New here! Frustrated & Fascinated

[justjes45]

Hello everyone, I started my tank in January 2015. I started with live sand and live rock and built up from there. I had a rough start with a stowaway gorilla crab, recovered for a bit but now have lost my fish and anenome one at a time…
The closest fish store is about an hour away, and I don't have anyone close to "geek out" with.
I have done a ton of reading, and "You Tube Schooling" but a lot of it can be conflicting...
I have a Nuvo 30 aquarium
Current Orbit Marine LED light
And now added a Aqua Euro Protein skimmer

I was also told to add a magnet-attached fan thing to increase the current, but it has slurped up my Sea Hair, and a beautiful Spanish Dancer... I have since unplugged it... Snif...

I was told to put my lights on a low blue only, to then learn ( after 2 anenome disappeared) that they like a brighter light...

My water balanced perfect each time I test it, thanks to my blood shrimp and camel hump shrimp for running clean up....

I love LOVE my tank, I am just frustrated with the deaths of my new toys...

Two Gobys and one Black Capped Basslet (?) have disappeared without a trace.... No sign of any other stowaways....

Any advice for a newcomer is welcome!
I will continue to lurk and learn here...

-Jess.

 

[twilliard]

Hi Jess and welcome to R2R!
When you say water tests perfect what exactly are the numbers?
Also what are you using to test with?
Power heads can be deadly to roaming tank life.
Now for the fish loss that is a big question.
Do you follow strict acclamation and QT processes?

 

[justjes45]

Ummm I am not sure about numbers- I have test strips that change color?
I was told that the anemone and some stuff like more current- but maybe this one is too strong for the tank?
Acclimation, yes-
What is "QT"?

 

[justjes45]

 

[twilliard]

I suggest getting yourself some red sea pro kits.
QT is quarantine which allows you to identify any problems with fish, coral, and macros before introducing into your main tank.