Inherited Tank...Failing Miserably

[Jeff Shaw]

Awesome! Thanks Amoo. This helps a lot...I won't remember it all but fortunately, I know how to cut and paste! I was confusing/mixing the ATO with the RO/DI filter; thanks for setting me straight on that.

Really appreciate all the great information and help from everyone. Now I just need to get to work! I'll post updates as I make progress.

 

[Noremac]

Good luck! Lemon juice injections are also supposed to kill the anemones. Granted its acidity, I dont know how many I would try to kill at once...

 

[Wiz]

Reeftopia sells peppermints that are known to eat aptasia. I personally had the best luck with joes juice. A bit expensive though. The ones that are not near coral can be hit with boiling water using a baster or pipet which will losen there grip then manually removed with a syringe. Cheap and easy.

 

[Jeff Shaw]

Hey guys, I'm back again! Resurrecting this zombie post to report back in. Quick sit report: Because of a new job that requires weekly travel, my time to dedicate to aquarium maintenance went down dramatically. I started losing fish as a result so I got rid of the rest until I could get things back under control. I'm happy to say, I think I have a handle on it and am ready to repopulate. I took all of your great advice and I've been able to install a Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO, a RO/DI filter with requisite water storage and a dedicated water change system (pump, tubing, drainage, etc). I'm able to do my maintenance (including water changes) in less than 30 minutes now where it would take me a few hours before! (Had to go get water from the fish store!) I've been testing my water for the past few weeks and have 0 PPM on ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. pH is at 8.2 and salt is a consistent 1.023.

So....assuming I'm ready for fish, I was wondering where I should start? I was thinking I'd start out with a clean up crew? Any suggestions? What do you suggest as the right number of fish for a 60 gallon tank? As always, thanks for the help and advice!

 

[hllb]

Do you have an algae problem? If not, there won't be much for a CUC to eat yet. Start making a list of fish you like. Then learn about them, and then create a stocking list. You'll want to put more shy fish in first (as long as they're hearty), and less hearty or more aggressive fish last. My tank is only 32g, but I have a clown fish and a royal gramma in it right now. I also have a midas blenny and a green clown goby in QT.

This is my first stop in looking for new fish: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/marin...AyABEgL1UPD_BwE#isbn=1890087386&idiq=28595711

 

[BeejReef]

Hey guys, I'm back again! Resurrecting this zombie post to report back in. Quick sit report: Because of a new job that requires weekly travel, my time to dedicate to aquarium maintenance went down dramatically. I started losing fish as a result so I got rid of the rest until I could get things back under control. I'm happy to say, I think I have a handle on it and am ready to repopulate. I took all of your great advice and I've been able to install a Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO, a RO/DI filter with requisite water storage and a dedicated water change system (pump, tubing, drainage, etc). I'm able to do my maintenance (including water changes) in less than 30 minutes now where it would take me a few hours before! (Had to go get water from the fish store!) I've been testing my water for the past few weeks and have 0 PPM on ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. pH is at 8.2 and salt is a consistent 1.023.

So....assuming I'm ready for fish, I was wondering where I should start? I was thinking I'd start out with a clean up crew? Any suggestions? What do you suggest as the right number of fish for a 60 gallon tank? As always, thanks for the help and advice!

Congrats! I was confused to see a 2015 thread, but great to see you're back in the saddle and all the work you've done.
Agree w stocking list.

 

[siggy]

Did you do a restart new rock sand and such ? we all like pictures

 

[Jeff Shaw]

I pulled the rocks and, after the sat for a bit, I put them back in. Same sand and that brings up a question....should I go ahead and replace the sand? I will say, the aiptasia have never fully gone away and I know I need to go ahead and go ahead and address them before I put in any fish....hadn't thought about replacing the sand. Should I?

EDIT: Oh, and I'll post a new pic shortly.

 

[siggy]

The general consensus is to replace sand, dead stuff, mold bacteria, who knows. Start fresh and there should be less guessing if things pop up....like aptasia
as for the rock if organics are still in the rock you will battle elevated nutrients.
So first how long did the rock sit (wet or dry) and did you bleach it or clean it some how?

Edit: check out BRS video Curing live rock for a lot of answers .

 

[BayouReefer]

Wow I was totally confused totally missed that the first post were from 2015. Glad to have you back in the hobby

 

[Tamberav]

Welcome back, I always replace old sand when moving or making large changes. It traps a lot of gunk.

I really have to applaud you for taking this on and learning a new hobby all from buying a house.

Definitely make sure the tank is cycled first. Peppermint shrimp may take care of your nem problem but they can sometimes bother corals too so just depends what corals you want and if you even want corals.

Make sure the tank is cycled before adding life.

 

[Jeff Shaw]

Wow I was totally confused totally missed that the first post were from 2015. Glad to have you back in the hobby

Me too! It may take me a while but I don't like to quit!

The general consensus is to replace sand, dead stuff, mold bacteria, who knows. Start fresh and there should be less guessing if things pop up....like aptasia
as for the rock if organics are still in the rock you will battle elevated nutrients.
So first how long did the rock sit (wet or dry) and did you bleach it or clean it some how?

Edit: check out BRS video Curing live rock for a lot of answers .

For the sand, I'd be glad to pull it all out, the only reason I hesitated is that I was worried I might mess with the bio balance (forget the correct term) of the tank. If that's not a concern, I will definitely....you can still see a few of the aiptasia on the back.

On the rock, when I first took them out, I let them sit for a good month after an acid bath and rince but they've been back in for about 6 months now. Tell me what you think. I will check out the BRS video.

 

[Jeff Shaw]

Make sure the tank is cycled before adding life.

I'm not sure what this means. If you can point me to some material, I'll read up. I can probably search too.

EDIT: Read a little on this and I think this contributed to my hesitation in clearing out the sand. Didn't want to mess with the "bacteria bed"? Sounds like it's probably unrelated.

 

[siggy]

Is there water in the tank looks real clean. Do yourself a fav. Go on you-tube and watch BRSTV 52 weeks of reefing. It will help you launch your tank from day one and explain everything you need to start a new tank.

 

[BeejReef]

I'm not sure what this means. If you can point me to some material, I'll read up. I can probably search too.

EDIT: Read a little on this and I think this contributed to my hesitation in clearing out the sand. Didn't want to mess with the "bacteria bed"? Sounds like it's probably unrelated.

Opinions vary considerably on rinsing sand, replacing sand, even vacuuming sand.
There's a healthy debate on sand. There are also pros and cons to getting rid of the detrius and accumulated gunk versus also killing off or removing a number of the tiny creatures that live in the sand.

I don't think anyone debates that it could be a destabilizing factor in the tank's biology and chemistry. It's a matter of "is it worth it." At present, it's one of those questions you kind of have to answer on your own. Reporting back on your experience, regardless of which route you choose, will benefit the whole community.