TrueTricia

Have you ever had a Threadfin Butterfly? This species would actually fit into my possible Indian-ocean themed tank, but curious as to experiences with reefers in reef tanks. Also, still not sure that any butterfly is going to be compatible with my care plans.

Good point on the CBB. That was a dream list of fish... I've kept mandarins before and had success with them. I'm also a big fan of captive bred fish in general, so I'll be looking for a captive bred specimen regardless that hopefully eats pellets/frozen food as well. But I plan on having copepod reserves and propogation on occassion to restock. If you have an animal that will eat frozen, or even if you're just trying to breed copepods for your corals, there are ways to harvest before going on vacation, etc that help to maximize your utility out of a crop. I know people that breed sea horses, and they take their excess copepods and freeze them in icecube trays. The animals won't still be alive when they thaw mind you, but if you have corals or animals that will eat them in the thawed state, they can be a good way to maximize the use of a harvest.

Half the point of me writing this is to work through my ideas somewhere other than a notebook...which is what I do during boring meetings. Not necessarily for replies. Of course, feel free to comment, critique, suggest, etc. Stand Design Builds: Modern white stand build with wood contrast door: https://goo.gl/images/A4ycpr. Given that the majority of my equipment will be in the fish room, I plan on dividing up the stand into two parts. On the left side (facing the stand), creating an open bookcase with shelving and framing it out on the inside including the return pipe that will be there, and then on the right side, putting a door for the fish items I want within easy reach. I'll have a skimmate locker/bucket there for easy removal and (possibly) the ATO. I'll also have basic supplies like a net and acclimation box in there. My apex classic controller will be in there as well. I can't find an exact picture of what I want, but this is close, just the stand divided into two parts instead of three. https://goo.gl/images/sjTg9q. Here's pretty much what I think I want, including a sliding door for the covered part. I love the look, just a bit different style for the door. https://goo.gl/images/tJ8gWY I can always adjust the dimensions to accomodate what I need to put in the "fish" side of the stand as opposed to the open storage. Since my tank is rimmed, I'll build the stand so that the skinning covers the rim, or build a small shelf around the edge that does the same thing and allows for space to place small objects. The skimmate bucket will serve dual purpose. It'll surve as the overflow for the skimmer, but it will also serve as the AWC waste bucket. I will put optical sensors tied to the apex here (probably two for redundancy or one optical and one float). The ATO container will also be here. This is because the fishroom will be difficult to get large quantities of water in and out of, so access from the living room for water movement and waste emptying is ideal. Hence the divided bookcase stand. Lights: I'll hang my lights from the ceiling, similar to https://goo.gl/images/S7FPo5. Another idea is to create a faux wood beam in which to hide lighting cords. The problem with this idea is the ability to access the cords since it'll be over my tank, and thus hard to reach even with a ladder for any issues. Of course, the lights themselves won't be in the beams, only the cords, so chance are I'll rarely have to do anythign once they're hung and plugged in (assuming an extension cord will be needed). I'm not doing a big canopy. Since my tank is rimmed, I'll build a small one just to hide the rim. Built into this will be mesh covering. I'll also have a section cut out and velcroed in, so that it can be removed for easy tank access without removing the entire canopy. Or build in a way to easily lift out the mesh interior for maintenance. Still working through this design. Fish Room: The wall against whcih the tank will go already has a GFCI outlet. I'll need to build outlets on the inside of the fish room. First, there needs to be light in the room, which there is not currently. So I'll hang one up top. Second, I'll build shelving in between the studs for storage of basic items, similar to https://goo.gl/images/apz3Qz. This will allow me to maximize the floor space while still providing for adequate reef item storage. The wall shared by the tank will not have storage shelves. Instead, this wall will house a stand for the 40gL sump, refugium and/or copepod breeding, Fish QT tank, and frag QT tank (maybe). There will also be a board for the electronics and Neptune modules. My dual reactor will also be mounted to the wall and plumbed into the manifold. I already have a divided 40GL sump. If memory serves, it has two main sections with a thin third section between the two that is really ideal for bio balls or other filter media. The main section of the sump will be plumbed for the water coming from the display tank and will contain the skimmer, the heater, and filter sock. The skimmer will have tubing running through the wall to the skimmate locker/AWC waste bucket. The probes (pH, temp, and salinity) will also sit in this section of the sump. The pump for the AWC will pull from here as well. The return pump will be in the second smaller section, and the ATO pump into this. I'll also be adding a Neptune FMM module and system here. I am debating switching out my current pump for the new COR, but may just do the flow module instead. I'll also have the ALD module with one detector here by the sump and another in my stand under the main tank. I'd like my refugium to be separate from the sump as a HOB simply for space issues. I'd also like to do some copepod breeding given my love for mandarin fish, but we'll see. I'll also have a separate Fish QT here, and possibly a small frag tank. My plumbing will be done similar to the Marine Depot Blog advanced sump plumbing graphic https://goo.gl/images/dGD1jG. I plan to have a manifold with expansion capabilities built-in and multiple shut-off valves. One manifold will go to the dual reactor (phosban and charcoal). Watermxing Station Room: My condo is two stories, and each story has a porch. Each porch has a closed storage closet that is only accessible from the porch. The second story has my plumbing, tankless water heater, etc. This is where the hookup for the RO/DI system will be. My RO/DI unit will be here, with the output line running through the floor to the lower story. This will be where the water mixing station will be. Given that these are outdoor storage closets, I have to think about how I'm going to protect the unit from being affected by freezing weather conditions. The actual water mixing station on the lower floor I envision similar to this: https://goo.gl/images/MfLXp4 or https://goo.gl/images/jb55Gm. The top will be my pure RO/DI freshwater, while the bottom is saltwater. The bottom will be on a roller, so that I can roll it into my living room for larger water changes. There are some logistical issues with going from the patio to the living room, mainly a hump to get over, but this may be solved by having two rollers at varying heights, and transfering the bucket from one to the other, from patio to living room. But we'll see. The plumbing from the fresh to the salt will be flexible tubing so that the bottom container can be easily rolled away and put back. The freshwater container will not be automated, so that an actual knob must be turned on and off. So it can't run while I'm away. I'm thinking about putting an ATO and float sensor with an audible alarm on it, but this can be done later if needed. I'm thinking a timer that is alway set with a significant safety margin will be sufficient. Alright. This is all I can think of for now....

I agree with you on waiting for corals to grow, travel, etc. That's why my focus is going to be more fish and less on SPS corals and more on softies and LPS. I love the movement of RBTA tanks as well. I'll either be moving to Spain soon, or I'll be in Norfolk for the next 3-5 years. I want to keep my tank flexible, but still allow me to travel for a weekend or week at a time. That's not to say I won't do SPS, but probably only montis and other relatively easy SPS unless my life stabilizes a bit more (if ever). I also am in a much better financial position than I was for my last tank, and I can afford to have more automated equipment thankfully. I want to set up the tank right, get all of the processes a bit more settled, and then worry about coral. So I'll probably pay a bit more for some rock that looks coraline-covered (even if it's not), buy the web-connected equipment, etc. I also have loads of rock sitting at home, but I'll probably only "cook" so much of it and then buy new rock that is lighter and easier to work with so I can achieve that cleaner look. Ideally, I'll have everything be able to be done remotely, including small water changes. It doens't mean I won't do things by hand normally, but the ability to do remote work allows me more flexibility.

That is a very good point. There are ways to mitigate that, but it'll take some thought. Assume for a moment that my wall is not 48" long. This would mean my 120g tank would block a portion of that open under-the-stairs area. I bought a stupid expensive robotic litterbox since I was going to be deployed and wanted to minimize care for them. I need to be able to reach the litterbox to empty the automated trash collection and service the robot when it has issues. If the tank blocks my ability to do that, I could put a door or door-like opening in the fishroom so that I can reach and fully service the robot from there. This would keep the cats out of the fish room but still allow me to reach the box.

The nerve! lol

That's definitely something to think about. Looking at the lighting footprint of the 52, I might be able to get away with just a 52 if I end up with a 36L tank. With my current 48L tank, I feel like even with the 52, I'd still probably need a second light eventually, but I'd have stronger light for SPS where it's placed. And until my new tank is really ready for SPS, I could probably get away with just the 52. Thoughts? I'm also probably hanging a hollow wood "beam" from my ceiling, and attaching the lights to those. Housed in the beam will be light cables and connections (extension cords), to hopefully minimize the wired look.

Thank you all for the feedback. I think I'm going to go with the AI lights. I like the profiles of them for my condo (coming in white), and the ability to easily upgrade if I need. I can buy a 52 or a 26 to start off with and add another as I start to move towards SPS (if I do). I also like the ability to control them remotely, and the lack of need for additional equipment. THANK YOU

So let me get to the first few questions I have for the community: 1. Do any of you see a problem with a cat's automatic litterbox being in the "fishroom"? I'm not concerned about them peeing in the tanks, rather any possible affect aerosolized ammonia could have on the sumps and other tanks. 2. Any recommendations for "waterproofing" the fishroom as much as possible? I'm thinking floors and any electrical wiring that's in there. The fishroom is an unfinished room with open studs. 3. Recommendations for getting plumbing through the wall from the main tank to fish room? Cut exact-fitting circular holes? Fill with foam for soundproofing? 4. Anyone have experience with the WAV pumps? Are they worth it, or go with other Apex controllable pumps?

Hello Fellow Reefers! So I'm still deployed and won't really be home until November, but I thought I'd use this time to start conceptualizing and planning. Being away from home means some details are fuzzy, but luckily my tenant is supposed to get me some measurements. So, my idea: an opentop display aquarium connected to a fishroom under my stairs. See the picture for the anticipated location. https://photos.app.goo.gl/y1WbUTNq2ZFcZKAC6 https://photos.app.goo.gl/B1tin2zdAytryt6UA Caveats: 1. I would like the tank to take up the length of the wall, without blocking the area under the open stairwell. This may mean downgrading to a 90g with a 3ft footprint. 2. If I do block the area under the open stairwell, I have to find an alternative place for the robotic litterbox. This would likely be in the covered under the stairs area that will be the fish room. 3. My condo is modern, and therefore, all my designs must be modern and clean. 4. I want this to be a highly automated tank so I can leave for vacations, etc. and not worry regarding little things. 5. My RO/DI water mixing area will not be co-located with the fish room do to plumbing constraints. It will be located in these closets on my outside covered patio. Freezing temperatures need to be taken into account. Current Equipment (guestimated since I'm not home) 1. 120g rimmed glass aquarium 2. Apex system w AFS module 3. Return pump 4. 40g Long sump 5. Skimmer 6. Dual dosing pumps 7. Heater for main tank 8. Random 5g and 10g tanks Main Tank Equipment Upgrades and Purchases: 1. LED lighting system (AI Hydras or Kessils) 2. Neptune ATO Kit 3. Neptune Flow Monitor 4. Neptuve WAV Kit 5. New probes (salinity, temperature, and pH) 6. Neptune ALD Sensor 7. New stand build 8. Apex PM2 Module Fish Room Equipment Purchases and Upgrades and Setups 1. QT Tank (10g tank, air pump) 2. 40gL Sump setup (no purchases needed) 3. External Refugium or In-sump refugium 4. ATO reservoir 5. Stand for above set-ups 6. Possible copepod breeding set-up 7. AWC set-up (DOS pump) 8. Neptune optical sensors 9. Dual media reactor Outside Storage Closet Watermixing Station 1. New RO/DI filters 2. Build mixing stand 3. Water containers for salt and fresh Mixed Reef Tank Desired Fish (considering doing Maldivian/Indian ocean specific tank) 1. Anthias. Maldivian Resplendent Anthias of Lyretail. I saw them diving there and now I want them as a sentimental memory of those dives. 2. Captive-bred Clown pair(s) with anemome 3. Pellet-eating Leopard wrasse (saw in the Maldives as well) 4. Small tang (questionable) 5. Small reef-safe wrasse 6. Captive-bred Mandarin dragonets (here or in a separate tank) 7. Captive-bred banggai cardinals I'm definitely going to need help along the way! Thank you in advance, WAMAS community!

I loved watching two videos at once. Made me so jealous!!!!

Anyone have better recommendations for clown/nem pairs rather than a RBTA?

Hey Rik How do you like the 36x36x24 tank size? I was thinking about a changing from a 4ft tank to a 3ft tank, and playing with various dimensions to get a large enough gallon tank (90g or above). I dont' think I'd have room for 36x36, but I did see one 90g that was 36x24x30.

My heart goes out to you and your wife. I can only imagine the massive life changes you'll both go through, and my heart hurts that you have to lose something simple that you enjoyed. Please take care of yourself.

Those saves are incredible! Great job and welcome!

Thank you everyone for the input. There's so much good information and knowledge out there in the Reefing community. I've got plenty of time to do research, price shop, etc., as I won't need to actually buy anything until December-ish. It's good to hear that people are using them, are happy with their lighting choice, and other opinions on the Kessil products. Thanks all!

If you go under the Propogation and Breeding section, MattieJay has a really good post on his clownfish breeding program.

Hey all Has anyone here at WAMAS used these lights? I've watched a couple of the review videos. They seem easy to use, high-quality, a fair number of bells and whistles (like Apex compatibility), and provide decent PAR output. However, when compared to the Radion X15 G4 Pro (which covers relatively the same spread coverage), they're only $50 cheaper brand new. Even looking on AI's website, they admit that the Radions have a higher PAR output for the spread coverage. Now they are at about the same price as the Kessil, but their website shows they have a higher PAR rating for the spread. Makes you wonder if they're priced competitively or not quite. To be fair, I want my new tank to be simple. Not a lot of SPS, and even then, probably easy stuff like montipora and birdsnest. A few RBTAs. So my light needs aren't going to be too complex. Anyways, interested in hearing from your all's thoughts or experiences with these. Exploring lighting options.

Hey! My assignment would be in Rota, which is pretty close to Seville. I know I'm in the pool of candidates, but I have no idea how big that pool is or the timelines involved. It would be with my parent organization, Navy Office of General Counsel, just a new location. Similiar to my move from DC to Norfolk. I'm sure I'll have a better idea before I get home at the end of November. Where else did you go besides Barcelona? It's good to see so many familiar faces! Hopefully everyone's good.

Yep, I'm at Al Udeid. I'm so ready to leave. To be fair to AUAB, it's not a bad base. Can't really complain about a pool and three bars when you're deployed. That being said, I hate it. I haven't had a lot of positive experiences so far in the military, and this deployment started out rough with various leadership and assignment issues. Recently, after a leadership change, things are much better, but now I am over it all and just want to come home. I also really really miss civilian life and basic freedoms we take for granted. And it is definitely HOT! Really hard to run out your stress in 120F weather... Congrats on getting back into it! Weren't you breeding clowns before? What are you going to do now? What equip have you ordered?

Hello All For those of you I know, hello again! It's been awhile. I hope everyone is well, and it's so good to see some familiar Avatars and Handles. I am currently deployed to Qatar with USAR, and I'll be here until November-ish. I'm hoping to finally start setting up my 120g saltwater tank and under-the-stairs fish room when I get home to Norfolk. There's a chance I'll be offered a civilian job in Spain that could once again curtail my plans. But if all goes well, I'll get back in mid to late November and start cooking rocks. I'll be gone for a lot of December, and then get started on the stand, water station, and fish room in January. Hoping to have a tank running by February, and aquarium life by March! So on boring days at work, I'm planning a lot of this out, deciding what new equipment I want, stalking build threads, etc. I want a high level of automation, and I already have Alexa, so I'm definitely interested in syncing my Neptune and Apex together. I might start a build thread now so you all can give me advice and criticism over the next few months. Regardless, I'm looking forward to catching up with old friends and coming up to DC for a Spring 2019 WAMAS meeting (it's a ways off, I know). Hope everyone is well! Tricia

Stephen, did you work off a particular plan for your stand build? The stand looks great so far as frame!

Love this place! Great vendor and beautiful corals and fish!

Sounds like you need to find a new apartment. But, should you choose to stay, I'd recommend just getting your water from a fish store. It might be a bit more expensive, but less of a hassle. Also, you have the right to privacy. What does your lease say about "inspections?" You have the right to private enjoyment of the property.

That's great that she's still alive though, Rob!