mFrame

Seconds on getting a PVC knife, it's so much faster and cleaner than using a hacksaw.

The stand doesn't have fans in it, but the doors are not air-tight and there is a cable access on one side. I haven't fired up the MH's yet so I'm not sure what amount of heat they'll generate. With it being a peninsula tank there's no way to leave the back open, it has to be completely enclosed (that was the deal with the wife to have it in the main living area -- everything has to be hidden)

Yeah, I would love to not enclose the canopy but hanging the light isn't an option due to the ceiling fan placement in the breakfast nook. To compensate I've made the canopy 16" high and have dual fans pulling in from the left and pushing out from the right (Cabcool dual fans). So, conflicting opinions about the ballasts in the stand. The ballasts I have are magnetic, does that play a factor at all? I have room where I can mount them by the ATO jug on the right....

Well then do that, Mr. Moneybags. Must be nice to have that kind of money to throw around!

I'm constructing my canopy for my 90g and it looks similar to this: I have (2) 250w single-end MH with reflectors, magnetic ballasts, and an Icecap 660 with wiring harness that I will use for supplemental T5s. The previous owner of the MHs ran T5s as well and has bulb clips inside the MH reflectors to hold the bulbs. Is this a normal setup or should I put the t5s outside the MH reflectors using their own 48" reflector around each bulb? 2) When I wire everything, what should I do with the ballasts? I assume they shouldn't be in the canopy itself due to heat/water/etc, so I was thinking that I run all wiring out the end of the canopy and down to the floor where the ballasts can sit (though probably elevated so that if there was a water leak they wouldn't get wet). The tank/stand is setup as a peninsula so I can't put the ballasts in front or in back because they'll be viewed. I plan to build a cabinet for the wall-side of the peninsula and ultimately see putting the ballasts in it. Good plan?

Looks like these guys aren't just good at killing things... Wired Science News for Your Neurons Mantis Shrimp Eyes Might Inspire New High-Def Devices Wired Science News for Your Neurons The Magnificent, Ultraviolent, Far-Seeing Shrimp From Mars Shrimp Eyes May Hold Key to Better Communications

I know the rule on freshwater is 1" of fish per gallon. I've never seen comparable for salt, but I do know that it also depends on the fish and how territorial they are. Clowns are generally content to stay in a small area, especially if they have a host. Other fish need more room

I've got a T5 retro kit still new, never used. Includes: • Parabolic clip on reflectors (42.5" x 2" x 1") • Universal or Sylvania T5 HO ballast runs 2 lamps (16.75" x 1.25" x 1") • IP67 Moisture Resistant German End-caps • End cap Stand-Offs • 33 ft 18g solid wire • 6 ft grounded power cord Willing to make a deal

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A small portable cooler is a great way to carry home anything you buy or swap for. Other than that you can check with the host to see if he needs drinks, chips, cups, ice, etc. It's not required but is a nice gesture. Your biggest task is just showing up.

Big Lots usually has them.

Regarding your question about adding live rock, you don't want to add any substantial amount after your initial setup because die-off from the live rock can cause your tank to cycle again which can be very hard on your fish. Small additions shouldn't hurt if you have a large tank (50 gallon +), though you'd be better to cure them in a separate container for a few weeks before adding them. You'll want to look up "curing live rock" if you're unfamiliar with the process. This also lets you look for stragglers and hitch-hikers. I would add as much live rock as you can at the start, deal with the cycle, and then enjoy. I've never heard of a "need" to match live rock from the area that the fish originates, especially for cultured fish that have never been in the wild. Certain fish definitely like certain characteristics of rock but that's more down to the individual piece that the origination point of the rock. For example, my flame hawks love tons of holes to hide and peek from, but they have no clue that some of my rock is fiji, some of it is texas holey limestone, etc.

HD still sells flexible tubing by the foot, it's on the same aisle as the pre-packaged stuff, but normally at the top of the shelf in boxes. They'll cut it to length for you and generally give you more than what you pay for.

Welcome, welcome. Southies rule, woohoo!

You have a few options, but you can use a blade/scalpel to cut them just under the head. Make sure that you leave a little bit of the stem on them and both the stem and head will live as two separate creatures.

Starting a group buy post in that section...

Wife is making me take her out of town to celebrate our anniversary that weekend, but y'all have a great time!

For anyone still interested in ordering I just saw this: Drs Foster and Smith Coupon Codes Clearance Sale: Up to 50% off + extra $5 off Use $5 off coupon code "11318418"

PM'd

I'd be in for some CUC on a group buy.

Welcome, you're in the right place (and we're close enough to be neighbors). The closest LFS (Live Fish Store) is the Austin Aquadome, they've got a great selection of stuff. You owe it to yourself to go take a look around. Welcome to ARC!

I love my unit from autotopoff.com, but you'll want to think about using it in a biocube. I ran into this setting mine up last week. The hanger will interfere with the lid of the 29g BC unless you hang it on one of the interior walls.

Yeah, I have acrylic plates and rods in the tank but am not currently using them. When Pug gets back from Vivid we will be doing my aqua-scaping properly. It is 1/2" rod and I have a foot long masonry bit that will be used to bore holes in the rock for the acrylic rod to go through. That should allow me to move pieces later without having to break them apart.

Welcome to the addiction! I second (third, fourth?) - get a bigger tank. I started with a 29. By the time you get all the equipment you'll want to make your life easier you'll have been better of spending it on a larger tank setup. I would say at least 50g. Everyone starts with softies but then you just want more, more, more, and you won't have room for them. A nano is great for a trophy ore exotic little guy that you want to have his own private space.

Very cool fish! and I like his friend too According to the video info the one observing him is a "Crescent Gunnel" Crescent Gunnel info And you'll enjoy this