jervismun

Yeah it is blocking 25% of the light (I think), but luckily it doesn't affect too much, phew! I might look at adding some flaps to redirect the MH, it's heating the skimmer cup too Nothing is perfect I guess, especially when it comes to a Nano. Every solution creates new issues... that's the fun part I guess

Where did you get the T5 atinic light fixture? I might need 1 too, but no space

Nice! I can't wait to start stocking my tank... What's that macroalgae you have on your left top corner? It's very nice Does it requires a lot of light? How can you post so many pictures under 1 reply?

upzzz

Elimmel: Agree with you, totally. The ReefPack is larger than I've anticipated (one thing about shopping through the net). Yeah the rocks were pushed too close to the front, making the tank looks extremely shallow. Well, I just have to be extra careful when it comes to lifestocks. I do not plan to keep too many corals for a start. More tiny fishes, inverts with some hardy corals. I will learn for 2 years, then I shall aim for a larger tank, 50-75g at least. I am still testing my water conditions now, probably add a few cleaning ah-soh to keep the tank clean while cycling. I got a feeling I can start looking for a hardy fish 2 weeks from now.

Oxnviolet: Thanks for the advise, I will surely empty the cup since it is in such an obvious position. All I worry now is algae growing inside the cup since it is so near to the MH. The cup is kinda large anyway. The ReefPack 500 also allow surface skimming. 50% of the water intake actually enters from the surface Gonna add another gadget into the tank tomorrow. Will keep you guys posted. Good night all

My new filtration system, the Tunze ReefPack 500. It's kinda cool with a powerful filter (which I will upkeep every week), a powerful skimmer and auto-water-topup... all-in-one. Costs me a bomb but it does answers two great concerns: 1. No more overhanging skimmer, even if the cup overflows with saltwater (due to irregular flow), the salt water will still maintained inside the tank. 2. No need to top up water daily. Since I am using a MH and planning to get a fan to cool the water surface, I expect the evaporation rate to be pretty high. It comes with a sensor, once it detects low water, it will activate the mini pump inside the water container (10g) to level. Cool piece of technology!!! And it's kinda overpower actually, meant for 50 to 100g. I am running in low mode, so this will allow me to upgrade to a 50g tank without worries. Please share with me your thoughts

A close up of the rockworks. I did not use any epoxy/adhesive to hold the rocks together. But I really make sure they stay at their position well, no sand at the base, so more stable. Another thing to avoid is Turbo Snail and others that may weaken my reef. It may seem very packed, but in reality a lot of holes and small caves. The MH somehow makes it look kinda flat. And sorry for the tiny bubbles in the water. New filter/pumpheads/skimmer always create lots of bubbles. Things will surely improve in a day or two

Thanks for all your reponses Here's my new setup, sorta final in terms of equipments. The only missing equipment right now is... well as you all know the CHILLER!!!

Really enjoy your tank Will arrange my rocks tonight, just to let you know you've given me some inspirations... Wish me luck

Thanks Iantoh! Of course the tank is not even near to finalize... I am still trying to work out the hardwares... now where should I put the chiller, lol. Nkh: I will try not to put superglue gel on my rocks, in fact I will try not to permanently fix them into 1 giant rock. Let me try out tonight and see how stable is my rock formation. Will keep you guys update around 10pm tonight. Lot's of update pics tonight

Oh guys, regarding rockslides... try not to introduce Turbo Snails as they tend to grow kinda large and very capable of shifting rocks. I saw one Turbo on your glass

Wow! That's a nice stand. The original JBJ stand (with cabinet) is slightly narrower. It's good to have larger storage space. You can even squeeze a sump tank inside, lol. HK is so much more happening right? But you bought a pack of salt back? And that chiller is cool looking. What's your temp? I am looking at adding a chiller to my NC too. Is it noisy? Coz I my tank is inside my small study room (pretty bad natural ventilation too).

Jsut wondering how much heat the LED releases especially the illumination surface. Since I do not have a hood, I'm thinking of pasting the LED onto the sides of my tank. Meaning putting some adhesive on the light surface and slamp it onto my glass tank. You think that will work?

Firestarz Ok I will seriously consider getting a proper chiller. May run around town to look for something suitable. You guys can even help suggest besides the CL. My priority would be (in accordance to importance): 1. Quiet operation 2. Able to maintain a 26ºC water temp without overworking 3. Sensitivity to temp change 4. Brand/reliablity/country of origin 5. Price 6. Aesthetic Yes, must be extremely careful when it comes to stability of the reef structure. Any rockslide can cause a flood disaster! Well, I studied architecture, so it shouldn't be too hard for me (I guess) Agree 29.5ºC is too high. My room temp is around 28.5ºC without aircon, so don't thing the IceProbe / CL85 can do significant improvement. Need a chiller with proper compressor. Meanwhile, I will just on the aircon more frequently. Patience... yes I will let the tank cycle properly. But perhaps 3 weeks is too long since I've jump-started the cycle with cured LR. Those LR in my tank was bought over from a reef member. He has kept the rocks for more than a year. So no odor at all, amazing! Anyone knows anything about adding a layer of Plenum into the sand bed? Need scientific readings to be sure.

Oxnviolet: Oh the reason I need a piece of dead prawn is becoz my LRs are already cured? But the cured LR is so cool! No bad odor at all! But I miss out the fun of discovering tiny little critters. Ok I will go get a piece of prawn, or steal one Bezz: I will take your advice on both CL-85 and IceProbe. So won't be getting any of those. But the problem with my tiny room is, there isn't any natural ventilation. I usually close the windows coz there's a construction going on opposite my place. I still have a week or two to finalize this issue. Do you think cured LR + Cleaning Crew will do badly in warm water (around 29.5ºC)? Nakazoru: Wow you spend a bomb there... well, I'm sure it will work well for the sump tank. Do keep us update re the IceProbe. I will receive my Tunze ReefPack 500 today and I will have a more or else final reef construction tonight. Can't wait to get out of office... although the day has just begun...

Oh really? Do you have any experience with that chiller? Is it noisy? Humming noise irritates me and sometimes drives me crazy, lol. (Example: I can't concentrate at work when there are roadworks near my office). What about IceProbe? You think I should give it a shot? I might need 2 of them, which is equivalent to a CL280 I guess (in terms of price).

I read from somewhere that MH bulbs emit a low quantity of UV (not the really harmful ones). How true is that? And if yes, will it do any damage to our eye if we look at the tank for too long? One thing I notice, my 150W MH really rocks! It's so bright! I already adjusted it even further away from the surface, will it cause any damage to the fishes and corals? Respond if you're a pro Really appreciate it

Don't worry I will take extremely good care of him! Can you sell me your cleaning aunties and ah soh? I think this is the right time to introduce them. The starfishes... maybe not yet yeah? Can you give me a list and price? And yes, do include in "RIS". I will pay you back for that beautiful blue hermit

Oxnviolet: Yeah, it's cruel and I figure a piece of prawn will do... err... can u reconfirm? A dead market shrimp? Can I remove the shell first? Firestarz: No I didn't run the aircon in this room. The room is too small and the aircon is directly facing my computer, so cannot "tahan". Thanks for enjoying my setup, I will have more equipments coming in this week. At first I wanted this to be a cost effective setup, but after all the reading... you know... and this is gonna be my last chance, either get it right or So not gonna risk, must get the best I can afford. I know CL-85 is not sufficient for a 24g, but those "real" chillers are so exp! I saw one the other day, 1/10hp costing $1100!?!?!? And as mentioned before, the rocks are there temporary la! I will get my internal pumps tomorrow, so only then I will seriously look into it. Also bearing in mind the danger of hanging a mountain... landslides, lol. You know how thin my NC right? Picture: Although that MH is really warm and expensive to run... the effect is priceless! The light reflection on my walls and ceiling is just... dunno how to describe... just like some "spa" or "yoga" experience... serene and tranquil

Bro Does this look familiar to you? hehe

Already bought mine from a kind bro. So this thread comes to a close

Surprise!!! It came with the rocks. Bro you will miss your hermit crab I promise to take good care of it (since it is my nano's first tenant) I shall call it "Ris"

My Tunze Reefpack 500 will only arrive tomorrow, so I just simply arrange the rocks so that they can get enough light! Kinda messy... but actually, it's not too bad looking

See how beautiful the rocks are!