Dr. D's Deeply Dubious Mariner 100 Build

[robwcormack]

Yes, I've had a custom polycarbonate lid from Walter Lids for a number of weeks now. It works just fine, and seriously cuts down on the amount of ATO water I need. I haven't been using it lately only because I do like the lidless look, and none of my current fish seem to be jumpers. It was way less expensive than the mesh lids everyone else seems to get-- I priced one of those and it would have been more than $500 for my 100g... too rich for my blood. Mine was well under $200.

That’s cool. Do you have any pics of your lid?

 

[Dr. D]

Yes-- I did a detailed review in this thread.

 

[Dr. D]

Had my first jumper a couple of days ago, just after saying how I was enjoying the lidless life. Noticed I had 4 chromis instead of 5. Couldn't find anyone on the floor, so I assumed the lost chromi was bullied to death like all but one of my Banggai Cardinals. This morning I finally noticed the chromi lying on top of the overflow cover, an inch away from salvation.

 

[Johnd651]

Had my first jumper a couple of days ago, just after saying how I was enjoying the lidless life. Noticed I had 4 chromis instead of 5. Couldn't find anyone on the floor, so I assumed the lost chromi was bullied to death like all but one of my Banggai Cardinals. This morning I finally noticed the chromi lying on top of the overflow cover, an inch away from salvation.

No luck brining it back?

 

[Miami Reef]

Any tank updates? Your cat is very cute.

 

[Dr. D]

It’s been a long time since my last update. Overall I’m very happy with the tank, which isn’t even a year old yet. Way too many corals— mostly LPS but I added some SPS recently. I dose All 4 Reef but frankly don’t test, which should probably mean doom… but so far so good. Fish seem happy, including relatively recent additions: lemon peel angel and coral beauty. Nobody bothers the corals, probably because I feed pretty heavily. Here are some pics:

 

[Dr. D]

Super happy with my copperband butterfly. I was reluctant to try one because of so many people say it’s an “expert” fish… and I’m no expert. But I’m so glad I tried. Got it from Dr. Reef. It almost immediately ate frozen mysis and clams, and soon after eagerly ate freeze-dried mysis. It’s so friendly and curious… just a joy. Rubs against my hand whenever I’m in the tank.

I also love my pistol shrimp and goby pair. What a hoot! Conchs and starfish are fun too.

 

[Dr. D]

Torches are great, but horrible neighbors. Had to banish them to one corner.

 

[Johnd651]

My coral beauty behaves as well.... very nice fish.

 

[NCsalt]

How does your Sicce SDC 9.0 do with the M100. I have one and want to use it for the MP100. Just worried about not being able to turn it down enough. Tank looks great!

 

[Dr. D]

How does your Sicce SDC 9.0 do with the M100. I have one and want to use it for the MP100. Just worried about not being able to turn it down enough. Tank looks great!

Not a problem at all. When it’s clean I run at maybe 50%, upping that as algae builds up on the motor.

 

[mrtian97]

May I see how you plumb the return pump. I am setting up M100 soon as well. Thanks in advance