Reef Tank DIY - For Dummies

[Dearth]

First off I have to say this

I am right there with you Maggie I have never QT a fish mostly due to lack of space in my time in the hobby I’ve lost maybe 3 fish in acclimation mostly due to stress I’ve never had a disease nor have I followed recommended acclimation procedures. Like you I understand the risks and accept them

Now that being said you have an awesome looking tank with some great looking coral and fish keep it up.

[Dash]

Originally Posted by Dearth

First off I have to say this

I am right there with you Maggie I have never QT a fish mostly due to lack of space in my time in the hobby I’ve lost maybe 3 fish in acclimation mostly due to stress I’ve never had a disease nor have I followed recommended acclimation procedures. Like you I understand the risks and accept them

Now that being said you have an awesome looking tank with some great looking coral and fish keep it up.

Thanks! This hobby has been a so much fun

[Dash]

I saw an ad for a small tank & couldn't resist spending the $30. It's about 25 gal. I had the intention of doing a freshwater planted but then...I thought what about a SW temperate tank instead, hmmm. I have some reservations but I think I'll enjoy the challenge. After cleaning it out, I put in some water & a rock from the DT. Also a xenia to test the waters. It's a little sad but bravely pulsing away. I plan to add some sand & a bit more rock. Need a hang on skimmer, new powerhead & a light if anyone is selling



Meanwhile, I've been trying to improve my camera skills with stuff in the DT. I'm lucky if I can focus but it's fun.

Hellfire milli has been a fast grower for me:


Some coral are starting to resent their neighbours:



Orange Passion starting to colour up more:


Po checking out a patch of algae that I can't seem to get rid of:


I was told this was a type of tuxedo - should've listened to my inner voice. So of course he grew huge in 3 days. Luckily he is well-behaved and is content to carry around something I give him.


Love my rockflower - such a gentleman!


These two are more tolerant of each other's company:


Space Invader feeling hungry:


My latest acquisition: a strawberry coral. Hope it will do well, fingers crossed. I mounted it upside down and so far it seems happy.

Marilyn the jawfish is doing well. She is always out when the lights are on, and the other day I saw her shoo away the puffer! Here's a little video clip of her:

[Dash]

sorry double post

[target]

You're tank looks really good. I just read through your whole thread. Can't wait for my new ta k to be running

[Dash]

Originally Posted by target

You're tank looks really good. I just read through your whole thread. Can't wait for my new ta k to be running

Thanks Daniel. Can’t believe you slogged through the whole thing Look forward to your build thread.

[Dash]

Another new year means it's the anniversary for the current DT, and since I seem to like starting new things at the beginning of the year, I also got a nano tank off the ground
Everything is going well. However, due to increased feeding, tank has hair algae for the first time, patches here and there. I'm considering trying out Vibrant in a very conservative treatment, but I'm a bit chicken so I'm procrastinating as usual.

Main tank marks 2nd anniversary. How time flies...


First thing to greet me when I come home through the mud room door


This is one of my favourite things right now - a Japanese toadstool. It's super bright in whatever light and has great movement. Can't wait for the polyps to grow even longer.


So now that I'm an old hand at this () it was easy enough to throw together the little tank. It measures 31 x 12 x 16. Throw in some old tank water, sand, rock, bing bang boom - instant tank! Add some soft coral & snails, nothing dies, great, add fish. I moved over my original clown pair that I bought at JL Boxing Day sale 4 years old when I started the hobby. They had been in the sump for a year because the new clown pair, who get to live in the main DT because they like to be hosted by the nem, tried to murder them. I mean she was charging at them with a machete.


A new couple: Popeye and Olive (tangaroa goby & candy cane pistol). I encouraged them to bond in the sump before the new tank was ready.2

Didn't buy any fish this Boxing Day, just shrimp, which is exciting as I've never had these before due to the puffers in the main DT.

Winston the Wolf:


Sexy trio!



I am on the lookout for interesting macroalgae and soft corals for the new tank, especially gorgonians and anything unusual, so please if you have something, let me know!

Wishing everyone a happy 2020

[Dash]

I almost forgot:




Only a few drops left in the bottle, started 4 years ago! It has served me very well indeed.

I just bought a new bottle at this year's sale, so I'm good for another 4 years