First Foray into Reefkeeping

[AnomMatty]

So sorry to hear. I suddenly lost my firefish. They are a bit more timid and the other fish outcompeted him for food. I see some good growth on that stylo. Are you able to lower nitrates?

I don't think he was being outcompeted. I have my theories, but will probably never know for sure.
I've been working on lowering them over the past week or so. Planning to test tonight or tomorrow to confirm they're still coming down. The stylo was a mystery frag and I was pretty sure it wouldn't last long, but is honestly one of the best looking things in the tank most of the time.

 

[AnomMatty]

Did add pods and got back to dosing phyto yesterday after running out - missed roughly a week. Wasn't sure how long the initial phyto would last, but have a plan and sub to keep it consistent going forward. Shout out to @Reef By Steele and his folks.

 

[Reef By Steele Verified Sponsor]

Did add pods and got back to dosing phyto yesterday after running out - missed roughly a week. Wasn't sure how long the initial phyto would last, but have a plan and sub to keep it consistent going forward. Shout out to @Reef By Steele and his folks.

Thanks for the Shout out. @Ocean_Queenie and I really appreciate it.

 

[AnomMatty]

7/19 Parameters
Temp: 77.6
Salinity: 35
Nitrate: 41.0
Alk: 8.7
Phosphate: 0.10
Calcium: 579

I haven't fed the corals this week, so I think tomorrow I'll do reefroids instead of benereef. Not sure why Nitrate has hit a wall but Phosphate seems to still be dropping.

Everything seems happy, minus the torch atm.

 

[AnomMatty]

7/19 Parameters
Temp: 77.6
Salinity: 35
Nitrate: 41.0

Think the culprit may be the foam post fuge, pre return chamber in the sump. Had a good bit of dead and living green stuff, appeared to be a mix of chaeto and algae. I imagine it's probably a Nitrate factory. Pulled it to clean - its a nice stop to that junk going through the return, but I wonder if there's a better alternative.

 

[AnomMatty]

Been a crazy several days. Our 2 year old grandson was in an accident and lost most of his right arm. Didn't test as I'd planned, but I'll get to it eventually.

 

[Reef By Steele Verified Sponsor]

Been a crazy several days. Our 2 year old grandson was in an accident and lost most of his right arm. Didn't test as I'd planned, but I'll get to it eventually.

I am so sorry. We will put him in our prayers.

 

[AnomMatty]

I am so sorry. We will put him in our prayers.

Thank you. He and his parents could use all the prayers they can get.

 

[SilverRanger]

Prayer sent

 

[Reef By Steele Verified Sponsor]

Thank you. He and his parents could use all the prayers they can get.

Yes, our family has dealt with its share of loss, fortunately it sounds that he will be OK, but devastating no less. Yes his parents need, love, understanding and support through this. Encourage them as they will struggle, but hopefully will find peace.

 

[AnomMatty]

7/27 Parameters
Temp: 78.0
Salinity: 35
Nitrate: 31.9
Phosphate: 0.04
Alk: 9.2

 

[AnomMatty]

Been a little while since an update, but still at it. Have lost all but the rhodactis, zoas, and blasto. The stylo may be hanging on, but the jury is out. Have been trying to keep parameters and cleaning in check. Noticed today we have these guys roaming about, not sure which variety of snail they are, but I've counted 7 at once... *pinky finger for reference*

 

[AnomMatty]

Little unknowns are marginella snails. Not sure where we picked them up. Have added 4 peppermint shrimp to hopefully help fight the aiptasia outbreak we've gotten, a couple more Turbos and Trochus, and a Halloween hermit. Have some emerald crabs otw to hopefully help with bubble algae. Also added a springeri Damsel and another purple firefish.

 

[AnomMatty]

Been a couple months but still plugging along. Was trying to keep out of getting into a regular water change schedule, but parameters aren't hearing it so started doing weekly changes 2 weeks ago, along with some interim changes to get back in line.

I also can't get macro algae to live for the life of me.


1/27 Parameters
Salinity - 35
Nitrate - 75
Alk - 8.5
Phosphate - 0.39




2/2 Parameters
Salinity - 35
Nitrate - 70.9
Alk - 8 8
Phosphate - 0.30

 

[AnomMatty]

2/9 Parameters
Salinity 34
Alk 8.8
Nitrate 52
Phosphate 0.28

Headed the right direction with Nitrate, hoping to get them under 40 soon. Salinity should come up a little with evap.

 

[AnomMatty]

Got some new additions today.

Bubble Anemone (Black Widow)
Green Stylo
Birdsnest (Birds of Paradise)
Pineapple Juice Stylo
Green Slimer
Red Robin
Exquisite Stag

 

[AnomMatty]

Got some new additions today.

Bubble Anemone (Black Widow)
Green Stylo
Birdsnest (Birds of Paradise)
Pineapple Juice Stylo
Green Slimer
Red Robin
Exquisite Stag

Had a costly learning experience with most of these. Ensure you dip in tank water and not RO. Nuked everything but the Nem - who seems to be getting along well.

Wife had a couple things she was interested in, and those are doing well after dipping them the right way and getting them acclimated yesterday evening.