i posted this at a different site, but have decided to call this place home.......i had to laugh while listening to one of rob's podcast......i definately fit into the typical "newbie syndrome"....although, while it was happening, i wasn't lauhing...anyways....
i suppose i should share a little background first.
many years ago, my hubby had saltwater tanks....when we met & started living in together, he decided to set up a tank....of course, i thought this was a wonderful idea, but not for long
he threw some cc, water & salt in a tank, waited about a week and then, threw in a lionfish (what a wonderful fish)....anyways......he added fish after fish, anemone after anemone & they all died within a short period of time...all, but the lionfish
eventually he gave up putting in fish & eventually the lionfish died....at this point, i told him to take the tank down.....i couldn't take the death of anymore fishes
about a year and a half ago ago, we walked into petco and there sat a beautiful oceanic hex at a steal of a price.....so we bought it and it sat for a year, empty
around 4 mos or so ago, we decided to set up the tank....i wanted some bubble-eyed goldfishes.....hubby wanted saltwater
throw in cc, some water and some salt.....wait a week and here we go again
so, i start reading....."honey, i think we need some of this stuff called live rock"....."honey, i think this thing called a protein skimmer will help"...and on and on.....of course, i ended up w/ a fluval & skilter....neither one works works....so, i am always having to do maintinance, just about on a daily basis....but, the fish are living and love them....i don't mind
so, as of today....my 110g is on the back of a truck, on it's way to me....i will move the 40g today, remove the cc & get everybody back in there as quickly and safely as possible and start on their new home
wish me luck....i will need it!
so, there is my start....i knew i wanted the 110 high.....was told it is very difficult to work, but i am willing to go the distance for the look.....
then....i found "my dream tank" on ebay....it wasn't cheap, but was about 1/2 of what i was going to have pay locally, which i couldn't afford.....here is the ebay pic (wish that was my house ):
got it into it's spot and added #240 of playsand, about #20-30 of cc (for the top layer), and will be adding anther #40 of live sand
now, that is alot of sandbed, but not really....my best guess is that it started out at a depth of between 8-9 inches, depending on where you measure.....after sitting for about a week w/ light flow is at 6-7 inches
carmie was kind enough to give a link to the "garbage bag trick"....wow! how great is that
after 4 hrs:
at the moment, i am just waiting and cutting pvc for my sandbed (thank you, dick)
will update as i go.....welcome to a small corner of my world:-)
Carmie, yes, very exciting!.....the whole upgrade started because i decided i wanted a mandarin.....got laughed at for that, but whatever!
veriann, amphibious sunk pvc in the sandbed to keep the LR off the bed......better circulation for the bed
yep, same pics......decided to today to keep it all on one thread:-)
my light delema....well, i have someone that will build the whole darn thing for me.....but, i am leaning towards going w/ a pre-built T5 system and setting on top of the canapy
That's a nice looking tank. I can't wait to see you fill it with beautiful reefy things. If I can be of any help, PM or e-mail me.
Dick
__________________ Amphibious
Reaching my 70th BD, I realize that I cannot help but grow old. However, I refuse to grow up!!! My wife would tell you, "He may be 70 but, He's going on 17". Life is wonderful with a woman like that.
Dreams... the "User Name" fits the story.. how cool is that??!!
What I like most about this thread, is the documentation of your using OTHER TR Member's suggestions. THIS is what TR is all about! In my opinion, you will NOT have another tank of death. You've already proven that by researching and doing all the right things. Furthermore, your story here is obviously inspirational to others.
Thank you... for showing all what this community is about.
here is crimson.....he has broken bars on both sides......he was slightly faded when i got him, but he is coloring up quite well.....feeding him mysis, blood worms, and brine.....no signs of illness after 3 days
sry about pic quality....hope to improve in this area, he just never sits still....which i should probably be happy about
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