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Mr. Microscope's JBJ Picotope


Mr. Microscope

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Yes it is. Try coming out to li. Alot of the lfs want $30+ for a. 5 pound rock with 2 mushrooms on it

 

 

 

NYC is cheaper?!

Good idea on placement. Thanks!

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Mr. Microscope

Update 2010.08.25

 

It's been a while since I've updated with a FTS or much of anything about the progress of my picotope. Well, there's a reason for that that I've been having to hard time admitting to myself. The truth is that I'll likely be moving in a few months and I'm planning to eventually deconstruct the picotope. The end will likely come in December 2010. On the plus side, I am planning to do another reef. I'll be upgrading to something in the 20 gallon range after the move. As many of you know, I've started my research already. Since the end is drawing near, I've decided to delve into a few realms that I've been wanting to try.

 

A friend at the institute said that he had a bubble coral frag for me. I've always wanted to try a bubble coral. I really think they are one of the coolest looking corals around. So, I fragged off almost everything and reworked my rock scape to make way for all the frags and to open up a nook for the bubble. I've been selling off the majority of my softies figuring that everything could likely get stung in these little three gallons. All the money I'm making off selling off corals is going to the next tank. I have to admit that it's been satisfying to make some money back on this investment.

 

Also, since before starting my tank I've wanted a crab. However, having read that they can be somewhat destructive and are notorious for nipping on corals, I've avoided them. This is another reason for getting rid of the softies. The other day, I picked up a Scarlet Hermit Crab. I've read that they are by far the most timid and least destructive of the hermits. I also read that they have a tendency to not really move around much at all. This has turned out to be true. This guy is cute, but about as entertaining as an empty snail shell. I think I'm also going to get an Emerald Crab. I've heard that they have a pretty lively personality.

 

While I was at the LFS picking up the crab, I saw a sad looking trumpet frag sitting on the bottom of the tank. I asked the LFS guy if he would throw it in and he agreed. Since then, it has been making a comeback. I think it's going to do well for the short time that I have it.

 

Today's post to the Coral Forum:

Candy Cane, Is it okay?

 

This coral has been steadily improving.

trumpetbeforeandafter.jpg

 

Finally, I'm sad to say that my Yumas bit the dust. They ended up getting sick with brown jelly and eventually all withered away.

 

So, that's it. Here's the latest FTS 2010.08.25:

FTS_20100825.jpg

 

Here's a close up of the corner:

cornerrocks20100825.jpg

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Update 2010.08.25

 

It's been a while since I've updated with a FTS or much of anything about the progress of my picotope. Well, there's a reason for that that I've been having to hard time admitting to myself. The truth is that I'll likely be moving in a few months and I'm planning to eventually deconstruct the picotope.

 

 

Nooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

jk ;)

 

Good luck with he new tank. Look forward to seeing it. I really enjoyed your 3 Gal, Also want updates on the bubble coral! Love that coral!

 

Friar

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ParanoidObseshun

Wow, since you moved the rock to the one side it really makes it look empty, even with you selling off your softy frags.

 

That candy cane looks like it is making a good comeback for the most part, with the exception of that one on the far right. In the beginning it looked like it was further gone than the other ones (had more tissue loss on the sides).

 

When are you getting that bubble frag? I had one in my 5.5 but had to move it because things were just getting to cluttered and they like to sting.

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Mr. Microscope
Nooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

jk ;)

 

Good luck with he new tank. Look forward to seeing it. I really enjoyed your 3 Gal, Also want updates on the bubble coral! Love that coral!

 

Friar

 

Stay tuned! There's more to come until 2011.

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Mr. Microscope
Wow, since you moved the rock to the one side it really makes it look empty, even with you selling off your softy frags.

 

That candy cane looks like it is making a good comeback for the most part, with the exception of that one on the far right. In the beginning it looked like it was further gone than the other ones (had more tissue loss on the sides).

 

When are you getting that bubble frag? I had one in my 5.5 but had to move it because things were just getting to cluttered and they like to sting.

 

Thanks! Yeah, I've been enjoying the open sand bed.

 

About the trumpet, you're right. The one on the right is a little barren on one side, but I think it might recover.

 

I'm not sure about when I'll get the bubble frag. He's a busy guy. But I have a few more things to get rid of first. So, I'm in not hurry.

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you getting rid of your zoas too? if so i got dibs on the magicians. if not, good. you shouldnt get rid of anything! but plus on the bubble. ever since i saw paris hiltons tank with his bubble, i have been hooked.

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Mr. Microscope
you getting rid of your zoas too? if so i got dibs on the magicians. if not, good. you shouldnt get rid of anything! but plus on the bubble. ever since i saw paris hiltons tank with his bubble, i have been hooked.

 

Hey Badfish!

 

I was going to sell my Magicians, but they haven't been looking so hot lately. So, I took them off the market until they improve. I'll let you know if they get better. +1 on PH's green bubble. That is definitely a part of why I like them so much.

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Mr. Microscope

Thanks! I'm trying to avoid the whole, "pile of rocks" look. The bubble will nessle in the middle facing the front at a 45 degree angle.

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Mr. Microscope
needs moar pichers

 

Agreed. I've been trying to get a good pic of the scarlet crab, but haven't quite gotten it right yet. More to come soon.

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Mr. Microscope

Well....sigh..

 

The truth is that it looks like crap right now. I was experimenting with smaller water changes for a while. I thought that a higher nutrient system might lead to plumper corals. This turned out to be a bad idea in a pico setting. There is algae all over the place. During the last two water changes, I switched back to my standard 4 liters. Things are starting to improve.

 

On the plus side, I've gotten some amazing colors out of my mystery zoas! They've developed neon yellow/orange center spots on a bright powder blue back with yellow skirts. They look truly stunning under RBs. I'll have to get a shot of that next week for you.

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Corals are weird, man. Sometimes you'll find they love a little bit more nutrient (Nitrogenous waste anyway, not so much elevated PO4 beyond say 0.1ppm or so) and will inflate in a more "appealing" way, but I've noticed LPS in a pico setting tend to inflate a lot less when there's nutrients in the watershed. I guess because their dietary requirements are taken care of adequately and as a result they need to rely less on the photosynthesis of their zooxanthallae to satiate their energy concern.

 

Picos are weird. :)

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GrandpaFeathers

Corals are very weird. I've had my tank up for over a year and I've done one 10% water change. My zoas and LPS grow ridiculously fast, and I can even keep a few of the hardier SPS

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Mr. Microscope

Nah.. I sat down with some clay the other day, but didn't feel inspired. Thanks for asking though. Have you undertaken any clay projects?

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