I started it from another tank so it was kinda mature when I started. btw I have sps mostly and a few lps. It had some of the stony corals from day one.
Very nice. I would like to take some photographs of a very sickly looking SPS in my aquarium that I'm making an attempt to save but I'm doubtful. Would you mind assisting me in this matter?
Jay also I remember reading about your tank in the totm. But can not find it anymore. Can you list your tank size and equipment and what you have in your tank. Maybe we can find out if you have any problems.
Victoria, originally this coral was kept in a 29 gallon nano running a 30 gallon sump and 150 watt metal halide with about 55 lbs of live rock and plenty of live sand.
Congradulations. A well-deserved victory I must say! You're tank is absolutely stunning. It also raises two very important issues that are often overlooked:
#1 - Bigger is not always better. Your tank is living proof that a modest size tank can still be stunning.
#2 - Expensive state-of-the-art gear is not neccessary to achieve success in our hobby. The health of your livestock is evidence of that.
Danamck: Thank you so much.
#1 Bigger is easier.. things just don't happen as fast. But yes it is possible to have a nice small tank. I do admit it is just as much (work) fun as a large tank.
#2 Yes this tank is run by bare bone equipment. Really I believe it puts you in more control of things. This can be good or bad lol.
My next tank is going to be a large at least 300 gal with all the state of the art equipment.
Thank so much for the congrads!!
I agree about things happening more slowly in larger tanks. And I'm glad to see you're already planning your next tank. I'm currently beginning the process of downsizing from a 240 to a 180. I really don't want to, but I love my 240 so much since going reef (from FOWLR) that I can't stand that it's in the garage (the only place it would fit). I've got a perfect spot for a 180 (tank arrived today, still waiting for stand/canopy) and it will allow me to keep all the equipment (sump, refugium, pumps, etc.) in the garage.
Of course, this is all just a precursor to my final plan: my fish room. I have decided that the only way to keep all the fish & corals I love is to have 3 separate tanks: I've decided on a 180 SPS, a 180 LPS, and a 500 FOWLR (I love angels and butterflies). And the only way to achieve this and still have time for work, family, fun is to have them all together with centralized filtration. Even though it's still years away, it's been a blast planning it.
Keep us up to date on the 300. I plan on doing the same with my 180 and eventually the fish room.
Sure Steved
I feed everyday twice aday. I feed once during daylight hours for the fish. I feed a mixture of flakes, pellets, mysis, cyclopeeze. I feed something different everyday ( I would not do well if I ate the same things everyday)
On the second feeding, I feed after the lights go out. This is for the nocturnal animals. I have learn that most of my coral eat at night. On this feeding I add cyclopeeze, DT's, Rotifeast, and some pellets. I use the pellets because they sink to the bottom. The shrimp and crabs thank me! I also have two pairs of breeding peppermint shrimp and they add there brood too the mix too. I hope this answered your question.
Thanks for the congrats.
Is there a trick to positioning the live rock so that you get such a good platform for the corals? I have just a few yellow polyps, some xenia and a toadstool leather but I want to add some better lights and SPS over the next few months. Hope I can make my 29 look like yours!
Your tank is so beautiful and it looks lovingly maintained. It's like a miniature piece of art! Quite inspiring indeed. Thank you for sharing it with us.
