JoeVic Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 JoeVic's Slice of the Ocean Life Figured it's about time I started my own tank thread. I have always been amazed at the reefkeeping hobby, but never took the plunge. I've had my current tank up and running for about a year and a half now. I did a lot of reading up on the hobby before I started. Researched a lof of different AIO tanks and settled on the Current USA 34 Gallon Solana. I liked the setup and the look of the rimless tank. Tank Specifications Aquarium: Current USA 34 Gallon Solana 20"x20"x20" CubeLighting: Current 150w Sunpod, 14k Phoenix Circulation: Vortech MP10Heater: Rena 150wATO: JBJ ATO, AquaLifter Dosing PumpSkimmer: Stock Skimmer I originally didn't have an exact idea of what I wanted to stock in my tank. I like the dominant SPS tanks but I like the idea of different textures throughout the tank. So I've pretty much built this current system up as a mixed reef. Tank Inhabitants Coral: -SPS-Montipora CapricornisHawkins Blue EchinataORA Red PlanetORA Rose MilleporaORA Pearlberry AcroporaORA Cali TortORA Ice TortORA Indigo Pacific StaghornORA Miami OrchidNeon Green HydnophoraTri Color ValidaBali Green SlimerNeon Green Bird's NestPink Bird's NestGreen MilleporaBlue/Purple MilleporaAcropora SarmentosaTri Color MilleporaGreen StylophoraGARF Purple Bonsai -LPS-Maroon Rimmed Candy CaneDendrophylliaPurple Tipped FrogspawnRainbow Acanthestrea -Zoanthid & Palythoa-Raptor RainbowsSunny D'sPurple People EaterRed People EaterArmor of GodsSpartansDragon EyesLord of the Rings -Softies-Toadstool LeatherFinger Leather Solana with 55W PC lighting and first attempt at my rockscape. After having my reef cycling for about 3 months I had to move. Luckily I hadn't purchased any coral and my only fish was a Tuxedo Damsel. With the move came a new rockscape and better understanding of what I wanted to accomplish. During the move I took the time to upgrade my lighting to a 150W Sunpod. Let's face it the 55W PC lights weren't gonna cut it. I didn't want to have just a pile of rock leaning against the back wall. I wanted something that allowed for flow, gave enough space for swimming and had a open look with optimum surface area for coral placement. I thought it would be a good way to acomplish this by creating a main island and suspending some live rock against the wall to utilize space. Also having a couple lower lying rocks infront to show the depth of the tank. I know you can buy rock magnets, but I knew I could DIY it and use the rock pieces that I wanted to use. I bought some neodymium magnets incased within ABS coating suited for marine use. Using a dremel, I carved out enough live rock to bury the magnet and create a flush look with the wall. It was a little time consuming drilling out the back of the rock, but I think the end result was well worth the investment. It really changed up the look of my tank and I never have a problem with dead spots now. It also gives the tank some negative space to look at as well as plenty of room for coral to grow. Unfortunately, this hobby gives and takes. I had a Sebae Anemone that died off and polluted the tank and I lost several mini colonies. My Tri Color Valida, Hawkins Blue, Birdsnest, Purple Bonsai and Red Planet all bit the dust on that one. Wanted to trash the whole tank at that point, but i did have a lot of corals survive which kept me going. I slowed down a bit and did sevral frequent water changes to get my tank back to the condition it was in before. At first I wanted to get all the corals I thought were cool, but I'm really more intersted in keeping a limited number and growing them out to their full potential. It does take a little more patience and effort, but it's fun watching it all fill in and deciding where to place everything. Link to comment
d'Espresso Posted October 25, 2010 Share Posted October 25, 2010 FINALLY YOU MADE IT! i will add you on to the list.. WELCOME TO THE CLUB. Link to comment
JoeVic Posted October 25, 2010 Author Share Posted October 25, 2010 I know.....Took me long enough. Pics are coming though, don't worry. Link to comment
JoeVic Posted July 6, 2011 Author Share Posted July 6, 2011 Ok, So I'm having to move my tank at the end of the month. Anyone have any suggestions or tips? This will be my first move since fully established. I'm going to try and get several 5 gallon buckets to hold the contents. I was thinking this would be the best idea. It's only a 34G Solana so it wouldn't take to many. Link to comment
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