2 Legit 2 Quit

LazerHawk · May 31, 2021

Hello, how about that ride in? It has been a winter to remember. I am starting a new build thread as I have finally gotten things under control after my last build almost ended in disaster. You can check out that build here https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/something-a-little-different.732787/#post-8794320

The short of it is that the last tank sprung a leak at the bottom of the tank, so I had to do a tank swap. Shortly after that we had the winter storm blackout in Texas. I was without power for 3 days and fortunately had a generator. Everything got out of whack and I got Dinoflagellates pretty bad due to low nutrients. Dinos seem to be under control, so I suppose I'll share the journey.

LazerHawk · May 31, 2021

This tank started as an emergency replacement. I learned a lot of things that I would do differently if given a choice. Run the electrical first, leave more room behind the tank, etc. I was really impressed with the Red Sea reefer 425XL. If I had to start over again, I would go with one of these. Pretty happy with it.

The swap.

Lots of drip loops.

Dinos taking over.

And then the winter storm happened. This is from my neighborhood.

We lost power for 3 days and I was unable to keep both a quarantine tank and the display warm enough, so I dumped the corals and a Royal Gramma that I had just got into the Display tank. Unfortunately the Royal Gramma had Marine Velvet and Died. after a few days my yellow watchman goby died, the Yellow eye kole tang and and Clownfish started showing signs and were rapidly deteriorating. I was able to catch the Clownfish as they were swimming oddly. Got them started on Copper. The Tang was so bad I had to let him pass. Decided to go fallow for 76 days to get rid of the ich that was already present.

Clownfish survived! We are working through trust issues ATM.

Got the UV.

Watched a bunch of videos about Dinos and Cyano. Determined what kind of Dinos I had with a cheap microscope and raised my nutrients. I feed much heavier now and I removed the fuge reactor, it worked too well. I did bubble scrubs, added Dr Tims One and only, used a baster to blow the Dinos off the rocks and let the algea have a chance to get hold, and watched the nutrient levels more closely. The rocks are almost completely clear now and I'm just working to not let any accumulate anywhere.

Added the Clownfish back in!

LazerHawk · May 31, 2021

Built a top for this with some plywood and black acrylic.

NashobaTek · May 31, 2021

Very impressive. We survived the Texas freeze as well. We were lucky enough to be out in the country and kept power most of the time. Used the fireplace for the time we didn't have heat.
Glad to see another Texan here, that's closer than Austin or Houston. Lol

LazerHawk · Jul 19, 2021

Coral Update!

Finally got the upper hand on the Dinos. Mostly through removal and getting nutrients up and stable. Got some algea now now, but everything seems healthy.

JF Beach Bum

Clownfish made it through the fallow period! Also, added a Blenny named Larry.

ReefHomieJon · Jul 19, 2021

If you’re too legit to quit then that clownfish that survived should be named “Hammer”

LazerHawk · Jul 19, 2021

NashobaTek said:
Very impressive. We survived the Texas freeze as well. We were lucky enough to be out in the country and kept power most of the time. Used the fireplace for the time we didn't have heat.
Glad to see another Texan here, that's closer than Austin or Houston. Lol

Having a fireplace was a life saver! We were running out of wood and couldn't find any. Started using mesquite and hickory at one point. Wouldn't recommend it.

LazerHawk · Jul 19, 2021

ReefHomieJon said:
If you’re too legit to quit then that clownfish that survived should be named “Hammer”

Please Hammer, don't hurt 'em.

LazerHawk · Nov 6, 2021

Coral Update! Finally got the upper hand on Dinos! Upped my nitrate and phosphate and started changing out socks more often It seems they show up in the areas where I feed reef roids. I target feed it from Julian's thing. I've got quite a bit of bubble algea now and some GHA that the clowns are hosting, but there's no Ich or Aptaisia!