Simon's 450

S-t-r-e-t-c-h · Feb 1, 2019

I've been meaning to ask, but how are those damselfish doing in the display? In the videos, they seem to be coexisting just fine...

ca1ore · Feb 1, 2019

They're doing fine. Hard to count so I'm unsure whether all the ones I put in are still there, but I think it's close. A resounding success.

ca1ore · Feb 2, 2019

One of my issues with this hobby, well any hobby actually, is I’m just not good at standing back and appreciating success. Now that this tank is essentially complete with a full load of fish and corals, equilibrium is boring. Thus my inability to resist tinkering with the equipment. Last month it was a new and improved (mostly as a consequence of bigger) algal turf scrubber. This month and next it’s going to be a bigger skimmer (pictured a few posts back). I grew up in this hobby along with the Wojcik brothers so MTC has always been my favored hi-end equipment manufacturer. Doors closed now, unfortunately, but used stuff still appears occasionally. Downside is that if I want modifications I either have to outsource them or learn to work with acrylic myself.

Part of the bigger skimmer will be installing an extension. Checked in with a few folks affiliated with the hobby about making it but either they never replied or have a significant backlog (makes sense that those most capable would be in higher demand). Never having been blessed with patience, DIY seems the most expeditious route. Plus, the more I think about it’s, seems like fun - how hard can it be? Famous last words LOL.

I have a separate thread on converting this puppy a recirculator, so I’ll not regurgitate that here, other than a picture or two. Here’s the neck cleaner installed.

Victoria M · Feb 2, 2019

You should atleast post a link. :)

Desert Sea · Feb 2, 2019

ca1ore said:
... Now that this tank is essentially complete with a full load of fish and corals, equilibrium is boring. Thus my inability to resist tinkering with the equipment....

Simon, being able to have the tank on autopilot, which provides you the ability to tinker, is a great thing. Imagine where this hobby would be if those who reached equilibrium didn’t mess with a good thing. Tinkering helps propel the hobby forward. Tinker away my friend!!

“If it ain’t broke, break it!”

Besides, you know what works, you can always fall back on that should the tinkering not pan out.

Victoria M · Feb 2, 2019

Nevermind...I have found lots of thread to keep me entertained. ;Smuggrin

ca1ore · Feb 3, 2019

Victoria M said:
Nevermind...I have found lots of thread to keep me entertained. ;Smuggrin

‘ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED .....’ ..... quote from one of my favorite guilty pleasures movie. Hope the recouperation is going well.

Victoria M · Feb 3, 2019

ca1ore said:
‘ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED .....’ ..... quote from one of my favorite guilty pleasures movie. Hope the recouperation is going well.

Gladiator is an awesome sad movie.

reacclimating 2 the hobby · Feb 15, 2019

This thread just killed two hours of my work day, but was way worth it. You have managed to keep so many fish that you would otherwise hear not to attempt in a reef tank and successfully. Been trying to dwindle down my stock list to "safe" fish, but you may have inspired me to go outside the box (get a social box too). Amazing tank...

ca1ore · Feb 17, 2019

Glad you enjoyed the journey. Sometimes I think I’m just posting to myself (the online version of talking to ones self). Getting a bigger tank is ALL about being able to squeeze in more fish.

ca1ore · Feb 17, 2019

Need to leak test it, but at some point in the next couple of weeks this beast will be a skimmin’ on my tank. Made the 24” body extension tube myself. Turned out to not be all that hard at all.

NY_Caveman · Feb 17, 2019

ca1ore said:
Need to leak test it, but at some point in the next couple of weeks this beast will be a skimmin’ on my tank. Made the 24” body extension tube myself. Turned out to not be all that hard at all.

My wife would think I got her some amazing new carpet cleaner, LOL

dantimdad · Feb 17, 2019

Don't drink the water when you are done smoking out of that thing! ;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

NY_Caveman · Feb 17, 2019

dantimdad said:
Don't drink the water when you are done smoking out of that thing! ;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

Oh, that was way funnier than mine. And sadly I had something that resembled this contraption once too. LOL, I blew it!

ca1ore · Feb 17, 2019

Been losing some monti frags in the frag tank; now I know why. Bugs!!!!

NY_Caveman · Feb 17, 2019

ca1ore said:
Been losing some monti frags in the frag tank; now I know why. Bugs!!!!

Ugh! Sorry to see, Simon.

dantimdad · Feb 17, 2019

ca1ore said:
Been losing some monti frags in the frag tank; now I know why. Bugs!!!!

Not cool, Simon. Sorry.

ca1ore · Feb 18, 2019

I think the wrasses will keep them under control in the DT (I don’t see any there) but none in the frag tank. Now that the display is fully stocked I’ve been contemplating shutting down the frag tank. MEN will accelerate that LOL.