Squishie89

Well, my tank parameters aren't great right now lol Nitrates were 23.3 the other night. I have not checked the nitrate HC vs any other kit to be honest.

I recently got Hanna Checkers and they are a GAME CHANGER. I am using the same ones wildcrazyjoker is using. I do also have a calcium and mag ones I got second hand. I have heard they can be finicky but I haven't messed with them yet. I'm also not currently don't test cal and mag frequently as I'm not there yet, but I do like the red sea for those.

The thing about either getting quarantined fish or doing it yourself, or even doing both is it is not just about diseases or parasites. It gives the fish a chance to settle, potentially even by itself, it gives time to see how the fish is personality wise, time to get it eating, and maybe even eating a more easily accessible food like frozen vs live. A lot easier to help, catch, etc a fish in QT vs your display.

Ah okay, yeah I haven't made it out there. I'm not near Woodbridge like ever.

Capital Exotics is getting out of the saltwater game. Not sure what is left but I know the owner plans on bringing what is left to the May meeting and is considering all offers

I was there maybe 2 or 3 months ago. I don't know how to really gauge fish selection as I don't buy unquarantined fish anymore and usually I have to order them. Maybe they have a bit more than reef escape? And yeah, new owner as of like 2 or 3 years ago. He does put out a newsletter like weekly of the fish/inverts/corals he has.

When I messaged exotic reef creations for fish a few months ago he had gotten out of the quarantining fish business. I use Reef Escape now.

You could put this where your return goes https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/jumpguard-feeding-portal-d-d-the-aquarium-solution.html?queryID=2259b8fc8d6338c9d212359e188ae1b8&objectID=15281&indexName=brs_prod_m2_default_products

I ended up dismantling my display due to hydroids. Ended redoing the entire system and tank. Glad they are being shared more as a problem than just a temporary thing to not worry about.

Oh good to know! I've used Pender for my birds for years.

I'm thinking this dude is a fireworm. Would you agree? He's pretty large. So far he just seems to scavenge for leftover food (or stealing food meant for my pistol shrimp).

I actually had saltwater mixed but decided to just do the water change I had planned lol I do have rodi though always on hand. I have 2 battery powered air stones that will go on when the power goes out in the tank at all times (and plenty of back up batteries). Blankets to smother the tank. Other than that, not much.

I have been testing Mag and that has been reading hi/hi end of normal. I very appreciate the insight. A lot of sources have said stability is the key which isn't helpful when starting.

Do you mind going into a bit more detail about why to do Alk and cal in tandem? I just started dosing a few weeks ago, Red Sea and by hand. I started with ALK as that is what was REALLY low. I got that to a good level last week so starting to work on a maintenance dose. I noticed calcium was low so started bringing that up as well. But when I dosed the calcium my Alk jumped up by 1.1 which is not what I dosed with the Alk.

That is just too bad. Makes me really glad I was able to go and volunteer when we had MACNA here last.