Vesper
New Member
I've had my tank setup for almost 1.5 years now, but this past year there was a lot going on in my life the including a divorce. My tank has suffered due to some neglect and some biological issues, so I've decided to start anew. I'd like some pointers and advice while doing this.
Current system: 120 gallon (6 foot) with a combination of live rock and converted dry rocks
Current livestock: Rose bubble tip anemone, Clown fish, Royal gramma, 2 Banggai cardinalfish, Yellow tang, Blue hippo tang. Recently deceased: Sandsifter goby
Corals: Hammer (not doing well), GSP, Anthelia (out of control), Devil's Hand, Mushroom, 2 types of zoas, kenya tree
Current issues: Aiptasia out of control, Way too many bristleworms, cyano sometimes. I had some other corals (LPS mostly, a couple SPS) that ended up dying off in this year. Anthelia and GSP are thriving and spreading all over the tank.
I've learned a lot from this tank, including how quickly things can get out of control. That being said, my plan is to start anew with a new setup.
New tank: Red Sea Reefer XL 525
Rock: DRY ROCK only. I'm not touching live rock with a 10 foot pole this time. Aiptasia, mantis shrimp, vermetid snails, bad crabs, hydroids. This is what I got on my first tank with using live rock. No thanks. I ordered 50 pounds of the BRS Reef Saver rock to start.
My plan is basically to only salvage the fish and the anemone from the original tank. I want to avoid any chance of aiptasia infestation in the new setup.
So questions for all of you:
1) The BRS Reef Saver rock is mined and has never been live rock so there are no organics. What do you guys think I should do with it? I've seen lots of opinions on Reefcentral and other forums including: muriatic acid, bleach, vinegar, RODI, RODI Saltwater with heat. I was thinking I could just get the rock aquascaped and setup in the new tank and start the cycle as is. What do you think?
2) Any tips for moving a large bubble tip anemone? I'd rather not move the rock it's on for above issues. I've read a couple of different methods including trying to get them to release manually by gradually rubbing the foot, using cold (ice), hanging the rock out of water upside down, and a powerhead.
3) I'm planning on keeping the old tank up and running as long as necessary until the new one is ready to accept fish. This probably means I need new powerheads and maybe even a second skimmer. For any gear I want to re-use, how do I make sure all aiptasia spores are gone? Bleach? Vinegar? Just let it dry out?
4) Since I'm using dry rock only, should I get coraline shavings somewhere to put in the tank? I'm a little frightened of taking anything from my old rocks.
5) Anyone have experience with the Red Sea Reef Mature Pro kit for cycling help?
Any other advice on this adventure? I'm looking forward to having a nice clean tank again. I may or may not put Zeovit in the new tank. Currently I'm leaning more toward a refugium.
Current system: 120 gallon (6 foot) with a combination of live rock and converted dry rocks
Current livestock: Rose bubble tip anemone, Clown fish, Royal gramma, 2 Banggai cardinalfish, Yellow tang, Blue hippo tang. Recently deceased: Sandsifter goby
Corals: Hammer (not doing well), GSP, Anthelia (out of control), Devil's Hand, Mushroom, 2 types of zoas, kenya tree
Current issues: Aiptasia out of control, Way too many bristleworms, cyano sometimes. I had some other corals (LPS mostly, a couple SPS) that ended up dying off in this year. Anthelia and GSP are thriving and spreading all over the tank.
I've learned a lot from this tank, including how quickly things can get out of control. That being said, my plan is to start anew with a new setup.
New tank: Red Sea Reefer XL 525
Rock: DRY ROCK only. I'm not touching live rock with a 10 foot pole this time. Aiptasia, mantis shrimp, vermetid snails, bad crabs, hydroids. This is what I got on my first tank with using live rock. No thanks. I ordered 50 pounds of the BRS Reef Saver rock to start.
My plan is basically to only salvage the fish and the anemone from the original tank. I want to avoid any chance of aiptasia infestation in the new setup.
So questions for all of you:
1) The BRS Reef Saver rock is mined and has never been live rock so there are no organics. What do you guys think I should do with it? I've seen lots of opinions on Reefcentral and other forums including: muriatic acid, bleach, vinegar, RODI, RODI Saltwater with heat. I was thinking I could just get the rock aquascaped and setup in the new tank and start the cycle as is. What do you think?
2) Any tips for moving a large bubble tip anemone? I'd rather not move the rock it's on for above issues. I've read a couple of different methods including trying to get them to release manually by gradually rubbing the foot, using cold (ice), hanging the rock out of water upside down, and a powerhead.
3) I'm planning on keeping the old tank up and running as long as necessary until the new one is ready to accept fish. This probably means I need new powerheads and maybe even a second skimmer. For any gear I want to re-use, how do I make sure all aiptasia spores are gone? Bleach? Vinegar? Just let it dry out?
4) Since I'm using dry rock only, should I get coraline shavings somewhere to put in the tank? I'm a little frightened of taking anything from my old rocks.
5) Anyone have experience with the Red Sea Reef Mature Pro kit for cycling help?
Any other advice on this adventure? I'm looking forward to having a nice clean tank again. I may or may not put Zeovit in the new tank. Currently I'm leaning more toward a refugium.
