Squishie89

I might be closer to you than the NoVa people and I've got a microscope if ya ever need. Good luck with the diatoms

Your name on here being Algae makes the title funny lol

Just here to wish y'all luck!

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.

Wow thank you guys for all the insight! I just personally don't want any tangs. So trying to get other types of open swimming fish. @gws3 your experience with the angels worries me. My gumdrop coral croucher was already almost bullied to death this year by a starry blenny. So I wonder if I should wait on them until he passes, if he ever does, he's over 11years old now. And I won't put him in danger. I have had a copperband butterfly before and it ate well, and also liked my corals 🙄 but maybe I need to consider them again. I briefly considered wrasses till I saw they will probably munch on my sexy shrimp. I do have experience with keeping pipefish in a reef, including with anemones (they do fine). So I'm not worried about knowing what I need to keep them. I don't have experience keeping angels, anthias or cardinals. I'm looking to add uncommon, open swimming fish. The tanks needs movement.

Thank you so much for the insight! I am looking into getting an auto feeder to try and keep everyone happy as I only feed once a day right now. I was going to try and get the smallest angels I could do they could spend as long as possible with me. Was also hoping they could handle the space if I didn't have too many other free swimming fish. I've been iffy about the cardinals. I think with the anthias I might feel I've got enough movement. The pod eaters are also iffy. I've been struggling to keep a good population and I won't even attempt any of them until I feel like there is plenty.

Would like some input please on my stock list 90g mixed reef Already have: Female ocellaris clownfish Male gumdrop coral Croucher Yellow watchmen goby w/shrimp Sexy Shrimp herd Hermit crabs Various snails Urchin Bubble tip anemones Corals mixed Want: Watanabei angel pair Dragon face pipefish pair Spotted dragonet Sunburst anthias (possibly more than one) Orange/yellow lined cardinals 3 or more Midas Blenny? Smiths blenny? Other various reef safe crabs/shrimp Thank you!

12 years later. The evolution process has been wild. We've gone from caterpillar, to cocoon, to butterfly. This is technically tank 3, and is not the same one as I got 12 years ago. We've battled hydroids, polyclad flatworms, cucumber toxins, bristle worms, algae (that battle will never end), flatworms. But I'm still going. Some days this "hobby", more of a lifestyle, is hard. But I love it. Here's to at least 12 more. Huge shout out to the fish and inverts who have struggled with me all these years.

Really, really happy with my experience with Dinkins Aquatics. I had a question regarding shipping and they were very quick to reply and work with me. I ordered a jar of amphipods, and a phyto and copepods pack. The amphipods came in CLEAN. All were alive, various sizes from smallish to jumbo. Copepods looked like copepods haha. They phyto looked good. This in spite of spending 10hrs on a truck today being delivered. Definitely recommend them for Amphipods. You will not be disappointed.

I might be able to help. When are you looking for this delivery?

I'm curious what major equipment you keep on hand as backups. I have heaters, return pump, powerheads. Possibly considering keeping a Neptune apex energy bar.