[Annapolis 911]

My reef tank that is growing soft coral at an alarming rate.

Anybody with a saltwater system interested in some free xeina frags?

[}{arlequin]

I wish I had more $$ b/c I'd like to get a nice 100 gal. tank... don't need any coral but if you can, post some pics of it.

What's the buy-in for a saltwater anyway? I always thought that the maintenance was preventative...

[flatsixcrazy]

Harlequin,
Talk to Bill in Ashburn, he has a fish tank that he is trying to get rid. Andy

[Annapolis 911]

Buy in on a reef tank is a function on the equipment and the amount or live rock you add. I would guess that I have spent $2,500 building my system. You’ll drop most of the $$ on lighting ($400-800) and rock ($7 – 11 /lb).

Regarding maintenance, once established the basically maintain themselves. My tank is 100 gal. And I use a 50 gal. as a “filter.” My filter is full of algae, crabs, shrimp, snails and worms that eat all of the fish/coral waste.

[}{arlequin]

interesting... by filter you mean you have an additional 50 gal tank that feed the 100 gal?

[Annapolis 911]

yes. actually the 100 feeds the 50. the 50 is just a tank of slow moving water with a cleaner crew.

[Vicegrip]

Funny thing this thread starting when it did. T bird and I were talking about the big tank in the living room recently.

I have a 125 gal glass with fully automated ice cap ballast driven VHO 4 X 4 foot lighting, integrated heating, and cooling, wave maker, digital ORP and PH readings and UV sterilizer. The water quality control system has a Berlin protein skimmer and anoxic nitrogen sumps as well as a fully automated osmolator and feedback controlled ozone generator. (Added ozone has not been needed) The entire salt water system is self contained within the confines of the tank in a side set falling water sump. NO salt water or makeup water leaks EVER in well over 8 years of operation and I have the hardwood floors to prove it. I also have a 55 gal tank with a demand and stirrer pump for salt water storage and delivery and a 4 stage Ro Di filter with 5 gal storage for the osmolator makeup water.

There is well over 140 pounds of coralline incrusted live rock, many fully grown inverts, some macro algae, lots of fan and tube worms, some crabs and the like but only one fish. What can I say, it was set up as an invert tank.

I used to do weekend work for National Aquarium in Baltimore and much of the livestock is from NAB cuttings that have grown out so many times that I think I have some 5th or 6th gen colt coral inverts. I would make a cutting then sell the full grown invert for marine supplies and plant the cutting in its place.

The reason that I describe the system here is I now to plan to sell it. I no longer have the inclination or $ to maintain it and stock it in the manner it deserves. This does not come easily as I spent 6 months designing, building and testing this system before I put it into use and it has exceeded expectations at every level. It is truly a low maintenance system that has top notch time tested results. You don't have shlepp water every day or do much in the way of changes and when you do want to change water it is partly automated and easy to do.

The wave maker pumps need to be replaced but that is easily done during a move and rebuild of the rock wall. The main pump is running but is high mileage and I would replace it as well. Some of the foam pads and other small items could use replacement as well. The wave maker and main pump are not expensive at all and can be had for under $100 for all via mail order. The system was/is designed and built to be quiet with no water sounds at all.
Not for sale to beginners but it is an easily run setup if you have some knowledge of reef systems and can leave well enough alone when that is called for. (One thing I have learned over the years is that the last thing you want to do is mess around with a stable system) Just leave well enough alone and enjoy. I can help move it as well. A little TLC, some fresh stock and critters and this can again be a spectacular setup that is low maintenance, low energy use, leak safe and quiet.

If anyone is interested in it I will post pix of the system.

[APKhaos]

Kurts system is spectacular on two fronts:
- the design and implementation are typical Mickelwait pragmatic perfection
- the display is truly impressive. I've seen this tank a lot over the last few years [not as much as Bill], and its never looked anythong other than crystal clear and sparkling. The coral is stunning.

The saltwater reefs I grew up with were larger, but this one is just as impresive.

[}{arlequin]

I think that may be too much for me but show us anyway...

[BillJ]

Kurts tank is really the most impressive home-grown system I have ever seen, but am really not that surprised Typical Kurt ingenious perfection. Would be a great step up for someone that has been there and done that and knows that things take time.

I do have a nice 55 that has seen a wide range of inhabitants including fresh, brakish (cichlids), and salt water. The salt water setup was particularly carnivorous with a banded eel, voltaire lion, clown trigger, and rainbow wrass all fighting for the feeders. Mat is right, I am looking for a new owner for my stuff too. 55 gallon with tasteful light oak stand, fluval 303 filter, fluidized bed for bacteria filtration, glass hoods, new lights, etc... Willing to part with it very cheap!


If anyone out there is looking for a great invert setup - buy kurts rig, you will not be dissapointed. It is outstanding.