I want to enjoy reefing again

Squeaky McMurdo · Feb 14, 2020

My return pump shorted out and electrocuted everything last month. I didn’t realize I loved Spike my Foxface so much but I can’t come to the forum without crying about him anymore. I used to visit daily and I want to enjoy it again. My 125 gallon tank sits devoid of life except for some snails and the odd asterina. I redid my rockwork up against the back. I had it in the middle so Spike could go behind it for privacy. I just can’t get excited about it and I’m not motivated enough to find a new pump to restart my sump. I have to do something because I have a melanarus wrasse, valentini puffer, and a Columbian Shark in quarantine. Survived by getting injured and sick. Go figure. My surviving corals and urchins are in my 5 gallon. The pincushion urchin really needs to go back in the big tank. He seems happy, but he will get too big to stay. I know if I can get life back in there I would be happy again, but it’s just the getting going. I’m sad to even put my hands in it. I poured my heart and soul into my fish choices and they’re all gone now.

The light over my nano is working to keep the corals alive and happy, but it’s too blue and looks dark. Maybe I’ll get an ABI bulb for it instead. Should I go with the 12 or 23watt for a 5 gallon? Mushroom, xenia, riccordea, and gsp are all that’s in there. I would like to try zoas but can’t justify paying $50 for 1-3 polyps. I wish I had a LFS. Is there a tiny fish or interesting invert that could live in it?

And thus ends my rant about the depressing bleakness of my tanks. The cold winter is so much longer without them to enjoy.

vetteguy53081 · Feb 14, 2020

Glad you did not let a hiccup discourage or end your passion for reefing. We all get challenged in this hobby but at the end of the day we all admire out systems and are glad we stuck with it
Welcome back

Auquanut · Feb 14, 2020

Sorry for your loss. The only thing I can tell you is that your love for your fish and reefing in general is evident in your words. Don't wait any longer. Get started again with the 125 now! You owe it to your remaining livestock, and the spark will reignite quickly. I promise. We are all here to support you.

Johniejumbo · Feb 14, 2020

I went through much the same about a year ago. I somehow managed to kill all the fish in my tank.... I was disgusted. I turned off the light and just left the tank as it was. I put it up for sale and everything. No one bought it and I’m glad. About 2 months later I was renewed and ready to get into it again. Get urself a new return pump and keep the tank going. You’ll get ur mojo back before long most likely.