180 Gallon Florida Coral Reef Aquarium Build at the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center

[Brandon McHenry]

Just a quick update on how things are going. First off I’m pleased to say that I got my first new shoot of my shaving brush algae (algae is cool too!) I have also gotten some pretty nice polyp extension on the Florida Staghorn coral which is very exciting as well!

This is the full grown piece of macroalgae.

And here is the new shoot.

This is a close up of the Florida Staghorn.

And two fun close ups. Enjoy!

 

[fishybizzness]

Check out this video of our Long Tentacle Sea Whip waving in the current. Make sure to watch in HD!

That is really cool! Is that the actual name?

 

[Brandon McHenry]

That is really cool! Is that the actual name?

To be honest I’m not sure what the actually name is. I can do some checking and get back to you!

 

[fishybizzness]

To be honest I’m not sure what the actually name is. I can do some checking and get back to you!

Thanks, I appreciate it! Btw, the tank is awesome!

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Btw, the tank is awesome!

Thanks! I am super excited about this build!

 

[fishybizzness]

Thanks! I am super excited about this build!

I live in the Virgin islands so I see alot of this live on my snorkeling trips and love the look of the tank! Me and my wife travel to Florida usually 1 or 2 times a year and the center is looking like a nice stop on our next trip!

 

[Brandon McHenry]

I live in the Virgin islands so I see alot of this live on my snorkeling trips and love the look of the tank! Me and my wife travel to Florida usually 1 or 2 times a year and the center is looking like a nice stop on our next trip!

That’s really lucky to have nice coral reefs right where you live! Where I am on the treasure coast we don’t have the type of snorkeling like you can get in south Florida. Regardless, you should definitely stop into the visitors center next time you are in Florida we have a great experience to offer!

 

[Subsea]

With respect to harvesting corals in Florida, there are almost a dozen permits for live rock leases from the early 1990’s. I have dealt with two of the vendors, both out of Tampa Bay. These two vendors have deposited over 10 million pounds of limestone in 30’ of water 30 miles west of Tamps Bay.

http://tbsaltwater.com/

http://www.gulfliverock.com/premium-decorative-rock.html

 

[Brandon McHenry]

With respect to harvesting corals in Florida, there are almost a dozen permits for live rock leases from the early 1990’s. I have dealt with two of the vendors, both out of Tampa Bay. These two vendors have deposited over 10 million pounds of limestone in 30’ of water 30 miles west of Tamps Bay.

http://tbsaltwater.com/

http://www.gulfliverock.com/premium-decorative-rock.html

Hmm I’ve never heard of these companies. They look like they have some nice live rock. For me, the archway from CaribSea was my vision from the beginning with this tank lol.

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Well I know it’s been a long time since I’ve updated the thread but I am very excited to share our very first fish additions to our Florida Coral Reef! Since we are lucky enough to have ORA located right here on our campus, we decided we would start by getting some Caribbean gobies. I have to say the sharknose gobies and neon gobies add a nice flash of color especially under the Ecotech Radions!

Here they are!

And of course, the obligatory coral shots!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Well I know it’s been a long time since I’ve updated the thread but I am very excited to share our very first fish additions to our Florida Coral Reef! Since we are lucky enough to have ORA located right here on our campus, we decided we would start by getting some Caribbean gobies. I have to say the sharknose gobies and neon gobies add a nice flash of color especially under the Ecotech Radions!

Here they are!
View attachment 842174 View attachment 842175 View attachment 842176 View attachment 842177

And of course, the obligatory coral shots!
View attachment 842180
View attachment 842181

Looking good, Brandon!

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Looking good, Brandon!

Thanks! I’m pretty impressed with the growth I’ve seen in such a short time.

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Good afternoon from our sailfin blenny and scarlet reef hermit crab!

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Just wanted to share a handful of close-up shots of some of the success we’ve had so far.

Crazy polpy extension on our Oculina

Same with our Acropora cervicornis!

One of the gorgonians

Some Florida Keys Zoanthids

And the “sand” anemone

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Our first starfish additions, Echinaster sentus! Starting to look like a real reef!

 

[Wilsonfeliz]

following.
Great build!

 

[PapaWhisky]

Looks great - keep up the good work! ;Snaphappy

 

[leahfiish]

I LOVE the sharknose gobies, they are one of my favorite fish!

 

[tehmadreefer]

Looks good! Haven’t been there yet, but been to the oceanography center in Stuart since I’m close to Stuart. Is this on ocean drive in north Hutchinson island or more downtown ft pierce?

 

[Brandon McHenry]

Looks great - keep up the good work! ;Snaphappy

Thanks!

I LOVE the sharknose gobies, they are one of my favorite fish!

Yes they are very funny. These ones prefer the glass for some reason and they love resting on my arm when I go into the tank.

Looks good! Haven’t been there yet, but been to the oceanography center in Stuart since I’m close to Stuart. Is this on ocean drive in north Hutchinson island or more downtown ft pierce?

Florida Oceanographic is very cool and I love going there as well. They are about 45 minutes south of us. We are practically on the border of Vero Beach and Fort Pierce on US1.