Evolution of my 30g tall
 

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/FTS.jpg

I'm going to track the changes that I'm making to my sumpless 30 gallon in this thread. I've decided to upgrade my lighting to a 250w HQI Sunpod, which should arrive within the next two weeks. With the new lighting, I'll be able to add some SPS!

Since winning TOTM, I've added a pair of Tunze Nanostreams. I love them.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00718.jpg


I recently ditched my Emperor HOB filter for a Fluval 405 canister. After realizing that the canister wasn't really accomplishing anything (and that it would probably end up being detrimental to the tank, since I wouldn't clean it often enough), I decided to ditch that too. I'm now Berlin style with only a skimmer. I've hidden my heater and grounding probe in my skimmer. I'll also be placing a small bag of carbon in there that I'll be changing every two weeks.

today I added some more rock. I've also recently added a torch coral. placement of corals is temporary, as I'll move them to the lower rockwork when my light arrives. the topmost portion will be reserved for acropora.

I'm also planning on adding a tunze ozmolator for top-off with kalkwasser. I'm looking for a used system, but I'll buy new if I can't find one within the next few weeks.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00722.jpg

Just curious as to what skimmer you are using.

Prizm Pro. it does not get hot reviews. i have no complaints, however.

I used to like my SeaClone so different strokes for different folks.

I really like your tank and the way you've decorated it, it's easy to see why you got the TOTM.

Doug

thanks doug, i appreciate that.

I got my Tunze Osmolator top-off installed, and I received my Sunpod today!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00745.jpg

i love the sunpod so far, the LEDs are beautiful. the LEDs on my lunar light were never bright enough to be seen with ambient light in the room. and the white LEDs allow for a more gradual light cycle.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00746.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00747.jpg

I modified the bracket on the Osmolator. I cut off the lower portion (about 7 inches!), and glued the sensors in a custom configuration (the osmolator uses an optical sensor for control, and a float sensor for backup). I also purchased a kalk reactor with this setup. I'll post a pic when I actually get kalk in it.


The next step is a Reefkeeper 2. It will monitor temperature and pH, control my heater, fans, and MH lamp based on temperature... run my lights on timers, and run my flow pumps on cycles. I'm stoked on this gadget, it looks awesome! I can't possibly think of another way to upgrade my equipment after this point (although i'm sure i'd be open to suggestions :P ). After I've got my temperature under safeguard, I'll start stocking my acros.

Looking good. As I await my 30,s drilling, your thread keeps me interested. :D I agree about the Osmolator. I think my friends has been running great for about 3 yrs. now, except for the pump replacement from being direct in kalk. Look forward to seeing the sps added.

That looks really good!

here's my kalk reactor in the top-off bucket.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00753.jpg

taking pics under the new halide is going to take some getting used to...but here's a few shots.

one of my more recent additions; zoas and protopalys. i really like this rock.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00769.jpg


elegance coral. the pic does not do it justice. it's one of the most fluorescent corals i've ever seen.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00756.jpg


http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/gnx/DSC00783.jpg


my reefkeeper 2 is in the mail. it might seem like just an expensive toy, but it's more for my peace of mind. after i got the sunpod, and before i had a fan, my temp went up 4 degrees in two hours. then the fan i had was too powerful and dropped my temp 8 degrees below normal. then i forgot to turn my fan back on the next day. a temperature controller is a definite necessity for my tank with the new lighting.

i'll probably post some more pics of the elegance coral under LEDs later tonight.

tank is looking great........ how does that little kalk reactor work?