Hi all!

[NeiDan]

I'm from Manchester. Once upon a time I kept a series of small species tanks (mostly mantis shrimp with some softies). I haven't had any aquariums in years and I feel like it might be time to get back into the hobby, so I thought I'd introduce myself to you fine folk. I'm 25, a massage therapist and a student at CCC. I'm currently planning another mantis shrimp/soft coral tank, most likely a Peacock mantis in a 25-30 gallon. However, I am a student so it's probably going to be a few months before I can even think about buying a tank. In the meantime though, I'm considering starting a small brackishwater nano-tank for Opae Ula http://www.petshrimp.com/hawaiianredshrimp.php

So on that note I was wondering if anybody in the area might be able to provide some seeding material for a brackishwater tank? Some gravel, sand, chaetomorpha, or whatever. I know it's a longshot, but I figured I might as well throw it out there :)

Good to meet you all, and I hope to join you all in the saltwater world very soon!

 

[JerSaint]

Welcome!

 

[cameronh]

Welcome to reef2reef!

 

[Vaiodude]

Welcome to R2R. Since you are right in Manchester you should check out the CTARS meeting this Sunday at 5pm at the Lutz Children's museum.

 

[pondman]

Welcome to you and good luck in your build.

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R. Keep us posted on your build.

 

[NeiDan]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I might just go tomorrow Valodude, it sounds fun.

So I stopped by Aquatic Wildlife today and got a small .75 gallon and they were kind enough to hook me up with some brackish water and gravel from their tanks, so I should be all setup and ready to go soon. Will post pictures when it's ready!

 

[Vaiodude]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I might just go tomorrow Valodude, it sounds fun.

So I stopped by Aquatic Wildlife today and got a small .75 gallon and they were kind enough to hook me up with some brackish water and gravel from their tanks, so I should be all setup and ready to go soon. Will post pictures when it's ready!

That's awesome! Hope you have a chance to stop by!!

 

[Vaiodude]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I might just go tomorrow Valodude, it sounds fun.

So I stopped by Aquatic Wildlife today and got a small .75 gallon and they were kind enough to hook me up with some brackish water and gravel from their tanks, so I should be all setup and ready to go soon. Will post pictures when it's ready!

That's awesome! Hope you have a chance to stop by!!

 

[NeiDan]

Dang I just realized that I don't get off work until 6. I imagine the meeting will be over by the time I get back to Manchester

 

[sassAwrasse]

No worries. The next meeting is on February 28th at 5pm.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home! You'll love it here!

 

[NeiDan]

So it's time for an update! Figured you might be interested to see where the tank is at now. The shrimp arrived about 4 days ago and they're doing well. No deaths or anything. Unfortunately I'm starting to read a small amount of ammonia (~.25 ppm) which I'm monitoring closely and have done some ~30% water changes. I guess the tank wasn't cycled enough quite yet, but the small size makes water changes easy to do. The shrimp are fairly active and colorful, and I've had at least 1 molt already! There's also some brackish chaeto in the back. I also added some java moss since I took this picture. I've heard some reports that Java moss does well in brackish water and some that it dies, so I'm keeping a close eye for any sign of decay.