Sugar Magnolia

Another option for backing that'll last longer than paper is foam board.

It's a polyclad flatworm. They eat clams and snails.

Can you post a pic?

Hi Blake!

Good advice there. Rushing into things before you know what to expect often leads to trouble.

Nice little tank! What wattage is the MH? Any problems with heat?

Congrats Jenn!

She beat me to it.

That's what I used in my tank, along with some finer grade sand. Every 6 months or so I use a gravel vac on it to syphon off the junk.

Sorry to hear that. I've been in that place once in the ten years I've been reefing. It certainly is disheartening but picking up and starting fresh is always exciting. Wishing you the best of luck from now on.

Very nice start up! Welcome to the club!

Sorry for your losses Dave. :(

Melanurus wrasse will eat flatworms. BRK had a few of them when I was there a couple of weeks ago. I bought one home with me and it has taken care of the flatworms for me.

I have an orchid dottyback too. It's super timid, hiding in the rocks most of the day. Doesn't bother the other tank mates at all.

Sorry to hear you are going through such an incredibly difficult time, but it's fantastic that you're recovering so quickly! Keep that up!! Good thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

This is an endless debate over at RC, especially with hippos. All of the Team RC members spent a few months gathering information and personal experience to put together a tank size recommendation list for surgeonfishes. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946007 The issue with hippos is they are long distance swimmers that are constantly cruising the reef and grazing. The longer the tank, the better.

I'm not a big fan of the freeze dried. I bought a container and am very disappointed. :( Soaking it helps some though.

The deresa clam is amazing!

Here you go Forrest - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1706461&page=452

That is so cool!

About how long does a ballast last? Do they slowly stop driving the bulb over time? I've got an Icecap ballast that is a replacement for the one I initially purchased about 6 1/2 years ago. When that one died 3 years ago, Icecap sent me a replacement with a reconditioned ballast. It is now 3 1/2 years old. To me, it seems like the light is not as bright as it was years ago. (bulb is only about 4-5 months old) Am I just imagning this? Do I need to look into buying a new ballast? BTW, it's driving a PFO mini pendant 250W MH.

I'm broke.

I don't pay attention to the names. Those are really pretty!! Line forms here. <<<------------------

I was thinking the same thing! Nice selections you made Bob!

Your tank looks great! So do the pups. Welcome to the club!