So I’ve been reading the post by Paul B. Discussion of why so many leave the hobby and I thought showing tank progression of your worst moment may shine some light on why reefers quit and MORE importantly... there is a light And beauty when you crawl out of the trenches. QUICK STORY
I’m an ultra budget reefer and I started my reef tank on a whim. Got a free tank and all the components for a fresh water aquarium. Went to petco to get fish and while looking around the saltwater fish caught our eyes like kids looking at presents around a Xmas tree. Me and my wife decided to change directions and go marine. Got some sketchy advice from petco employee. Did some reef forum surfing and thought I had it. Cough cough. Started with tap water, canister filter, 2 koralias, and reefsaver rock, sand and live rock. I let the tank cycle for 6 weeks before adding anything. BUT It all went to hell quickly. After MANY trials I think I made it, but saying that, I am dealing with an algae outbreak right now. Just part of the game I think. So here’s my pics to show others what they might have to go through.
New with nothing in it (background.. it was supposed to be fresh water tank hahaha)
OH BUDDY the darkest days, I tried to tackle this with plucking, scrubbing rocks, and GFO. Did this weekly for almost 6 months, nothing helped.
Removed sand and dark cooked rocks 1st time but algae started to return again
Removed rocks again did a 8 week cook with GFO and carbon complete darkness rocks came out pure white but again algae came back but not as bad. Ran with it
OMG tank popped a seam. Got home from work and a 6 inch wide blade of water was shooting out the side. I must have got home just in time. LUCKY!!
NEW TANK!!
This morning and so far almost a 6 year journey.....it’s no TOTM, but everyday it gets fuller and more beautiful. (Blues hide algae new people). Overall a long way to go but the journey has been crazy. So many trials and errors, wrong lighting, turf scrubbers, Refugium, algae fix, deaths, RTN, Dino’s, apstasia, monti eating nudis, poor coral choices and placement, the list can go on forever. It’s all part of the game in my book. It’s what makes it a hobby and not just keeping a pet. Just got to keep going!!! I’m not a big poster but truly appreciate all the info you can dig up on the forum and BRS videos.
I’m an ultra budget reefer and I started my reef tank on a whim. Got a free tank and all the components for a fresh water aquarium. Went to petco to get fish and while looking around the saltwater fish caught our eyes like kids looking at presents around a Xmas tree. Me and my wife decided to change directions and go marine. Got some sketchy advice from petco employee. Did some reef forum surfing and thought I had it. Cough cough. Started with tap water, canister filter, 2 koralias, and reefsaver rock, sand and live rock. I let the tank cycle for 6 weeks before adding anything. BUT It all went to hell quickly. After MANY trials I think I made it, but saying that, I am dealing with an algae outbreak right now. Just part of the game I think. So here’s my pics to show others what they might have to go through.
New with nothing in it (background.. it was supposed to be fresh water tank hahaha)
OH BUDDY the darkest days, I tried to tackle this with plucking, scrubbing rocks, and GFO. Did this weekly for almost 6 months, nothing helped.
Removed sand and dark cooked rocks 1st time but algae started to return again
Removed rocks again did a 8 week cook with GFO and carbon complete darkness rocks came out pure white but again algae came back but not as bad. Ran with it
OMG tank popped a seam. Got home from work and a 6 inch wide blade of water was shooting out the side. I must have got home just in time. LUCKY!!
NEW TANK!!
This morning and so far almost a 6 year journey.....it’s no TOTM, but everyday it gets fuller and more beautiful. (Blues hide algae new people). Overall a long way to go but the journey has been crazy. So many trials and errors, wrong lighting, turf scrubbers, Refugium, algae fix, deaths, RTN, Dino’s, apstasia, monti eating nudis, poor coral choices and placement, the list can go on forever. It’s all part of the game in my book. It’s what makes it a hobby and not just keeping a pet. Just got to keep going!!! I’m not a big poster but truly appreciate all the info you can dig up on the forum and BRS videos.
