Alright guys cue dissolve and voice-over: "Ten Months Later"
So before I upload a couple pictures I want to discuss some of the things I've dealt with since my last post. These will be in brief and I'll expound on them if people request. I had forgotten getting over the hump of a new tank, and thought that I was maybe so experienced I'd be immune to most problems. I was incorrect.
First.... going way back to setup. Let talk equipment and ordering things custom. I had a heck of a time getting this tank actually running as it needed. Part of this was due to the sump. We ordered from Glass Cages and the first sump didn't show up according to specs. So it couldn't fit under the stand. Joe from Glass Cages was immediately available... and he sent me and my friends helping me set this tank up a new sump overnight... which, through no fault of Glass Cages, came in broken. Joe was again immediately available and even made the offer to hop on a plane and bring the sump in personally. We politely declined and the next sump came in exactly as requested and there have been no other issues. All that is to say: Problems happen, and when they do you want to work with someone who will make it right, like Glass Cages.
After that, things were up and running pretty well for the first few months. However, although in my old 125 I occasionally found a flasher wrasse in the overflow, with this new system, My fish were CONSTANTLY jumping out of the tank! I lost a few beautiful wrasse and a blenny before I could fully proof the system. I did this with an old fashioned mesh top and a Styrofoam baffle to block off my overflow. I decided the issue was the large open water area I had created on the right side of my tank. It gave my fish (that seem to love the area) ample room to chase and interact. This area also gave who ever was being chased lots of room to really build up speed and launch themselves. Overall, I love the open water area. I think the fish do too. It just requires a bit of extra planning.
Third and finally for conquered problems: Dinos. Specificaly Large Cell Amphidinium. These guys came in like a wrecking ball and took months to overcome. I lost some expensive coral that had been doing great previously. I tried many different tricks. Some better than others. Basically, Patience, Light management, and pH control were how I defeated the monsters. Happy to share more if others are interested.
That takes us to about November. Since then the tank has been slowly chugging along. Corals are recovering and finally starting to really take off. I've had to start using more Kalk as my corals absorb more. (Kalk is also amazing for killing pests) It's a good problem to have and I'll be getting a reactor as soon as I get some more time off. Steady maintanence and regular water changes are the key for me. I run a very low cost system overall. I'm very happy with my tank and still love the hobby. Any other questions about feeding, compatibility, chemistry, fish, inverts I'm happy to answer if I can. I'm an open book.
Pictures to be posted below. It's a big tank so if anyone wants a better shot of anyone/thing just let me know and I'll do my best.
