Hannahhhh Posted December 18, 2019 Author Share Posted December 18, 2019 I went to check on my tank tonight, and found my mandarin goby floating on the surface. She’s not dead, but she seems to be having problems staying down. I sunk her down to the bottom in a little cup, but she floated right back up. I was reading online about peoples’ dragnets “sleepwalking.” I hope that’s what mine is doing, but I kind of doubt it. She’s not skinny, and there are copepods climbing on my glass, so I don’t think that’s she’s hungry. All my other fish are acting normal. 2 Quote Link to comment
WV Reefer Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 18 hours ago, Hannahhhh said: So the goni I added this week seems to be not super happy in the location I have it. It looks ok, but it isn’t really extending its polyps. The first day I had it, the polyps we’re all stretched out. Now they’re relatively shortly. I’m about to go away for 10 days, so I want to pick an acceptable location for it before I go. I’m thinking of putting it in a lower light lower flow area until I get back, but I’m not sure. What do you guys think? Do your gonis prefer high or low light and flow? I have four types of Goni and all of them like a good bit of light and flow. I usually start them on the edges of the tank where the flow isn’t as harsh and then slowly start to move them into better positions. 3 1 Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted December 18, 2019 Author Share Posted December 18, 2019 Can’t explain it, but my mandarin was back to normal this morning 🤷♀️ 4 Quote Link to comment
A.m.P Posted December 18, 2019 Share Posted December 18, 2019 1 minute ago, Hannahhhh said: Can’t explain it, but my mandarin was back to normal this morning 🤷♀️ Fish are weird 3 Quote Link to comment
boomeraudio Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 Great thread, really enjoyed seeing the progress and upgrades! Thinking about getting back into the hobby myself - specifically the Fluval 13.5" for my office. Seems like there's been a limited amount of issues that you've had, however, with all tanks come some issues. What's the biggest challenge you've faced? Would you recommend getting back into the hobby? Love the setup! Quote Link to comment
A.m.P Posted December 19, 2019 Share Posted December 19, 2019 19 minutes ago, xMutil4teR said: Great thread, really enjoyed seeing the progress and upgrades! Thinking about getting back into the hobby myself - specifically the Fluval 13.5" for my office. Seems like there's been a limited amount of issues that you've had, however, with all tanks come some issues. What's the biggest challenge you've faced? Would you recommend getting back into the hobby? Love the setup! I'm not the one you asked however I just dove back-in myself, but yes, provided you understand your budget and what you're diving into, it's a fantastic hobby and an interesting time to be getting back into things. 1 Quote Link to comment
boomeraudio Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 5 hours ago, Amphrites said: I'm not the one you asked however I just dove back-in myself, but yes, provided you understand your budget and what you're diving into, it's a fantastic hobby and an interesting time to be getting back into things. Budget is finally there now. Lost everything back in hurricane Sandy years ago. Certainly able to afford more now in terms of equipment and setup. Don’t want to break the bank though! Ha ha. why would you say an interesting time? Seem to becoming popular again? I was going to look for used but the 13.5 gal is under $200 new...not sure used is worth it. Thanks for replying! 1 Quote Link to comment
A.m.P Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Used is always worth it, check the facebook marketplace or craigslist and get a nice setup for $1 per gallon, sometimes you even get a light thrown at you. It's great because with LED's becoming more affordable you can just throw ABI tuna par bulbs over tanks for $30 and grow sps in shallow systems, social media and forums like this mean you can dip into huge-pools of effective-knowledge, and prices from the right people -for the right animals can be really fantastic. The indo ban sucks, but just don't buy super-brand-name corals, bounces, or "must-have" euphyllia and you should be golden =p On top of that people are finally-starting to really figure out parameters and aren't causing headaches with "necessary" over-complicated-tech, super-clean tanks, or discouraging large water-changes (with nano's you can change out 100% if you need to) - people are (and have been for nearly 10 years) keeping STUNNING systems in bowls and carboys XD Now all that experience is a google or a question away from your fingertips. Quote Link to comment
boomeraudio Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 16 hours ago, Amphrites said: Used is always worth it, check the facebook marketplace or craigslist and get a nice setup for $1 per gallon, sometimes you even get a light thrown at you. It's great because with LED's becoming more affordable you can just throw ABI tuna par bulbs over tanks for $30 and grow sps in shallow systems, social media and forums like this mean you can dip into huge-pools of effective-knowledge, and prices from the right people -for the right animals can be really fantastic. The indo ban sucks, but just don't buy super-brand-name corals, bounces, or "must-have" euphyllia and you should be golden =p On top of that people are finally-starting to really figure out parameters and aren't causing headaches with "necessary" over-complicated-tech, super-clean tanks, or discouraging large water-changes (with nano's you can change out 100% if you need to) - people are (and have been for nearly 10 years) keeping STUNNING systems in bowls and carboys XD Now all that experience is a google or a question away from your fingertips. Definitely! I've had a hard time finding used AIO tanks with stands locally. I'm in Jersey. Willing to travel a little bit anyways...chomping at the bit to get in the hobby but need to use patience haha. 1 Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted December 22, 2019 Author Share Posted December 22, 2019 On 12/19/2019 at 11:28 AM, xMutil4teR said: Great thread, really enjoyed seeing the progress and upgrades! Thinking about getting back into the hobby myself - specifically the Fluval 13.5" for my office. Seems like there's been a limited amount of issues that you've had, however, with all tanks come some issues. What's the biggest challenge you've faced? Would you recommend getting back into the hobby? Love the setup! I loved the fluval 13.5! I had no problems with it at all, the only reason I switched was because I ended up wanting more space! I love this hobby so much! I hemmed and hawed about starting a reef tank for so many years and I wish I had just done it years ago! Keep in mind the fluval is somewhat small. I would make a list of the livestock you want and make sure all of them can fit in an evo. I did this but I also pretty much lied to myself and said I could be happy with just a few fish. Once my tank was full I decided I really wanted more fish and so I got a bigger tank. I’m not as experienced a reefer as @Amphrites and because of that, my gut leans towards buying a new tank, unless you’re buying the used one from a local fish store who has checked it out and says it’s in good shape. I just don’t feel confident enough in my ability to inspect a used tank and used equipment. Plus I like the knowledge that if anything goes wrong, the company will stand behind their product (hopefully). If you feel confident buying used, go for it. Check craigslist, Facebook market, and talk to your local fish store. One thing I wanted to know starting out with the evo was what additional costs I would face in the first few months. Not sure how experienced you are, so if you already know all this feel free to skip this. I’m not gonna list prices, but I’ll list the items. I could easily be forgetting stuff though so definitely double check. Just getting started off: Heater, live rock or rock of some sort, live sand or sand of some sort, a refractometer, water test kits, a siphon and bucket for water changes, thermometer, etc. Optional stuff could include a skimmer, a wave maker, biological concentrate to help your tank cycle faster, a tool for scraping algae off the glass, etc. For water, you can either buy from your LFS which is what I do. In that case, grab some paint buckets that you can seal, so water doesn’t spill all over your car. 1 Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted December 31, 2019 Author Share Posted December 31, 2019 On 12/14/2019 at 4:50 PM, Hannahhhh said: My mushroom rock fell onto my yellow hammer at some point today. One head looks perfect but the other looks damaged.. it’s got some brown on it which is stressing me out. I don’t have any coral dip at the moment, but I’m thinking I should maybe go buy some and dip the coral? I’m not sure though. Huge improvement in my yellow hammer! I was away for 10 days and it looks great now! It’s regrowing the damaged areas and the color is coming back. No sign of any brown jelly! I’m really thankful to my LFS for helping me out with it and advising me not to frag it. They dipped it in ReVive and then told me to let it be! 6 Quote Link to comment
boomeraudio Posted December 31, 2019 Share Posted December 31, 2019 On 12/22/2019 at 5:24 PM, Hannahhhh said: I loved the fluval 13.5! I had no problems with it at all, the only reason I switched was because I ended up wanting more space! I love this hobby so much! I hemmed and hawed about starting a reef tank for so many years and I wish I had just done it years ago! Keep in mind the fluval is somewhat small. I would make a list of the livestock you want and make sure all of them can fit in an evo. I did this but I also pretty much lied to myself and said I could be happy with just a few fish. Once my tank was full I decided I really wanted more fish and so I got a bigger tank. I’m not as experienced a reefer as @Amphrites and because of that, my gut leans towards buying a new tank, unless you’re buying the used one from a local fish store who has checked it out and says it’s in good shape. I just don’t feel confident enough in my ability to inspect a used tank and used equipment. Plus I like the knowledge that if anything goes wrong, the company will stand behind their product (hopefully). If you feel confident buying used, go for it. Check craigslist, Facebook market, and talk to your local fish store. One thing I wanted to know starting out with the evo was what additional costs I would face in the first few months. Not sure how experienced you are, so if you already know all this feel free to skip this. I’m not gonna list prices, but I’ll list the items. I could easily be forgetting stuff though so definitely double check. Just getting started off: Heater, live rock or rock of some sort, live sand or sand of some sort, a refractometer, water test kits, a siphon and bucket for water changes, thermometer, etc. Optional stuff could include a skimmer, a wave maker, biological concentrate to help your tank cycle faster, a tool for scraping algae off the glass, etc. For water, you can either buy from your LFS which is what I do. In that case, grab some paint buckets that you can seal, so water doesn’t spill all over your car. Thanks Hannah! I ended up finding a IM Nuvo 20 with a 5 gal IM top off and heater to come with it. I just picked up an AI Prime HD and the Nero 5 also. Added costs are definitely there including rock, sand, RODI, etc...but I want to do this right. Looking forward to continued progress with your tank! Might share some of mine on the forums in the future. Thanks again Hannah. Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted December 31, 2019 Author Share Posted December 31, 2019 4 hours ago, boomeraudio said: Thanks Hannah! I ended up finding a IM Nuvo 20 with a 5 gal IM top off and heater to come with it. I just picked up an AI Prime HD and the Nero 5 also. Added costs are definitely there including rock, sand, RODI, etc...but I want to do this right. Looking forward to continued progress with your tank! Might share some of mine on the forums in the future. Thanks again Hannah. Awesome luck finding that tank!! I love my IM NUVO 30 gallon, I bet you will love yours. I need to buy an auto top off at some point! I’d love to see pictures as you get it going!! Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted January 4, 2020 Author Share Posted January 4, 2020 Took some pics this morning before heading out for my two week vacation in the Cayman Islands. Freaked my fish out when the lights when on at 4am. I’m excited to do some diving in the caymans and see fish and coral in the wild, but I’m also very nervous leaving my tank! Hopefully all goes well! Yellow tube coral Pulsing xenia Weeping willow leather coral Kryptonite candy cane coral Green Bay packers on an oyster Green hairy mushroom Red long polyp goni PPE zoas Feather duster Kabuki (lyretail anthias) hiding out Kensington Cardinal Clementine (Lyretail anthias) 7 Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 I am starting a second, smaller tank (13 gallons). I am going to use live sand and add live rock from my established tank. I also plan on using about 10 gallons of water from my established tank (from a water change) with 3 gallons of newly mixed salt water. I also plan on dosing with Fluval Biological Enhancer and adding some bio balls from my established tank. I am wondering if it is possible to skip or at least minimize a cycle considering the steps I am taking. I will test the water to double check, but I’m curious if other people have managed to skip cycles. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment
A.m.P Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 Kind of, as long as you move slowly with it, using established rock works quite well - the water won't really do much if anything at all though. 2 Quote Link to comment
jservedio Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 1 minute ago, Hannahhhh said: I am starting a second, smaller tank (13 gallons). I am going to use live sand and add live rock from my established tank. I also plan on using about 10 gallons of water from my established tank (from a water change) with 3 gallons of newly mixed salt water. I also plan on dosing with Fluval Biological Enhancer and adding some bio balls from my established tank. I am wondering if it is possible to skip or at least minimize a cycle considering the steps I am taking. I will test the water to double check, but I’m curious if other people have managed to skip cycles. Thanks! If you are using sand and rock from an existing tank with a bioload in it, you will have absolutely no cycle as long as you aren't letting the rock and sand sit outside of the water for hours at a time. When I built my pico I did the same thing and had it stocked within 10 minutes of setting it up. No need to dose anything or use the bioballs - just keep some Prime handy in case you screw something up. It'll be no different than doing a 3g water change. 3 Quote Link to comment
jservedio Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 Just now, Amphrites said: Kind of, as long as you move slowly with it, using established rock works quite well - the water won't really do much if anything at all though. Not kind of - there will be absolutely no cycle and no need to go slow. It's literally the same as moving. Her tank is new, so the sand isn't full of nasty crap that could throw a wrench into things. If you had a really mature tank, the only thing I would say is to use brand new sand. 1 Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 1 minute ago, jservedio said: If you are using sand and rock from an existing tank with a bioload in it, you will have absolutely no cycle as long as you aren't letting the rock and sand sit outside of the water for hours at a time. When I built my pico I did the same thing and had it stocked within 10 minutes of setting it up. No need to dose anything or use the bioballs - just keep some Prime handy in case you screw something up. It'll be no different than doing a 3g water change. 1 minute ago, jservedio said: If you are using sand and rock from an existing tank with a bioload in it, you will have absolutely no cycle as long as you aren't letting the rock and sand sit outside of the water for hours at a time. When I built my pico I did the same thing and had it stocked within 10 minutes of setting it up. No need to dose anything or use the bioballs - just keep some Prime handy in case you screw something up. It'll be no different than doing a 3g water change. Awesome! Thanks so much you guys! I am setting up a tank for a Pygmy octopus, and they’re very sensitive to water quality, so I will probably test the water for at least a few weeks to ensure there is no mini cycle. But it’s great to hear that I should be able to avoid one! 3 Quote Link to comment
A.m.P Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 10 minutes ago, jservedio said: Not kind of - there will be absolutely no cycle and no need to go slow. It's literally the same as moving. Her tank is new, so the sand isn't full of nasty crap that could throw a wrench into things. If you had a really mature tank, the only thing I would say is to use brand new sand. I wasn't sure about the sand or how much rock, sometimes you still end up with a bit of a cycle only moving over a little rock - IIRC her tank is a bit on the smaller side. 1 Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 3 minutes ago, Amphrites said: I wasn't sure about the sand or how much rock, sometimes you still end up with a bit of a cycle only moving over a little rock - IIRC her tank is a bit on the smaller side. Either way I’m going to wait and make sure. I’m hoping it won’t cycle, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. 2 Quote Link to comment
WV Reefer Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 On 1/4/2020 at 8:02 AM, Hannahhhh said: Took some pics this morning before heading out for my two week vacation in the Cayman Islands. Freaked my fish out when the lights when on at 4am. I’m excited to do some diving in the caymans and see fish and coral in the wild, but I’m also very nervous leaving my tank! Hopefully all goes well! Yellow tube coral Pulsing xenia Weeping willow leather coral Kryptonite candy cane coral Green Bay packers on an oyster Green hairy mushroom Red long polyp goni PPE zoas Feather duster Kabuki (lyretail anthias) hiding out Kensington Cardinal Clementine (Lyretail anthias) Nice pics! and I can’t wait to see the octopus when you get it. 😊 5 Quote Link to comment
Poison Dart Frog Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 24 minutes ago, Hannahhhh said: Awesome! Thanks so much you guys! I am setting up a tank for a Pygmy octopus, and they’re very sensitive to water quality, so I will probably test the water for at least a few weeks to ensure there is no mini cycle. But it’s great to hear that I should be able to avoid one! Can you find a pygmy octopus locally or do you have to order it? I got real interested in keeping an octopus a while back and did a lot of reading but I figured if I ever did get one I'd have to order it online and would wait until it's warmer for it to ship. Quote Link to comment
Hannahhhh Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 8 minutes ago, Poison Dart Frog said: Can you find a pygmy octopus locally or do you have to order it? I got real interested in keeping an octopus a while back and did a lot of reading but I figured if I ever did get one I'd have to order it online and would wait until it's warmer for it to ship. No I would have to have it shipped. It’s packaged with a lot of heat packs though and I’m gonna order it to the post office so that it can be kept somewhere warm until I get to it. 4 Quote Link to comment
Poison Dart Frog Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 3 minutes ago, Hannahhhh said: No I would have to have it shipped. It’s packaged with a lot of heat packs though and I’m gonna order it to the post office so that it can be kept somewhere warm until I get to it. Awesome. Looking forward to seeing it on here. Those are so fascinating. Quote Link to comment
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