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Pasfur's 180 FOWLR build

63K views 230 replies 45 participants last post by  sidluckman 
#1 ·
The aquarium delivery was rescheduled for Wednesday or Thursday, delayed in shipment. However, the other plans are coming along well.

Here is the ASM G-3 Skimmer:
Product Kitchen appliance Food processor Juicer


The Mag:
Technology Electronic device Powerhead Filter Fish supply


The Heaters, a Finnex Delux:
Technology Electronic device Electronics Router


And my live rock curing:
Dish Food Cuisine Ingredient Lunch

Glass


Yes, that is a home made skimmer. If you want to see the pictures of my sump skimmer, here is the photobucket link:
Home Made Skimmer pictures by Pasfur - Photobucket

Obviously, this skimmer is just to help with the live rock cycle. It won't last long!
 
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#88 ·
Current livestock:
2 Yellow Tail Blue Damsels
1 Red Squirellfish
Blonde Naso Tang (Naso lituratus)
Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)
Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)
Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus)
Cuban Hogfish
Foxface (Siganus vulpinus)

I plan to add a Blue Girdled Angelfish, a Sailfin Tang (Z. veliferum), and several Fairy Wrasses of yet to be determined species. I may even add Porcupine Pufferfish in the near future, and possibly a Niger Trigger. I am also kicking around the idea of introducing a Centropyge angelfish species at the same time as the Blue Girdled. For the record, I have never found the Niger Trigger to be aggressive at all. This is the only Trigger I can express this opinion of. Finally, if I ever stumble across an Achilles Tang, I will have to give it a shot. I may even consider a Powder Blue Tang or Convict Tang. (If you haven't noticed, I like Tangs.)

On the subject of lighting, I am in no rush. The aquarium shows well as is, and I may wait until I build the canopy to make a lighting decision. This could be anothe 6 months or longer, because i'm not dissatisfied with what the tank looks like today. Currently I have 3 x full spectrum flourescents.
 
#91 ·
I will work on a video feed after the tank is full. I've never used video online before, so it will be a challenge.

I purchased a Sailfin Tang today, Zebrasoma veliferum, and added it to my 38 quarantine. This has always been one of my favorite marine fish. I know the desjardini is more popular, but I think the veliferum is a much more attractive fish. Here is a pic:

Aquarium Aquarium decor Freshwater aquarium Organism Pomacanthidae


My Blue Girdled did not arrive at the LFS this week, so it will have to wait. I am starting to have second thoughts and may purchase an Emperor Angel instead.
 
#92 ·
I'm happy you'll eventually be working on a video feed, I think it'll be well worth your time for my viewing pleasure. :)
Are their different genus of the emperor? I've googled it and different images pop up. Do the juveniles look different than the adults?
PS. Your Zebrasoma veliferum is beautiful!
 
#93 ·
Pomacanthus imperator is the "Emperor" angel that I was referring to. This is exactly why I use scientific names.... you never know exactly what google is going to show you or what the LFS will sale to you!
 
#95 ·
My Blue Girdled Angelfish arrived on Wednesday. It looks great and is eating very well. I put it on hold, planning to pick it up on Wednesday. I plan to move the Sailfin Tang into the 180 on Tuesday night. I am shortening the Q time to only 10 days to make this happen, but I feel comfortable given the overall health of this Sailfin. Plus, it was at the LFS for 2 weeks prior to my purchase, spot free the entire time.
 
#96 ·
I moved the Sailfin Tang to the 180 last night. Today I added a Majestic (Blue Girdled) Angelfish and a Scopas Tang to the Q tank.

I know what you're thinking.... a SCOPAS TANG!???? Who would ever buy a Scopas Tang? That is exactly what I thought until I found this particular fish. I am researching where this specimine was collected, because I've never seen one with such a deep yellow chocolate color. My wife said it is the most beautiful marine fish she has ever seen.
 
#98 ·
i only have a very few as im pretty sure my christmas wrasse eats them but i would eventually like to get rid of him in hopes of getting something else ( suprise suprise) but thats down the road.
harlequin shrimp will also eat them, but then need other starfish for their diet when the supply runs out.

ive heard people claim they eat coral and kill coral but i think thats more like the coral died and they are just eating the dead/dying coral flesh. i personally havnt had issues with them. i do believe there are more then one kind of these stars though and some being more prolific then others.
 
#99 ·
After slightly over 6 weeks in the Q tank, I added the Majestic Angel and Scopas Tang to my 180 today. The Majestic went basically unnoticed, but the Scopas had a bit of a scuffle with the existing Zebrasoma Tang species, especially the Salfin. Fortunately the Scopas was the largest Zebrasoma and was well conditioned in quarantine. Things seem to have settled down now and I don't anticipate any lasting issues.

I will post pictures this week sometime. My current stocking list:
Clarki Clown, Red Squirrelfish, Cuban Hogfish, 2 Yellowtail Damsels, Majestic Angel, Foxface, Blonde Naso Tang, Clown Tang, Tomini Tang, Yellow Tang, Sailfin Tang, Scopas Tang.

I feel like i'm forgetting a fish. I guess thats what happens when you stock a 180. :)
 
#101 ·
Yes, I decide on a Flame Angel as my next fish. Then I changed my mind. Again. I am very tempted to add a Porcupine Puffer, but I'm just not sure yet. I'm sure I will see a fish that I can't resist and that will be the decision.
A Flame Hawk would be a nice addition.
 
#103 ·
Hey Mark, Things are looking good there. I love the rockwork, nice job on the arrangement. I will have to say that I was a bit disappointed to hear that you might keep this as a Fish Only, but we all have our own preferences.

How is the ASM G-3 working out for you? I just finally got mine, but still need to build a new sump before I can put it into operation. Have you done, or are you planning on doing any of the mods to it?
 
#104 ·
I am happy with the ASM G3 performance. The only "mod" I made was with the output. I replaced the existing tube with a longer piece of PVC so that I could raise the water level higher inside the skimmer. My Nitrates are still under 5ppm, despite the high stocking levels.

I am very happy I made this a fish only. The sheer numbers of fish I have been able to put in this tank would have been impossible with a reef. So many fish that I've wanted to keep over the years, and now i'm able to give them the space they deserve. Plus, I'd like to have a couple more little rugrats (aka children) and we all know how expensive this hobby gets! For now, my 54 bowfront reef is keeping me content. At this point, I figure I will convert this 180 into a reef in 7 to 10 years, when we move to a house with a fishroom and space for a larger FOWLR system. :)

Here are some pictures of the 180 I took earlier this week:

Fish Pomacanthidae Underwater Fish Pomacentridae


Reef Coral reef Fish Fish Coral reef fish


Fish Reef Fish Pomacanthidae Marine biology


Aquarium decor Freshwater aquarium Aquarium Reef Aquarium lighting


Reef Aquarium decor Freshwater aquarium Coral reef Aquarium


As you can see, I have still not purchased a background. I figure the glass will be covered with coraline in the next month or two anyhow, so what's the point. I have been very happy with the growth of coraline algae, which I attribute to a very close monitoring of calcium and alkalinity levels.

My params: 8.2 - 8.3pH, 12DKH alk, 440ppm cal, 5ppm Nitrate, 78F temp.
Stocking list: 2 Yellow Tail Damsels, Clarkii Clown, Cuban Hogfish, Red Squirrelfish, FoxFace, Majestic Angel (Blue Girdled), Scopas Tang, Yellow Tang, Sailfin Tang (Z. veliferum), Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis), Clown Tang, Blond Naso Tang.

At this point, I am done adding Tangs. I have been very selective and careful in mixing these Tangs together and would not encourage anyone to attempt this unless they have multiple aquariums and a backup plan, especially when mixing Zebrasoma species in the same tank.

My favorite fish to observe is the Red Squirrelfish, which is surprising to me. The behavior reminds me of a small Firemouth Cichlid, hanging out around the rock caves with a great deal of caution. It is also fun to observe at night, when the other fish are all resting and the Squirrelfish has the entire 180 gallons to swim around.

I am also still having great success with the Clown Tang, which has now passed 4 months in captivity and appears to be growing and healthy.

I have had my eye on an Achillies Tang at the LFS. I need to turn the other way and ignore this fish!!!
 
#107 ·
WoooooooWWWWW! I just read this entire thread and I am SO JEALOUS! can you be my tank coach?! Love the set up and the fish you've adopted. They're just brilliant!
Thanks Cat. I will tell you, it took several years of doing things the wrong way before I found my method for success. Unfortunately, when I first started keeping marines, there was no internet! We had to rely on our local pet shops and a couple of magazine subscriptions.
 
#109 ·
Ok, ok.... I am on vacation this week. I have no idea how to do videos, but I will give it a shot. I also have some pics from Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo that I will post in another thread.
 
#112 ·
Glad to have you here. I suggest you start a thread to discuss your plans and goals for your marine aquarium. We can help prevent some of the little mistakes that can be very costly in a saltwater system!

I am leaving here shortly to spend the day at my cabin on the lake, I will try my best to get some video posted on Saturday or Sunday.
 
#114 ·
You're killing me. Ok, ok, ok, ok already. This weekend, you have my word, my wife works all day Saturday, I will find the time to post a video!!!!

Of course, the UofL vs UK football game is Saturday, so....
 
#116 ·
I decided to add more rock to my 180. I'm not happy with the left hand side of the tank. I ordered another 25 pound shipment of Key Largo dry rock from Marco Rocks. They had a special this weekend, $59 for 25 pounds, includes shipping. I figure I can always use some rock. LOL
 
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