DKoKoMAN’s 305g Basement Reef

[DKoKoMan]

Well I have been looking at my tank and the plumbing over the weeks. It looks like I might be able to cheat a little on the plumbing by ordering a couple new spears unions. I already have unions in place and should be able to add the small amount of plumbing to the existing half of the union. I will have to replace all 3 bulkheads and a couple short runs when the bottom plate is replaced.

I am just waiting for Dave @ Concept to make up the replacement overflow plate. For anyone on the fence with Concept, I would like to assure you I have received great customer service even after the tank was completed...just saying.

On that note it’s been almost 4 weeks since I moved the tank. I lost a total of 3 Coral Frags, no fish and the parameters have been spot on. The only hands on I have been doing is ensuring my salinity hasn’t dropped to much from the crack in the external overflow. Other then that it’s business as usual. I’m a little annoyed as I found a couple aptasia that I need to get rid of. In my first tank I used to use lemon juice and give them a squirt. I hadn’t had to deal with them for a long time. Is there any new effective methods for removing them? I plan on buying 10 peppermint shrimp to toss into the display. Let me know reefers what works for you in the meantime!

[DKoKoMan]

Silicone repairs to the massive crack in overflow plate.



Full tank shot. Scape is almost the same with a couple tweaks.

[saltynuts]

Looking good sir!

I’ll have to start the 150 build journal now lol

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by saltynuts

Looking good sir!

I’ll have to start the 150 build journal now lol

Thanks Ed. Yes you will have to document all your progress! Looking forward to following it.

[DKoKoMan]

Couple frags received from Jess! I definitely have to give a shoutout as the frags were gorgeous. My photo skills do no justice for these pieces, they are all encrusting nicely. Unfortunately my MP40’s program went astray and the flow changed causing my anemone to walk over my Marshall island . Here are a couple photos (don’t mind the aptasia outbreak).

[DKoKoMan]

So I came across a person shutting down there large tank and re-homing some fish. A Copperband Butterfly was needing a home and I couldn’t resist! Snagged him, he is known as “Spot” and was in the system prior to my purchase for 2 years. I have always loved the look of the CBB however was always worried about taking the plunge with a fish that struggles in captivity. I have seen that many people have CBB in their beautiful reefs and I’m hoping for the best with this guy. I have accepted that my Hawaiian feather duster will be eaten as part of the decision to purchase the CBB. Hopefully he’s a model citizen and enjoys my reef.

As always, here are a couple photos.

D

[smokinreefer]

That's awesome. Copper bands are definitely one of my faves.

[Dash]

Ah he’s beautiful! I’ve gone back & forth about getting one of these guys but couldn’t decide for one reason or another. Hope he does well in your tank!

[H2o2]

I have 1 and love it to bits. The bonus with mine he loves aptasia so hopefully yours will clean that up ASAP

[DKoKoMan]

Originally Posted by smokinreefer

That's awesome. Copper bands are definitely one of my faves.

His name is “spot” and I’m super stoked. His colors are stunning and best of all he is a butterfly fish.

Originally Posted by Dash

Ah he’s beautiful! I’ve gone back & forth about getting one of these guys but couldn’t decide for one reason or another. Hope he does well in your tank!

Thanks Dash! Today was a great day as Spot started swimming throughout the tank and blueberry (powder blue) left him alone. His little mouth is comical and he is really social for being in the tank for 1.5 days.

Originally Posted by H2o2

I have 1 and love it to bits. The bonus with mine he loves aptasia so hopefully yours will clean that up ASAP

Fingers crossed that he takes care of the aptasia. I leaned toward a CBB to deal with the aptasia but also love the fish in general. I figured it made sense to acquire a gorgeous fish over multiple peppermint shrimp. If he doesn’t eat the aptasia...oh well. Still a great addition.