Doratus' 40G - updated 4/29/2012

It's been a little bit but I've made more changes to my 40g and wanted to share them.

I added the pre-skimmer box for the CPR which completely eliminates surface scum, which is important for me because my tank does not utilize a sump. The box has also increased the efficiency of the protein skimmer ten fold. Highly recommended product.

I traded in one of my clowns for a black and white clown. The new clown took to his partner almost instantly... I've been lucky so far in that regard.

I added a one inch Six-line Wrasse who is very small and very cute. Nothing picks on him, he lives a peaceful life lately.

I added many types of coral: Hammer, Bubble, mushrooms, candy cane, and more.

The equipment has been rearranged. The Koralias no longer need to be at the surface because of the CPR box. This now allows me to place the koralias in the optimal locations regarding water flow without having to worry about surface agitation.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with my setup. I'm not fully there yet, but I feel I'm getting to that point where I can say that I have a successful reef tank.

Thanks again to all for your advice... could have never done it without you.

Before skimmer box:


After skimmer box:


Rear wall illustrating equipment placement:


Bubble coral:

 

Hammer coral:


More pics soon, as always.

 

Very nice!

 

Thank you, Sir.

 

Surface skimming really makes a difference, doesn't it? It's looking good ;D, just keep a real close eye on the algae.

 

Yes it really does. Thanks!

Are you referring to hair algae, or diatoms, or cyanobacteria, or just algae in general?

There is a bit of hair algae going on, but the blenny seems to be keeping it under control, he eats it just as fast as it grows. I do experience diatoms, likely because of my combination of not having a sump and using a silica based sand. The levels aren't high though, and again the blenny makes any brown spots in the sand go away pretty quickly. I'm certainly open to suggestions.

 

Just some more pictures. Nothing particularly fantastic.

 

Those are great images.! Every thing looks so healthy. The image of the sun polyps is really unique. Huge difference with surface skimmer, the tank looks really nice. Very clean.

 

Thank you

I don't mean to toot my own horn or anything but I've really put a huge effort into this tank. When you read my original post I talked about how everything was cheap and easy... well those qualities ended long ago.

 

wow great photo's - is that a bubble coral? how long have you had it?
Great set up