Hello all,
I've kept freshwater aquariums for several years, and a few months ago, decided to take the plunge into saltwater, despite all those decades-long rumors I've heard about the difficulty and expense of it.
First try didn't go so well. Conflicting information from so many sources, and I lost a little over $200 worth of fish within about 5 minutes. My guess is a), the tank wasnt properly cycled, and b) I got ahead of myself and added too many fish at once. It was devastating to see these beautiful creatures die and be powerless to stop it -- not to mention the hit to my wallet. But, I'm about 4 weeks in to the "new" cycle -- finally saw a spike in nitrites, and a drop in both that and ammonia. It's just a waiting game. I *think* things are going well so far. The hermit crabs, snails, copepods, and bristle worms carried in on my live rock are still alive, anyway...
I joined here because, while my LFS can be helpful, they all work on commission: each visit tantamount to a sales pitch with a huge price tag. Hoping to find some help and info here that isn't relying my ignorance to pay their bills!
Cheers!
I've kept freshwater aquariums for several years, and a few months ago, decided to take the plunge into saltwater, despite all those decades-long rumors I've heard about the difficulty and expense of it.
First try didn't go so well. Conflicting information from so many sources, and I lost a little over $200 worth of fish within about 5 minutes. My guess is a), the tank wasnt properly cycled, and b) I got ahead of myself and added too many fish at once. It was devastating to see these beautiful creatures die and be powerless to stop it -- not to mention the hit to my wallet. But, I'm about 4 weeks in to the "new" cycle -- finally saw a spike in nitrites, and a drop in both that and ammonia. It's just a waiting game. I *think* things are going well so far. The hermit crabs, snails, copepods, and bristle worms carried in on my live rock are still alive, anyway...
I joined here because, while my LFS can be helpful, they all work on commission: each visit tantamount to a sales pitch with a huge price tag. Hoping to find some help and info here that isn't relying my ignorance to pay their bills!
Cheers!