My current tank iteration

dallast · Sep 22, 2015

Hi everyone!
My tank, at least the glass box and half the live rock have been going for over 15 years now. Have had many setbacks over the years (hair algae plagues, mass fish die-offs, RTN, bubble algae infestation, sump and tank overflow, etc). Three times this tank has sat outside our office on the sidewalk being rinsed out with a hose! I made a number of design errors in the beginning and have paid ever since! But I persevere, as I love the hobby! Will post a tank photo shortly.

Shep · Sep 22, 2015

Best of luck. cant wait to see the tank!

dallast · Oct 6, 2015

Added a Tunze ATO and it rocks!

Shep · Oct 6, 2015

Awesome! No lets see some pics!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tahoe61 · Oct 6, 2015

Yea, would like to see it.

powers2001 · Oct 7, 2015

We also would like to know equipment specifications, stocking lists and any out of the ordinary husbandry techniques.

dallast · Oct 8, 2015

As far as equipment goes, I am I the minimal side. Have ten gallon "sump" with tied on filter sock, a SWC 150 skimmer and Quiet One return pump -- sadly, no weirs in this sump, so occasional micro bubbles can be seen.
I was using a CPR overflow, but had one too many siphon breaks and mini floods , so scrapped and made a dual DIY over with 1.5 inch PVC. Works well enough for now. Use one old Jaebo 25 wave maker and an opposing standard power head which comes on with actinic lights. Two Chinese 150 W LED lights with custom configuration.
I love LPS!!!! Lots of acans, euphyllias, etc. also have massive playing monti which I paid $$$ for and was size of quarter when I got it! Prized coral is my softball colony of A. bowerbanki. At the moment, only two fish, large, super mean 13 year old tomato clown and a purple tang grace the tank. Tried adding some mellow banggai cardinals and blue green chromis, but they did not last 10 days! Have to figure out some new prospects that can hold their own! Any suggestions????
Drilled tank is next on list!
Will get more pics up shortly!
As tank is built in to front desk, need ideas for proper sump and sump stand.

Shep · Oct 8, 2015

Very nice looking coral!

dallast · Oct 27, 2015

Quick iPhone pic of the whole tank. This phone just doesn't cut it.

Shep · Oct 28, 2015

Any luck with finding fish that will last?

dallast · Oct 29, 2015

Sadly no! As a matter of fact, I picked up 3 fish a t Reefapalooza -- one was missing the next day. The second one I just found laying dried up on top of the tank glass brace! There is still a lone mandarin in there! I think some bigger, hardier type fish might be my next best option. Or I could QT these two brutes and get some others established. Not sure what to do.....but very frustrated, nonetheless!

Shep · Oct 29, 2015

Yikes, that sucks! If they are that aggressive it might be best to rehome them so that you can have more fish

dallast · Feb 17, 2016

Well,even though my peppermint shrimp have survived, they have not touched my nasty aiptasia. Very frustrating!

dallast · Feb 17, 2016

I also have a giant hermit that insists on flipping over half my frags every night in search of food. I think I will be donating him to the nearest lfs.

Shep · Feb 17, 2016

dallast said:
I also have a giant hermit that insists on flipping over half my frags every night in search of food. I think I will be donating him to the nearest lfs.

>:I That happened to me! Except it knocked a coral onto a chalice overnight so by the time I found it, it was dead.