• My RIF

  • Jennifer5784

Greetings to all sea enthusiasts! I've decided to showcase my creation for public viewing and discussion. To share my experience and the mistakes I've made along the way. My aquarium holds 560 liters of water (length 130cm, width 60cm, height 75cm) and has two sumps. 1. Sump 120x41x55 – 250 liters of water. 2. Sump 55x45x75 – 180 liters of water. The entire system holds approximately 1000 liters of water.

Nicole7268

This aquarium was launched twice (due to relocation to another place). In the first launch on May 17, 2005, it looked like this:

Jacqueline6670

Wow In a word, hello Ray, I'm glad that worthy systems have started to appear on this forum, it is quite possible that this will lead to greater popularization of marine aquaristics. p.s. Ray, the photo sizes are very large, not everyone will be able to view them.

Chelsea

the second launch was in March 2006. it looked like this:

Jennifer9100

Many people have consulted me, shown me, and helped me in building the aquarium. Special thanks to the forum and also to Igor (virus), Maxim (amp;), e, u, and Alexey. I wanted to pay tribute, share my experience, and hear criticism. I will tell the story gradually but with illustrations. Most of the equipment in the aquarium has been modified and tuned, some made from scratch. The system is based on biological filtration; there is not a single sponge, yet the water is clear. The aquarium has 120 kg of live rock (LR) with a 10 cm layer of Shumovsky aragonite sand, approximately 120 kg. Photos of the live rocks.

Jessica8898

a couple of photos

Linda

Hi Ray! Congratulations on launching the topic about your mega jar! After the posts from your sea and Maxim, I noticed a specific outflow of people from the freshwater section to the marine section. Will you share the overall plan for the aquarium today?

Brandy1134

Hello, Rey! It's very good that you decided to post a description of your aquarium on this forum as well. P.S. A request to all forum participants: please do not start a debate about whether saltwater or freshwater is better in Rey's thread. MODERATORS, please move any emerging debate to a separate thread.

Mary

I support it! P.S: it's all clear anyway...

John3142

guys, you need to go here

Chad231

Post photos of sea grasses. Let people take a look and admire the selection.

Caroline1599

Yes, the equipment is just like in a spaceship! I am amazed and thrilled! It's incredible that such a SYSTEM was created! It's clear that everything was done meticulously and with passion by HAND!

Ashley5975

Here is a photo of the herbs. I recommend Hitomorpha (photo 1). I am satisfied with it. It removes harmful substances during the growth process, grows not too quickly, and does not have sexual reproduction, being the only one.

Jeremy8404

And in the forum's photo gallery?

Karen81

Would you like to post them on my website? Create a page for yourself and go ahead... If anything, look for me in the evening on ICQ...

Darlene4238

Hi Ray, Tell me how your filtration system is organized.

Johnny

I can recommend this for photos.

Adam

Hello, Ray! The aquarium is in excellent condition; you can feel the hard work and soul put into it. I wish you SUCCESS!

Lori4746

At one time, my limit was doubled (at the request of the public to the forum organizers), but after the forum was hacked, everything returned to normal, so the limit is the same as everyone else's. That's why I try to post links to the photos, while the photos themselves are hosted on the forum.

Marie5348

Hello, Ray() So, do we need to manage two topics? Or should I just post photos without text? I won't have enough time for two forums (the second child is about to be born).

Nicholas5194

Write to him, he will increase it, he increased it to 10 MB for me, there is space and possibility now. But still, I make the size of the photos no larger than 400x300, otherwise even 10 won't be enough.

Jacob7201

10 meters is also not enough, it's easiest to go to the gallery. There is no personal limit there, you just need to register again. With some tricks, you can also insert previews from there.

James4757

Yes, it's a pity there are no photos; the description turned out to be somewhat dry. However, in my opinion, you can attach two tones to this aquarium system, and it won't notice. Everything is done with care and meticulousness (+ cooling).

Nicole

Hi, Ray! Great rhyme you came up with!!! Congratulations!!! But I just noticed the acrapores ;-)! How are they doing? What additives are you using???

Jamie3553

Hi Ray, It seems like you have new animals, and you've done something with the lighting, and your camera is not ordinary. In a word - show it!

Tammy2040

A couple of photos Maxim, your coral almost took up the entire stone.

Frank7213

Did you have an Aquamedic skimmer in your first aquarium? Share your observations and features of its operation. What prompted the need for its modifications?

James

I will say about the flator, the difference before and after the modification is like night and day. For the reef with SPS corals, a large power reserve is needed to remove all the dirt without sponges. Aquamedic skimmers can be perfectly modified for injectors within two days.

Michelle

A new resident, if they will live.

Hannah

What kind of monster is this?

Charles

Luxurious monster. Who is it? Where did you get it? Ray, it seems you've outdone me. My cantigaster is resting.

Troy8808

Hello, Ray! It will live, lobsters do well in an aquarium and grow VERY quickly, but it will cause a lot of worries, it will snap at all the small snails, and the corals don't really like it when this monster runs around and bothers them with its antennae. I had one like that, had to get rid of it when its antennae reached halfway across the aquarium...

Lee425

Photo of new inhabitants If anyone has kept them, please share what to feed them?

Mike

cool "snake". Where do you buy them - can you share "fishy" places?

Emily3144

This is a Rina moray eel that has been waiting for 3 months and costs 160-200 USD depending on the size.

Keith7534

Helmon feeds on small crustaceans and worms living on rocks. In captivity, it is reluctant to eat dry food, but can be trained to accept live bloodworms and tubifex. Rina is quite an interesting animal; it is fascinating to observe and is rather exotic in both color and shape, as well as behavior. Try offering a shrimp, although it may sit for a long time without taking anything.

Michelle1505

The nosy one has already worn me out, almost like in the movie "The Thinner." I have to feed him specially, 3-4 times a day, and I keep a tube feeder in the fridge just for him. For a couple of weeks, the seller was feeding him and didn't pay attention to him; I didn't instruct him - we almost lost him, he was already like a Koshchei. And he was gaining weight slowly, as I mentioned before.

Stuart

Hey! Be careful with the moray eel! It's a very quick creature and can jump out of the aquarium!!!

Maria6659

Helmon eats aephtazia, but can also pull fan worms out of the house!

Joyce

it's rare to see, but when you do,

Cheyenne2747

Aiptasia is definitely being eaten, it has disappeared as a species in the 300-liter aquarium, but it is present in Nemo.

Cassandra7840

A few photos.

Melissa3820

The flame angelfish is very good... The photo turned out to be of high quality; it's very difficult to photograph this fish. When I had mine, no matter how much I tried to take pictures, I couldn't get a good one...

Leonard

I agree with you. Sometimes you take photos of some creatures and nothing good remains in memory, but sometimes you get lucky. I did a photoshoot of a zoanthid and it died; it refused all food due to starvation, but a lobster grabbed it and tried to shove it into its mouth. Maxim gave a fragment of Pachyclavularia spp. and it has already grown.

Amy9618

New residents. In the first photo, what should I feed this fish?

Danielle9144

The first one feeds only on arapora polyps.

Thomas1044

The fish is called Oxymonacanthus longirostris, or the Long-snouted Unicorn. It is considered one of the brightest filefish. They feed on Acropora polyps, and it is challenging to acclimate them to artificial feeds. This peaceful fish lives in the Red Sea.

Craig7302

You probably shouldn't have bought it.

Stacy6866

Ray, excuse me, could you please participate in my project if it's not too much trouble?

Joshua3019

Senya, call me, and I will call you back from my unlimited plan and tell you everything.

Daniel4967

A few new photos

Tiffany5069

Oh, soulful.

Meghan

Ray Tkach, hello! I would like to inquire about how and where to purchase cleaner shrimp? I would also like to buy anemones and a lot of other live creatures... I will be waiting for your response.

Angela7060

A delivery will arrive for Lesha soon.

Kenneth7331

The delivery will not be with Lesha, but with Rey!! Please note, dear Pavel.

Dana4701

What’s the difference? Is anything changing? It’s Lesha who orders, adapts, and sells the fish.

Sharon

NO COMMENTS!!

David4968

How can I find the phone numbers of marine life sellers? And where will the delivery be (city)?

Richard

in Kyiv I sent the phone number in a private message

Tracey

Gyyyy... let's go, comrades!!!

Jacqueline6670

A year after the last post, the corals have grown and are pressing against the walls of the aquarium. If anyone is interested: what do I feed them?, what do I add?, what equipment do I use?, what light do I have? Feel free to ask, I will answer any questions related to reefs. I took the photos with a small underwater digital camera.

Amy9618

There are corals 50 cm wide.

Erica752

Can I have a general photo of the current aquarium?

Debra

The tank is just awesome. Tell me what and how. Light, water parameters, additives. In general, share your experience.

Richard2180

Ray, what question did you ask? And I am interested in what supplements? Best regards.

Kimberly4253

So beautiful! It would be great to have a caption with the title... That would be really cool!

Stuart

Additives Mainly, the calcium reactor with a special assembled filler handles it, balancing the system with balling. Feeding corals Mix: oysters + cyclopeeze + spirulina + plankton sublimat. Light 2x250W 22000K and 1x400W 22000K Radium Luminaire 2x54W actinics All ballasts are electronic Actinics 12 hours, halogen 10 hours.

Patricia

Wow, you are just a killer! A killer with a capital letter! Well done!

Tiffany5069

Water parameters: I don't do any tests except for Ca 300, KH 6, Mg 1200. The pH computer shows 8.9, res 450, salt 1.026, T - 27°C.

Ryan

Hey, great. We want a general view with a mirror effect!!! P.S. I would like to get a piece of that coral that reached 50 cm - the shape is nice!!!

David2398

Hey, the corals look just great. The growth is also impressive, and the colors are very vibrant. After my last visit, the corals have significantly grown, and I think it's time to rearrange the corals and provide the forum members with broken fragments. I really want to see an overall view of the aquarium... And also, share your impressions of using "Radium" lamps.

Rick

Ray, please tell me. Are hard ones only kept with hard ones, or is it still possible to keep soft and hard ones together? Personally, I couldn't manage it. I tried with three people, and none of them survived. Or maybe there’s something wrong with the water parameters, and what would you advise me to do in my situation?

Guy

I categorically support it!

Steven757

Can you provide more details about coal and resins? Which manufacturers, what quantity is needed, how often should it be changed?

Javier5186

more about carbon and resins: carbon Rowa carbon - the best carbon Seachem carbon is very good carbon Eheme carbon is also suitable carbon Resins Seachem Purigen Chemi pur - carbon + resins + anti-phosphate ion exchange resins We place carbon in the reef for two weeks, then take a two-week break and repeat Resins as needed, but should be on hand

Tammy2040

Chemi Pure is an amazing product - I have an experimental aquarium with 110 liters without a skimmer and water changes for six months.

Alec9378

What is the purpose of a break?

Spencer7805

...it's clear that this is good coal and resin. But where (from whom) can I buy them peacefully? Best regards,

Keith7534

Well, of course, at the ray.

Wendy

A break is needed so that SPS corals do not lose their color; we are talking about quite strong absorbers, so a break is necessary. They are almost always in stock, but don't think this is an advertisement; if you are going to trade something, it should be the best and most effective.

Todd8452

Where does the information come from that corals are bleached by coal? Or are you putting it in by the kilogram?

Steven

I wonder how much coal and... resin is used for such an aquarium. To be honest, I don't quite understand (maybe I'm still a novice) why ion exchange resin is placed in an aquarium?

David4968

Here are the results of the recent phosphate tests. The sources were not rinsed, the water had 0 phosphates, and the TDS meter showed 2. After 24 hours, the Salifert test yielded the following results. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Activated Filter Carbon - 1ppm Coralife Pelletized Activated Carbon - 0ppm ESV Granular Activated Carbon - 0.25ppm BRS Reef Carbon - 0.03ppm HBH Aqua-Pure High Density Carbon - 1ppm Fineland Black Diamond - 1ppm Seachem Matrix Carbon - 0.03ppm Two Little Fishies HydroCarbon2 Granular Activated Carbon - 0ppm

Joseph9203

What is the purpose of the test? What does a TDS meter have to do with it???

Jesse

Very interesting about TDS. What was the result after 24 hours? If there was an initial measurement, what was it? An increase in electrical conductivity may indicate the presence of salts in the coal.

Monique1236

It's easier to use a phosphate test. Take, for example, Tetra carbon, soak it for a couple of days. The phosphate test will go off the charts!

Mark

I would like to see a link to the original source; I think there won't be any mistakes like the phosphate level in ppm, since it is measured in mg/L. However, if you measure the conductivity of DI water with carbon, the readings can be up to 999 ppm.

Samuel6138

I agree, if the Sichevsky coal is not thoroughly washed, it becomes a swamp. Rovavsky is better in this regard.

Joseph591

By the way, what do you think of this company, particularly Antifos?

Joshua8425

By the way, this photo with the TDS meter was shown to visually demonstrate how much coal adds to conductivity, and similar results will be seen with any coal. This all points to the fact that the purity and quality of coal cannot be checked using a TDS meter. Regarding the quality of the product from Sichema, specifically the anti-phosphate, even though I haven't used it, I am almost certain that it is at the same high level as the DI cartridges, Purigen, and the coal that I use. Sorry for the off-topic.

Breanna9982

Yes, I understand that phosphates cannot be measured with TDS. P.S. We don't have any other anti-phosphate at the moment, that's why I asked for advice...

Laura7633

1 ppm = 1 mg/L

Joseph6461

Everything is correct, but I would still like to see the link.

Cynthia6578

Yes, TDS meter is not relevant. The parameters of the source water were taken. We added 50g of carbon from each manufacturer that was available. Each sample was filled with 250 ml of this source water, and after 24 hours, we checked the phosphate levels using a Salifert phosphate test. That's it. We got what we got. Considering that phosphate levels affect the growth and color of corals, we can draw conclusions about which carbon is better and which needs further work to reduce phosphate levels. We know the critical phosphate level for the normal development of corals. P.S. In America, no one uses mg/l; they use ppm.

Martin3206

Rey, tell me why you chose these controllers: -ph controller -mv controller -lf controller I’m specifically interested in their manufacturer, Aquamedic. Why not Tunze? Are they cheaper or more reliable, or did you choose them for some other reasons? How do their prices compare? I just can’t understand which is more reliable and of better quality. Tunze is a German company; is the assembly also theirs, or am I mistaken? And whose production is Aquamedic? I just want to buy equipment for my aquarium once; I don’t have extra money.

Jeremy

My first controller was Tunze, and I was very dissatisfied with it; it broke after six months. If you want to spend money once and be satisfied, I recommend buying Aquamedic controllers, or there's a new computer made in Kharkiv that I've heard is good; I will definitely try this new product.

Stephanie3084

Ray, please share your opinion (review) about this trio "Multicontroler (current control) of two stream pumps (Tunze)." I understand that you have the Multicontroller 7095; what pumps do you have? Is this trio worth the money or not?

Jessica5348

I have a Multicontroller 7095 in my aquarium, along with two 20,000-liter pumps and a wave box. For four years, I haven't had any complaints; I disassemble and clean it from calcium deposits once a year. Currently, the old model of pumps is produced in China, and their quality has, to put it mildly, declined, while the new model of flow pumps is made in Germany, and I haven't heard of them breaking down en masse. There are practically no alternatives to Tunze pumps, which is disappointing. If I were to buy a flow system at this moment, I would choose the Multicontroller 7096 and two controllable pumps 6105. The price is steep at 700 euros, but they are worth it.

Debra8438

The alternative to Tunze pumps is very good - Vortech pumps. They take up less space in the aquarium and work better.

Christopher1252

Denis, can you guarantee the long and trouble-free operation of the Vortech pump for about five years? It hasn't been properly tested, there is no warranty service, no spare parts, it's not available for sale, and there's nothing to compare it to; the cost is higher than the stream.

Alicia5489

Ray, this is purely your opinion and Vortech has not been tested by you... If there was a statement that Vortech would come with a warranty, then it will come with a warranty and all the parts will be included. But you give warranties such that I have to replace the equipment at my own expense for the client I referred to you. And about the prices, who are you to talk!!! Your prices for Chinese pumps are higher than Vortech's.

Jason9952

Regarding the Vortech... I saw this pump in action in our city with a controller. It's a good thing and it's well organized that the torque transmission goes not in the water, but through glass! But... as always, nothing is perfect. On the outside, you will have a piece the size of half a medium orange hanging and it sticks out about 5 cm... a wire hangs from it. You can't place this pump flush against the wall. It won't fit in a cabinet. If the end side of the aquarium is visible, it won't look very neat in terms of hanging wires.

Anthony

So there are unhappy clients???

Michelle9986

I understand that the Tunze or, for example, Resun pumps, which are three times larger and have magnetic mounts, will look more aesthetically pleasing in the aquarium?

Susan1358

Everyone should choose what suits them best. I was asked, and I answered the question as I would have if I were buying a current.

Tracey

So what costs 700 euros? 2 pumps?

Amy

Regarding prices, I found a website but I'm not sure how accurate the prices are at the moment. 1. Multicontroller 7095 7095 - 227.30 EUR 2. Multicontroller 7096 7096 - 138.00 EUR 3. Controlled pumps Turbelle® stream 6105 6105 - 272.00 EUR

Lisa

controller and two pumps

Leonard

All my pets are getting ready to move to a 3000-liter tank, finally there will be space to spread out. I'll post photos once the dust settles.

Wanda666

Ray Tkach, in the apartment?

Reginald5073

Understood. Thank you. In America, this entire set costs significantly less because for 700 euros you can buy 2 large Vortecs with remote control and also get a backup battery included. It's pointless to compare. If I remember correctly, the TUNZE 6105 pump has a limited warranty of 24 months. It's unclear why you suddenly demand a 5-year warranty on the Vortec.

Justin9867

And the most interesting thing is that the Vortex will last for 5 years. All the electronics are outside, and the only thing in the aquarium is the propeller. In theory, it can't get jammed. But there are questions about the new tunings...

Michael3221

No, there are no questions about the new Tunzes; everything is already clear with them. When choosing between Vortech, the new Coralies Magnum, especially at 12V, particularly with a controller for 4 pumps and Tunze, the latter is considered last. I'm telling you this as a seller. The statistics are right at hand. The sales of Tunze are very low.

Brian6895

Can I take a look at your online store? Please provide the link!

Andrew419

Take a look at this, I think it will satisfy you.

Nicole2404

I understand that the balancing of the rotor and stator is done manually and by eye... this minimizes vibration and noise during the operation of the vortex... but it is impossible to achieve perfect alignment! Therefore, over time, the impeller will "grind" the mounting bushings, and the vortex will be done for at 400 hours? In the corals and tunes, everything is set up at the factory, and in the video (vortex-40, the first video), it is not only visible but also clearly audible how the impeller starts to rattle in the water... What questions do you have about the new tunes? I want to buy a set for myself... please enlighten me.

Andrea8397

Good evening everyone I created this topic to avoid flooding in the Rey I invite everyone interested in discussing Tunze or VorTech to come here

Wesley

Many people in Kharkiv have these pumps. It will be easier for you to figure out what is what on the spot.

Stacy6866

Hey, when will you post the photo of the 3-ton truck? I really want to see how it turned out.

Kenneth7331

Today I received 400W light bulbs, tomorrow I will take photos of everything.

Zoe7451

So, how did it go? Did the photos turn out well?

Curtis9143

The sand hasn't settled, we'll have to wait.

Kevin3114

The whole country is literally glued to their monitors, waiting for the sand to settle, but the sand just won't settle for days now! Maybe it's the SUPER FAT pumps that are hitting it at 1000 EDAK EVROV?

Dana6523

SANDSTORM!!!!

Kendra2262

You can view the photo here. The storm has passed. Two corals are already in the aquarium.

Kristen1161

It's a bit empty, maybe add some stones.

Danny

Hello. The photos haven't impressed me yet. You can't see anything in them. Some blue (white balance!!!) What current will there be in the future? Where is the entire filtration system located (I understand it's not in the sump)? P.S. I understand you temporarily placed the corals. The design hasn't been approved yet!

Larry9400

What kind of glass was used?

Crystal4879

In my opinion, there is clearly not enough current. Maybe there will be wave boxes there?

George5104

The glass seems to be 19, but let Ray say more precisely. The current is a bit weak; right now it's almost empty there. If you look closely, the lower pumps are reaching the bottom (you can slightly see the movement of sand on the bottom, from the ends of the aquarium). Later, when the rocks are added, something will need to be done, as there will likely be stagnant areas on the sides.

Joseph1346

It is unimaginable to picture what such a "machine" will look like in about 5-6 years. There are all the prerequisites to hope that it will be one of those most impressive works of art that some of our colleagues already have. Good luck to you in your noble work!

Deborah2682

The size of the aquarium is 3000x1200x850, the size of the sump is 1500x600x500, and 12500 was spent on the glass. Strength.

Ryan

This aquarium is bound to become a top attraction at Reef Central over time!

Phillip9722

It's strange that there are so few nasty comments. We need more dirt.

Johnny

We will strive, but this is not only my job, but also my team's.

Jeffrey496

So the sand has settled! We are all closely watching the developments, very happy for Rey and the corals. Time will tell!

Leah

Maybe I misunderstood, but I hope that along with the sand, the wave of hostility has settled as well. Does anyone know what the largest SPS reef is right now? Is there more than three tons?

Stephen

I would like to see photos of the equipment. What principles are incorporated into the filtration system? (algae scrubber, DSB, balling, calcium reactor...???)

Diana3118

Is this a joke?

Sydney

DSB, calcium reactor + balling for balance correction two injector skimmers and a chiller

Zachary

It is very possible. Money, desire, opportunities, a good landscaper, and the Golden Key in your pocket.

James5032

the wave has not settled, but has calmed down. It's not about the size of the reef, but about its VIABILITY! WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE A PHOTO OF THIS REEF IN A MONTH, TWO, SIX MONTHS! JUST LIKE THE AQUARIUMS OF HAPPY CLIENTS! Go! Win, EVERYONE BELIEVES IN YOU!

Patricia

I agree with you, but that's not all.

Richard

No, it's not a joke! It's serious! THERE ARE APRIL ISSUES!

Michele9664

Ten days have passed. The sand has settled long ago, the corals are installed and growing! Look, everyone, how beautiful everything is! - This is exactly the message we expect from you, dear Ray! Or "we are providing technical support and it's illogical to travel 100 km"? Or maybe they don't let you into Kudri anymore? Just like to the one you messed up? People in Moscow are already talking about it! You should be ashamed! Pavel, sorry for the off-topic.

Joseph2576

Did you open a blog here?

Jessica5348

I don't think we should go to extremes and lump everything together... This work is not finished yet; there is an opportunity to do everything properly.

Jennifer7159

Hey, how is your aquarium doing?

Jesse3979

Everything is great, I will post the photos soon, the corals are growing.