Paul's 40 Gallon Reef

Paul87 · Oct 22, 2016

I was finally able to remove the ruby head wrasse today. He wasn't causing any issues, just not the appropriate size tank for him. I may be looking to add a couple more purple firefish to finalize the stock for this 40. I would really like to be able to get some small ones like the one I already have. Not 100% on this yet, just an idea. From what I understand they guys usually play well unlike some others such as chromis.

Paul87 · Oct 24, 2016

Noticed that my little anemone shrimp finally found an anemone tonight! Of course he picked the smallest one that is almost the size that he is but oh well, at least he's up front for easy viewing. Here is a little video clip of him right after he first set foot on it.

Paul87 · Oct 27, 2016

Went for this cool little dude over adding more purple dartfish. I've read mixed reviews with them, but potentially are SPS nippers. He was skinny and figured I'd give him a shot with his little branchy horns. Lol. I'll be keeping a close eye as well. Also they apparently top out under 3" as well. Anyone had one before?

Paul87 · Oct 29, 2016

Found the blenny dead this morning. I didn't see him at all yesterday, but up until then he seems fairy active but very thin.

Bronc · Oct 29, 2016

Paul87 said:
Found the blenny dead this morning. I didn't see him at all yesterday, but up until then he seems fairy active but very thin.

Sorry to hear that.

Paul87 · Oct 30, 2016

Bronc said:
Sorry to hear that.

He was so skinny i knew it was a good possibility upon purchase. Id like to get a healthier one though maybe in the future. He was a cool little dude.

Paul87 · Oct 30, 2016

I picked up my very first scoly the other day. Got a real good deal on it (for a scoly anyways). It's not a looker yet, but I see potential.

I didn't think it was happy at the LFS where it's been for possibly months now.

spspirate · Oct 30, 2016

That scoly should color up nice for you!

Paul87 · Oct 30, 2016

spspirate said:
That scoly should color up nice for you!

I hope so! Here are some actinic shots of it sucking up some reef gumbo.

Paul87 · Oct 31, 2016

First feeding video using Reef Gumbo. I'm really wanting to get the coral food snatcher out (cleaner shrimp). He drives my LPS nuts always stealing food out of their mouths. He's proven to be a tricky one to catch.

Paul87 · Nov 1, 2016

Good morning scoly.

steve&mari · Nov 1, 2016

Tanks looking great and the scoly is going to be awesome when you get it back fat and colored up.

Paul87 · Nov 1, 2016

steve&mari said:
Tanks looking great and the scoly is going to be awesome when you get it back fat and colored up.

Thanks! Can't wait for it to color up.

Paul87 · Nov 1, 2016

Bye bye cleaner shrimp! This guy has been getting on my corals and my nerves for a little while now. He was a tricky dude to catch (and I've caught plenty of wrasses!), but my trusty DIY fish trap made easy work out of it for me today. They are really cool shrimp, cleaning fish and human cuticles. Lol. Just not for me. Second time I learned this lesson, and last. LPS will be happier now. Farewell buddy!

steve&mari · Nov 1, 2016

Paul87 said:
Bye bye cleaner shrimp! This guy has been getting on my corals and my nerves for a little while now. He was a tricky dude to catch (and I've caught plenty of wrasses!), but my trusty DIY fish trap made easy work out of it for me today. They are really cool shrimp, cleaning fish and human cuticles. Lol. Just not for me. Second time I learned this lesson, and last. LPS will be happier now. Farewell buddy!

Agreed they torment lps lol. Glad you got him they're cool but better in a fowlr or non lps systems.

Paul87 · Nov 5, 2016

Picked up a pygmy angel and a (dying/discounted) red finger sponge. I trimmed off the section of sponge that was white and deteriorating. Hope to see it make a turn around.

rockstarta78 · Nov 5, 2016

Paul87 said:
Picked up a pygmy angel and a (dying/discounted) red finger sponge. I trimmed off the section of sponge that was white and deteriorating. Hope to see it make a turn around.

Gorgeous angel. I always wanted one. Do you know how are they with nipping? I was debating between this one and a flame angel. I love both.

Paul87 · Nov 5, 2016

rockstarta78 said:
Gorgeous angel. I always wanted one. Do you know how are they with nipping? I was debating between this one and a flame angel. I love both.

Thanks. From what ive been told they aren't usually too bad with corals, but there are some cases where they have nipped corals. Hopfully this guy behaves! I also like the flamebacks as far as dwarf angels.

Paul87 · Nov 6, 2016

Not so sure about the red finger sponge. It's starting to turn white a little. I would be very surprised to see it bounce back. So far so good with the pygmy. Everyone is getting along well. It's crazy how much the new little angel follows my leopard wrasse. You'd think where a bonded pair or something. I need to get a video of this. I could imagine the conversation between the two. Angel - "Hey wait up! Wait for me!" Leopard - "Get out of here your scaring all the pods. Not to mention cramping my style."