A monster is in the works!!!

Discussion in 'Show Off Your Fish Tanks!' started by Area 51 Exotics, Apr 7, 2006.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Breed

    Breed Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2006
    Messages:
    249
    Location:
    Sydney, Australia
    Wow thats quite a list of fish... would make for a nice colourful display :)

    PICS PICSSSSSS!!!
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. turbo4603

    turbo4603 Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2003
    Messages:
    834
    Location:
    Miami,Florida
    OH man vamp, you have a bad@#$ fishtank!!!
     
  4. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2006
    Messages:
    5,644
    Location:
    Va/Ct
    Thats a lot of bio demand to add at one time with a tank so new and void of needed bacteria to supply the bio load to keep it all in balance might keep a close check on the ammonias and nitrites. The size of the tank or volume of water as little to do with the bacteria's. As they can never be stored up or over produced in their numbers. They come as needed and die off the same way..
     
  5. Covey

    Covey Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2004
    Messages:
    1,219
    Location:
    Davenport IA
    He should be dumping bacteria in the tank quite regularily with the Ultralith System plus the bacteria food as well. Plus the Naso is the only fish of those that will get large.
     
  6. Covey

    Covey Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2004
    Messages:
    1,219
    Location:
    Davenport IA
    Add to that he BB with a fairly large skimmer. When I started my 150G like that it NEVER cycled. Well it cycled but never enough to test it.
     
  7. chetrod

    chetrod Peppermint Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2005
    Messages:
    402
    Location:
    Tampa, FL,Florida
    That set up looks awsome I wish we had basements in florida. Maybe I can get rid of the dining room hmmmm.... It really looks great vamp
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2004
    Messages:
    9,219
    Location:
    CT
    So, with the Ultralith system, you're able to add alot of fish all at one time? How do you know whether or not you've got enough bacteria to support that particular amount of fish and how long does it take the tank to be ready for the addition of that many fish? This system is all new to me so forgive me for the many questions :)
     
  10. Area 51 Exotics

    Area 51 Exotics 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2005
    Messages:
    336
    Location:
    Brookfield, IL
    Ding Covey wins :) And the Naso is only 4".

    Here Tangster read here since your so quick with all of the negativity all the time maybe you should read.

    Ultra Lith System

    How does Ultralith work?

    Ultralith is a special kind of Zeolite, specifically chosen to reduce nutrients in reef tanks. But it is not just the Zeolite itself, it is the whole new method to maintain extremely low nutrient levels in marine aquaria.
    Our filtration system is characterized by its simplicity. It’s not exclusively thought to produce pastel-coloured SPS corals but for general filtration and water purification as well.
    Filtration with the Ultralith System can enhance the natural coloration of all corals.
    It’s also suitable for maintaining water the quality in tanks, which are set up for keeping non-photosynthetic corals.
    Combined with our special food (UltraBak and Ultramin S), Ultralith is a simple and safe method to keep even the most delicate and sensitive animals.

    How to use the Ultralith-System?

    Ultralith / Zeolite

    The name "Zeolite" goes back to the greek words "zeo" (boiling) and "lithos" (stone). Upon heating, these minerals appear to be boiling.
    Zeolites are minerals and consist mostly of silica and aluminium plus other elements like Sodium, Potassium, Iron, and Manganese. The most interesting feature of Zeolites is their crystal structure. You can think of it as a sponge with many small and large holes. Large and small should be seen in perspective of the scale, the small holes have the size of single molecules, about one billionth of a meter. The size of these holes depends on the chemical composition of the mineral. There are hundreds of different Zeolites known in nature and also many different synthetic Zeolites, Ultralith is a natural Zeolite. What makes these minerals so special is their ability to absorb specific compounds. Which compound is absorbed depends on the size and shape of the holes in the crystal structure, which is depending on the chemical composition. Therefore, depending on their composition Zeolites preferentially absorb different compounds. Ultralith is specifically chosen to absorb ammonium (NH4+).
    However, thinking of Zeolites just as absorbers is a bit oversimplified. They are actually ion-exchangers. The holes to which a compound binds are not empty but rather filled with sodium or potassium. As soon as a preferred compound is available, another compound, usually sodium and potassium, is given off and the compound will be absorbed. This reaction, the replacement of one ion for another ion, is called ion-exchange. In marine aquaria the liberation of sodium or potassium and therefore the resulting ionic imbalance is negligible as they are major constituents of seawater anyways.
    The absorption of ammonium is just one half of the story. The other half is where the biology comes in. As already mentioned, zeolites have a very porous structure; under the microscope they look almost like a sponge. The larger holes are much bigger than the small ones, about a thousand times bigger. This porous structure creates a large surface area for bacteria to settle on. As the ammonium is adsorbed by the crystal structure, the bacteria living on the Zeolite get their food delivered to their doorstep.
    The overall reaction that takes place in a Zeolite filter is the removal of ammonium and its conversion into nitrogen gas, which goes off into the atmosphere. The removal of ammonium takes place in three steps, 1. Absorption of ammonium, 2. Oxidation of ammonium, 3. Denitrification.

    1)As already explained, the ammonium will be adsorbed onto the surface of the mineral due to an ion-exchange process.

    2)At the surface of each mineral grain, oxygen is still available. Here the ammonium is oxidised by autotrophic bacteria to nitrate according to the following formula
    NH4+ + O2 + 3OH- = NO32- + 2 H2O
    This process consumes oxygen, thereby creating an anoxic environment inside the mineral grains. If this would be the only process that occurs in a Zeolite filter such a system would actually produce nitrate, and its use for aquaria would be rather limited.

    3)Deeper inside the mineral grain, heterotrophic bacteria will consume the nitrate that is produced in the outer layer. This process is called denitrification, and occurs in two steps, from nitrate to nitrite, and further to Nitrogen gas. The overall formula for both processes is given below
    5CH2O + 4 NO32- = 4 HCO3- + CO2 + 3 H20 + 2 N2
    Because this process is carried out by heterotrophic bacteria, they need to be fed with a suitable carbon source such as UltraBak.

    But Zeolites can even do another trick! Inside the Zeolite filter, there is a small but constant abrasion of the material, which contains a lot of aluminium. These tiny particles bind phosphate. By leading the outflow of the Zeolite filter into the protein skimmer the abrasion is skimmed off, thereby removing phosphates from the aquarium.
    The feeding of the bacteria substantially increases the bacterial biomass inside the filter, which again results in a binding of phosphate. Dead bacteria will either be removed by the skimmer or serve as food to some animals, especially filter feeders. Eventually the Zeolites will be clogged up by the bacteria. This is the reason why the material has to be exchanged

    Four Components of the ZeoLith System:

    1) ULTRALITH:

    Ultralith is a natural zeolite which efficiently removes ammonia from the water by its ion exchange properties. The ammonia enriched zeolite surface makes it easier for those harmonically selected bacteria in ULTRABIO to find settlement on ULTRALITH. Matched to the bacterias physiological needs we have successfully developed a nutrient solution to boosting bacteria growth on the zeolite. The four components of the ULTRALITH-SYSTEM provide you a effective and controllable nutrient reduction in the aquarium, a significant increase in coral coloration, and magnificent polyp extensions. Numerous test tanks document the unique success not only in the husbandry of stony corals.

    2) UltraBAK:

    UltraBak is a nutrient solution for bacteria commonly found in a marine aquarium. After addition of UltraBak bacteria will grow rapidly and thereby will convert unwanted nutrients like nitrite, nitrate and phosphate into biomass. The bacteria will either be skimmed off or taken up by corals and filter feeders, thereby providing an additional source of natural food. Most corals can also directly utilize UltraBak as an energy source.
    Growth rates of denitrifiying bacteria are enhanced, making life rock and especially Zeolite filters even more effective in breaking down and removing unwanted nitrogen compounds. UltraBak reduces nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate; combined with Ultralith and UltraminS it provides a safe and easy method for maintaining extremely nutrient depleted water and amazing colours in a reef tank.

    UltraBak is suitable for aquaria with of without Zeolite filtration


    3) Ultra Min S:

    New Formula! The next generation of Ultramin S!!!
    The most important Amino acids, vital compounds, and Vitamins in one Product.

    Contents:
    Water
    Glucose Monohydrate
    Magnesium Sulfate
    Potassium Chloride
    Ethylene Acetate
    Sodium Acetate
    L-Arginin Hydrochloride
    L-Histidin Hydrochloride
    Taurine
    L-Threonine
    DL-Tryptophane
    Glycine
    DL-Valine
    Thiamin Chloride 100 mg
    Nicotinamide 1500 mg
    Riboflavine 40 mg
    Dexpanthenole
    Pridoxine Hydrochloride 100 mg
    Cyanococobalamine
    Sodium Methyl-4-Hydroxybenzoate
    More than 70 trace elements

    Application and dosing recommendation:
    Ultramin S is a nutrient solution and food additive, specially developed for filter feeders, corals and clams. Due to its special formula it is taken up extremely fast. Polyps will expand much further and the protective mucus membrane of the corals will be strengthened. Greatly aides the buildup of coral tissue, nutrients will be transported into the coral/clam much more efficiently. The corals will expand and take up more particulate food (UltraMin F), the natural coloration will be enhanced.
    UltraMin S contains all all Amino acids, Vitamins, and over 70 trace elements.
    Add 3-5 ml per 1000 L (250 gal) daily, depending on nutrient concentrations in the aquarium.
    For husbandry of Sponges and non-photosynthetic corals UltraMin S is an essential product in combination with UltraMin F.
    UltraMin S is available in 100 ml/ 250 ml/ 500 ml/ 1000 ml.


    4) Ultra Bio:

    UltraBio is a mix of several nitrifying and denitrifying bacterial populations that were carefully selected for their ability to convert ammonia to nitrite, nitrite to nitrate and nitrate to nitrogen gas.

    Nitrifying bacteria
    - Nitrosomonas europea
    - Nitrobacter winogradskyi

    Heterotriphic bacteria
    - Paracoccus denitrificanns
    - Pseudomonas stuzeril


    UltraBio is suitable for the use with UltraLith to achieve extreme nutrient-depleted aquaria and for the regeneration of older systems.
    UltraBio can also be used successfully without UltraLith and helps to maintain beautiful colors and a healthy environment.

    Use UltraBak and Ultramin/S as bacterial food.
     
  11. Area 51 Exotics

    Area 51 Exotics 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2005
    Messages:
    336
    Location:
    Brookfield, IL
    No problem, happy to answer questions. During start up with the Ultralith system you add several strains for the first couple of weeks. These bacteria are then fed a special food to support the colonization. Tank can be ready for population within 2 weeks, I waited to 4. After 1 month, the firefish & CB were added then after another couple of weeks the rest were added. The system is 650+ gallons total with a skimmer rated for 2-1/2 times that. Tests have been made on the system every other day since start up and these readings have been dead on for 5+ weeks.

    Mike
     
  12. Area 51 Exotics

    Area 51 Exotics 3reef Sponsor

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2005
    Messages:
    336
    Location:
    Brookfield, IL
    Just a quick update to avoid the doubts of certain individuals ;)

    Nh3 - 0
    NO2 - 0
    NO3 - 0
    PO4 - 0
    Ca - 450
    pH - 8.3

    The polyp extension on a monti that I put in the is unbelievable!!! I will be getting pics this weekend I promise!