I thought I would take a look at the animals that really drive the reef aquarium hobby. It is the animals that make up the base structure of the wild reefs, its the vibrant colors that we all drool over, and the small joy we feel when we notice our favorite colony has grown a few new polyps.
To me coral are among the most "alien" animals that we share the planet Earth with. Most of the general public does not and will never realize that these animals exist with us. I think the one thing that separates us from these unique animals is that they have an infinite life span! I have found a few videos that show just how alive these animals are.
There are different kinds of coral in the world and I will show you a few different ones. The first is a video that shows five kinds of Xiena.
Next up is one of the corals that is near to extinction, the Stag Horn. This video is a time lapse that shows the corals growth over two years.
Some different shots of coral up close. Taken by a local hobbyist by a handle on Michiganreefers.com of Poseidon
We all need inspiration for what we do in life and the same goes for our hobbies. What I am about to show you is a system that I am trying to model off of. The tank belongs to a hobbyist in Michigan that owns a very nice reef. His name is SonnyHarajly.
It has been a couple years since I have had a system that I could be proud of. Since I shut down my 100 gallon system a few years ago, I have kept a 2.5 gallon pico with good success. The plan was to wait until I get a house to go all out with an in-wall and a "man cave" of a equipment room. Well, plans change and while the house is looking like it will be on the horizon, I am building a system that I can enjoy now.
I would like to document this and will be posting pictures of every point of the progress and growth.
This all started because my friend is moving in 3 months. Since I currently have all of my expensive SPS in his system, I want a system that will be able to house them in a better (more stable) environment than I can provide with my current 2.5 gal.
So, I have about 3 months to have the system cycled and ready for my SPS to return home. That means I have to get off my butt and get this tank going like yesterday.
I love the rimless look and I had Great Lakes custom make a 20 gallon long because it is the same size as my friends tank. I was going to use his lights and they were going to fit just the same. Since the initial conversations, plans have changed slightly and the short of it is that I will be using half of his lights ( 1 out of 2 T5HO ) and my own LEDs.
I have been accumulating equipment in preparation for the build and am almost done. The most important part is getting the tank cycled as soon as possible, So the return pump is arriving in two days and I should have water in it by the weekend. I have a very busy schedule with 55 hours at work and attending Walsh, so this is not the best time but I am exited.
Now down to the goodies....I don't like to think about how much I spent on this little 20 gallon, but I feel that every single thing I will be able to utilize on my next larger system.
Equipment:
Drilled, rimless, 20 gallon long with black silicone
I give this system its own desk top computer for internet and use my Android to graph and monitor it in real time where ever I am at with a live stream web cam
10 gallon auto top off holding tank
No name protein skimmer (until I save up for a decent one)
72''L x 27''W 40''H DIY stand with separate electrical compartment, building this right now...
Live Stock:
Just about SPS only (maybe a few cool zoos but not much)
Fish? I don't know yet, not concerned since I enjoy coral much more. I am partial to wrasses though.
The whole time I was planning a high flow bare bottom, but I might have a shallow sand bed. (still on the fence with this one, but I think I am almost off) my current 2.5 is a BB
Here is the assembly of the system and shortly after I filled it with water with a video at the end:
