Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'long-term maintenance'.
Found 1 result
-
Hi all! Let me begin by saying that I am relatively new to this hobby, but I have found this forum incredibly informative over the 100’s of hours I have spent researching! I started my journey several months ago with a nano reef tank (quite an undertaking for a beginner, I know). Thus far, I have had a fair amount of success, but I am concerned for the long-term well-being of my tank; thus, I am reaching out to you, fellow and experienced reefers, for some advice. I currently have a STOCK Biocube 16-gallon tank. I cycled completely before adding any CUC, fish, or corals. Over the past few months, I have slowly added a variety of species and everything has gone surprisingly well (I have only lost one Trochus Snail and a single Blue Legged Hermit). I have been running just the basic Biocube filter (replaced every few weeks) and my clean-up crew (1 Tuxedo Urchin, 2 Turbo Snails, 1 Margarita Snail, 1 Conch Snail, 4-5 hermits, 1 Emerald Crab, and 2-3 hitchhiker brittle starfish) to support a pair of clowns. . have also been doing 10-15% water changes every week. I have also noticed some unexpected copepods, worms, etc. that have made their appearance over the past few months. I have slowly added several species of “corals” including a hairy mushroom, RBTA, Pulsing Xenia, Plating Montipora, Zoas, and Acans. All of my parameters have been stable and within normal limits over the past few months (post-cycling). My question is: what preventative measures should I be taking at this point? I am in this for the long-haul and would like a fairly self-sustaining reef tank a few years down the road. Should I be dosing nutrients? Should I have some sort of media filter in my empty second chamber? Do I need to upgrade my lighting? What is my next step in working towards my long-term goal? I know this is a broad and novice question, but I appreciate all insights! Thank you!!!
