Shadow's 16G Disaster. Fumigation Poisoned the Tank and Crashed It.

[Snow_Phoenix]

Angel or Tang.

 

Yep, as expected.

 

I'm glad nothing fried. That was close.

 

I'm glad too. I'm starting to wonder - am I like the 'Bad Luck Brian' of reef tanks, or is it just me? I mean, in every tank that I've set up, I've either battled Aiptasia, crazy GHA or Cyano outbreaks, a hitchiker mantis, a hitchiker eunicid, a hitchiker pink flobby nudi thingy etc. I could go on and on but the list never ends.

 

I mean, really now. I don't think the Saltwater Gods like me very much.

[FlowerMama]

Well, I've got some bad luck right now too. My 34g is leaking, looked like from the top left corner. I've had a little dribble of water coming down the last several days. Today I came home and there was visible water around the perimeter of the tank on the stand. You could see the water seaping. So I took out 15 gallons, put 8 back and siliconed down the back corner 3 inches and like 2-3 across the top where the black seal meets the tank. I assume I nicked the silicone seal somewhere when I was razor cleaning.

 

An hour later, still have water dripping from somewhere.

[Snow_Phoenix]

Well, my bad luck really kicked in today. One of the outflow pipes of the 30G's sump burst and water went flying everywhere. Came back home and lost a fair share of my beloved Cichlids, but most of my fish managed to pull through the mess. My mum and sis were franticly cleaning up the water though since they didn't want it to get to the wiring and fry anything.

 

Also, I'll be sitting for my MBA finals tomorrow and the day after, so I won't be very active since I'm prepping. Nevertheless, just wanted to swing by and update with a few pics to show everyone everything is okay:

 

 

FTS on 16/8/2014.

 

 

[Snow_Phoenix]

Btw, my mantis looks like this now:

 

 

Not my pic, but dead on on the coloration.

 

Saw him peeking at me few days ago from his burrow. He is so difficult to film! I tried, but I couldn't get a clear shot - but at least I know he's alive. I could see only the first half an inch of him, but he's a stunner. Model citizen too. Never realized these guys are actually spearers though! But Cosmo my YCG and Michael my Mandarin always veer away from the burrow - is it safe to assume that they're okay for now? Also, should I start actively feeding the burrow a small nibble of shrimp meat every now and then? Or will the mantis just stock it up and cause the meat to rot in his burrow, and bump up my PO4 levels?

 

Any advice?

[Snow_Phoenix]

Hey everyone, just to let you know, I completed my Masters in Business Administration (MBA) today. Official transcript will be issued next month, but the official grad ceremony is August (?!) next year. All in all, I'm just so thankful that I managed to complete it with all the ruckus plaguing my life.

 

With regards to the tank, my Dophin skimmer is completely broken, and I had to return the Prizm since it was being loaned to me. But I plan to acquire it officially, once I amass enough finances. I'm also planning on getting a RBTA nem in about 2 to 3 months time. I will also be selling off my Byno Goby, and swap out one of my juvi Occy clowns for a mature Occy clown. Now comes the fun part of getting two fish out of the tank without uprooting the rockwork.

 

Everyone's been super silent on this thread though - are any of you still watching this thing?

[Dr.Brain Coral]

Congrats!! The mantis is beautiful. I would feed him a little shrimp each day and it might leave our fish alone longer. I wouldn't worry about him storing food as he will learn soon enough the food will keep coming.

[Snow_Phoenix]

Congrats!! The mantis is beautiful. I would feed him a little shrimp each day and it might leave our fish alone longer. I wouldn't worry about him storing food as he will learn soon enough the food will keep coming.

 

Thank you! And yep, he's a pretty lil' fella. He hardly emerges out of his hidey hole, but when he does, I'll make sure to feed him directly. Hopefully over time he won't be so skittish and will actually start to peek out more often.

[Dr.Brain Coral]

He will for sure. They are pretty skittish when they are small

[Dr.Brain Coral]

When he does get big what are you going to do with him? If my tank is up would you be willing to sell him if you arent goin to keep it in a seperate tabk?

[FlowerMama]

Well....I totally forgot you had a mantis. You swap out fish frequently so I'm not sure what you have sometimes.

[Snow_Phoenix]

When he does get big what are you going to do with him? If my tank is up would you be willing to sell him if you arent goin to keep it in a seperate tabk?

 

I would try to set up a nice personal tank for him, but if my folks make too much noise, I'll give him away to a responsible reefer. I'd love to give him to you, but I live in Malaysia lol.

 

Well....I totally forgot you had a mantis. You swap out fish frequently so I'm not sure what you have sometimes.

 

Yes, the mantis still exists. And yeah, I do have a nasty habit of swapping out fish. My Byno has been stirring my sandbed recklessly though - once he clouded the whole tank and there was this rotten egg stench wafting out of it for a few hours. Took some heaping WCs to bring everything back under control.

[Dr.Brain Coral]

Doh didnt even think about that one. Hey my cousin lives in malaysia.

[Dark_ice]

Looking great! Loving that mantis coloration

[FlowerMama]

You don't need to feed your mantis every day. I feed mine like every 4 days or so. It can take up to week just to molt and I worry you'd have food just spoiling in the tank. If it's hungry it will come out and start looking around.

[Snow_Phoenix]

Doh didnt even think about that one. Hey my cousin lives in malaysia.

 

 

Looking great! Loving that mantis coloration

 

 

You don't need to feed your mantis every day. I feed mine like every 4 days or so. It can take up to week just to molt and I worry you'd have food just spoiling in the tank. If it's hungry it will come out and start looking around.

 

Hey everyone, thanks for all the tips and advice and even general comments.

 

Sad to say, I have a few bad news. First off, I went to KL (four states away) to help my little sis get a UK visa for furthering her studies. I left my tanks unattended for 3 days. Came back to find out my poor baby Teugelsi bichir dead on the floor underneath the 12G planted. And the Auto Feeder in the 15G marine dumped a crap load of pellets on the sand, so I had to spend a lot of time siphoning it out. No livestock losses, but few corals were unhappy with the NO3 and PO4 spike from the excess food. Other than that, it was fine.

 

Now, on to a slightly personal note, I just found out few days ago that I may or may not survive the upcoming months/years. My specialist tells me to prepare for the worst. In the event that I might not make it and I'm going in for neurosurgery, I will be selling off all my tanks because my parents can't handle them. The mortality rate for neurosurgery is not too high, but it's not too low either. I've come a long way in life, and I guess I am a little bit mad at the world for what's happening, but I have to be realistic and focus on my health and family first as well. Hobbies and passion should come in second, I feel. Still, the upcoming weeks are going to be nasty since I'll be subjected to various (costly) tests. Not fun since I can't apply for any job or even further my studies. Heck, I'll consider myself incredibly lucky if I even manage to do my PhD.

 

Mostly right now, I'm just trying to calm myself, plan out certain things, thinking of places I really would love to visit (if I don't make it) and spend as much time with my folks as possible. Loads of things have changed, and I guess some of those changes aren't exactly for the better.

 

I'd however, thank each and every one of you for your lovely encouragement and support and guidance. And most of all, patience with my tendency to overstock my tank and rush through things. Thank you for putting up with my quirks and keeping me in line before I truly go overboard with things.

 

As for my marine tank, all the fish are doing really well. I'll be selling my Byno Goby tomorrow, as well as my two baby Occy clowns in favor of two mature Occys. In the upcoming months, I'll try to rehome my Clarkiis (unless my diagnosis changes, I get to live a longer life and get to upgrade my tank, in which I'll keep them).

[Dr.Brain Coral]

Not the baby bichir . They are my all time favorite fish

[FlowerMama]

Oh my gosh Shadow. What news! Listen, many people have been told mos/yrs and they live years. One thing I do know, if you remove dairy and wheat you'll have a healthier mind and body. I've been reading about the Paleo diet and people in 30 days have reversed aches, inflammation, bp, sugar, high bp and cholesterol greatly and auto immune disorders dramatically reduced if not reversed. For 9.99 on Kindle you can read It - called It Starts With Food, it's amazing.

 

Just remember though, many people live past expectation statistics and well past what dr say- it's almost as if when the doctor gives a timeline, there's a determination beyond words to prove and believe you can live longer, and many people too though, with that acceptance, find it's at that time in their life they find their most meaningful, open, honest times with their families and growth that they'd ever experience..

 

One thing I saw with Don, if someone said jump, he'd say How high? Every thank you for any little thing I did was hearfelt. But I know Don was also tired, tired of being poked, prodded, cut open, replacing parts and taking 15 medications daily, Just keep enjoying your time with those closest to you. Family and friends are more important than updating us here.

 

I certainly hope God won't be taking you soon and hope you find good homes for everything. And yeah, there's a lot I still don't understand about why I had to meet the best person in my life, only have them with me for a few yrs, and then he be taken away. Needless to say I have some major questions for the man upstairs as you said too.

 

Would love to hear where you want to travel????

[Dr.Brain Coral]

I didnt even see the part about your surgery. I am so sorry and ashamed that it seemed like I was more sad about the bichir. I will be praying for you shadow that you will recover.

[Snow_Phoenix]

Oh my gosh Shadow. What news! Listen, many people have been told mos/yrs and they live years. One thing I do know, if you remove dairy and wheat you'll have a healthier mind and body. I've been reading about the Paleo diet and people in 30 days have reversed aches, inflammation, bp, sugar, high bp and cholesterol greatly and auto immune disorders dramatically reduced if not reversed. For 9.99 on Kindle you can read It - called It Starts With Food, it's amazing.

 

Just remember though, many people live past expectation statistics and well past what dr say- it's almost as if when the doctor gives a timeline, there's a determination beyond words to prove and believe you can live longer, and many people too though, with that acceptance, find it's at that time in their life they find their most meaningful, open, honest times with their families and growth that they'd ever experience..

 

One thing I saw with Don, if someone said jump, he'd say How high? Every thank you for any little thing I did was hearfelt. But I know Don was also tired, tired of being poked, prodded, cut open, replacing parts and taking 15 medications daily, Just keep enjoying your time with those closest to you. Family and friends are more important than updating us here.

 

I certainly hope God won't be taking you soon and hope you find good homes for everything. And yeah, there's a lot I still don't understand about why I had to meet the best person in my life, only have them with me for a few yrs, and then he be taken away. Needless to say I have some major questions for the man upstairs as you said too.

 

Would love to hear where you want to travel????

 

I'd love to go to Australia. I don't know why, but I've been there only once in my lifetime, and honestly, if I have one last wish, it'd be to spend at least a week there sightseeing with my parents and little sis.

 

I didnt even see the part about your surgery. I am so sorry and ashamed that it seemed like I was more sad about the bichir. I will be praying for you shadow that you will recover.

 

Don't worry, Dr. Brain. It was a lengthy post. And thank you.

 

Also, from a personal post online:

 

I'm thinking of permanently retiring from the marine hobby. As fun as it is, the upkeep of salty tanks is too difficult for me, both financially and emotionally right now. The estimated second-hand value of my tank with all its equipment, test kits, livestock, food, and dosing bottles is around RM 1555. The estimated cost of selling off my other three freshwater tanks is RM 500+, which leaves me with a grand total of RM 2000. I plan on focusing on one large, white cabinet tank which is 4' x 2' x 2' in my artroom, and this will be the only freshwater tank that I'll keep (I'll have to shift things around and get rid of two small cupboards but screw it). No more smaller tanks - I'll merge all my cichlids and fish in a single tank and the estimated cost of this is anywhere between RM 1200 to RM 1600. This leaves me with a balance of RM 400+, which will be saved (duh!) after a small amount is deducted to purchase additional plants, sand and driftwood. So one tank = one focus = one step at a time. No more upgrades after this one, this will be my final upgrade of 120G. I will not dive back into the marine hobby until I get a stable income of RM 5K++ and above since it requires a lot of money and persistence, none of which I have atm (take note this is if I defy the odds and survive the next few months/years to gain a proper job with a good income). If anyone is interested in my marine tank set (it's basically plug and play now), just let me know. COD at JB only, price listing will be emailed/PMed to you. Original grand cost of tank with equipment, kits, livestock and dosing is estimated at RM 2500+, so I'm already selling very cheap. Don't haggle me any further. Tqvm.

 

So basically, I gave myself a few days to think - and I realized how drained I am. Emotionally, financially and mentally. It's a stressful time for my family and myself, and I can't divert to much attention to my hobbies. I was forced to sell off Loki the crab to cut down the amount of tanks at home. And my current fish are outgrowing the 30G fairly quick, and I desire to see them in a bigger space, even if it's not long-term. So I've decided to take a long break from salty and focus on my strength of 20+ years = freshwater. I'm currently running an African Cichlid tank with Bichirs and catfish, and even this adorable golden baby fire eel, and they give me more peace that I can hope for. So I've decided to keep them.

 

Guess I'll still stick around NR, but this thread will be shut down in the future when I decomm everything. Wish it'd have lasted longer though.

[Tamberav]

I am so sorry to hear (( Keep a positive mind. My thoughts go with you and your family.

 

Keep this thread open imo... and post pics of your freshwater stuff You have some very cool FW fish. I had to google fire eel, very pretty!

[Simone]

Very sorry to hear of your troubles. I agree with Tamb about keeping the thread open and posting yourself freshwater stuff if you feel like continuing to share with this community. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that fish keeping continues to be a solace for you during these difficult times.

[Snow_Phoenix]

I am so sorry to hear (( Keep a positive mind. My thoughts go with you and your family.

 

Keep this thread open imo... and post pics of your freshwater stuff You have some very cool FW fish. I had to google fire eel, very pretty!

 

 

Very sorry to hear of your troubles. I agree with Tamb about keeping the thread open and posting yourself freshwater stuff if you feel like continuing to share with this community. Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that fish keeping continues to be a solace for you during these difficult times.

 

Well, I did it. I decommed the tank today evening, separated the livestock and rocks into three different tubs, and will sell them off through my lfs tomorrow. Need to give the tank a good scrub before selling it off to other people though.

 

And halfway through decomming, I realized something. I still had Loki's 5G Pico tank. And I came up with a stupid idea. I chucked out the sand from Loki's old tank, put in the LS and a lone LR piece from the 15G, and basically locked down the whole setup with Prime. I shifted my starfish, my shrimp, my CUC and two of my smallest fish - the YCG and blenny in there. I made a one day FOWLR setup because I couldn't let them all go at once. I feel so weak and terrible. But I was weeping as I packed away the rest of my fish and corals.

 

These guys - the starfish especially - he's been with me for almost 2 years. The YCG for 1.5. The shrimp for 1 year. And the electric blue hermit for 2 years. They've been through everything, and I can't just give them up to a store. I can't do it.

 

So I stared at this little Pico tank for the next 30 minutes and watched them. And finally had a bath, had a very light dinner and got on here before heading off to bed. Tomorrow is going to be painful.

[Tamberav]

A little FOWLR will be easy to take care of. Water changes are quick and easy and you don't need to care about alk/ca levels and even nitrate can creep up a bit.

 

Just keep in mind, while salt tanks can require a lot of upkeep, they don't have to. I haven't done a water change on my mandarin tank in 2 months. You put a lot of strain on yourself because you enjoy fish too much Keep it simple and then there is time for relaxation and the tank becomes therapeutic.

 

I still have a clown and a hermit crab from 4 or maybe 5 years ago. They are plain but it would be difficult for me to part with them. Your YCG has been through a lot, I think I remember he got lost when the LFS was holding him for awhile and showed back up later.

[Dr.Brain Coral]

Cant you keep the pico? I wouldn't be able to part with pets I have had for a long time like my leopard gecko Reptar or Blu my parakeet. Like Tamb said It would be cheap and easy to care for

[FlowerMama]

No, keep the pico!!!. You've been through enough girl. Give yourself this.