Hi all!

GarrDen79 · Nov 6, 2016

I set up my 46G bowfront 5 months now and I am really enjoying the whole experience. Ultimately want to have corals and mandarinfish.

Current Tank Setup
46g bowfront
30lbs live rock
20 lbs live sand
Fluval 70 hob filter (came with tank)
2 rw-8 powerheads
DsunY full spectrum programmable leds of eBay
CPR hob refugium - to grow pods and macroalgae

Livestock
2 clownfish
Lawnmower blenny
Hawkfish
Seastar
6 snails
Several emerald and hermit crabs

5g weekly water changes

Watching my tank grow and mature is great and I know I'll need a lot of your help to be successful.

Duke4Life · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome!

Dragonreef202 · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R look forward to pics of your progress

GarrDen79 · Nov 6, 2016

Dat673 said:
Welcome to R2R look forward to pics of your progress

Thanks for the welcome. I feel bad posting pics of my tank when it's not looking it's best- currently tackling a hair algae problem.

jsker · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R, I know the feeling. I am currently going through the same thing and this is not the first time

If you need help let use know and we will figure out a resolution

KJ · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R

4FordFamily · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Post pics of your tank!

Chrisfish · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R , we love love pictures!!!

Coastie Reefer · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R, glad to have you.

kschweer · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome!!!

GarrDen79 · Nov 6, 2016

jsker said:
Welcome to R2R, I know the feeling. I am currently going through the same thing and this is not the first time If you need help let use know and we will figure out a resolution

Thanks, just found a thread with solutions. I've tried most solutions, going to try the no lights for a few days, LFS recommended cuts lights to 4hrs/day. Question: can I leave my blue actinic lights on so it isn't just dark or all lights off works best?

jsker · Nov 6, 2016

Have you check your nitrates and phosphates?

I just finished a phosphate spike and bring it down. Last time I had this issue I brought in a larger cleaning crew and started vacuuming the sand and the issue went away.

Salty1962 · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R! Great place to be

GarrDen79 · Nov 6, 2016

jsker said:
Have you check your nitrates and phosphates? I just finished a phosphate spike and bring it down. Last time I had this issue I brought in a larger cleaning crew and started vacuuming the sand and the issue went away.

It was phosphate. Went on vacation, had a friend feed the dog and the fish, filter got clogged, came back to a disaster. Fish survived but all CUC died. Started doing water changes every 3-4 days and had PhospGuard in filter, greatly reduced it but didn't go away. Didn't know to reduce photoperiod. Then last water change I waited a week, but showed new growth. Going back to 3 day WC and will do no lights. I'll see how that goes.

melypr1985 · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome to R2R! Great to have you here!

Maritimer · Nov 6, 2016

Welcome aboard, GarrDen79!

You've found one of the very best places to look for answers to all questions reefy!

One note - 46 gallons isn't gigantic when it comes to producing enough 'pods for a mandarinfish. I have a couple of dragonets who get along well in a 65, but also have two refugiums on the tank for additional micro-munchie production. From what I'm given to understand, the target mandarin (the one I have) is less fussy than the "green" mandarin, and will include things like amphipods and red planaria flatworms in its diet, as well as copepods. Either way, they're quietly spectacular fish, and well worth the extra effort it takes to make sure they're happy!

~Bruce