agsansoo

I have been in the saltwater reefing hobby now for 3 years, and if I would have gave up at the first sign of trouble I would not be here today. Every day I see so many new and old reefers leaving this hobby. Problems develop in our tanks and they frustrating and very depressing. Not to mention the very bad economy that we find ourselves in these days. IMO, in the end this is a wonderful hobby. I'm still learning so much every day from everyone in this hobby. I hope in turn to return the favor.

My three year journey started with a few trips to a few LFS in my area. Getting good advise was scarce to say the least. They can smell a noobie coming a mile away, and see their opportunity to unload old outdated equipment. That old saying still holds true, "let the buyer beware". So please do your research. That's why sites like FishLore are so very important. It gives people just starting out, a place to get advise from people that have been through the headaches, so they don't have to, over and over again.

agsansoo

OK enough said, now for the pictures.

The beginning - Nov 2006


Jan-2007


Jul-2007


The Day I Went bare bottom - Nov-2007




Feb - 2008


Sep - 2008


Dec-2008

agsansoo

This Year - 2009









Dec-2009

agsansoo

aquatic mouse

Wow! It's GORGEOUS!

agsansoo

As per Matt's request, my water parameters.
SG - 1.026
pH 8.2
Nitrates -(don't test that often) PPM
Cal - 420
Alk 8.0 DKH
Mag 1300
phos 0.0 (test not accurate)

agsansoo

Tony G.

this is amazing! i love seeing before and after photos! i love how it goes from very little live rock, to a ton LOL

peacemaker92

Gorgeous indeed! It's like your own marine life at home! Well done and what a journey you've had. It's so amazing to see the differences in your tank, how it gets to good to AMAZING and GORGEOUS! Congrats!

agsansoo

That's because live rock is sooooo expensive !

Tony G.

Borisbbadd

I think that about says it all.

Mike

These progression picture threads are so cool. Especially with digital cameras nowadays its a good reminder to those just starting out to take pics regularly so they can track their progress. It's cool to look back on it later.

Andy - great pics as always. You have soooo many frags... I see a much bigger tank in your future. Great job.
Mike

agsansoo

Thanks Mike. Me and the wife have been talking about a tank upgrade soon. Just wish the economy would get better ! LOL

ATP

wow. nice pics and awesome tanks. I really like to see the progression. Look at your first pic and then automatically look at your current tank. It's a lot different.

How big might the upgrade be?

agsansoo

Thanks. I'm look at around 100-120 gallon. Not that much of a difference. People with 200-300 gallon tanks have way too many problems.

Mystic54

Wow, your tank is one of those "it takes my breath away" type tanks. So gorgeous! And thank you for the timeline, thats just amazing!

jana

AWESOME tank!

Matt

AAAA-MMMM-AAAA-ZZZZ-IIII-NNNN-GGGG Tank ANDY!

Thanks for posting your water params andy. Now may i ask How do you keep your tank so clean because in my big tank there is loads of tiny little bubble sort of things flying around in the water which i really hate.

Your timeline is amazing my red sea maxs anniversary soon

I hope when you and your wife were talking about an upgrade you mentioned that you are leaving this tank just the way it is

Cheers Mate,

Matt

TedsTank

WOW!!! Nice!! Your 3 year journey has paid off for you....in growth and learning and creating a beautiful enviroment for your fish. May we all have such voyages!!!

nemo addict

Love the tank ,, that monti plate is growing nice and fast, do you find it easier to keep your levels down with bare bottom ??

Martinismommy

Your hard work and dedication has always impressed me.....I think the pictures tell the story of what a true saltie lover is all about....Keep up the good work and please share photos more often I LOVE looking at them!

agsansoo

Yes, bare bottom is IMO easier to maintain. Nutrient levels lower, water volume greater.

agsansoo

Thanks MM !

agsansoo

I dose probiotics (Brightwell's NeoZeo). Adding bacteria to the tank three times a week keeps the water very clear. Along with running carbon in a phosphate reactor. Filter screen (no sock) for the large particles, and there you go.

Matt

Do you think it is worth while for me investing in a phosphate reactor?

Where do you get that brightwells NeoZeo in USA because my family and i are heading over to the Big US of A in roughly a month and i will definetely put some of that on my list

Cheers,

Matt

Matt

Also how do you filter screen?

And in your honest opinion do you think i should make my big tank Bare Bottom because i sure could do without the hassle of coming home from school and seeing lots of green algae on the sand although i know you will still get algae in a BB tank i am sure it will be sufficiently less.

Cheers Andy,

Matt

nemo addict

I have a sand sifting star and sand goby for this so never had a problem,, I run a phosphate reactor with rowaphos and course filter sponge, I use a filter sock 100 micron to catch larger particles and left over food and have a hermit in there to keep that clean I have hermits in each section of my sump and a emerald/mithrax crab in display this tend s to keep it nice and clean and low levels . all i need now to complete my system is a co2 calcium reactor and a digital ph controller

Peffico

That's incredible! Very cool love it.

Amanda

Your tank is breathtaking!