Recent content by JCT

That's an awesome how-to, Jimmy -- thanks a million. I had only pulled the lighting back by a hour to start, I'll readjust it back up after the reactor is up early next week. And hah, Russ -- that rock came from Jim's tank, I'm heading over to your site to order the reactor stuff now... This...

OK, I definitely feel better-- I was at a loss as to why I would be battling phosphates/algae with such a negligible bioload right off the bat. But the point is very well taken that for a relatively minor expense I can get a handle on this. Thanks for the diagnosis on the red growths, Mike --...

Hi all, Tanks been up about 6 weeks, has cycled and parameters all look good. CUC has been in about 2 weeks and are doing a reasonable job. Definitely had some phosphates measured at ~ 0.03, probably led to the algae in the pics below. I have since scrubbed the green algae away, scolded the CUC...

Hi Lenny, No, there's never been any tap water in the tank, I have a BRS RO/DI unit and I've been doing weekly 5 gal water changes. I dropped the photo period and while I know the Phosphate kits are pretty lousy it reads < .03 . Frankly, one of the reasons I held back on wildlife was to have...

Time for an update OK, the tank has been up and running for about 6 weeks. No major mishaps and it seems to have cycled. Parameters are looking good, set the refugium up last week and added Chemi-pure elite a few days ago and the water is super clear. Still fighting a bit of algae (c'mon CUC...

Thanks, noozby -- missed your note yesterday, luckily it looks like Jim has me covered. Hey Jim! Your rock really looks nice, the off angle shot shows off some of the colors. Yeah, I decided not to "pile on" and will let things take shape. Hah, the Tunze idea was Steve's as he is (as you...

The Solana is a very visually arresting tank. For a laugh, if you look at my original post in the Beginner's Forum the "plan" was to go with a 14g Biocube for my bedroom. What I ended up with is VERY different! As I read more and (fatefully as it turns out) visited Jim of SaltwaterCritters, I...

Thanks -- it actually took me two complete re-arrangements to get it right, husband and son thought I had lost my mind. Frankly, I'm still reading and thinking about what corals to go with, keep changing my mind. The lighting is the Nova Extreme Pro T5, so I should have reasonable options...

The 34G Solana is up and running! Nothing too wild, been up for a few days -- got some great live rock from Jim at Saltwatercritters. Not sure if I want to add more to go a little higher in the tank, chewing on it. Just a FTS for now and an off angle shot to show the passageway for an escape...

Instead of working I just went through your thread, Marcin -- really helpful. I share your interest in the caps and zoas. Also enjoyed your photography, I had wanted an RO/DI for my darkroom for awhile, so the new reef build is a nice incentive. I think my setup will be very similar, we bought...

Ah, cool guys, I knew that I had seen some pics somewhere. Actually Brendan, your beautiful tank helped with the decision to go with the Solana in the first place. The refugium looks straightforward. JT

Hi guys, Planning and acquisition continues around here, have a 34G Solana and stand + light on order from saltwatercritters and as I have decided to add a refugium to the 2nd chamber, I was wondering if I could get some input regarding dimensions and any other advice from owners. Plan is do...

I think we're going to make our first visit there this weekend, looking forward to it! JT Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

OK, many decisions made -- with help from the folks here and some hand-holding from Jim & Russ at saltwatercritters . I now have some more questions that I will post in a more specific thread, but we are now going with the Solana 34G + the Current USA T5HO 20". Order placed and RO/DI unit being...

No doubt about that-- actually going to visit Jim in Ossining tomorrow, looking forward to it. NYreefNoob -- I'm right on the edge of the Bronx in Pelham. And your avatar is a scream. Jt