400 gallon project

[untamed]

OK...requests have been made for an updated "full tank view". All these close-ups make it hard to see the big picture.

Here's a room view...


Here's a shot that is a bit closer, but not too close.


Here's a shot of the left side, front view. You can see that I haven't cleaned the left side of the aquarium in a few days.


Here's a shot of the right side, front view.


If you look closely, you'll see that I'm starting to have a bit of a cyano problem. I'm trying not to panic about that. It is a new tank, so it is likely to go through that "phase". I just have to monitor it to ensure that it doesn't get so bad that it smothers the life out of anything. I am running some phosphate media, maybe I'll add some more or refresh the stuff that is in there.

[Skimmerking]

The tank looks really good IMO I think that it looks more natural then anything.



well done

[Delphinus]

Man alive, look at those gorgs ... I hate you .. oops I mean .. wow, awesome. (Just kidding. I really am quite envious though. Awesome awesome awesome. )

[untamed]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Man alive, look at those gorgs ... I hate you .. oops I mean .. wow, awesome. (Just kidding. I really am quite envious though. Awesome awesome awesome. )

I use photos to monitor the progress of those gorgs. The large ones..and the golden brown ones are laying down additional body and filling in where they were damaged...so they are going to thrive.

I've not been able to be yet certain if the purple/white gorgs are growing or receeding. I'm sure they don't have xooanthellae, so they are dependent on my feeding. I have some finely powdered sea fan food and I target feed when possible. Jury is out on those ones. Their polyps respond to food, but I can't tell if they are ingesting anything I'm giving.

Meanwhile, the blue throat trigger is fast becoming a VERY friendly fish. I would describe it's behaviour as "begging". The moment anyone is around, he/she swims over and gives you the puppy eyes.

[lastlight]

I second what Asmodeus said.

Truly a very natural looking reef so far. That blue-throat is a an amazing fish as well!

How are you cleaning the acrylic?

Brett

[untamed]

Originally Posted by lastlight

I second what Asmodeus said.

Truly a very natural looking reef so far. That blue-throat is a an amazing fish as well!

How are you cleaning the acrylic?

Brett

I have a Great White Cleaning magnet that does a pretty quick job on the main panels. There are a couple of areas that I have to do with a wand. So far, I've not needed to remove any coraline as the magnet seems to be keeping it at bay. I plan to scrape coraline by hand when necessary.

Here's my rules:
1) Wipe down the outside of the tank prior to cleaning to remove any dust
2) Never leave the magnet inside the tank for storage
3) Never allow the magnet to touch the sand bed
4) Examine the inside panels closely for small snails before starting
5) Use a diaper lubricated with brillianize between the magnet and the outside panels
6) Never allow the acrylic cleaning pad to be put anywhere it could pick up dirt or grit.

[christyf5]

That diaper thing cracked me up. I'll have to get some of those and scare the crap out of my boyfriend one day