/pistol shrimp symbiosis is one of the coolest interactions in a reef tank. Just wanted to share.

For what it's worth-- I am currently using standard black box LED's with T5 retro kit (2 bulb front and 2 bulb back) and love the hybrid system. The mix gives good coverage and allows me to adjust colors/schedule. Can take a look at my build thread-- I just used the LET T5 kit from BRS and used 2 older blackbox reefbreeder LED's I had from a prior build. I know there are many options of cheap LED that work well that could be used this way.

love the fish lab room. Amazing! Your rockscape is great. Not sure what type the large darker tang is in there but he looks huge!

Wow- just wow! Inspiring to see what can be done in 120 gallon tank (gives me something to shoot towarsds).

Vivarspectra get good reviews. Most of the 165 W full spectrum black box LED's are similar and cover approx 24"by24" by24". I would expect 2 for a 90 would work well. I use a pair of the reefbreeder superlux fixtures (very similar to the vivarspectra) that I got many years back. I ran the pair on my 75 gallon mixed reef and they did great. I am currently running them with LET retrofit T5 lights on my 120. No experience on anemones- I think the powerhead option is the best I have read to get them to move. Nice looking tank.

Update for tank December 2020 – Just shy of one year mark Here is a new FT shot: IMG_9027 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Livestock – fully stocked for fish now—probably overstocked. This is the most I have ever had. Just added the last fish from QT—a yellow tang. The long-nosed hawk and cardinal and tricolor wrasse from the last round of QT are all doing great. So far everyone is getting along well great. I have added a ton of corals over the last several months and everything is growing in nicely. Here is some general pictures to show growth. IMG_9028 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Left island of the tank IMG_9003 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Left side view of tank IMG_9032 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Right island of the tank IMG_9037 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Right side view of the tank IMG_8991 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_8999 Dec 11 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr My little helper- 7 month old cat named Birch. That is it for now. Enjoy the snow and Happy Holidays!

I love the scape!

Beautiful build. Very clean.

I am currently using spheres in my sump. I will move them around and vacuum under them during water changes to get detritus - so that is not an issue for me. I had researched and was worried the blocks (but not spheres?) could leach aluminum and there were more people complaining of the blocks crumbling than the spheres. I do water changes and suction from a couple of chambers in the sump weekly for last 10 months and the spheres are still intact/strong and not showing any sign of deteriorating. That's my 2 cents and about all its worth. Greg

Finally an update with some progress pictures. Things are growing in well. Slow and steady. Algae is really under control at this point. Getting ready to try and add a long-nose hawk and a cardinal to the mix after they get done QT. Here is FTS from August 2020 IMG_8940 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Here is a close up of the left side island IMG_8942 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Here is the right side island IMG_8944 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr And here are a few close-up of some inhabitants. Long-tentacle toadstool close-up with the monti spongodes on the left and birdsnest in the back-ground. IMG_8922 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr This is the Yellow-eye Kole that did great work in the hair algae. But now that is gone—I think he may be nipping at stuff. Lots of nori in the meantime. IMG_8703 August2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Just some of the hammers on the bottom left of the tank. Love the colors on close-ups. IMG_8722 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr This is pink stylo with the jack-o-lantern lepto to the left and you can make out the green slimer and Oregon Tort behind growing out behind it. IMG_8781 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr And I finally have a mandarin—happy and healthy. Always wanted one but this is the first for me. IMG_8977 Aug 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I will leave it at that for now. Still trying to get better at the close-up shots.

Thanks-- The scape is working out great-- lots of holes for every one to swim through and room for coral to grow out. DFR- in answer to your question- The ATO uses a Toms Aqualifter pump that has soft silicone tubing -- so it likes to coil and roll towards the top of the ATO container. The PVC piece has the soft tubing zip-tied to it to keep it at the bottom of the container so it doesn't coil and the draw air. Rigid tubing would have been better but this was a quick fix with left-over materials.

Thanks JoeDaddy. I will try to post some new pics with some coral growth and new frags. The SPS has finally fully encrusted the base in on most of the frags and looks ready to take off. I did have to evict several of my hermits and my cleaner shrimp. Since the hair algae outbreak is gone-- I had too much cleanup crew with not enough to eat- so they have picking at my acans. Hopefully pics will be within the next few days. Greg

And now updated to June 14 FTS IMG_8444 June 14 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr Current fish includes: a pair of perc clowns, yellow watchman goby that is keeping the grey with blue-spot coloring rather than turning yellow, orange spot goby, purple firefish, midas blenny, blue-green chromis, royal gramma, yellow-eyed Kole Tang, red headed solon fairy wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis), yellowfin flasher wrasse (Parachelinus flavaianalis) and a green mandarin dragonet. So far they are all co-existing very well. I plan to add 2 more fairy wrasses (lubbocks/tricolor and exquisite) and that will be it. IMG_8445 June 14 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_8446 June 14 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_8448 June 14 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_8455 June 14 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr IMG_8463 June 14 2020 by Greg Lorenz, on Flickr I have been adding coral every few weeks and now am watching the frags slowly grow. So far things are growing in nicely. My lighting may be a bit strong—I am finding the corals will originally loose some color before gradually coloring back up even when I start them on a frag rack near the sand and then bring it up slowly. Thanks to multiple people in this group and Richmond reef club I have been able to fill out the tank with most everything I have wanted to put in a mixed reef. I am finding I have to trim the pink gorgonian in the back because it seems to be bothering the acros it brushes against. Does any one else have that problem or is it likely something else that is causing the problem? The 2 acros up top that it brushes have poor polyp extension and look washed out/stressed. Thanks for looking. Greg