Doug's 250, now 300, in wall build

[mr_X]

I have 4 of these fixtures over my 8' tank. The tank is 25" tall, and I have the fixtures about 8" above the water. I currently have no problem growing acropora on the sand bed. I would say one of these should cover a 30" footprint, placing LPS on the outskirts.
I lost most of a nice acropora colony, plus I am fighting a weird brown algae. Things are definitely starting to turn around however. I believe it's due to the filter socks.

 

[Sniperhank]

Interesting. When I slacked on my changes I had this odd brown algae show up too. Is it hairy and in small round clumps?

 

[mr_X]

I believe it's this stuff......

 

[Mrc8858]

I believe it's this stuff......

Like something out of a sci-fi lol

 

[mr_X]

Yes, a definite nuisance, that's for sure. But then again, I had a lot of detritus collect in areas over a short time. It was like a mud bed in spots. When I vacuumed it out, I filled multiple 5 gallon buckets with some really filthy water.
Now the crazy algae growth is slowing, but it's still there.....

 

[Sniperhank]

Incredible. Wonder what kind of algae it is.

 

[Dary421]

Wow... That's really alien looking stuff...!!!

 

[Gti_Leo]

i got a fuzzy brown algae outbreak also, its easy enough to remove it pulls off like nothing, plus my urchin loves it

 

[mr_X]

Doug,do you have any recent pictures of the Devon tank? I'd love to see it again.

I was doing a water change Saturday and snapped these top downs with my phone. Sorry for the reflections....but you'll get the general idea how these corals are digging the Taotronics fixtures..

 

[Dary421]

I was doing a water change Saturday and snapped these top downs with my phone. Sorry for the reflections....but you'll get the general idea how these corals are digging the Taotronics fixtures..

Wow!!! That monti is incredible!!!! How long has it been in the tank?

 

[mr_X]

It started as a small frag around 3 years ago I think. About the size of a silver dollar.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Wow, the monti is stunning. I'm glad the light has worked for you

 

[Sniperhank]

Beautiful Doug.

 

[jjamontan]

I have been following for a year now and just wanted to post how great everything always looks. I look forward to posts on your tank now that work may be slowing down

 

[Dary421]

It started as a small frag around 3 years ago I think. About the size of a silver dollar.

Wow., I had no idea that they could possibly grow that fast !! Kinda looks like one of those spiral cut hams you'd see around the holidays... My lfs has one that looks like a giant alien head of cabbage,..truly amazing looking when they grow and morph out.,. I think I better find a spot for one in my tank!!

 

[mr_X]

Ok. Some tank shots of late. Still working through a nutrient problem, but I believe I'm making headway.
First, a shot of the strange algae-

This stuff is everywhere at the moment. It's finally slowing in growth, but it's been a headache, to say the least.

Here's a shot through the side of the tank-

And assorted corals-

 

[mr_X]

A few more...

And I just brought this guy home. It's been sitting in the tank at the devon Fitness Club since I moved out of the area. I was waiting until my tank stabilized, but I'm tired of waiting, so I grabbed it and put it in the frag tank for now...

...also lit with a TaoTronics unit

 

[Convict2161]

That's just amazing really is!! I know I'm new to saltwater only having a year in BUT... I can really appreciate your tank and all the hard work that goes into it.

Thanks for sharing and thank you for inspiring me! When I buy a house I hope to have a tank like that.

Dino

 

[TommyP]

Awesome tank - really goreous

 

[Sniperhank]

Just great Doug. Strangely, that algae you have is reminding me of what is collecting on my power heads, just longer. I changed out the resin and still have .04 tds. Basically think the eventual move away from well water is needed so I can get ahead of these nutrients.

Is that a scoly that you got? I've never seen a yellow one. That is quite striking.