Nart's Lagoon Build - Round 2!!!

[Nart]

I hate how cameras never catch anything like the eye does in person. However.... that pops even in the picture! I think when you get your big tank you should get one of those red electric clams. My LFS has them and they're super cool loooking.

I heard those flame scallops aka electric clams are very hard to keep in captive.
Man... I really can't wait to settle down into my forever home already so I can start my dream build. I think some plans have changed and I am going to go with a small clam as a center piece and just let it grow out and design all the rock-scape and corals around it.
Love clams... as you seen on my instagram account lol.

 

[jamie carmichael]

Love your clam! Do you feed him/her? Just out of curiousity what would be your dream tank build be?

 

[xiholdtruex]

That's one sexy maxima, I always wondered how hard they were to keep

 

[Nart]

That's one sexy maxima, I always wondered how hard they were to keep

Love your clam! Do you feed him/her? Just out of curiousity what would be your dream tank build be?

Pretty hard to keep. The maxima clam actually just died on me over the weekend for no reason.
I feed it phytoplankton and saw it exhibit feeding behavior too.

Jamie - my dream build is ever evolving lol. But ideally, 3 QT tanks and a 93-120 gallon cube tank with a corner overflow.
1 QT tank for fish, the other 2 QT tanks would be for corals in a two step QT process before it ever goes into the display tank.
I love cube corner tanks. I would run a huge chaeto refugium in the bottom, along with the Triton method, where you no longer have to perform any water changes.
Stocking, would probably be a pair of Biota Mandarins along with a Kole or Yellow tang.
Fill the entire tank up with rainbow/gold Acans, jawbreaker mushrooms, and 1-2 designer specie zoas.

 

[Lchi87]

sorry you lost the maxima A bummer, especially when it seemed to be eating..

 

[jamie carmichael]

Aww I'm sorry to hear that. On the bright side, your dream tank build seems awesome hope you get it one day!

 

[HarryPotter]

Pretty hard to keep. The maxima clam actually just died on me over the weekend for no reason.

Things like that don't happen for no reason, they happen for a reason that we may not yet understand.

Sorry to hear about the clam

 

[Nart]

Things like that don't happen for no reason, they happen for a reason that we may not yet understand.

Sorry to hear about the clam

Of course. I should've said "I had no idea what caused it"
Thanks all about the clam... it's okay though, I knew going into this that it was going to be a challenge.

On another note... I saw these mushrooms from WWC's eBay sale last night and just had to have 'em.
Starting to become a rare mushroom collector... the addiction for corals is real...


(Pictures are taken from WWC's eBay posts during my purchase of these frags)

 

[Nanologist]

I'm trippin' over that Blue Star shroom and now I want one badly! The addiction is too real!

 

[HarryPotter]

Ive had such hit and miss luck with mushrooms, I think due to my strong lighting and low nutrients. I do have some really cool spotted mushrooms that have spread a lot.

 

[Nart]

Alright ya'll... so I gave in and some WWC shopping. What in the world am I doing getting more corals? lol. coral addict. I swear.

At the very top is the bowerbanki, left is a favite, the middle is war coral, and the right is a micromussa.


I posted this pic on my Instagram... I am in love with my mushroom collection. I'm going to be hunting for a bounce mushroom next to complete my collection
From right to left: baby jawbreaker, ultra blue star, and the interstellar.

 

[Culprit]

I love that war coral. I think I need one!

Speaking of bounce mushrooms, they're weird haha. But I saw a big 2-3 inch one at the new fish store I went to. Bright orange bubbles with red base. It was cool and pretty and wacked out. I think my favorite is the interstellar. I think you need an eclectus mushroom. Someone posted one on my local forum for $1200 plus shipping. Jaw dropped haha.

 

[Nart]

I do like the colors on an electus mushroom... I'll wait till the hype is over on the shrooms and the prices comes down some.
I'm willing to shell out $300-500 on rare ones, but not in the upwards of $1k

 

[stella1979]

I love that war coral. I think I need one!

Dooo it Colin! I love my war coral too, and you just can't beat the confidence a fast grower gives you.

 

[jamie carmichael]

Nart I saw you in Inappropriate reefers video. Your tanks look absolutely stunning! That 10 gallon is full of corals! Also some really good advice you gave. Appreciate what you are doing for beginner saltwater aquarists like me, honestly.

 

[Tanks and Plants]

Hey Ben! Wow it looks like your really enjoying your saltwater tanks! I’m happy for you! You have progressed from freshwater to a saltwater expert! I still on the other hand is a “freshie”. But I did finally get my dream fish! This past week at my Honolulu Aquarium Society meeting I was able to pick up 5 L046 or as we all know as Zebra Plecos. I got them from a young but VERY experienced breeder. Keep it up Ben! And did you ever get to use the media I sent you? If you did please let me know your VERY HONEST thoughts.

Take care Ben!

Brandon

Sorry to hijack your saltwater thread! But I wanted to share this with a old-time friend!








This set-up is a temporary as I will be changing the caves and then rescaping it. The biggest problem I am facing is the I have 3 thermometers and ALL 3 have different temps. And the saddest part is that the regular style (old school) thermometer is WAY off. I already ordered a better heater, which has an electronic temp reading so I’ll hopefully know which thermometer is reading at the correct temp.

 

[Tanks and Plants]

Alright ya'll... so I gave in and some WWC shopping. What in the world am I doing getting more corals? lol. coral addict. I swear.

At the very top is the bowerbanki, left is a favite, the middle is war coral, and the right is a micromussa.
View attachment 414603

I posted this pic on my Instagram... I am in love with my mushroom collection. I'm going to be hunting for a bounce mushroom next to complete my collection
From right to left: baby jawbreaker, ultra blue star, and the interstellar.

View attachment 414604

Hey Ben I see you have some anemones. I have a dumb question to ask. In the wild they sting fishes and other small organisms to eat can these sting your hand in the tank? I always wondered that.

 

[Nart]

Nart I saw you in Inappropriate reefers video. Your tanks look absolutely stunning! That 10 gallon is full of corals! Also some really good advice you gave. Appreciate what you are doing for beginner saltwater aquarists like me, honestly.

I'm glad it was useful to you! That was the whole reason for the collabo and you are very welcome.

 

[Nart]

Tanks and Plants
Brandon! What's going on man. it's been a whileeeeeeeee.
I can't believe you finally got the dream zebra pleco that we used to always talk about. That's so awesome.
Man... looks like you are also planning on breeding them? I know you are going to be 100% successful with it.
Hey - just a thought, why don't you switch to Cobalt Neotherm heaters? I made the switch with them in Saltwater and have never looked back. Keeps my temperature PRECISE!

I did get your bio-media that you sent me. Thanks again!
I did use the bio-media as well and honestly, it looks like it does the job well. I run it alongside my Seachem Matrix bio-media, so it's hard to tell exactly which is best, so I'm going to say they both work great!

That's funny that you ask about anemones. At first I was very hesitant in handling any anemones because I've heard of the "sting" I honestly haven't felt anything from any of the anemones I've handled. I don't really feel a sting, the most I feel is a sticky tentacle touching my skin and retracting away. The only thing that has hurt me in the Saltwater tank are bristleworms. They have like thousands of small bristles all over them. Kind of like a porcupine and if you accidentally brush up on them or grab them while cleaning, you'll get poked by bristles and it'll be a very mild pain. It's more of an annoying feeling for me, not so much pain like accidentally hammering your finger from holding a nail.

 

[Tanks and Plants]

Tanks and Plants
Brandon! What's going on man. it's been a whileeeeeeeee.
I can't believe you finally got the dream zebra pleco that we used to always talk about. That's so awesome.
Man... looks like you are also planning on breeding them? I know you are going to be 100% successful with it.
Hey - just a thought, why don't you switch to Cobalt Neotherm heaters? I made the switch with them in Saltwater and have never looked back. Keeps my temperature PRECISE!

I did get your bio-media that you sent me. Thanks again!
I did use the bio-media as well and honestly, it looks like it does the job well. I run it alongside my Seachem Matrix bio-media, so it's hard to tell exactly which is best, so I'm going to say they both work great!

That's funny that you ask about anemones. At first I was very hesitant in handling any anemones because I've heard of the "sting" I honestly haven't felt anything from any of the anemones I've handled. I don't really feel a sting, the most I feel is a sticky tentacle touching my skin and retracting away. The only thing that has hurt me in the Saltwater tank are bristleworms. They have like thousands of small bristles all over them. Kind of like a porcupine and if you accidentally brush up on them or grab them while cleaning, you'll get poked by bristles and it'll be a very mild pain. It's more of an annoying feeling for me, not so much pain like accidentally hammering your finger from holding a nail.

Hey Ben!

Thanks for the input! I am so happy for you! Your channel has been doing great and your the person people can turn to for questions and answers!

I hope in the future I can breed those plecos! It’s going to be a while from now maybe 3 years until they get into adulthood and breeding size. I have some time to learn more and to try to get more if I can. I got these 5 at a REALLY good price.

You know I was thinking about that heater but decided on the Fluval “E” series heater. Maybe I can exchange it for the Colbat one.

Thanks Ben I wish you the BEST and if your ever in Honolulu please let me know!

Brandon

ATTN: to those who does not know Nart or Ben, I can attest to the he is one of the nicest most helpful and knowledgeable guys I know. If you have questions I personally would ask him and not double think what he is saying. And if he doesn’t know something he won’t make up some BS answer he will tell you straight up. I have known Nart for a while and although I wish he was still into freshwater, I am glad to know this guy!

 

[stella1979]

True words Tanks and Plants I'm glad to know Nart too!

 

[alexbeal1117]

Did you tune into Coralfish12g YouTube stream yesterday? Found out he’ll be doing a big tour on the east coast... might just have to go

 

[Nart]

Tanks and Plants man... you are making me want to hop back into freshwater just for the zebra plecos lol. maybe in the future I'll dabble a bit back into freshwater
Thanks B! Keep doing what you're doing and hope you're business is doing awesome!

stella1979 stoppp! ya'll are making me blush. really lol. I'm glad to know all of ya'll!

alexbeal1117 I didn't get a chance to tune in... but if you get a chance to meet George, definitely do it. He's a really cool reefer in person. Very personable and humble.

 

[Culprit]

Tanks and Plants man... you are making me want to hop back into freshwater just for the zebra plecos lol. maybe in the future I'll dabble a bit back into freshwater
Thanks B! Keep doing what you're doing and hope you're business is doing awesome!

You totally should. I think you need a high tech aquascaped tank. I enjoy mine so much. You've got the eye for scaping, and the technical ability to understand and use CO2 and ferts and lighting.

 

[Tanks and Plants]

You totally should. I think you need a high tech aquascaped tank. I enjoy mine so much. You've got the eye for scaping, and the technical ability to understand and use CO2 and ferts and lighting.

Thanks but I have to admit I personally think I am the worst aquascaper there is. And that’s no joke. I really appreciate your comments and I am very humbled.......Thank you!

Tanks and Plants man... you are making me want to hop back into freshwater just for the zebra plecos lol. maybe in the future I'll dabble a bit back into freshwater
Thanks B! Keep doing what you're doing and hope you're business is doing awesome!

stella1979 stoppp! ya'll are making me blush. really lol. I'm glad to know all of ya'll!

alexbeal1117 I didn't get a chance to tune in... but if you get a chance to meet George, definitely do it. He's a really cool reefer in person. Very personable and humble.

For me I am glad and fortunate to have gotten to know all of you! It’s always a pleasure when taking to you all and the advice given from all of you is top notch! Thanks!

 

[alexbeal1117]

Tanks and Plants man... you are making me want to hop back into freshwater just for the zebra plecos lol. maybe in the future I'll dabble a bit back into freshwater
Thanks B! Keep doing what you're doing and hope you're business is doing awesome!

stella1979 stoppp! ya'll are making me blush. really lol. I'm glad to know all of ya'll!

alexbeal1117 I didn't get a chance to tune in... but if you get a chance to meet George, definitely do it. He's a really cool reefer in person. Very personable and humble.

I think I will be going, just gotta convince my twin to go. Even though he's only into freshwater, he still likes the videos George posts. Hopefully he comes somewhere close to me.

 

[Nart]

New video! A little behind the scenes of my tank.

 

[AntsRule]

I just subed, not into salt water yet but I really want to eventually get into it. Great video!

 

[Culprit]

I have it bookmarked!

 

[Nart]

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated my thread!

Whereto update y’all. I’ve been falling behind my water changes and feeding lots of dry food because it’s been convenient. As a result a few of my SPS, Mainly acros suffered from PO4 getting way too high.

No worries though. Back on track and did double water changes this week and corals are looking healthy!

Here’s a FTS:


My MVP shrooms are getting big and coloring up nicely!

 

[stella1979]

'bout time my friend.... jk, jk. Seriously though, it's so much faster for me to ask questions here!

Top rack, left of center, mint green - what's it?

Psammo is 2nd rack from the top, just right of birdsnest on the left, yes? So, what's on that rack, green on the right? I'm talking about the two frags just behind the wrasse.

Is that the Utter Chaos sharing a rack with the fat head dendro? You've told me how big they are, but this angle with the zoas beneath really shows the difference. HUGE polyps there.

And, I typed all that pretty fast bud. lol

 

[Nart]

The mint green is a neon green birdsnest.

Yeah. That’s a psacamora or however you spell it. The ORA Kelly psacammora.

The green frag behind the wrasse is a frogskin tort.

Yeah. I recently moved the utter chaos to the 2nd rack. I just noticed it started reading for light. I’m telling you Stella. The polyps in utter chaos are huge. They are considered palys. You must get em!

Here’s another pic of em for you.


quick typing on your keyboard

 

[KristaD]

Looks awesome!

 

[stella1979]

Oh... believe me my friend, I have been on the lookout. I suspected those big old polyps were paly's, and I've had much better luck with my paly grandis than I have with tiny designer zoas. I've seen similar color patterns, but with a different name and not as big as yours, so I don't believe I've seen Utter Chaos irl yet.

 

[Culprit]

Love it! I especially love the shrooms. Everything's looking healthy and happy. I think you need a DT.

stella1979 I asked the same question on the psammacora.

 

[stella1979]

Love it! I especially love the shrooms. Everything's looking healthy and happy. I think you need a DT.

stella1979 I asked the same question on the psammacora.

I've had my eye on that Kelly Green psammacora for awhile now... ORA sells it.

 

[Nart]

Media reactor, protein skimmer, GoPro in the tank? What??
For those of you who don't follow me on Instagram already... here's what's been happening

 

[stella1979]

Well, well... now that you're bringing this here, I might just have to do another in tank vid. Granted, my knock-off needs its waterproof housing, but still, I can do that too! LOL

 

[Nart]

New video drop!