08trdoffroad's Rimless 60 gal Mixed Reef Build

[08TRDOFFROAD]

New sand came today. Any suggestions on the easiest way to swap the sandbed? I was thinking of just siphoning it out over 3 or 4 waterchanges, but wanted to put it out there for suggestions.

 

[08TRDOFFROAD]

As ugly as it was, the custom stage was exciting because it meant it was all working like it was supposed to!

I thought Duncans were supposed to be beginner friendly??? I still need to get one.

You saw this in my thread but I went with TBS live sand. Big chonky stuff. I love it! I still get some blowing around though. I plan to get some of the Two Little Fishies Reborn calcium reactor media to fill those spots in.

Yeah, Duncan's are supposed to be an entry level lps. So far mine has been pretty easy, once I stopped panicking ever time I noticed it was closed up. The green flesh has extended to cover the entire stalk now and the single head is about 1.5x the size it was when i bought it. I am hoping I will get some baby heads any day now. My coworker said his took a couple months to settle in and then grew 3-4 new heads a month. Based on my research, the frag I picked up is an Australian branching variety.

 

[08TRDOFFROAD]

This came up in my memories feed on my gallery today...it was taken 12 years ago today. Don't have the torch anymore, but still have the clownfish!

 

[dangles]

This came up in my memories feed on my gallery today...it was taken 12 years ago today. Don't have the torch anymore, but still have the clownfish!

I really hope my clowns decide to buddy up to my new torch


...and that they last that long!

 

[08TRDOFFROAD]

I really hope my clowns decide to buddy up to my new torch


...and that they last that long!

Mine have loved hosting euphyllias. Torches, hammers, etc. If it's there, they will host it.

I plan to move my clowns to my cube once I swap the sand bed and make sure my parameters are stable...I'm being extra cautious with them as I am rather attached to them.

This was taken the day I added them to my tank...April 4. 2011!

 

[08TRDOFFROAD]

Phew....glad that is over with...swapped out the sand and did about a 10 gal water change in the process.

Before I started

Used a net and gently scooped out as much sand as possible.

Then siphoned out the rest during the water change.

Added the new sand...it got pretty mucky!

It is settling quickly though!

Much happier with the grain size...should have gone this route from the start.

 

[08TRDOFFROAD]

Completely clear now!