Reef Tank DIY - For Dummies

[gregzz4]

New fishies are lookin' awesome !! Both recent and throughout the pages.
Lots of people advocate for QT, but just as many feel QT kills fish.

So, questions for you Maggie...

Where have you bought all of your fish?
Have you ever lost any new or residents due to directly adding them to your display?
Do you freshwater dip or perform any other treatment/procedure before adding them to your display?
Have you ever noticed anything on or from the new fish?

Thanks,
Greg

PS: do you run a UV?

[Dash]

Hi Greg,
No, I do not QT. No UV. I feel there is always a risk within our hobby and my approach is I try to mitigate the risks and get them into a good environment asap. First I research all I can about the fish’s needs. I check it out as best I can before purchase, do another visual at home, acclimate for about 15 mins, lower the lights, offer a prayer to the sea gods, and add into a quiet corner.

All my fish are from JL except for my green spotted puffers (freshwater LFS on Kingsway) and one clown from a Canreefer.

I have never lost a fish to disease. Two jumped (long-nose hawk and one of my original puffer pair, which broke my heart) and a lawnmower blenny and pair of pipefish wouldn’t eat. My first tailspot blenny passed away after 2 years, but he was quite large when I bought him and I’m not sure what their life span is.

I’ve lost a couple of turbo snails & hermits but otherwise most of my CUC are from when I started 3 1/2 years ago.

I did feel a bit nervous adding my only tang, a yellow. Gary is fat and healthy and not obnoxious although he is pushy at feeding time.

I feed what I think is a good diet. Main food is my homemade seafood mash, with nori, few kinds of pellets, kelp pellets also thrown in. I’m a believer in feeding well to build up their immunity. I think it also contributes to a peaceful tank.

So yeah, I feel I’ve been lucky so far. I’m thankful.

[Dearth]

First off I have to say this

I am right there with you Maggie I have never QT a fish mostly due to lack of space in my time in the hobby I’ve lost maybe 3 fish in acclimation mostly due to stress I’ve never had a disease nor have I followed recommended acclimation procedures. Like you I understand the risks and accept them

Now that being said you have an awesome looking tank with some great looking coral and fish keep it up.

[Dash]

Originally Posted by Dearth

First off I have to say this

I am right there with you Maggie I have never QT a fish mostly due to lack of space in my time in the hobby I’ve lost maybe 3 fish in acclimation mostly due to stress I’ve never had a disease nor have I followed recommended acclimation procedures. Like you I understand the risks and accept them

Now that being said you have an awesome looking tank with some great looking coral and fish keep it up.

Thanks! This hobby has been a so much fun

[Dash]

I saw an ad for a small tank & couldn't resist spending the $30. It's about 25 gal. I had the intention of doing a freshwater planted but then...I thought what about a SW temperate tank instead, hmmm. I have some reservations but I think I'll enjoy the challenge. After cleaning it out, I put in some water & a rock from the DT. Also a xenia to test the waters. It's a little sad but bravely pulsing away. I plan to add some sand & a bit more rock. Need a hang on skimmer, new powerhead & a light if anyone is selling



Meanwhile, I've been trying to improve my camera skills with stuff in the DT. I'm lucky if I can focus but it's fun.

Hellfire milli has been a fast grower for me:


Some coral are starting to resent their neighbours:



Orange Passion starting to colour up more:


Po checking out a patch of algae that I can't seem to get rid of:


I was told this was a type of tuxedo - should've listened to my inner voice. So of course he grew huge in 3 days. Luckily he is well-behaved and is content to carry around something I give him.


Love my rockflower - such a gentleman!


These two are more tolerant of each other's company:


Space Invader feeling hungry:


My latest acquisition: a strawberry coral. Hope it will do well, fingers crossed. I mounted it upside down and so far it seems happy.

Marilyn the jawfish is doing well. She is always out when the lights are on, and the other day I saw her shoo away the puffer! Here's a little video clip of her:

[Dash]

sorry double post

[target]

You're tank looks really good. I just read through your whole thread. Can't wait for my new ta k to be running

[Dash]

Originally Posted by target

You're tank looks really good. I just read through your whole thread. Can't wait for my new ta k to be running

Thanks Daniel. Can’t believe you slogged through the whole thing Look forward to your build thread.