Do you ever....

bknapp · Nov 20, 2014

Do you ever just look at your tank and think you're doing everything wrong?

That's how I feel right now about my tank. I feel like things are getting better, corals are growing and coloring up but it just seems as if things are not growing at the rates I feel that they should and that others are getting.

But then again, maybe its just one of those days.

roadrashpaul · Nov 21, 2014

Yep. Been doing a lot of reading about other successful tanks. Going to change up some things this winter.

pickupman66 · Nov 21, 2014

Been there. Done that.

Dowtish · Nov 21, 2014

I have been there many times. Even recently I was thinking to myself that something is just off as few certain corals are just stagnant in growth or coloring up. I then went back and looked at some old photos and in particular a youtube video and it made me think I am being way too hard on myself. When we stare at our tanks every single day we dont notice the growth as much.

Check this out

schooleyosis · Nov 21, 2014

Best to compare photos as Chris stated or take a vacation and come back and compare.

bknapp · Nov 21, 2014

I do know for a fact my growth is nowhere near what Chris has. The 180 has been up for about nine months and it hasn't done much filing in. My parameters are pretty stable but the growth hasn't followed. It's rather upsetting.

Tank looks great Chris, WOW.

schooleyosis · Nov 21, 2014

You say it's upsetting because it's not growing in as you expected... Are your standards set too high for yourself? How about taking it down a notch and enjoying what you have? In other words, quit being so tough on yourself B!!!

I think if you try and rush growth or try to get it to your expectations than you are asking for trouble. It's good to have high standards, but remember that good things don't happen overnight in the salty world.

bknapp · Nov 21, 2014

I get what you're saying Ryan, I really do even if what I'm saying doesn't convey that.

I'm beyond grateful for what I've got and blessed with the fact that everything is living, I just question if it is thriving or not. Our creatures living shouldn't be the goal, thriving should be. And I'm worried and question if my tank is doing that.

Guess I just see tanks like Dowtish's, yours, and countless others and wish I could say I've had that success.

schooleyosis · Nov 21, 2014

I understand and appreciate that! IIRC, you have all high end corals for the most part right? Those all seem to give me the most trouble and not quite sure I even have any, lol. Usually the more expensive/exclusive the slower the grow, IMO.

Remember, your tank is also relatively new with major changes in equipment. I think stability and consistency is key to success. Not much has changed in my tank in just about a year other than adding a few new fish and a few corals. But for the most part; lights, pumps, dosing schedule/additives, salt, have all pretty much been consistent.

How would you measure "thriving" versus "success"? I know it's subjective but I think is a good debate to have!

.AcroKiller. · Nov 21, 2014

Do you always have your hands in your tank?

.AcroKiller. · Nov 21, 2014

On my new tank I'm doing the DSR method but a bit modified due to not been able to dose a carbon dose regularly so I'm doing ecobak. I bought all the test kits and all the supplements basically you don't changes your water and you only replace what the tank needs ie Boron,strontium,iodone,potassium, iron ect.
Here is a link of the guy tank he is the guy that came up with the calculator if you pm him he will send you the link. Basically you just input what your readings are and the calculator tells you what to add out of all the elements.

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138700

MrDJeep123 · Nov 22, 2014

You really shouldn't compare your tank to others. This is YOUR journey and will not be the same as everyone else's.

bknapp · Nov 22, 2014

The thriving versus success for me is one in the same, it's the living versus thriving that I'm having issues with. In my opinion great color and noticeable growth is thriving.

I keep my hands out of the tank as much as possible, only touch or move coral when absolutely needed.