Chuck's 150 Gallon Reef Project

[ChuckG]

I think the flatworm problem was another thread but the short version is:

The wrasse was eating them but couldn't keep up with the supply and I didn't have a very deep sand bed for the guy to sleep in so I took him back to an LFS. I emptied the entire tank to include all the substrate, refilled it, nuked it with flatworm exit which I thought did the trick. About a month or so later they started popping up again even though I had added no new livestock or rock to the tank. The only thing I can figure is that flatworm exit will not kill off eggs and this is why I will do a multiple application process in the future. Sort of like getting rid of fleas, you have to treat at least twice. Once for the adults and then once again after any eggs hatch.

[ChuckG]

My SOLARIS:

I spoke with the seller and he will hold off on shipment for about two weeks. The only ones he has in stock are the originals. It is my understanding that they have made some minor changes from the originals and I want to make sure I have the latest product on the market. He will be getting a batch fresh from the factory in two weeks so I told him to hold off until then.

[Tangboy]

Wow... lighting is $$$. I won't show this section of the thread to my wife since I am still looking at what I will do with my tank. I think probably compacts since I can't hang MH from my ceiling (wife would not appreciate that and my cat would enjoy that trapese bar too much). Still doing research though!

chuck keep up the good work. I'm learning so much just from your thread alone!

[ChuckG]

My wife actually told me to go with the Solaris. She's tired of paying the $350 elec bill every month. That might not sound too bad for a "home" but this is a little 1200 sq/ft condo. Neighbors bills are about $100 per month. It will be interesting to see what mine drops down to once everything is complete.

[Tangboy]

$350? Ouch! My electric in a 1250^2 home is like $50-75 in spring/fall and about $75-125 in summer/winter. I couldn't imagine that cost. Let us know if there is a difference in quality of light and your bill :P May have to use that argument in the future when I do upgrade to a huge tank.

I was actually thinking when we move to VA (if that is anytime soon), since my bro will build our house, have him include the tank, pumps, lights, etc in the cost of the house. Have him build a fish room and a metal stand etc for a wall tank. This way I can pay in my mortage and just get all the nice gear I want Nice having a brother who builds houses and is certified up the wazoo in all kidns of welding!

[ChuckG]

You have to remember, I live in South Florida. The cost of living down here is ridiculous to begin with. I can't wait till I retire and move back to the midwest but that's another 9 years or so away unless I hit the lottery.

[cello]

Nice choice of lighting.. If I had the $$$$ I would do the same. For now, I'm fighting the heat from my MH lights.

Cello

[ChuckG]

I got the fish room cleaned up a bit today as well as refilled the tank for Chris to check out the pumps tomorrow. I took 3 pictures and stiched them together to try and show what the fish room really looks like now. The stitch job didn't work out perfectly but I think you can get the idea of what it's looking like.



QT: On rollers - it's a tight fit.

[Tangboy]

Looking good Chuck. good luck with the tests tomorrow!

[ChuckG]

Got the front side cleaned up pretty good too.



NEXT frontal shot should be with substrate, rock and saltwater

AND YES - IT's STILL 5:45