150 gal corner build *Long overdue update*

Thanks for the feed back.

Are the bubbles a sign of something growing or a sign that something's missing mechanicaly to get gas transfer?

My flow is much lower than that. I'm guessing in the 50 gph range. I'm limited right now because I get significant bubble generation at the exit due to a siphon and it leads to salt creep if I have the flow turned up. I think I have a fix for that though and will kick up the flow when I have it in place.

I'm pretty sure I have some 5000k bulbs, but will see about 2700K. I have the 60W equivalent CFL's. Would I be better off with something a little lower?

 

Thanks! It's been a lot of trial and error and reading up on what people do here.

 

This is the bulb I am using.
23 Watt Compact Fluorescent BR38 Reflector Light Bulb - Medium Base, 2700K - 23BR38/27

 

OK. I'm a little closer, so my guess is I should be good with the 60W equivalent.

I read through your thread again, and I think the big thing I'm missing is velocity. The cloth gets covered in bubbles, then it doesn't seem to do much. I'm not feeding the tank much now with the fish out. I'll work on the velocity fix between now and the time the fish go back in.

 

What a looonng, strange trip it's been....

A year in review. Thanks to all the 3reefers who've answered my many newbie questions this year.

Started as a fresh water cichlid tank...


This guy was my favorite. It was hard to turn him in to the LFS. Had him for over 3 years.


All tore down and in the planning/building phase...


Scrapped this scape before it ever got wet. Had dreams of a two tiered scape with the back half being a 5" - 6" DSB. Got scared off after reading stories about old tank syndrome and DSB's.



Wet for just a few days into the cycle.



Two months in. Not looking great, but the snails are well fed.


10/14/2012


12/2/2012


1/20/2012

 

WELL DONE! I enjoy looking at progression shots. Im sure the tank only gets better and better. Keep up the good work!

 

Very clean tank/setup.8)

 

What a great tank.

It was an awesome cichlid tank too.

Vinny is right very clean looking.

 

Thank you!

Thanks, but it's not tonight.

Won a battle, but lost the war. I have officially been outsmarted by a firefish.

Haven't been able to get the last two fish with the DIY trap, so I ripped out all the "easy" rock tonight I could. I was able to get the last PJ Cardinal with a net, but the firefish is too fast and too small. Once he figured out the remaining hiding spots, he'd come out and taunt me and then disappear as soon as the net got near him.

Not sure what I'm going to do at this point. I have all the other fish in QT and the salinity almost down to 1.009. I'll hold it there for 4-6 weeks and then bring it back up, but it's not going to matter if I can't catch that little bugger. The Ich will still be in the DT.

What are the chances of getting rid of the Ich with only one small fish left in the tank? Slim and none?

 

Thank you much.

I did enjoy the cichlids. They have their own personalities for sure. You just have to be comfortable with the constant aggression. I was ready for a change after 3-4 years of that.