lutz123

I’ve hesitated in setting up a new tank because we go on several trips a year, usually at least one that’s at least 10 days. If you were starting from scratch, how would you build a tank that could ‘self sustain’ for a bit. We usually have a pet sitter so there could be minimal care, but I haven’t found anyone near me (western Loudoun) that is knowledgeable and can come over and maintain a saltwater tank.. I usually go the fish/inverts/macroalgae/soft coral route rather than hard corals and a pristine tank, so it shouldn’t be impossible, right?

Can you get a sponge to capture them? My reef octopus has a spong ring that sits above the outlet and captures all of them.

Good suggestion - not sure why I didn't consider that the bracket could be replaced, or is universal. I'm a wee bit intimidated but taking pictures before disassembling should help. I still wish the vendor had offered that suggestion. Not surface rust - I'll definitely put a coat or two on the new bracket.

We're in need of a new rodi. The frame on our AWI is completely rusted out under the paint. We never noticed water contact the frame in any way though common sense says it likely did here and there. AWI informed me that they still use the same frame as they always did and didn't offer any assurances on whether a new one would be any better so I'd prefer to go with a different brand. Yes, I realize this is used around water but it's an eyesore and the integrity seems compromised. Thanks! Please move this to a different section if this isn't appropriate...

Tom at Marine Scene was going to help me out but when he closed I let the issue lapse (that, and our basement flooded in a storm). I'm ready to get it replaced and set up and need some assistance now. It won't help to have it delivered to a local store if I can't service that will get it to western Loudoun and in the basement. Any assistance or thoughts are welcome. It's a 200DD and was not purchased locally (MACNA win! Woo hoo!) It's currently sitting in the basement empty...and in the way of flooring being installed.

I love living in town now (vs our previous farm)... heard the plows go by many, many times Friday into Saturday morning. Once Saturday night. None today. It's only one lane, but we can easily get out and go if needed. I miss that peaceful snowy quiet, but hearing that plow rumble by and beep is not a bad thing!

I had a Talbot's and would love another.

Thanks! That's exactly like the one I picked up. I was surprised that, as much as I see "deep cycle battery + inverter" that you just don't see "oh, and you need a fuse".

Two things - If you get too large of an inverter and are running on a deep cycle battery it will drain your battery faster, right? I was told to get one close to what you anticipate needing, and not to get the biggest one you can afford. I got a 300 watt inverter because I really don't foresee any need for more to power a 75 watt heater and some circulation. Also, I have 2 35AH deep cycle batteries and the 300 watt inverter...but was just told that it's a must to have a fuse between them, and it's not really optional. I got what I was told was the required wire, fuse holder, and 40 amp fuses, but is there a solution that doesn't require splicing? If it's so necessary, why don't they sell a cable with an inline fuse holder that has finished ends? And the wire seems tiny...12 gauge. Is that enough? Another battery guy told me "you could probably get away without a fuse".

Why not a kessil? The A150W would be enough coverage for those dimensions, and an anemone should find a happy place underneath. They are around $150 and should be holiday priced here soon. Go by Reef eScape - they have them over a couple of tanks I think. You would be surprised at the coverage.

That algae doesn't look insurmountable. When I used mexican turbos I put 12 in a 34 gallon tank. It would be a hefty investment for a larger tank but I did very little work (mostly because I would remove a bunch and it would be back in a day or two). They took care of it in just a couple of weeks. It did not return even though I never did test for phosphates or nitrates and didn't add gfo/carbon or anything else. I was initially super excited about emeralds because they attacked it immediately after dropping them in, but after a week they decided they would much rather eat snails.

Having been through the basement flood renovation process twice, and currently on our third time, I would highly recommend you make sure the insurance company understands that the tank inhabitants need to be fully protected during renovation, or preferably in another room/floor closed off from the construction. The fumes from paint, dust from drywall, etc is a big concern and it would be a waste for them to temporarily move it. Provide written documentation of the risks of contamination in the event that there are problems. Photograph and document every item in the tank as well before anyone touches it. For what it's worth, this most recent time we have been looking at replacing our basement flooring with wood plank vinyl tile that snaps into place. We checked it out at Home Depot and it was surprisingly nice. If it ever gets wet, you can unsnap it, dry everything out, and snap it back into place. If you ever have this kind of issue again it would mean not having to move the tank if it's not in an area that got wet. I am so sorry you are dealing with this. It's horrible to be going through. Try to stay positive.

I got a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide from rite aid I think and just sprayed it directly on some turf algae I had. No diluting. Worked like a charm! It also killed the hair algae in those spots.

When I got a bad hair algae outbreak a bunch of Mexican turbos took care of it very quickly - even the very long stuff. Start with identifying the type of algae you have and go from there.

List looks great, but I agree that pods are going to be your biggest issue. Get a mandarin that is acclimated to frozen as a minimum. An hob refugium may be a good addition. Also, when creating your list consider the reality of someone feeding frozen twice a day - or whether you do much traveling. I'm sure you know, the tank is much more enjoyable when you don't have something that requires special care. Mesh over the back of the canopy and overflows works fine. Wood will not allow as much air to circulate and I would worry about ventilation for the lights.