My 470 gallon reef

[Goodwin9]

Here's a picture of my 470 gallon reef. It's been up and running a year and a half.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/IM000001.jpg

[flagtail]

SWEET, but a 470 gallon reef is more deserving then one measly pic...LOL

Keep them comming....

[Goodwin9]

SWEET, but a 470 gallon reef is more deserving then one measly pic...LOL

Keep them comming....
Ask and you shall receive.....

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0067_edited.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0058_edited.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0054_edited.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0041_edited.jpg

[reefkeep18]

What a tank thats unbelieveable. What is the crab u sent in the first pic after you made the post. Whats your favorite fish and favorite coral. My 29 + 15 is nice but I wish i had more room to expand like u did.

[Tongue33]

You are so RICH!!!

[sncboom]

That's beautiful

[Goodwin9]

What a tank thats unbelieveable. What is the crab u sent in the first pic after you made the post. Whats your favorite fish and favorite coral. My 29 + 15 is nice but I wish i had more room to expand like u did.I'm not sure what crab you are referring to unless you mean the Spiney Lobster.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0021_edited-copy.jpg

He was only a couple of inches when I got him two years ago. He's now more than 10" long with feelers of more than a foot. If I could catch him, I would take him out of the tank.

My favorite fish is the Dummsimer tang.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/dussimer.jpg

My favorite coral are the ones that grow well in my tank. I really can't name a favorite. I seem to have a tough time keeping corals flourishing in my tanks.

[Goodwin9]

You are so RICH!!!Just the opposite, I'm fish poor. I have to work a part time job just to support my habbit.......

[AliceInChains]

send some extra cash my way. i need a reverse vasectamy

[drgn1234]

sweet

[flagtail]

Super nice!

Any filtration pics?

[Bsixxx]

pretty sweet
:D

[Goodwin9]

The filtration for the tank is located in the basement. First picture shows the sump/refugium, skimmer, and to the right, the calcium reactor.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/Filtrationcorner.jpg

This picture shows the chiller in the corner, the mechanical, chemical and UV canisters, along with the sand filter and phos reactor. Not visible in these picttures are the two Blueline return pumps hidden the the equipment. The 55 gallon storage tank is for top offs in the system.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/Chillercorner.jpg

[BIGgourami]

i think i just pissed myself.

[black_monster]

wowwwwww, i see so many different types of tangs in there. don't know what to say.

[Snake_Eyes]

Beautiful tank.

[fish meat]

how much did it cost was everything

[elevatethis]

Thanks. Now I gotta go change my shorts.

I'm not even gonna say it...you already know that tank is incredible.

[cichlid savage]

Wow!! That is beautiful!!

[krzr3000]

Truly amazing...good work man.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Amazing!!!

That is a GORGEOUS setup...impressive filtration as well.

[JardiniBoy]

WOW ... although it's very different from what most MFK'ers are in to, what you have accomplished there is simply astonishing.

People call me a fish geek, but that truly is the NEXT LEVEL of fishkeeping! (sorry Li)

[CichlidAddict]

Gorgeous. I once priced out what it would take to convert my 240 to saltwater, so I can only imagine what it took to set all that up. Well done!!!

[ChrisGray]

this is easily one of the nicest tanks ive ever seen

[Nic]

that is one stunning display tank....

[kcress]

Sorry if this is a second copy. I don't see my original question so I am asking again.

What are the dimensions of your 470?
Is it plexi?
The corners look unusual. Are those bent corners?
What thickness is your glass/plexi?

Really nice tank. Gorgeous! I bet setting it up was a heck of a lot of fun.

[ewurm]

What an amazing setup. Excellent set up.

[AquataHolic420]

RECKLESS. So much life! So clean!

[shoefreak03]

that is one of the sweetest SW tank i've seen. :headbang2

[jacky]

vrey very nice :WHOA:

[pirarucu319]

truly astonishing..lovely..thanx for sharin..keep postin..:D

[ski's_reef]

Not trying to cause trouble or anything but Ive bot a few questions. Your convict tang looks kinda emaciated but they are a difficult species to maintain how much luck are you having with him? Also does your spiney bother any of your other inhabitants? Fish, corals, inverts, etc.? Ive known lots of people who have had trouble with them.

Ski

[CATFISHMAN41]

YOUR SPINY LOBSTER IS OFF DA HOOK!!!!!!

[Death Pony]

Beautiful tank!!!!!!! Reminds me of snorkeling in Cozumel.

[millcityrider]

what exactly do i have to do in order to convince you to post more pics? I daydream about this friggen tank! i need more pics

[kcress]

I have visions of it all taking sooo much maintenance that he's never coming back.

[MarlboroMan]

Wow that's amazing. Props to you :headbang2

[Kdcarey]

sweet tank keep posting pics

[catfishlover106]

Man this is Just Way TOO COOL!! =D Love the different assortments of fishes you got their...even your spiney lobster is pretty cool! nice colorations on it.BTW how much did this whole setup cost you to maintain it properly? it must be SUPER EXPENSIVE! =0 Lots of Props to you and your Tank!! =]

[CichlidFiend]

THAT IS AWESOME makes me want to sell all my fw tanks and go sw :D

[Gilbertg78228]

that is very,very nice!!!wow!!!

[ukshaun]

Here's a picture of my 470 gallon reef. It's been up and running a year and a half.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/IM000001.jpg

Amazing tank.
The last time I kept marine fish was about 10 years ago. I had an all glass tank held together with silicone. Looking at your picture, there appears to be no silicone. How long have these tanks been available? I'm assuming its made from acrylic. If so, is it a single shape (no joins) and how thick? does scratch easliy?

[tbittner]

WOW!!! Incredible tank! Now THAT is a reef! :)

[groovitudedude]

Not too often do we see a ]V[ reef tank...

[Weylin]

Wow... I wanna have a marine tank like urs...

How much did the whole thing cost ya ?

[JeffLeMay]

unbelievable freakin tank....absolutely crazy...definitely need to see some more pics

[unannon]

Goodwin9 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/member.php?u=19854)
Last Activity: 11-09-2007 02:01 PM
Posts: 24

I mean its a gorgeous tank, but am I the only one who sees the irony of fairly recent posts asking for more pics or other questions?

[40galreefman]

well just got back from changing my shorts, wow, that tank is amazing, and the filtration seems top notch, just curious how much time you spend a week maintaining a tank like that, i assume almost a full time job along with actual job, how do u get any sleep!!?? how bout some more pics too!?

[xxt2goodxx]

wow that is amazing....

[LiftBig315]

Goodwin9 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/member.php?u=19854)
Last Activity: 11-09-2007 02:01 PM
Posts: 24

I mean its a gorgeous tank, but am I the only one who sees the irony of fairly recent posts asking for more pics or other questions?


I am guessing that he went bankrupt and lost everything trying to maintain the tank......or just forgot about the site...one of the two

[Jaws71421]

That is a nice tank man and i would leave the lobster in there he adds charector plus you could always eat his ass later down the line.

[Seask]

Absolutely Stunning...Wish you'd post more pics!

[??SLEEPY??]

one word.... Amazing!!!:headbang2:WHOA::headbang2

[GobyMaster]

Holy crap, that is without a doubt the coolest marine tank I've ever seen!
It's soo pretty!!!! :jaw-dropp
What's all the stocking for it?
Cheers,
GobyMaster

[serafino]

Awesome reef tank! I love the variety of tangs you have in there. Do you even know how many fish you have?

[benzjamin13]

Beautiful Tank!

[Kdcarey]

lol looks like u fell off the face of the earth, but i want a stock list... lol if tht is possible

[akskirmish]

Good God thats a dream come true...

Congrats man..

[Bllib]

OUTSTANDING!!!!! That Is Amazing!!!!:headbang2:headbang2 I bow to you oh great fish masta!

[Grendel]

Jawdropping photos - it looks beautiful.

Speaking as a divemaster with PADI, I can say I've been to reefs that don't look anywhere nice as your tank.

After keeping freshwater fish, I only started my marine tank this year. I can only hope to emulate your tank - it's incredible!

[MommyJulia]

Truly stunning! and inspirational!

[sweeTang21]

very nice setup. How many tangs are you housing?? i count 6, are there more hiding??

[azcummins]

Goodwin9-
What did you drop ($) for that setup?

[Cichlid fanatic]

speach less! I bow to you. i have to know how much you droped!

[BIGgourami]

very nice setup. How many tangs are you housing?? i count 6, are there more hiding??

i counted 15 where are you looking :ROFL:

i think he's posted this as a TOTM on RC before, VERY cool!

[Gluestick]

That's amazing..... I am so jealous. And I thought 90 gallons would be big enough...

[TheTomaj]

What is your lighting on this tank ? Its perfection.

[epot]

WOW!!!!! :drool::eek::drool:

[Aquaman_95]

That's beautiful!

[navygirl76]

thats one of the best saltwater tanks i have EVER seen-im completely floored! its so beautiful..

[mmills007]

that lobster doesnt eat your corals???? where did u get him??? lfs or dive???

[LBathory]

all i can say is wow... nice pictures too!

[fishman256]

Wow!!!! Amazing tank. How to you get the pictures so clear?

[jdiidy271]

thats awsome!!!!!

[Chaitika]

Beautiful tank!

[sick_lids]

you guys want more pics of this tank, here you go, he wont post so i will help him out a bit!!!

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Return/

and his 210 gallon tank

http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/210%20Gallon%20Tank/

[sick_lids]

apparently he has a 600 gallon too: http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/600%20Full%20Tank%20Shots/

heres where you can pick and choose which tank you want to look at!
http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/

[RYU583]

:jaw::OMG: must be heaven to sit back and relax in front of that

[s15240drifter]

that is nothing short of amazing. like others have said, makes me want to drop what im doing with fw and go marine.

[water_baby83]

...makes me want to drop what im doing with fw and go marine.

Muahahahahaha welcome to the dark side!

[ironmunki]

Quite buttery, bro. Your filtration room looks like a mad scientist lab!

[sjchinaboi]

whoa that tank is doing toooo much!!! by far the best reef tank i have ever seen...very cool lobster...makes me hungry:drool:

[redbellyPirahna4]

amazing tank
i would like to see a vid of the tank with all of those fish just swiming around
if i had that tank i would sit in front of it for hours

[Gr8KarmaSF]

Amazing!

[aquatic_wonders]

Very beautifull would definitely would want one someday :)

[Brian Fish]

When I retire I want a tank like that and sit by it until I die.

[The Amazonian]

Nice!

[Littlesnapper]

That is a very beautiful tank the coral is just amazing! What do you use for ground cover?

[mmills007]

that lobster has got to be eating your corals you better get him out of there and start a pred tank

[Rawimpact]

Man, that is the nicest salt water tank i've ever seen... you need to setup a live cam for us :-D.

[nitrofish1]

that had to have cost a fortune to set up.

[375reef]

Impressive tank..

[Fish727Nole]

that picture encompasses dreams of saltwater enthusiasts!!! money time energy care ... mostly money and time... but WOW anyone who keeps spiny lobsters as pets gets mad props from me

[glyn]

love it love it im dreaming all night about that tank

[Malawi-]

Im speechless... All in all, how much did you spend for everything, over the years for that?

[puffcrusader696]

i see this thread is over a year old. is it still running?

[nitrofish1]

oh yeah....

[millcityrider]

someone needs to call this guy and get him back on here.

[puffcrusader696]

someone needs to call this guy and get him back on here.

anyone know his phone number? maybe he has his e-mail listed on here somewhere...

[nitrofish1]

send him an email, just go to his contacts under his user profile

[Mike fail]

cuz this tank is off the HOOK!

[nitrofish1]

did anyone else check out his webcams? they take a while to load, but the tank is still there, along with a 600 gallon reef as well

[puffcrusader696]

send him an email, just go to his contacts under his user profile

i did! said everyone on here would really like some updates on his tanks. lets hope!

[puffcrusader696]

did anyone else check out his webcams? they take a while to load, but the tank is still there, along with a 600 gallon reef as well

where are his webcams?

[nitrofish1]

post numero uno

[puffcrusader696]

i didnt see anything. maybe a link?

[nitrofish1]

its the link on the first post of this very thread

[puffcrusader696]

no link shows up...

[Goodwin9]

amazing tank
i would like to see a vid of the tank with all of those fish just swiming around
if i had that tank i would sit in front of it for hours
I have to apologize. I haven't received any notifications of any activity to this thread. I have a live web cam for this tank, http://www.dakotareef.com/site/aquarium/470g_reef

You need to install active X control to view the tank's web cam.

[puffcrusader696]

I have to apologize. I haven't received any notifications of any activity to this thread. I have a live web cam for this tank, http://www.dakotareef.com/site/aquarium/470g_reef

You need to install active X control to view the tank's web cam.

your tank is amazing! any sort of update is appreciated at any time by us!

[puffcrusader696]

wow a 470g reef a 600g reef and a 210g reef. dang

[nitrofish1]

i watched his ray and shark tank, but at that moment didnt see anything

[puffcrusader696]

i watched his ray and shark tank, but at that moment didnt see anything

ya i saw that too.

[Goodwin9]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/4701.jpg

[nitrofish1]

w00t

[puffcrusader696]

that tank is sexy!!! you mind overnighting some frags to me???

[puffcrusader696]

oo! i hatched an idea! maybe post a few pics of a few of the nicer individual corals!

[Goodwin9]

A picture from my little ricordea tank....

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/Ric15.jpg

[akskirmish]

Simply amazing

[puffcrusader696]

A picture from my little ricordea tank....

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/Ric15.jpg


can i like have two of those?

[Aquaman_95]

It's....so.....beautiful

[puffcrusader696]

ahhhh... i just keep on dreaming... now i wanna make a 210 gallon reef (i might be getting a 210 for Christmas!!! yay!!!)

[Mantis411]

oh..... ma..... gawd :jaw: :drool::drool::drool:

that mushroom tank is amazing

[kickthefool]

wow, stunning

[Goodwin9]

A few pictures from the Ricorda garden..

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/m5.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/m4.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/m3.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/m2.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/75%20Gallon/m10.jpg

[nitrofish1]

you grow your own corals?

[BIGgourami]

dayum!

[puffcrusader696]

i think you should sell some small frags online and make enough money to buy a rediculous 10,000 gallon uber reef tank and charge admission and keep expanding until you are the largest aquarium in the state. that would be cool

[nitrofish1]

i think you should sell some small frags online and make enough money to buy a rediculous 10,000 gallon uber reef tank and charge admission and keep expanding until you are the largest aquarium in the state. that would be coolthat would take a while....

[mr_cool_guy]

mmm.... I've seen better.






Ha I was pulling your leg, that is a very nice set-up.

[SoloWizard]

Just wow!!

[fnlucky17]

:drool::jaw::shocked::naughty:excuse me while i pick my jaw up off the floor and get a mop cause the drool puddle is massive

[joshua2209]

!!!!

[puffcrusader696]

I love these tanks and this thread! surly worthy of my


1000th POST!!!!!

hehe.... (second time ... stopped counting posts in the buy and sell forum)

[millcityrider]

So nice. I'm glad you got back to this thread and posted some more. thanks.

[puffcrusader696]

any updates? especially close up pics of fish and the nicer corals. Would love to see new pics.

[Otto_VonBacon]

YOU MUST TEACH ME!

my reaction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75AY8i4o3DM

[Jhitsos]

do u have trouble with ur tangs fighting i got a 150 gal reef and some naso tang and my yelow tangs fight almost to death and they have plenty of room

[puffcrusader696]

YOU MUST TEACH ME!

my reaction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75AY8i4o3DM

thats a little disturbing... but nonetheless i love SNL

and yes! teach me too!

[chloe]

WOW

[Goodwin9]

Latest addition to my tang collection, a Yellowtail Surgeonfish, (Prionurus chrysurus).
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/_DSC0032.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/_DSC0025.jpg

[big_tank_boy]

are spiny lobsters ok to have with fish? cuz they look s cool.

[Goodwin9]

are spiny lobsters ok to have with fish? cuz they look s cool.

I would never add one to another one of my tanks. While cute when they are small, they will eventually grow very large and cause problems. (At least mine did.) Mine moved rocks and ate some of the corals, snails and crabs. They seem to be an eating machine.

[bigcol]

i would love a marine tank but with a filter system like that lol im sitting crying now all my dreams have been shattered. extremely nice setup and fish m8 youve done an excellent job there like :thumbsup:

[cam191919]

i dont deserve this tourture :drool:

[Otto_VonBacon]

i would love a marine tank but with a filter system like that lol im sitting crying now all my dreams have been shattered. extremely nice setup and fish m8 youve done an excellent job there like :thumbsup:

He has an amazing filter for an amazing tank, something smaller would not require something as intricate as that :drool:

[Flash]

Holy ****!

[Tom500]

Thats a really amazing tank!
Nice one

[puffcrusader696]

still amazes me

[BIGgourami]

Latest addition to my tang collection, a Yellowtail Surgeonfish, (Prionurus chrysurus).


is it just me or all fish with the scientific name chrysurus really rare?
:screwy:

[Jhitsos]

do u have problems with ur tangs fightng

[Goodwin9]

do u have problems with ur tangs fightng

Not really. They do chase around now and then, but more playfull than fighting I think.

[Goodwin9]

is it just me or all fish with the scientific name chrysurus really rare?
:screwy:
I'm not sure, but it is the first time that I have come accross one of these. Here is a little better picture of the fish.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/0007.jpg

[Weylin]

Are those anemones or corals in the background ?

[Goodwin9]

Are those anemones or corals in the background ?

Florida Ricordea mushrooms

[bobVillanueva]

WOW!

[puffcrusader696]

dang... i can still look at this tank and find something new in it...

[timtim mag]

I am so jealous

[puffcrusader696]

how much did it cost to do the 210 reef? i might like to do one...

[downy14]

WOW...that must of taken a dent out of the bank account beautiful tank tho!

[Goodwin9]

how much did it cost to do the 210 reef? i might like to do one...

It's been quite a while since I set up the 210, but if I was to guess, I think that it was in the 4 to 5K price range after all said and done.

[Goodwin9]

He has an amazing filter for an amazing tank, something smaller would not require something as intricate as that :drool:

agreed!

[puffcrusader696]

It's been quite a while since I set up the 210, but if I was to guess, I think that it was in the 4 to 5K price range after all said and done.

hmmm... on a 14 year old's allowance budget i better start saving big time lol... ill just settle for my 55 reef in progress for now

[nitrofish1]

question goodwin, r the sharks expensive to feed? im thinkin about doin a 480 gallon tank with some bamboo and epaulette's, considering it would be alot cheaper than your amazing reef lol (no offense though it is amazing).

[Goodwin9]

hmmm... on a 14 year old's allowance budget i better start saving big time lol... ill just settle for my 55 reef in progress for now

Nothing wrong with a 55. That is what I got started with too.

[Goodwin9]

question goodwin, r the sharks expensive to feed? im thinkin about doin a 480 gallon tank with some bamboo and epaulette's, considering it would be alot cheaper than your amazing reef lol (no offense though it is amazing).
I feed the Shark & Ray frozen krill and silversides. I'll some times skip a day. They are eating machines that will eat all you feed them. A cheaper tank to feed than my others, it does require a pretty good filtratioin setup to keep the water quality in check.

[nitrofish1]

I feed the Shark & Ray frozen krill and silversides. I'll some times skip a day. They are eating machines that will eat all you feed them. A cheaper tank to feed than my others, it does require a pretty good filtratioin setup to keep the water quality in check.
i know feeding a shark a few fish or shrimp etc a day is not bad compared to a tank full of freshwater rays, who eat more than that twice a day.

[Goodwin9]

Thought that I would see how big some of the fish are getting in the tank. The ruler is six inches in length.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/00308.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/00309.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/003016.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/003017.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/003012.jpg

[puffcrusader696]

nice shots. :) nice to see updates. those fish are big :D

[angelo21]

your setup is awesome!

[Goodwin9]

your setup is awesome!
Thank you!

[le patron]

:jaw::jaw::jaw:thats incredible. the clown fish and the dory fish look cool (dory from finding nemo :) rofl)

[Will Hayward]

What does the Spiney Lobster do that you want to remove it from the tank?

Are you able to keep many inverts in that tank? Like what?

[Goodwin9]

What does the Spiney Lobster do that you want to remove it from the tank?

Are you able to keep many inverts in that tank? Like what?
The lobster finally passed away. It's body was nearly a foot long. It moved rocks, ate snails, crabs, & corals. Now that it is gone, I have replenished the snails & crabs. I would never have another.....

[PennReels84]

im up for adoption!!!


I'm not sure what crab you are referring to unless you mean the Spiney Lobster.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0021_edited-copy.jpg

He was only a couple of inches when I got him two years ago. He's now more than 10" long with feelers of more than a foot. If I could catch him, I would take him out of the tank.

My favorite fish is the Dummsimer tang.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/dussimer.jpg

My favorite coral are the ones that grow well in my tank. I really can't name a favorite. I seem to have a tough time keeping corals flourishing in my tanks.

[alfredoshark]

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D it looks good how did it cost you

[mgctutor]

NicE tank goodwin... I cant wait to get a salt tank going again....

[Goodwin9]

NicE tank goodwin... I cant wait to get a salt tank going again....Thank you!.. They are a lot of fun.

[Will Hayward]

Latest addition to my tang collection, a Yellowtail Surgeonfish, (Prionurus chrysurus).
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/_DSC0032.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/_DSC0025.jpg

Have you taken care of the flatworms in this tank? We have had good success using Six-Line Wrasses to destroy Flatworm infestations. What method did you use?

[Goodwin9]

Have you taken care of the flatworms in this tank? We have had good success using Six-Line Wrasses to destroy Flatworm infestations. What method did you use?Yes, I did add a six line wrasse, think that I need a few more.........

[bnoble]

Beautiful Tank,Thank you for sharing!

[jelly]

Simply stuning! Must be a huge amount of work. I have a 15G nano and it is as much work to maintain as all the fresh I have in my garage.

[Goodwin9]

Simply stuning! Must be a huge amount of work. I have a 15G nano and it is as much work to maintain as all the fresh I have in my garage.
I spned 6 to 8 hours one day a week doing water tests, water changes, filter changes, & general cleaning on my tanks.

[Aquarist Andy]

:WHOA: Excellent setups, thanks for sharing.

[granuccibar]

you should rescue a lobster from walmart

[Ricko]

Simply stuning! Must be a huge amount of work. I have a 15G nano and it is as much work to maintain as all the fresh I have in my garage.

You would be surprised how little work a well balanced reef tank can be, i don't do anything except magnet clean the glass once a week (obviously expensive tho)

[jelly]

You would be surprised how little work a well balanced reef tank can be, i don't do anything except magnet clean the glass once a week (obviously expensive tho)

It's my own fault. Over stocked. 15G 2 x yellow tail damsels, 1 x yellow watchman and 1x candy Basslet + a 4 hermits and a cleaner shrimp. Two many fish.

[Ricko]

It's my own fault. Over stocked. 15G 2 x yellow tail damsels, 1 x yellow watchman and 1x candy Basslet + a 4 hermits and a cleaner shrimp. Two many fish.

ha ha fair enough. yes having too much stock doesn't help.

[aspear]

here is the build thread for the 600 gallon http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=243448

[puffcrusader696]

nice

[Ricko]

here is the build thread for the 600 gallon http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=243448

This thread sucks, now i feel like building another tank!!!!:D

(hope the missus doesn't read this)

[Ricko]

Here's a picture of my 470 gallon reef. It's been up and running a year and a half.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/IM000001.jpg

This tank is nuts, would kill for mine to look like this!!! Top job!!!

[puffcrusader696]

This tank is nuts, would kill for mine to look like this!!! Top job!!!

wouldnt we all? well, not all of us but most of us :D

[Ricko]

wouldnt we all? well, not all of us but most of us :D

I would!!!!:naughty:

[Otto_VonBacon]

Good god man, just saw that 600 gallon build thread. you ether make 6-7 figures or your very very dedicated to saving up for this stuff!

Awesome.

[Goodwin9]

Good god man, just saw that 600 gallon build thread. you ether make 6-7 figures or your very very dedicated to saving up for this stuff!

Awesome.
LOL.....Staying single is probably the reason I can afford this hobby....

[chloe]

wow!!!! thats like ur own lil piece of ocean!

[chloe]

LOL.....Staying single is probably the reason I can afford this hobby....

hahaha best excuse ever!!!

[ADEE]

absolutely beautiful!!! holy moly...

how many fish do you have in that tank? (totally curious, it looks well stocked)

[Goodwin9]

absolutely beautiful!!! holy moly...

how many fish do you have in that tank? (totally curious, it looks well stocked)
At last count there were 72 fish in the tank.

[ADEE]

thats sooo cool!!

[aussiesk8]

That tank is absolutely buzzing with life and colour, my hat off to you. I hope that my first crack at marine tanks will hold even 10% of your tanks beauty lol

[mr.reef24]

beautiful tank just found this thread haven't had a chance to go through all 21 page's yet but what a magnificent tank is it custom built? And, if so by who?

thanks,

mr.reef24

[Goodwin9]

Some recent pictures.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/470-3.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/470-1-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/470-5.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/470-7.jpg

[Goodwin9]

thats sooo cool!!

That tank is absolutely buzzing with life and colour, my hat off to you. I hope that my first crack at marine tanks will hold even 10% of your tanks beauty lol
Thank you! :)

[Goodwin9]

beautiful tank just found this thread haven't had a chance to go through all 21 page's yet but what a magnificent tank is it custom built? And, if so by who?

thanks,

mr.reef24
The tank & stand were built by The Aquarium Company, in Winthrop, MN.

[Goodwin9]

I found an easy way to frag some zoos. Didn't have to get my hands wet.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/corals/40.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/corals/41.jpg

[Will Hayward]

I think you have enough coraline... ;)

[MalawiTango]

Wow! How awesome is that?

[tthanatoss]

That tank is a true work of art.

[mkman]

very neat reef tank!

[Goodwin9]

That tank is a true work of art.

very neat reef tank!

Thank you! :)

[barrygeneral]

Truly incredible!!!

[puffcrusader696]

:D great progress since the last pics I've seen! Great coralline growth too!

[Goodwin9]

Truly incredible!!!
Thank you! :)

[puffcrusader696]

Is there anything you wish you could go back and do over to make maintenance easier? I was thinking about building a plywood tank for a reef and want to make it as easy as possible to maintain so I was wondering what you would want to do (or did) that would make it as easy as possible to maintain

[Goodwin9]

Is there anything you wish you could go back and do over to make maintenance easier? I was thinking about building a plywood tank for a reef and want to make it as easy as possible to maintain so I was wondering what you would want to do (or did) that would make it as easy as possible to maintainIf I could do it over again, I would try and find a better way to hang the lights inside the canopy. The 3 400 watt MH's need to be moved to clean the sides of the tank, and the fixtures behind the MH's are almost impossible to change the bulbs. What I do like about this particular tank is the fact that all of the filtration, pumps, ect are located in the basement. Easy to get to and work on. With my other tanks, all of the support equipment is located under the stands which makes for cramped quarters and more difficult to work and clean.

[puffcrusader696]

Sweet :D you could mount the halides on light tracks and move them to one side when cleaning and to the other side when cleaning that side... that's what I plan on doing when I get a bigger tank.

[marine_hawaii]

The filtration for the tank is located in the basement. First picture shows the sump/refugium, skimmer, and to the right, the calcium reactor.

This picture shows the chiller in the corner, the mechanical, chemical and UV canisters, along with the sand filter and phos reactor. Not visible in these picttures are the two Blueline return pumps hidden the the equipment. The 55 gallon storage tank is for top offs in the system.



How about adding a kitchen sink to your tank room? Seriously thou, seems like a bit of overkill on the filtration side.

I'd definitely nix the sand filter and UV canisters. Not sure what you have for mechanical and chemical, but probably not necessary either.

The setup I would recommend is the one used by the Waikiki Aquarium. Basically, a protein skimmer (small is fine, I prefer ETS, they use Tunze & custom), a kalkwasser freshwater topoff (using Reverse Osmosis water), good live rock and strong lighting.

That's the most basic setup. I'd add to that a refugia with a Deep sand filter, and a surge device.

So pricing it out for a 200 gal tank:

protein skimmer $200
Reverse Osmosis $200
Kalkwasser mixer $50 (using a plastic tub, timer, solonoid and a power head)
live rock $$$ (depends on a lot of things)
lighting $$$ (also varies too much to put a price on).

Refugia - $30 for plastic tub and 2" PVC fittings. The price of sand is too variable to put in here.
Surge device - $50 (plastic tub, pvc and a powerhead)(timer optional).
Deep-sand bed $50 (a refugia is a good place to put that)

There will be a couple hundred bucks in various things that you don't think of like PVC fittings and additional hardware.

I've omitted the cost of the tank, stand, etc as that's the same whether it's salt or fresh.

My point is that there is no reason to go overboard with equipment for a reef tank. You can get a beautiful tank without putting money into a lot of extra equipment.

I would say it's comparable to a freshwater planted aquarium. The cool think is that if you build the tank and lot of the equipment yourself, and then put the $$$ into lighting and liverock.

...

When planning a reef tank, the most important aspect is that you keep it well balanced. You can't have a heavy fish load and expect the fish or inverts to do well. You can have a large number of corals if you have good lighting and good water quality (and only a few fish).

Tangs/surgeon fish are best as they can support themselves by eating algae. I try to keep feedings down to once a week, so fish that can't find their own food in the tank wouldn't do very well.

Three of the below pics are from a 200 gal reef tank at Waikiki Aquarium. Sorry the pics are so bad, all are from a movie I shot of that tank.

The first pic is of the "kalkwasser" mixer/adder. Second one is the Tunze protein skimmer. The last is a nice soft coral. Sorry all this pics are screen shots taken from a movie I took of the tank.

The 3 larger photos are just some corals from their other tanks.

[Goodwin9]

Sweet :D you could mount the halides on light tracks and move them to one side when cleaning and to the other side when cleaning that side... that's what I plan on doing when I get a bigger tank.
Here is a picture of the lighting, the MH's are hung by chain, (only one showing in this picture). No room to move fistures behind the <MH's.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/470%20Tank/DSC_0251.jpg

[Goodwin9]

How about adding a kitchen sink to your tank room? Seriously thou, seems like a bit of overkill on the filtration side.

I'd definitely nix the sand filter and UV canisters. Not sure what you have for mechanical and chemical, but probably not necessary either.

The setup I would recommend is the one used by the Waikiki Aquarium. Basically, a protein skimmer (small is fine, I prefer ETS, they use Tunze & custom), a kalkwasser freshwater topoff (using Reverse Osmosis water), good live rock and strong lighting.

That's the most basic setup. I'd add to that a refugia with a Deep sand filter, and a surge device.

So pricing it out for a 200 gal tank:

protein skimmer $200
Reverse Osmosis $200
Kalkwasser mixer $50 (using a plastic tub, timer, solonoid and a power head)
live rock $$$ (depends on a lot of things)
lighting $$$ (also varies too much to put a price on).

Refugia - $30 for plastic tub and 2" PVC fittings. The price of sand is too variable to put in here.
Surge device - $50 (plastic tub, pvc and a powerhead)(timer optional).
Deep-sand bed $50 (a refugia is a good place to put that)

There will be a couple hundred bucks in various things that you don't think of like PVC fittings and additional hardware.

I've omitted the cost of the tank, stand, etc as that's the same whether it's salt or fresh.

My point is that there is no reason to go overboard with equipment for a reef tank. You can get a beautiful tank without putting money into a lot of extra equipment.

I would say it's comparable to a freshwater planted aquarium. The cool think is that if you build the tank and lot of the equipment yourself, and then put the $$$ into lighting and liverock.

...

When planning a reef tank, the most important aspect is that you keep it well balanced. You can't have a heavy fish load and expect the fish or inverts to do well. You can have a large number of corals if you have good lighting and good water quality (and only a few fish).

Tangs/surgeon fish are best as they can support themselves by eating algae. I try to keep feedings down to once a week, so fish that can't find their own food in the tank wouldn't do very well.

Three of the below pics are from a 200 gal reef tank at Waikiki Aquarium. Sorry the pics are so bad, all are from a movie I shot of that tank.

The first pic is of the "kalkwasser" mixer/adder. Second one is the Tunze protein skimmer. The last is a nice soft coral. Sorry all this pics are screen shots taken from a movie I took of the tank.

The 3 larger photos are just some corals from their other tanks.


LOL..there is a sink, just not in the picture. I've found that the equipment in this setup works well for my needs. I am sure I could have cut some corners, but did that with my first tank and was not happy with the results.

[Kenfish]

Very nice - must take time to care and clean.

[marine_hawaii]

LOL..there is a sink, just not in the picture. I've found that the equipment in this setup works well for my needs. I am sure I could have cut some corners, but did that with my first tank and was not happy with the results.

You might want to do some research on the "berlin method" or "Jaubert method" and strip down one of your smaller tanks to test out how it works for you.

As a note to anyone else looking to set up a reef tank, I suggest you do some reading/research on those two methods. Your main expense will be the lighting and liverock. A lot of the equipment for either method you can build yourself. So price wise, it does not need to get ridiculous (well no more so than a comparably-sized fresh water tank).

I'll post some photos of the results of these methods.

http://www.berlinmethod.com/images/new/90big.jpg


http://www.berlinmethod.com/images/photos/xenia.jpg

http://www.berlinmethod.com/images/photos/orangecapricornis.jpg

http://z.about.com/d/saltaquarium/1/0/c/_/amiralles18greef_400.JPG

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/8624/tank5jp6.jpg

http://www.elos.eu/purist/IMG_4051.jpg

[RyanP]

beautiful tank

[Goodwin9]

Got a new acquisition for the tank, a new Mustard tang currently in QT.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/mustard1-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/mustard2-1.jpg

[BIGgourami]

Got a new acquisition for the tank, a new Mustard tang currently in QT.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/mustard1-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/mustard2-1.jpg



sharp contrast.. i like it.. more so than the browner specimens

[Polyptasaurus]

wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[macallaw]

Very Very cool

[mr.reef24]

Mustard tang look's magnificent and I am so happy you take the time to Quarantine you should get an award for good judgement and proper aquarium techniques.

mr.reef24

[Myteemouse]

i agree qt is the only way to go, good on ya!

[puffcrusader696]

wow, another great fish :D and thumbs up for proper quarantining!

[Itsadeepbluesea]

wow, very nice, I have to say i'm a bit jealous:D

[Goodwin9]

wow, very nice, I have to say i'm a bit jealous:D

Thank you!

[Goodwin9]

I received a couple of new fish yesterday. They won't be going in the 470, but I thought that I would post a couple of pictures of them here. They are a pair of Platinum clowns from ORA.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/Platinum/pl8.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/Platinum/pl1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/Platinum/pl6.jpg

[RyanP]

wow those look kinda crazy, i dont know what to think about em

[redheadeartheater]

wow

[Goodwin9]

wow those look kinda crazy, i dont know what to think about emI had 5 people over at my home yesterday, 4 said they liked the looks of them and 1 said that they were ugly. One thing for sure is that they are different......

[Addikted2Cichlids]

WOW This tank and all the fish are AMAZING nothing else can be said..

[Myteemouse]

From what I've read this method is just rock and Cal. or Kalk reactor, with the addition of a skimmer..
This is the method I use...
A skimmer and a klak reactor...and water changes..You might want to do some research on the "berlin method" or "Jaubert method" and strip down one of your smaller tanks to test out how it works for you.

As a note to anyone else looking to set up a reef tank, I suggest you do some reading/research on those two methods. Your main expense will be the lighting and liverock. A lot of the equipment for either method you can build yourself. So price wise, it does not need to get ridiculous (well no more so than a comparably-sized fresh water tank).

I'll post some photos of the results of these methods.

http://www.berlinmethod.com/images/new/90big.jpg


http://www.berlinmethod.com/images/photos/xenia.jpg

http://www.berlinmethod.com/images/photos/orangecapricornis.jpg

http://z.about.com/d/saltaquarium/1/0/c/_/amiralles18greef_400.JPG

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/8624/tank5jp6.jpg

http://www.elos.eu/purist/IMG_4051.jpg

[Goodwin9]

WOW This tank and all the fish are AMAZING nothing else can be said..
Thank you!

[marine_hawaii]

From what I've read this method is just rock and Cal. or Kalk reactor...

Yea, that's basically it. It's a pretty simple method.

My feeling is that a Calcium Reactor is NOT the way to go. An inch or two of live sand will automatically give you the same benefits without the cost of the Calc Reactor, or having to "dial it in".

A deep sand filter in a refugia between the sump and the return is, in my opinion, another great idea. Simple, effective, good benefits all around. You can also put a light over the refugia and have it on during the evening hours for additional pH buffering.

I'd say if you want a really simple setup, just liverock, livesand and a protein skimmer are all that's needed. I've used that combination innumerable times and it works beyond expectations. Coral growth is basically limited by the amount of light.

Only do water top offs with Reverse Osmosis water. Only use kalkwasser (calcium water) if you are using an automated system.

Need to keep the fish load down too!

[Itsadeepbluesea]

nice addition, I've always been a fan of clowns

[puffcrusader696]

great clowns! their lips look like crazy man lips on a delicate fish lol

[Goodwin9]

nice addition, I've always been a fan of clowns
Thank you! I'm becoming fascinated with the different variations and adding a few to my collection.

[Goodwin9]

The Pearl Eye Bicinctus clowns seem to be developing streamers.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/_DSC0101.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/_DSC0145-1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/c1.jpg

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m95/goodwin9/FISH%20-%20New%20Tank/c2.jpg

[Otto_VonBacon]

god that pretty.

[kevbc03]

Maybe possibly the BEST tank on here...

[pluddy]

Thats sooo cool! Is that acrillic or glass! Great work!!!

[Goodwin9]

Maybe possibly the BEST tank on here...
Thank you!

[Goodwin9]

Thats sooo cool! Is that acrillic or glass! Great work!!!
The tank is acrylic.