percula

We recently started using a room dehumidifier for the summer (without it, the tank definitely started to add "flavor" to the air now that winter's dryness is gone). With about 150 total gallons, my evap rate nearly doubled to about 3g/day. Still, I think it's a must if you don't have really great airflow (i.e. like a basement room).

Aritcle is interesting; the replies are better. I wish they had some pics of the current reef.

Is it safe to assume both the sump and display to be one contiguous body of water? i.e. where do people tend to ground their systems, display or sump (or both)?

Yeah; almost as annoying as negative knee-jerk responses to anyone who tries to take on any environmental issue.

I feel for you. I've flooded the basement 5 times filling my reserve bucket. I've all but ruined the new floor I installed last summer. What makes me feel the most sick is it's not the tank or such breaking, just my own darn fault. Hopefully it'll clean up without too much work.

I like the peppermint shrimp tank idea. I had to actually pull a shrimp out of my overflow box after he went up and over to get the one aiptasia growing within the weir. Judging from the picture, you might need some big shrimp. Luck!

A few days ago all of my SPS (well, all four of them) all pulled their polyps in without any event that I know of. Softies and LPS all seem happy. The SPS don't seem to be degenerating but I'm anxious to try and remedy the problem. I'm still a bit new at this so I'm looking for any suggestions of what else I should look for (or test for normally). As of last night: Salinity - 1.022 (surprised how much this had slowly dropped with creep) NO3 - 0 PH - 8.0 PO4 - 0 Ca - 440 mg/L KH - 6 dKH Thanks, Matt

I live right down the street from them and I will not be going there again. It's more than worth the 25 minute drive to BRK.

Wife loves the tank, hates the money spent on it. Just last night after a run up to see check out MrCoral: "We can't afford this you know" "Actually we can; we have no debt and what exactly is it at the expense of?" "My clothes for one" "Well buy some freakin' clothes" "Oh,... Ok" I'm thinking this might not have been the right response.

I got a little bta from the recent group buy (less than a week ago) and it's never really looked great but not bad. It took a turn for the worst yesterday. I'm thinking this guy's chances are looking pretty bleak. Even the crabs have started circling. I have him in a separated container with less flow and light now. Is he doomed? So,... what, if anything, else would you suggest I do? Thanks for any help, Matt

Thanks for the replies; good info in there. Current tang is powder blue with a flame angel - neither of which do a whole lot more than snap off root tendrils that conveniently present themselves. From what I've read, rabbitfish are the way to go for caulerpa variants in particular-- grain of salt with that of course as it's culled from forums. I'll give that and perhaps the addition of a sailfin a shot. Ooooooh, trip to BRK, yay! (begins salivating at the prospect) The short-spined urchin appears to primarily eat encrusting algaes which I really like -- I guess I'll save that for a last resort. James - if you really want some, I can certainly start saving some for you and forward it your way.

Please do share when you find that spot! I wish there was a test kit that required no effort. Er,... or are we talking real things?

OK fine, I admit it; I ignored the warnings and intentionally let the caulerpa peltata (tea cup var.) grow somewhat unchecked in the center of my display. I thought and still believe it adds a nice quality to the overall look with some nutrient export to boot. It now covers about 1/3 of my tank (5ft. 120g) and requires me to trim it every 2-3 days (and by trim, I mean ripping out handfuls and trying in vain to keep the floating pieces from grabbing on elsewhere). I'm finally beginning to realize I won't be able to keep up with it. My first thought was to let it grow but keep it thinned and back fill rocks and frags on top of thin spots where it already expanded. While this looks great, it's not working too well as I keep having to pull out tendrils winding their way through my zoas. This stuff grows everywhere in every direction. I suppose a foxface is now a must (tang, angel, and emerald crabs appear to pick at it but not really slow it down). My ultimate goal is not to erradicate it but just keep it manageable. Anyone out there keep macros in the main display and have any tips on how to reign it in? I'm interested in adding rooted halimeda (sp?) and shaving brush; anyone have experience with them? Is this just lunacy and I should jettison the idea of macros in the main display?

I bought a syringe at CVS for $1.25 and injected lemon juice with much success.

Another satisfied and loyal customer; nothing but a positive experience in my few sojourns out there. I'm willing to drive from Tyson's corner forever more; worth the trip!