m new to the hobby but feel very fortunate to have a great LFS. These guys helped me set up an awesome aquarium and have given me great advice on what corals to buy, where to put them, and what not to buy at my tanks stage. I have them come out once a month to check the system and do water changes for me. I know this may seem like cheating, but I consider it money well spent to protect my investment. I will eventually take it over myself but wanted to get a solid foundation. In 5 months I’ve lost one snail only, but they say I’m not ready for SPS yet so I trust they know best. I love this new hobby, but I still need to keep myself in check for disappointment such as what you’re experiencing. Hope you stay with it
I’m dealing with the same situation, but I think it’s because my tank is still very new (6 months). At this point, LPS is my speciality. SPS is truly a difficult coral to keep and can frustrate a person who loves it really easy. I would wait until your tank is really mature and then maybe give it another chance.
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Don’t feel bad! I kill monti’s!!! I can’t keep any of them alive & I so badly want one. Zoa’s I grow like crazy! Softies; no problem.
How about Repurposing /upgrading them SPS skeletons into "Frankenstein Cyphastrea" like Leishman does
I too cant keep Birdsnest for anything. Same for other acro's but I can grow Hollywood Stunner chalice, Duncan's and I think it is called Trumpet. Along with red Montipora growing very well.. And one meat coral probably not the correct name which is the first one to last as long as it has over a year now.
well..while i totally understand...dont give up! take it as a challenge..step back..and make a new plan. One thing I did..and I think many people who are somewhat new and also read all kinds of diff things and people tell them diff things..anyhow..I got a coral or two and they did ok for a while (not acros sps or anything) and so then i thought..I got this! and i bought larger or more expensive pieces including some sps ..you get that coral fever and go blow some money..then over time I realized that I didnt "have this" lol..as I preceeded to kill corals some slowly and some rapidly...I have finally decided to back off and get better at chemistry /husbandry/knowledge..and then much more slowly..get one coral at a time..this is extremely difficult for someone who has bad issues with patience at times..its teaching me some more patience..Im embracing that now..let me tell you a few of the diff corals I have killed...lol...1st coral was long tentacle plate..killed it in about 3 months...then lets see..killed some favia frags in weeks...was cautious then but after I had some success for a few months and thought I "had it" I killed a gorgeous lobo in about 3-4 months....I killed an elegance coral...some candy cane..yes really...although i think i had some help from a diamond goby on the elegance..oh yeh..killed a birdsnest in a matter of I would say 6 weeks...lol relax and forget the money you spent ( dont buy massive hauls-bad idea but very fun) people spend money on all kinds of things that dont last..video games...concerts...whatever..so I would say relax...and get more into studying stability...what can you do to keep things "the same" as much as possible...I would be cautious about running alk that high ..sounds like maybe you are using red sea coral pro? yes? so..back off and look at everything that might be unstable..for an animal like coral..im just talking here im no epert so take it with a grain if salt but you get the idea and you can figure it out...I would start with zeroing in on temp and salinity...are they as constant as you can make them? Ive heard you dont have to run alk high to have success..as a matter of fact..swings when its high might be an issue...pick a number..in the middle..and just try to stay in there...PH was something I ignored...but if you have a closed up house with lots of occupants....and chronic low ph..that can cause issues as well..I would go back and just comb over all these basics...its almost alaways something basic out of line that you dont realize..these critters are used to very constant chemistry temp ph and so on..light is important too ..if you are like me..you might overreact to things making things worse...I think with chemistry and stability...the hare wins the race...react slowly..as far as implementing changes..etc..dont try to make big corrections...just try to keep it in a range..the more constant these things are..I bet you will suddenly "really get it..and it will be that much more satisfying" just some long rambling thhoughts..but..dont give up..back off a little..think on it...
