My Marine Adventure Begins

[Morri]

Well good news this time sponges and squirts are generaly good I think its only black sponge which can be problomatic

 

[drsquirrel]

If it is a sponge/sea sqirt...Good or bad?
so far all my finds have been bad!

I guess most people more easily identify the bad things in the tank - even mistaking possibly good things for them.

And as Morri mentions - black sponge isn't so good - a few people thought some of mine were but no one can be sure that much with sponges.

To test if its a sea squirt, wait until it's dark - and then suddenly shine a light on it, and watch to see if it suddenly deflates.

As for sponge, just watch to see how fast it spreads.

 

[MissG55]

Good news... Hooray!

I'm off to my LFS today for a buddy for my lone clown and maybe a conch(if they have them)
My Cyano seems to be slowing down after my first water change with my own RO water and now the sand is looking much better.
On other news my other half managed to catch my red eyed crab last night so i am a little sad he is gone but i know it will be best for the tank in the long run.

 

[MissG55]

O.k just got back from LFS and they had no clownfish and not a single conch
So i have been bad and ventured off plan!

I chatted to the very helpful chaps and they recommended a goby. I have got one on my list so not ventured too far i guess! I really liked the look of the yellow watchmen goby, and that is what i had planned for but... then i saw a chalk goby making short work of the sand at the bottom of his tank and decided that it did the same job as a conch so would go for him. I then started talking coral and they had a lovely little leather(also on my list!) that was looking very happy but in need of a home.
In the bag it went and now sitting pride of place in a sunny position, not looking quite as happy though .

Here they are.

 

[seffieuk]

Very sweet - just leave the leather alone, make sure it has lots of flow going across it and it will soon start coming out it will probably shed, but don't worry, they really dont like being touched so it is to be expected

Seffie x

 

[MissG55]

Very sweet - just leave the leather alone, make sure it has lots of flow going across it and it will soon start coming out it will probably shed, but don't worry, they really dont like being touched so it is to be expected

Seffie x

You were right Seffie, the leather shed a little bit around the front.. Perky seemed to help out by nibbling at the loose bits! He seems to like hanging around it too. It is looking very happy now all polyps are out and it looks lovely.

 

[MissG55]

I have just tested the water after my second water change with my own RO and i am pleased to announce my phosphates are vertually 0 reading at 0.03 and all the cyano has gone . This may be as my little chalk goby, who i love , is working like crazy or may just be because i have eliminated the source(bad RO from lfs).
I also tested for calcium, almost had to put on white coat and goggles! took me back to A level science!!! My first reading was 410 which i thnk is good??

Should i be adding anything else to the tank now? Read lots about Phytofeast and as i am planning on adding more soft corals next week want to be prepared.

 

[seffieuk]

I wouldn't add anything Don't think you have any real filter feeders at the moment, so don't worry about the phyto just yet

Seffie x

 

[MissG55]

I wouldn't add anything Don't think you have any real filter feeders at the moment, so don't worry about the phyto just yet

Seffie x

Will leave well alone then! Thanks, don't want to be starving anything so thought i would ask!

 

[MissG55]

Took a trip to get a friend for my little clown today and they had lots but had only just got them in so were not selling them! I really must start ringing ahead!!!
Instead of the clown i thought i would pick up some coral instead.
This is what i got...

The Star Polyp is really green but the colour has not shown up very well.

 

[MissG55]

There is also a picture of my full tank... just look how much the leather i put in 2 weeks ago has grown

 

[MissG55]

Been a while i know but am busy getting ready for my wedding that is next Saturday!! Only 6 days now!
Meanwhile the tank has been busy coming to life, i cant believe how quickly things grow and the change in mood they have - Particularly my leather who can be really grumpy during water changes!
I have added new photos of some of thr corals looking their best and also my new green brain coral(i think?!)
On the picture of the brain coral you can see 2little openings. Out of the top one every now and then a small, almost clear fan like thing comes out and scoops the water! Is this normal feeding or does it have something to do with the what look like hairy legs coming out of the bottom hole! Hoping not another nasty crab but have not had a good view of it yet.

 

[Harry1996]

looking good

 

[MissG55]

Oops not the up to date full tank shot!

 

[seffieuk]

It is looking really good but you are getting married in a few days, woo hoo, you kept that quiet

We want a photo of you in your dress please

Seffie x