So, does anyone else get discouraged in this hobby? Don't get me wrong I still love it but I've been challenged by my current tank since 2008 (I've been reefing since the late 1990's with previous success). This 55 gallon tank had a real tough startup period. For years it has gone from algae city to "Oh look coralline algae, we're making progress now."
The most recent downturn started about 2 months ago. Healthy corals started turning white. Just a couple to start with but now most of the more delicate ones are bone white and turning green and the others don't look like they should. The algae took off about the same time. I think all of this started when we lost our Diamond Watchman Goby. I tried stirring the sand some myself but it's just not the same. Then a few days ago we lost our tang (the only remaining original 2008 tank inhabitant).
I have checked and adjusted parameters, done water changes, cleaned equipment, many of the usual things people suggest. I've been doing that for years now (I've even tried things like Vibrant and Hydrogen Peroxide). It just seems that I can't get this tank in sync. I've got an empty 75 gallon with all the necessary equipment ready to be set up but I'm worried about messing up again and having two troublesome tanks.
My main purpose in posting this is not to elicit advice (although I certainly would appreciate any offered) but rather to provide an opportunity for others to share their own stories of frustration, and hopefully how they faced and overcame the challenges and pushed past the feelings of "why can't I do this right" and "Do I have a black thumb when it comes to reefing" or similar thoughts.
Thanks in Advance!
The most recent downturn started about 2 months ago. Healthy corals started turning white. Just a couple to start with but now most of the more delicate ones are bone white and turning green and the others don't look like they should. The algae took off about the same time. I think all of this started when we lost our Diamond Watchman Goby. I tried stirring the sand some myself but it's just not the same. Then a few days ago we lost our tang (the only remaining original 2008 tank inhabitant).
I have checked and adjusted parameters, done water changes, cleaned equipment, many of the usual things people suggest. I've been doing that for years now (I've even tried things like Vibrant and Hydrogen Peroxide). It just seems that I can't get this tank in sync. I've got an empty 75 gallon with all the necessary equipment ready to be set up but I'm worried about messing up again and having two troublesome tanks.
My main purpose in posting this is not to elicit advice (although I certainly would appreciate any offered) but rather to provide an opportunity for others to share their own stories of frustration, and hopefully how they faced and overcame the challenges and pushed past the feelings of "why can't I do this right" and "Do I have a black thumb when it comes to reefing" or similar thoughts.
Thanks in Advance!