iReef86's 120g Deep Blue
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Thank you Jason. Projects like this take time and it always feels great to receive kind compliments. The future of this tank is slowly evolving. LEDs are out T5s are back in. Even on low setting, corals were burning right up. More details to come about that!
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
So I have officially made the move back to T5s. Though the quality of my LEDs was expected to be decent, I am unsure at this point. Corals burned at some of the lowest settings possible. Colors bleached and have really shown to dislike the new lighting. Acclimation was slow. Possibly a combination of poor quality fixture/lower nutrient system/timing in relation to transfer from old tank to new.
I found a slightly older T5 fixture composed of 3 channels. 2-4-2 bulbs. I'll be able to create a true sunrise to sunset effect. Bulb configuration isn't set 100%, but I have had fantastic growth and coloration with ATI Bulbs. Currently using 4x 7 month old T5HO bulbs to acclimate back. Will add 2 in a week and 2 a week later. Will start replacing bulbs in about a month or so.
I found a slightly older T5 fixture composed of 3 channels. 2-4-2 bulbs. I'll be able to create a true sunrise to sunset effect. Bulb configuration isn't set 100%, but I have had fantastic growth and coloration with ATI Bulbs. Currently using 4x 7 month old T5HO bulbs to acclimate back. Will add 2 in a week and 2 a week later. Will start replacing bulbs in about a month or so.
Harrisd503
Community Member
How high off the water were your LEDs? Most people will start them 12-18 off the top of the tank. I am concerned as I just bought LEDs for my new build. I have been given advice to not give them more than 75% intensity to begin with, ie 55% blue/20% white. Many people are too quick to blame the lights for their coral trouble...I know I did!
Mtnbikedan01
Active Member
Great looking system !! Love the clam .
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Great question. I had my LEDs lifted to 10 inches. Overall intensity was about 25% blue and 10% whites. Everyone's tank is different. Fixtures, water, photo period. Everything about everyone's tanks is different. Lights work in our store, but not in my personal venture! I haven't changed anything else and parameters have been consistent. I would expect corals to stress a little but not the effect I have going on!
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Thank you Bobby! Your tank has great potential! I expect it to be great! You da man!
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Thanks Dan! Clams have come a long way with us! Big one was about 2 inches max when we got it, now closer to 8-10". Our little one was about an inch, we are at about 3-4". Might add 1-3 more in the nearer future!
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
If you got Andy's old light fixture, you should be more than capable of keeping clams! ;-) I am more than confident that you'll be fine. Key is keeping all levels consistent! Alk Ca Mg etc. that's all I do, with strong lighting of course!
Any idea to the issues you were having?
falconerr
Active Member
No clue what the problem was it just kept moving around the tank so I figured it was just trying to find better water quality or it was just being stubborn. Yes I am getting Andy's light, whenever we are both in town at the same time.
Sweet tank! As your SPS grows out, this will be awesome! Tagging along for your ride.
Lilmatty5dimes
2500 Club Member
Awesome tank. Love the aquascape you have for your sticks. Stand is astonishing. Would you happen to have anymore pics of you building it?
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Ha! I know that feeling!! Always on the go!
Thanks matey! Glad to have ya aboard! Hope you subscribed to my thread! Updates are coming soon! :-D
Send me the link to your tank thread so I can check it out!
Thanks bud! Aqua scape is fun and open. About to make some changes soon! Subscribe if you will so you can stay up to date with my updates as I post them!
As far as the stand process... It wouldn't be a true build if I didn't right? More to come!
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Base and Top Sections. Most basic picture I have. Center area is for the tank. Sides can be made any size. Break front means they don't come out to meet front.
Trace plywood to fit evenly over bottom. Must be flush with 2x4 or facing will be uneven.
Add vertical supports via pocket holes! A very strong joint. Especially if done in conjunction with wood glue.
Face as desired but consider this part as added stability. I used 3/4" high quality hardwood ply. I don't recommend less than 1/2" thick ply because it is just not functional. Add baseboards and crown moldings to finish aesthetics. Don't forget to measure doorways and halls beforehand!
Finish to what floats your boat! Doors and canopy are next. Family duties call! Baby due in 3 weeks, have to finish renovations first! Then I get to play with tank again!
falconerr
Active Member
You gonna put matching beer taps on both sides of the tank. That would be awesome you could be on either side of the tank and get a refill and keep on staring. Lol looks good man!!
P.S. - there looks to be plenty of room for a keg I mean I'm just saying! Lol
P.S. - there looks to be plenty of room for a keg I mean I'm just saying! Lol
jason g
Well-Known Member
Wow sorry to hear about the LED lights burning up the coral. I'm running a 12 bulb T-5 fixture all ATI bulbs and I love the color it gives my corals. I was also going to go LED but I changed my mind and stuck with T-5s. No regrets here. :)
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
Now Bobby... I Hadn't even thought about it... Now to convince the wife...
OP
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iReef86
Reefin' since 1998.
I'm not very regretful about trying the LEDs. Without trying something new, we will never know what would be best or how to get ahead. In my case, easy fix. T5s are baaacccckkkk! :-) and I would expect color and growth to kick back 10fold during recovery!!! :-) :-) :-) :-)
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