So after years of talking about it, we decided to get a marine tank.
So much to consider, so many options, so many opinions.
We went to the LFS and looked around and talked to the folks there. No pressure, just good info.
We ended up purchasing a fully functioning display nano, thinking we would see if we liked the reality of day to day reef keeping vs. the dream.
If we can keep this nano alive for 6 months, a large tank is in our future, but for now we need to learn the basics without doing too much damage to other living creatures.
It didn't start well, losing a clown fish on the first night. We still aren't sure what ate it.
4 days later an anemone died. I hadn't even been able to identify it yet.
So, back to LFS and met the person who 'buillt' the reef and she helped us identify all the livestock and gave us newbie pointers. No losses since then.
Hoping this becomes a successful venture, because it's sure a lot of fun to watch!
jimsflies and MizTanks:
The shroom is the happiest camper on the reef! Always changing shape, size and color.
I am always wondering what new things are going to appear as I watch each night
Welcome to the hobby!
You have taken on a daunting task, but not an impossible one. One of the things that I see a lot of people try to do is run a nano tank on their first try. Again, this is not impossible, but I will say that most people who have a nano tank have had a larger tank concurrently or in the past, some may do so for the challenge. In all honesty, when someone is setting up a new tank and they tell me it is below 40 gallons, I immediately advise them that bigger is better in this case. YOU CAN DO IT! Water stability is one of the hardest things for a new reefer to get a hold on and the nano tanks water stability is the hardest to maintain. Best advice I can give is to take this adventure head on! Learn all you can and research your heart out. If this tank fails, don't take it as a sign that you shouldn't be in this hobby. Pick up the pieces and get yourself a 55 breeder or even a 75 or 90 gallon tank. And if this nano tank becomes a success, then take that as a sign that this is something you should consider doing for many, many years because you're a natural!
"You're gonna need a bigger boat..."-Roy Scheider as "Chief Brody" in "Jaws"
Ask 10 Reefers a question and you'll get 12 opinions in return.
So they had the tank running in the store with everything that is in it including fish? You were able to just pick it up and move it home? I agree with ETBReefer05, kind of a hard tank to start with but you came to the right place for help. Can you post more pictures and equipment descriptions like what kind of filters and such? Others that have used similar or same equipment will be able to help you if you run into problems again.
pinhigh1888:
Yes that was exactly the case.
We went into the LFS for info and told the staff to 'talk us out of setting up a reef tank'.
They told us it was not as hard as it used to be and it could be done even by folks who had not kept even freshwater aquaria before.
After talking to various staff and getting info on start up requirements, we realized that we were not prepared to start out with the kind of investment required in time and money on something we we not at all confident in our ability to make successful.
But, on the front counter was a 12 gallon fully functioning nano with a sign 'Love it! Take me home!'
It had been up and functioning a couple weeks.
We both agreed it was a small price to pay to get our feet wet, so to speak, before making the real investment.
So the whole tank was packed up, water and all, and an hour later we had our own little reef.
The first night we lost a clown, and 4 days later and anemone died. Turned out the dead clown messed up the water ammonia level.
W followed LFS advice and did a 50% water change and things went well until late last nite.
We have ich and now the fish must go into a separate container for treatment.
I guess we will learn all the ropes in time.
Meanwhile we enjoy looking at things every evening after supper.
Even my cabbage leather coral seems to have found a comfortable niche finally and is starting to spread out.
Came home from the movies Friday night to find my anemone hermit crab finishing his supper of feather duster!!!
Need to see if he is even safe for this tank.
Moved all the fish to a temp QT Saturday AM and started treatment recommended by LFS - NOX-ICH.
The 3 cardinals ( previously told they were chromis ) died within 2 hours.
This leads me to believe they were sick when we got the tank.
So far Damsel and clown doing OK.
Did a 40% water change in main tank, everyone seems pretty happy.
Bought my own test kit so I do not have to rely on the LFS.
So we took the plunge
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Originally Posted by jimsflies
There's nothing like being a Reefer!
