Tofu's IOS Peninsular

[tofubox]

Hi guys,

After a 3 year hiatus, I am back with a new tank thread. Hope everyone is still doing great and having fabulous looking tanks.

My hands got abit itchy, so decided to start another new tank. This time, I decided to go for a custom size IOS Peninsular. I will explain abit further on why i decided on this. The main reason I am starting a new thread is because I enjoyed reading back on my past tank threads and it documented a lot of mistakes and valuable lessons, hence I hope this thread will serve to do the same. It also brought good memories looking back at the photos.

Here is a quick breakdown of my reefing / fish keeping history:

First tank - 3ft FOWLR, eventually added some LPS. (some time during 2010)

2nd Tank, 2ft IOS tank

3rd Tank, 120 Gallon SPS tank July of 2014

Rescaped the tank in April 2015 to be a staghorn dominated tank

5th Tank, 2ft Freshwater ADA tank July 2018

6th Tank???? 

 

Looking forward to sharing another new journey with everyone. 

 

[MarcoVan]

Hi guys,
After a 3 year hiatus, I am back with a new tank thread. Hope everyone is still doing great and having fabulous looking tanks.
My hands got abit itchy, so decided to start another new tank. This time, I decided to go for a custom size IOS Peninsular. I will explain abit further on why i decided on this. The main reason I am starting a new thread is because I enjoyed reading back on my past tank threads and it documented a lot of mistakes and valuable lessons, hence I hope this thread will serve to do the same. It also brought good memories looking back at the photos.
Here is a quick breakdown of my reefing / fish keeping history:
First tank - 3ft FOWLR, eventually added some LPS. (some time during 2010)

2nd Tank, 2ft IOS tank

3rd Tank, 120 Gallon SPS tank July of 2014

Rescaped the tank in April 2015 to be a staghorn dominated tank

5th Tank, 2ft Freshwater ADA tank July 2018

6th Tank???? 

 
Looking forward to sharing another new journey with everyone. 
 

Wild Pokémon!!! Welcome back


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SubzeroLT]

Enjoyed your past updates...learned a lot.

Welcome back!

[tofubox]

Tank and stand has arrived! 

Due to my job requirements to be out of the country quite often, I designed myself an internal overflow system instead of using a sump.

Tank Requirements: The tank has to be absolutely silent (since it is in my room) and fail proof. 

Internal overflow system. Benefits: Super quiet, Reliable with no chance of overflowing even if equipment failure. Cons: Limited space requires good planning

Tank Dimensions were custom to fit into the corner of my room 110cm x 50cm (Width) x 42cm (height). Display area is 80cm long. It is a 3 sided crystal glass with an internal overflow system. Tank maker is Coral reef aquariums, they have made previous tanks for me, superb customer service. Very good workmanship.

The IOS has a 28 cm overflow to cater for higher volume of water return (lesson learnt is please consider your overflow size when doing an IOS, if your return pump is too strong, the overflow will not handle the volume. Water height is about 38cm in the display. The IOS has a compartment for bacteria media and filter wool (I chose wool over sock as its more readily available and it works alot better in my opinion, the JBL Symec wools are the best at filtering. Tank is designed such that even if the wool clogs up, water can still overflow direct into the skimmer section.) Water then flows into the skimmer compartment, before passing through two bubble trap baffles into the return section. 

Stand is made of aluminium extrusion by Prestech, with 2 x plywood for top and bottom. Workmanship is top notch and will recommend anyone their service. 

 

[Avlol34]

What’s the best cleaning crew for hairy algae?

[tofubox]

After careful considerations, here is my equipment list. Important factors was reliability and silent operation

Equipment list:

1. Return Pump: Maxspect Duo turbine - I can't hear a single sound when it operates.
2. Wavemaker: Maxspect XF330 x 2 - Also another equipment that is silent
3. Skimmer: Nyos Quantam 120 - Heard alot of good reviews, price is steep though
4. Lights: 2 x Ecotech Radion XR15 with diffusers (Custom hanging kit to achieve almost 20inch high)- Good reviews, success in many reef tanks
5. Aquarium controller - Neptune APEX EL with DOS automatic water change
6. Auto Top off: Tunze Osmolator
7. Chiller: Hailea HS28A - might consider changing to arctica in future
8. No3,Po4 export: Pacific Sun Algae Reactor - running cheato, opposite light cycle (Ordered direct from pacific sun) Will do a review soon
9. Doser: Kamoer X4 wifi dosing with skimz dosing container
10. 2 x Glass Reservoir for mixing salt and storing RODI - Used for auto water change and ATO
11. Jebao wave maker for salt mix station
12. Electronic RODI unit
13. Salt : Tropic Marin classic / pro (This salt maintains its salinity and calcium up to 3 weeks in storage and does not leave a thick residue in the mixing reservoir, ideal for auto water change)
14. 2 part dosing with ESV
15. Rocks: Caribsea Life rocks (Arch only)

The entire system will be on automatic water change. This will be done using the Apex DOS auto water change system. I decided to go auto because on the days I am away, the water change can still be completed on schedule. The only work I will be required to do is putting salt into the mixing reservoir.

Electronics are all mounted on a custom size plywood to fit the sides of the stand. Holes were DIY for cable management. The great thing about this is the panel can be moved sideways to do cable management from the back 

 

CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE GIF

 

 

 

 

[tofubox]

14 minutes ago, Avlol34 said:

What’s the best cleaning crew for hairy algae?

Hi bro,

You can refer to a list of clean up crew i posted on my previous thread. 

 

For hair algae, I personally will go with turbo snails, trochus snails, urchins and sea hare(if your tank is large). 

Fish wise, if your tank allows, go for any bristletooth tangs, such as kole eye, chevron, tomini. These tangs are grow slightly slower and will munch on your algae. 

Please try to find the source of your hair algae problem first, that will be step one. 

 

[Admiraltian]

Nice looking tank. Welcome back, bro!!

[sherman]

Welcome back

[dr evil]

welcome back bro

[thanos]

Hi bro can share where did u buy the algae reactor,thinking of getting one

After careful considerations, here is my equipment list. Important factors was reliability and silent operation
Equipment list:

1. Return Pump: Maxspect Duo turbine - I can't hear a single sound when it operates.
2. Wavemaker: Maxspect XF330 x 2 - Also another equipment that is silent
3. Skimmer: Nyos Quantam 120 - Heard alot of good reviews, price is steep though
4. Lights: 2 x Ecotech Radion XR15 with diffusers (Custom hanging kit to achieve almost 20inch high)- Good reviews, success in many reef tanks
5. Aquarium controller - Neptune APEX EL with DOS automatic water change
6. Auto Top off: Tunze Osmolator
7. Chiller: Hailea HS28A - might consider changing to arctica in future
8. No3,Po4 export: Pacific Sun Algae Reactor - running cheato, opposite light cycle (Ordered direct from pacific sun) Will do a review soon
9. Doser: Kamoer X4 wifi dosing with skimz dosing container
10. 2 x Glass Reservoir for mixing salt and storing RODI - Used for auto water change and ATO
11. Jebao wave maker for salt mix station
12. Electronic RODI unit
13. Salt : Tropic Marin classic / pro (This salt maintains its salinity and calcium up to 3 weeks in storage and does not leave a thick residue in the mixing reservoir, ideal for auto water change)
14. 2 part dosing with ESV
15. Rocks: Caribsea Life rocks (Arch only)

The entire system will be on automatic water change. This will be done using the Apex DOS auto water change system. I decided to go auto because on the days I am away, the water change can still be completed on schedule. The only work I will be required to do is putting salt into the mixing reservoir.






Electronics are all mounted on a custom size plywood to fit the sides of the stand. Holes were DIY for cable management. The great thing about this is the panel can be moved sideways to do cable management from the back 
 
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE GIF

 
 
 
 

Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app

[ReDDeviLs]

the guru is back!! 

[tofubox]

4 hours ago, thanos said:

Hi bro can share where did u buy the algae reactor,thinking of getting one

 

Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app
 

 

Hey bro,  I ordered in the reactor direct from pacific sun. Unless you are ok with no after sales service support, then you can consider ordering one. I have yet to start using it, but will do a review in the future. Skimz has an in sump version which has good reviews. Only reason I am using this is cos I don't have a space for refugium, and this works externally. Hopefully the light doesnt fail on me, else its just a normal reactor body. 

 

4 hours ago, ReDDeviLs said:

the guru is back!! 

Bro, no guru la. You guys are the experts, play reefing so many years, i not even close to your standards.

Thanks all for the warm welcome!

 

 

[tofubox]

4 hours ago, thanos said:

Hi bro can share where did u buy the algae reactor,thinking of getting one

 

Sent from Singapore Reef Club mobile app
 

 

Hey bro,  I ordered in the reactor direct from pacific sun. Unless you are ok with no after sales service support, then you can consider ordering one. I have yet to start using it, but will do a review in the future. Skimz has an in sump version which has good reviews. Only reason I am using this is cos I don't have a space for refugium, and this works externally. Hopefully the light doesnt fail on me, else its just a normal reactor body. 

 

4 hours ago, ReDDeviLs said:

the guru is back!! 

Bro, no guru la. You guys are the experts, play reefing so many years, i not even close to your standards.

Thanks all for the warm welcome!

 

 

[tofubox]

Completed the aquascape earlier this week. 

2 Main considerations.

1. Maximize real estate space for corals
2. Absolutely no dead spot and maximizing the flow throughout the tank

Entire structure was made out of just 5 caribsea life rock Arches, with additional Rumble rocks epoxy to some areas to get even more space for corals. It may not look the best now, but hoping once the corals grow out, it will naturally take on a shape. 

Only issue I can foresee is bacteria stability. I am making it up with the use of almost 2 large boxes worth of marine pure bioballs. Also, tank will be cycled at 2ppm ammonia for 3-4months to ensure stability. 

 

This allows 100% flow throughout the tank. The top view will give a better idea of how much real estate there is for coral growth.

 

Top down view, plenty of real estate. Keeping the sides clear to allow for monitopora caps to grow outwards

If you notice, all points touching the tank bottom is hardly blocking anything.

Feel free to comment =D would love the input

 

 

[tofubox]

Tank has began its cycle. I am actually following closely what BRS/WWC is doing. I dose both Dr tim's Ammonia cholride, Dr tim's one and only bacteria as well as a mix of daily dose microbacter 7. For those who are keen on following the four month cycle, u can watch an in dept video on the bulk reef supply website. 

At the mean time, I have set up a QT tank. I will be doing a QT for all new arrivals before placing them in the main tank. Anything wet, including snails and invertebrates will have to go in the QT. 

Here is my set up for a QT

1. IM nuvo 20
2. Marinepure Bacteria balls for bacteria housing
3. 2 x PVC pipe
4. Hailea HS28a chiller (Since I got myself an arctica for the main tank)
5. 1 x Jebao wavemaker
6. Tunze Nano osmolator ATO

Will also be monitoring fishes when they arrive. 2 weeks of observation. Any signs of Ick will be treated with Cupramine, then another 4 weeks of observation. Else fishes will still be treated with Paraguard and Prazigold before transfer to main tank. This will allow the main setup to go through that 4 month cycle.

Subsequently, tank will be bleached and corals will go through the same qt after dips. 

This may seem very excessive and extra work. But I have had my fair share of experience with pest and bugs. Considering I will be doing water changes of 15% on the main tank, this QT tank will only require 10L water change every week from the waste water. 

 

[tofubox]

Also got my lights hung up this week.

I will be using 2 x Ecotech radion XR15. Reason being i will be following WWC's lighting set up for their 293Gallon mix reef. The set up is very simple, with the lights hung at 20 inches above the tank. The radions also have had the most success across most of the nice reef tanks I've seen.  I believe the AB+ pre program is also very well received.

I had the biggest headache trying to figure out how to hang the lights. Eventually, I ordered my hanging brackets from amazon, I couldnt be more please with the end results. The bracket is capable of holding 136Kg. It is extremely sturdy and very well built. I will leave a link here for those interested. 

HOFFEN 2 Pcs Black Paint Folding Shelf Bench Table Folding Bracket, Powder Coated Short Release Arm

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073Y8DFRZ/ref=pe_2640190_232586610_pd_te_s_gc_im?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B073Y8DFRZ&pd_rd_r=19VN17KYA24W77R1B0XN&pd_rd_w=lpDXk&pd_rd_wg=kXeNF&pf_rd_p=a52fbed7-fa84-4127-8ee6-27a7e8a32481&pf_rd_r=19VN17KYA24W77R1B0XN

The only thing is you will be required to drill a small hole for the hanging kit. Just a regular metal drill bit will suffice. There are many other ways you can hang, but I found this to be the safest and easiest method. 

The bracket comes in  8"/10"/12"/14" reach , 1" thick, Max.Load:220/300 lb. So you can choose the length that will best suit your needs for a wider tank. 

I prefer to use hanging kits instead of arms as I have the flexibility of increasing or decreasing the height of the lights. My plan at the moment is to have it about 12 inches high. Total installation time with the drilling is about 20 mins.

For those keen on the full hanging kit, I am using the RMS Track, with the XR717 hanging kit, sliders and light diffuser.

The drilling process

 

Height adjustable all the way up till 20 inches high

For those who want to try something else, you can consider putting a wooden board on top of the brackets. You can then drill the hanging kit straight into the underside of the wooden board. That way, u also get a shelf on top of the lights to put your fish accessories. The other method is to get 2 x RMS hanging kit. This will allow hanging the lights without the use of the RMS rails.

For those who are keen on the arms, the biggest issue i found was the price as well as the fix 8 inch height. 

Last alternative is to do an aluminium extrusion L bracket. I did this previously on my 4ft tank, you can find the details in my old tank thread.

 

 

[Jack 123456]

Super awesome bro! Thanks for all the great info... Is the QT tank going to have auto water change? 

Looking forward to future updates. 

 

[tofubox]

12 hours ago, Jack 123456 said:

Super awesome bro! Thanks for all the great info... Is the QT tank going to have auto water change? 

Looking forward to future updates. 

 

Hey bro, not going to do auto water changes as the requirements for water change will differ from the different medications. Also the cost of setting up one is pretty unreasonable for a qt tank. 

[tofubox]

Got my doser up today, but wont be using it until I have corals. I am using the Kamoer F4. Wanted to get a GHL initially, but it cost about 800+ (shipping included) with no after sales service as the unit will be imported directly. Have yet to test the Kamoer F4, but i chose it for its small form factor, and reliability. 

Here is a pic of the completed equipment 

 

Also decided to add more structure to the scape. I felt like the scape was abit empty and lacking something. So decided to add couple of small rocks around the base, as well as a mini Arch. Really happy with the result, this probably my favourite scape since I began this hobby. Now i have 3 different levels for lighting. 

Constructing the mini arch. I used Caribsea Life rock rumble. They sell this in a big bottle, plenty of options to create structures or attached to current rocks.

Firstly, I glue all the pieces together, its a good idea to first decide on the length and require height, then just connect the pieces together. After which, I use 2 part epoxy to secure the rocks from the underside. Added another piece to the top to increase the total width. 

Epoxy the mini arch to the scape

Final scape

And of course the top down view, now even more space for corals without sacrificing flow

Thanks for reading guys

 

[tofubox]

Some side to side comparison of the before and after scaping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Harlequinmania]

Welcome back to reefing !! ^^

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[Patrick]

Bare bottom tank?


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[tofubox]

On 4/19/2019 at 7:28 PM, Patrick said:

Bare bottom tank?


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Yes, bare bottom

[tofubox]

Things are starting to kick off.

Did a test for nitrates on the main tank. Got a nightmare, my nitrates were close to 160. I believe this was the case as I have been doing a fishless cycle with no water changes. Constantly adding Dr Tims ammonia chloride resulted in the high nitrates after the denirifying cycle completed. Tank is officially cycled. With that, I decided to start my algae reactor. Thanks to a kind bro here, I managed to get hold of some cheato. 

 

 

Also got my Fish QT tank up and running. Decided to get a separate QT for fishes as I can medicate the fishes without harming the corals. So, I ended up having 3 tanks in the room. Using cycled media, I threw in the filter wool and bacteria housing from the main tank to the QT. 

I bought two clownfishes today, and immediately after putting it in the QT, one of the clownfish was defecating a long white stringy poop. Tell tale signs of an internal parasite or worm. 

Quoted from humblefish from https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/internal-pathogens.267419/

1. Intestinal worms - Symptoms: White stringy feces, pinched stomach, loss of color, fish eats voraciously but still seems to be losing weight. Treatment of choice: Praziquantel. Alternative treatments: Fenbendazole, Levamisole.
2. Internal parasites/flagellates - Symptoms: White stringy feces, pinched stomach, loss of color, fish eats voraciously but still seems to be losing weight. Treatment of choice: Metronidazole.

 Sadly, my order for prazipro from ebay has not arrived. So I ended up using Eiho PRAZI Gold, which has active ingredients of Praziquentel. Dose the first round and will observe, subsequent dose on 3rd day. Hopefully it works out and the clownfish pulls through. Also might consider using API general cure + Focus for fish food. 

U can see from the pic, its pretty obvious.

Lastly, got my skimmer couple days back! Cant wait to see it in action