Nano noob build

[ZzyzxRiver]

That's cute! It's interesting to realize even fish of the same species can have different personalities. Mine hangs out in close proximity with my red scooter blenny, doesn't get that bothered when the cleaner shrimp goes nuts next to it, and barely budges as the conch shoves its way through.
When I walk up to the tank, he zooms at light speed into his hidiest hidey-hole, though. Ha!

 

[aztoza]

That's cute! It's interesting to realize even fish of the same species can have different personalities. Mine hangs out in close proximity with my red scooter blenny, doesn't get that bothered when the cleaner shrimp goes nuts next to it, and barely budges as the conch shoves its way through.
When I walk up to the tank, he zooms at light speed into his hidiest hidey-hole, though. Ha!

That’s funny, and cute that they’re all getting along together! Sometimes I think mine is part watchman, he doesn’t hide too much but loves to sit and stare at us XD

 

[aztoza]

TANK UGLIES
Got some cyano popping up, plus the phyto is taking over.
But picked up the first coral today! A tiny bit of GSP. I think/hope I see some coralline on it too.
Lewis the cleaner shrimp is feeling right at home and will clean our hands when we work in the tank. Squirtle will not let himself be cleaned yet…in time maybe.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

What’s Lewis’ personality like? Our cleaner, Jocelyn, is a total maniac that never stops. She was growing on me but I think I decided it’s time for her to visit my friend’s tank, haha. I think my peppermint shrimp and all the zoas will be relieved!

 

[aztoza]

What’s Lewis’ personality like? Our cleaner, Jocelyn, is a total maniac that never stops. She was growing on me but I think I decided it’s time for her to visit my friend’s tank, haha. I think my peppermint shrimp and all the zoas will be relieved!

So far he’s chill! He doesn’t swim even for food yet, and won’t step on the sand. He’s not shy exactly but just hangs out on the rock, not extremely active. He was getting bullied a bit by the other shrimp at the store so he’s the one my husband decided we needed XD

 

[Gumbies R Us]

TANK UGLIES
Got some cyano popping up, plus the phyto is taking over.
But picked up the first coral today! A tiny bit of GSP. I think/hope I see some coralline on it too.
Lewis the cleaner shrimp is feeling right at home and will clean our hands when we work in the tank. Squirtle will not let himself be cleaned yet…in time maybe.

GSP reminds me of grass, except it is for the ocean, haha.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

So far he’s chill! He doesn’t swim even for food yet, and won’t step on the sand. He’s not shy exactly but just hangs out on the rock, not extremely active. He was getting bullied a bit by the other shrimp at the store so he’s the one my husband decided we needed XD

Best of luck to Lewis! I think my tank being only 16g is a big part of the issue. I will probably replace Jocelyn with three more sexy shrimp, haha.

GSP reminds me of grass, except it is for the ocean, haha.

The R2R hatred of GSP is so crazy! It’s beautiful, calming, wavy, delicious ocean grass. I’m staging a pro-GSP coup!

 

[aztoza]

GSP reminds me of grass, except it is for the ocean, haha.

Yes haha I love how it looks!

 

[aztoza]

Best of luck to Lewis! I think my tank being only 16g is a big part of the issue. I will probably replace Jocelyn with three more sexy shrimp, haha.


The R2R hatred of GSP is so crazy! It’s beautiful, calming, wavy, delicious ocean grass. I’m staging a pro-GSP coup!

I love it too, but maybe in 2-3 years we’ll know why it gets hate lol

 

[dwinston33]

so beautiful, can we say it minimalist?

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

so beautiful, can we say it minimalist?

They’re jealous because they’ve all spent thousands of dollars on dead Acro while we have fuzzy green beauty, LOL

 

[aztoza]

They’re jealous because they’ve all spent thousands of dollars on dead Acro while we have fuzzy green beauty, LOL

I’m keeping a running total of stuff living in the tank. Dead stuff doesn’t count haha! I’m at like $67! Hoping to stay around $500 all said and done, we’ll see.

 

[aztoza]

Good morning beautiful!

 

[dwinston33]

They’re jealous because they’ve all spent thousands of dollars on dead Acro while we have fuzzy green beauty, LOL

Lol

 

[aztoza]

Still so dirty!!! Cyano and phyto at least, maybe some green film algae now.

Look at all that junk at water change time:

Everyone still seems happy though! The snails are cruising and the green star is fully open. No shrimp car wash yet as Squirtle is too jumpy anytime he tries—may have to get used to it. They do hang out together though.
May be having a copepod spawning because there are lots of particles in the water (especially at night) and fish seems to be chasing something in the water.

Full tank shot:

 

[aztoza]

Welp, today I add Xenia axe murderer to the list of accomplishments…
Tried to frag it onto my own rock—this tiny piece is all that made it from the colony. Hope it’s not dead already too.
So bummed :’(

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Did the whole colony die? Or just the frags you tried to make? Don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s your first attempt at fragging, I’m sure everyone kills a lot of coral until they learn how to do it properly!

 

[aztoza]

Did the whole colony die? Or just the frags you tried to make? Don’t be too hard on yourself if it’s your first attempt at fragging, I’m sure everyone kills a lot of coral until they learn how to do it properly!

Thanks buddy! I cut up the whole colony into pieces trying to glue it onto my own rock. At the store it was on this huge chunk of rock that was hiding so many pests, no way it could go in the tank even after dipping. Silly mistake. And yes definitely need lower-risk practice with fragging lol.

 

[aztoza]

Bad news and good news.

Bad—Xenia did not stick and is gone.
Good—I’ve switched to using just one powerhead on Low opposite the return pump. Didn’t realize the flow in the tank was so high in weird spots. Will try Xenia again with the lower flow and a proper plug.

Bad—Got the first GHA and is spreading rapidly.
Good—Cyano is reduced. GSP is also extremely happy and has grown several centimeters. Hoping it will climb onto the back wall in 2-3 months.

Bad—Can’t locate my stocking list for the life of me, or the stock flies out of the stores too quick. Super frustrating. Not sure whether to wait or settle for what’s available.
Good—Saving money I guess…?

Bad—One Trochus just died after weeks in the tank, and def not starving haha.
Good—All other inverts are ok, and now my future urchin has a hat.

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

Argh, bummer about the Xenia! But good job on the GSP. Mine is FINALLY spreading onto its rock, after two and a half months. But it looks to be picking up speed after taking this long to grow two millimeters, haha.
When my GHA started, I upped my cerith and astraea count and it helped! The emerald crab was the deciding factor that turned it around, though.
post pics!