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54 gal. Bow Front Corner Reef Tank
By John Fletcher “ReefAquarist”
 Hi, my name is John
Fletcher and I would like to tell you about myself, my experiences with the
saltwater hobby, I am enjoying over the last 18 years.
I am
from Coeur d’Alene, ID. I began this hobby there, and for fourteen
years continued, but not very seriously with a “fish only” tank. Then
the reef bug hit. About four years ago I purchased a 54 Gal. Bow Front
Corner Tank. It began as a dominantly LPS (Large Polyp
Stony) Corals and Softie tank, and was an up and down experience. I
had success, but also some failures. However, it became a serious
hobby slightly over three years ago when I moved my tank and my family 750
miles to Utah. Just transporting the tank, it’s water and contents,
was quite an experience (never stop quickly when carrying 54 gallons of salt
water and contents in a Jeep)!
Arriving in Utah, I located this club on the
Internet and became a member; this year will make three years. Joining has
given me the opportunity to gain more education on Reef Aquariums, and share
my knowledge with others. I enjoy my hobby and find it relaxing and
fulfilling.
 As I stated earlier my current tank
began as a LPS Coral and Softie tank, but for almost three years now, I have
transformed it into a SPS (Small Polyp Stony) dominating Coral tank, making
it a true “Reef Tank” in my eyes. It begins with 3 to 4 inches of “Live
Sand”, then an egg-crate, three-tiered shelf containing 45 – 50 lbs. of Fiji
and Tongan Rock. Upon these rocks sit over 30 different frags ranging in
age from several months old to two years old. I acquired most of my frags
and new knowledge from Brad Danielson, owner of “The Aquarium”, in Sandy, UT
(I am grateful to him for sharing these with me). Among the 30 frags are:
Acropora Yongei (AKA-Green Slimmer), Acropora Nana, Milliporas, Green and
Pink Digitata, Army Green with pink/purple Edged Montipora Capracornius, Tan
with purple Polyps Montipora Capracornius, and a Green Plating Montipora
along with several unidentified species. I also have the following fish and
invertebrates: a Citrine Goby, a mated pair of Percula Clowns, a Barnacle
Blenny, a Purple Linckia
Starfish, and
several Hermit Crabs and Snails.
 Ten months ago I removed the protein skimmer
and filter floss from the back of the tanks filtering system (which is now
used for circulation). When I did this I had a huge algae bloom,
particularly Hair and Bryopsis Algae. It took 7 to 8 months for the tank to
adjust, but to help assist in the process I placed two Lettuce Nutibranch in
the tank. This is not what I recommend for a beginner, but it is working
for me.
Five bulbs totaling 440 watts of light, light
the tank. The five bulbs consist of 1, 175 watt (10,000K, Aqualine Metal
Halide) on for ten hours. The remaining 4 bulbs (3, 24” 75 watt and 1, 18”
40 watt) are VHO Actinic 03 lighting. They are on one hour prior to the
Metal Halide, and continue on for the ten hours during, then remain on for
one hour after totaling 12 hours). The hour before and after the Metal
Halide imitates the sunrise and sunset. For circulation I use 3 – Rio
1100’s. I supplement my tank with B-ionic 2 part (calcium and alkalinity), Tropicmarin Strontium, and Kent Marine’s Expert Series Lugol's solution
(bio-available) iodine.
 Maintenance
consists of a biweekly 5 gal. RO water change mixed with Instant Ocean Salt.
I recently installed an auto top-off unit for evaporated water manufactured
by Jon Finch (the tank evaporates about seven gallons a week, so this comes
in real handy). I clean the power heads about every two to three
months and my son Jett and I clean the front glass with a magnet scraper.
This minimal amount of maintenance allows me to spend more time enjoying the
beauty of my tank and not in the upkeep of it. I also make my own fish
food; part is solid and part I liquefy which allows the corals to feed.
If you would like to come see my tank,
please e-mail me at [email protected], I love to share.
J
Hope you enjoyed this information.
John Fletcher “ReefAquarist”
More Pictures of John's Tank
   
 
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