darkcirca November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 Looking for some advice, or maybe next steps to take. We've got a 90 gallon reef (20 gallon sump) which we have pretty much neglected since last February when I had our son. We had medical complications with his birth, which resulted in a NICU stay, numerous followups with specialists after, and has pretty much now normalized as far as everyone can tell. We won't know if he is 100% in the clear for a long time though. Due to all this I just ignored the fish. I setup an auto feeder to feed them, made sure they had top off water, and tried to do a water change every month (more like every other, 20-30 gallons). The kenya tree (or maybe it is colt coral, I never could tell the difference) has spread like a weed, as goes for the GSP. The aiptasia has gone even more out of control. The 5 fish are still alive - 1 male lytretail, 2 clowns, 1 firefish, and 1 blenny. So are some other misc. corals we had. So here we go - I want to get this in check, but at the same time, I don't have a ton of time to invest. I've contemplated just getting out of the hobby but I do enjoy it, plus I sit and think about who could get the fish. I talked to the husband about downsizing, he feels something like a 28 gallon would be a pain. So here I am thinking how to deal with this and clean it up, make it look nice again, and maybe solve these problems. Suggestions, advice, something I can do, or fish I could add? If I had a fish that ate those 2 corals (and H-E-double hockey sticks, all the others), I really won't care. I'm sick of trying to rip the corals out, and sick of those stupid clownfish attacking me everytime I put my hand in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mling November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 My 156 tank also went though a period of neglect after a fire. It was not long before aiptasia took over the entire tank. Only mushroom would grow and they took over big time. Even a Kenya tree would not make it ! Start back by getting a Klein Butterfly. It got rid of all the aiptasia in time. The tank has since recovered and I now have various Zoas and other softies. The Klein does go after many SPS. It does not bother my other corals. Hope all goes well with you son. We also had issues with my daughter at birth but she is now a healthy 14 year old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmerek2 November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 You can darn near get GSP and Kenya trees for free on here. Maybe set the live rock out in the sun for a few weeks and start over that way? I'll say prayer for your son. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkcirca November 3, 2013 Author Share November 3, 2013 You can darn near get GSP and Kenya trees for free on here. Maybe set the live rock out in the sun for a few weeks and start over that way? I'll say prayer for your son. I've actually done this before and the darn thing STILL comes back. I'm thinking a fish of some sort, then once I get back into the swing either rehome them or just do fish only. I've always loved some of the non reef safe fish. The little guy is doing extremely well so far and is almost walking (will be 9 months soon). Thankfully we are just on hold with all the specialists and will only see them if something comes up. He suffered a stroke at/around birth, followed by seizures and blood problems, but he is a fighter and surprising us everyday with his ability to overcome such things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londonloco November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 I would also like to extend my sincerest positive thoughts for your son. My 4th child, a son, was born at 28 weeks, 2.13oz, 12" long. He also had many visits to specialists the first year of his life. He has overcome every obstacle being a premie was thrown at him. He is now 18yo, 220lbs, plays football and lacrosse, will be off to college next year. Having been in your shoes (somewhat) the best advice I can give you is to go FOWLR for a while. All my kids loved my fish tanks growing up, they do more good for kids than harm. A quick wc once a week (or so) is not that time consuming. I hope this helps, and hang in there. Hopefully the worst has past..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheyCallMeMr.703 November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 I'm not too far... I could lend a hand to help get it back in check. Would be more then Glad to help another Reefer/WAMAS Member... Throw some Peppermint Shrimps in there to help with the Aptasia, If your fish will not eat them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmerek2 November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 703 is right. My LFS drops 10 peppermint shrimp in their tank to eat up aptasia so they don't have to worry about paying people to kill it. Also filefish work to eat it but there can be problems with them eating coral and some choose not to eat it. Is your algae in check? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkcirca November 3, 2013 Author Share November 3, 2013 Here is a recent picture to show what I'm dealing with: I've been trying to run carbon and phosban when I can remember to change it (every 2-3 weeks), but if I don't have time I just bypass it until I can get back to swap the media out. Peppermint shrimp never last for me. They vanish within a month and have never touched them. Maybe I need to order them online somewhere. I've had my share of cleaner shrimp (no idea if the last one is still alive in there or not, I don't check often) and they do well, just never luck with peppermints. Just found another firefish today.. I had no idea I had 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmerek2 November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 Wow I had no clue Kenya trees and GSP take over like that. I may have to dump em. At least you aren't dealing with hair algae/nutrient problem. Looks manageable just get your motivation up when the time is right, weed the garden and possibly consider fish with no live rock for awhile. That way you can ensure all the GSP and aptasia is gone before readding rock. Looks like some elbow grease will do the trick. Is that birdnest in far left top? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkcirca November 3, 2013 Author Share November 3, 2013 Is that birdnest in far left top? I *think* so.. honestly I can't remember names of things for the life of me anymore. My brain went the moment I got pregnant... Half is alive, half is dead, go figure. I do have blastos down in the sand bed which are still alive and going somehow. The GSP was actually worse at one point and I weeded it back. At least my xenia vanished at some point when we moved here 4 years ago. That is one less invasive coral to deal with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoelace November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 I actually think that one huge rock of GSP on the right is awesome looking. Makes me think of those Japanese planted tanks. I don't see too many tanks with a GSP mountain like that. If you rethink how you look at it, Mount GSP actually could be a centerpiece of sorts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkcirca November 3, 2013 Author Share November 3, 2013 I actually think that one huge rock of GSP on the right is awesome looking. Makes me think of those Japanese planted tanks. I don't see too many tanks with a GSP mountain like that. If you rethink how you look at it, Mount GSP actually could be a centerpiece of sorts. I can handle it, it is the entire otherside that is literally taking over. It used to be only that side, but it encroached on the other side literally overnight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallreef November 3, 2013 Share November 3, 2013 Yeah, razor blade the glass to remove it...pull out the Kenya's you don't like...and just do a bit at a time...try and set aside an hour, like when you know your son is napping and you can mess with the tank, once or twice a week... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 First thing I would do is take the rock structure on the right side of the tank and bleach it. Soak it in bleach for an hour and then put it out in the sun to dry. Once it's dry put it in fresh water with dechlorinator and change the water every day for 2-3 days. Then put in saltwater for a couple of days and it will be ready for your tank. It will be white, but nothing will survive. For the other stuff, I would take everyones advise. Get everything off the sandbed and the glass. Then just start trimming what you don't want a little bit at a time. You'll be in good shape before you know it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Rhoads November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 Let me just say that, even neglected, your tank looks good... Better than mine some months and I try to take good care of everything! Before you kill that stuff off I would post it on the boards. Maybe someone who is starting a big tank would like to have some established pieces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squishie89 November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 It really does look like you have a planted tank. I wish you all the best in fixing your tank, and all the best to your family and son. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoelace November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 I agree with Jason. You know how much you could get for Mount GSP at a LFS trade in or something? If you don't want it, sell it and buy some dry rock on line. Bleaching it would result in the same outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkcirca November 4, 2013 Author Share November 4, 2013 (edited) Someone want to recommend a store here in NoVA that would trade in some GSP rock? I've never brought stuff to an LFS for trade, wasn't sure who does it around here. I like the big piece.. so I'm thinking either A: keep it separate and groom it so it doesn't drop pieces, or B: bleach it. There are brown polyps on it (plus mushrooms and aiptasia on the back). The polyps are my big issue.. anytime I mess with them I wind up sick (throwing up/bad headaches/flu like for 24-48 hours). I'm kinda leaning towards bleach it if I like the piece enough to keep it. I've got 3 other pieces I pulled out about 5 minutes ago that I was thinking of throwin in the sump and either trading in somewhere or seeing if anyone on here wants to trade for even base rock. I do feel bad bleaching as these rocks have been in this tank for years. It has been in this house for almost 4 years and was setup for around 3 years at the last place. Some rocks are newer from the move here. Edited November 4, 2013 by darkcirca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.x-ray November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 Nice tank. A couple hours of time, a razor blade and a big water change while syphoning the bottom will make a huge deference. Kalk paste or a file fish for the Aptasia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 Like others here, I kind of like Mt. GSP, although, I wouldn't classify it as worth a lot, IMO. If you don't like the back wall GSP, I would just scrape it off with a razor blade, like other's have mentioned. I had a Mt. similar to yours, but knew the dangers of it spreading, and quickly, so I took the rock out, chiseled out the bottom, and isolated it in my sandbed. If you were to bleach the rocks, I would keep the GSP growing on the back, and cover it up. It's easy to frag and keep trimmed. I would make sure that all your rock stayed clear of touching the back after that though. I would literally take a hammer and a screwdriver or chisel, and take off all the corals you want to keep I would rid the tank of any kenya tree and mushrooms. Or you could just let it go and focus on fish, which would really pop against all that green! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockafella November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 Get yourself an aiptasia eating filefish. Very cool fish, not expensive and maybe the ultimate aiptasia eater. other than a little cleaning, I think the tank looks good. I agree with others, and dont even worry about corals. Let what you have grow and enjoy fish. The corals you have arent the most popular for fish to eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integral9 November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 I had a Mt GSP in my 55 and it looked pretty good and I liked it until it started to take over my yuma and ricordia and zoa. Seriously, nothing can hold it back except euphyllia, ime. Cool thing about a mount GSP, is you can poke it with your finger nail and watch the entire colony retract in a wave. It's pretty neat. Don't worry, it won't hurt it. Nothing does. I think everyone else has covered what needs to be done. When I removed Mount GSP, I litereally spent hour scraping it off the rocks. Then I had to go back and do it again 2 more times because each little peice I left behind spawned a new colony. The Kenya tree is a little easier in that you can see the stalks. Mushrooms are easier than the GSP, but you have to get them all which usually means a 2nd trip into the tank to take care of "that" rock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveoutlaw November 4, 2013 Share November 4, 2013 There are brown polyps on it (plus mushrooms and aiptasia on the back). The polyps are my big issue.. anytime I mess with them I wind up sick (throwing up/bad headaches/flu like for 24-48 hours). I'm kinda leaning towards bleach it if I like the piece enough to keep it.. Do these brown polyps have stripes and grow everywhere? Those could be Outlaw Stew Palythoas and they will make you VERY sick. There is a picture of the ones that made me sick on the link below. See here: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2011/04/05/worlds-2nd-deadliest-poison-in-an-aquarium-store-near-you/ If you can make it by, I have some gloves you can use to handle the rocks when you take them out. If they have the polyps on them I would also wear a mask and goggles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkcirca November 5, 2013 Author Share November 5, 2013 Do these brown polyps have stripes and grow everywhere? Those could be Outlaw Stew Palythoas and they will make you VERY sick. There is a picture of the ones that made me sick on the link below. See here: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2011/04/05/worlds-2nd-deadliest-poison-in-an-aquarium-store-near-you/ If you can make it by, I have some gloves you can use to handle the rocks when you take them out. If they have the polyps on them I would also wear a mask and goggles. Yea, I posted about it awhile ago and I'm believing it is those. There is one right (that big right one) which has them. I've got gloves, so I'm good there. Thanks though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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