Quite the battle you have going on! You will find having the right equipment makes a huge difference. Something to keep in mind, I would search craigslist everyday for aquarium related goods. You can really find some great deals. Lights, pumps, tanks, everything.
I didn't read tooooo indepth, but I wasn't sure what sort of filtration methods you were using? How often do you do water changes, what salt do you use, get a refractometer! You can find them on amazon for $21
Unfortunately around here prices of aquarium goods are quite high, even used. I have found my rock and lights at great prices. I’m unable to travel out of town, so I’m also very limited that way.
I do plan to get a refractometer as soon as I can finish a painting and it sells..
I use Reef Crystals for my salt. I’ve heard good and bad but even my lfs only sells it or the other instant Ocean type.
For filtration I have the rock, and a sump that was poorly constructed by yours truly. I have a rigid sponge, some carbon and filter floss to catch the small particles.
The tank isn’t drilled so I am using a HOB overflow. My skimmer is just a Hydor Slim Skim, the larger size. I went with it at the time because we were strapped for cash and I didn’t have the sump. It does well, I clean the cup weekly, and I wash out the sponges in the sump regularly. The rigid one weekly, the carbon weekly as well and the floss every other day.
I try and do my water changes weekly, on sundays. I do about 20%. Though I did another last night after using some peroxide on the rock with the hair algae. I’m sure right now my other rock isn’t quite cycled, but my stocking is pretty low. I’ve around ten hermit crabs, a nacirrus(sp) snail and bumblebee snail, a tiger pistol shrimp, and my two clowns.
Future plans are for a yellow watchman goby, and a fairy wrasse if I’ve got room.
Right now I’m running two of the current USA marine orbit fixtures. One is 36”(which is the one I just got in the trade) and the older, 24” that’s been on for some time now. I have them at 70% blue and 30% white, as per a suggestion on a Facebook group to help combat the algae issue.
It is very slowly but surely coming together. My stand was custom built, but at the time I didn’t even dream of going salt, so it was just for aesthetics. I really regret that now, as if I ever get a decent sump it’ll have to sit to the side. I’ve got my eyes on the Red Sea reefer contest. I do eventually want to go with a complete reef ready setup but that’s probably some time from now.
My anniversary is in Sept. and I’ve told hubbs I want a goby and more sand, since I don’t think I’ve enough for a goby to be solidly happy.
My hands need to cooperate... I may nix the pain and go with my pastels for the picture, and I’m sure I’ll have no real issues selling it.
