albertareef

The more images I look at the more sure I am that the third pic is the business end of a tube worm. It's location, however, was deceptive. Attractive none the less I think.

I remember seeing a couple of Steve Weast's cold water tanks when they were at Saltwater Fantaseas years ago. Very cool and surprisingly colorful. Had an awesome collection of boxfish - which was the first thing I thought of when i saw this little guy. I was also struck by just how thick the acrylic had to be to prevent the tank from sweating constantly. Looked like it took some work to set up properly but definitely striking. I think you should give it a try!

Indeed. I was going to mention this issue when I saw a mandarin on your list. I can be difficult to provide enough food for them (copepods) in a new tank so it would not be the first thing I would try and add. It helps to either run a refugium or create a "pod house" in your tank to help boost the population if you do eventually add one. I have seen some take frozen food but that seems to be the exception. They are also very slow, deliberate eaters so can be out-competed for food by other fish even if they do learn to eat prepared foods - thus a starvation risk. All that being said, they are wonderful fish and many of the folk on here have kept them successfully... just need to be aware of the limitations/requirements. I have kept many dwarf angels who were well behaved around SPS but it is always a bit of a risk. You can increase your likelihood of success by trying to find one that is already in a system and has a track record. Of course, that takes quite a bit of patience... something that comes into play often in reef keeping!

I actually expected you to ID this fish for us Cherany! granted, it isn't likely seen in the trade but it isn't often you run across a fish that seems to mimic a sponge colony. I found it amusing that they actually referenced that in the aquarium Facebook post... not sure if Scott knew how close he was to being correct!

Well, the fish ID is solved anyway. Got a nice note back from the aquarium folk... Hello Darcy and Sean, Thank you for your photo and question. The stunning little fish is called a Rockhead Poacher. We have a couple of postings here to get you started if you’d like to research a little deeper. https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium/photos/a.159458327417779.32520.158500820846863/1238277956202472 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockhead_(fish) I’m glad you enjoyed the colorful but cryptic little surprises in that room. I’d be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Evonne At least now we know it isn't just a figment of Brian's (or our) imagination! Or spongebob squarepants for that matter... Too bad it no longer has a soul.

Well, we took a picture just to make sure... ?

We work hard to perfect the thread jack around here. It's an art form to be sure ? Anyway, back to the home wrecker frag...

Aptly named at that price I see! Looks like someone painted up a coral skeleton with fluorescent paint. Crazy...

Well, it's lips were moving but I guess that doesn't really narrow it down

Yeah, we were pretty stoked about that nudibranch - had been going to the same place to tide pool for at least 15 years and had never seen one before... although that could have just been bad luck. Was nice to find something the docent (or whatever you call them) hadn't come across before.

Found a few interesting things tide pooling over the weekend near Newport including a really cool orange-tipped opalescent nudibranch...pretty cool I think. Even the wildlife docent hadn't seen one before (first pic). We also saw a few things we couldn't identify, including what appeared to be some form of plate-like sponge (second pic) and something that looked like a combination of feather duster and strawberry anemone (has really fine filaments off of its "tentacles", third pic). Also, while at the aquarium, we ran across an unidentified fish (fourth pic) that looked similar to a box fish in shape but with his eyes in the "wrong" spot. Thought maybe I would share and see if anyone knew what they were... Sorry for the false start last time - hit return at the wrong time!

Second this advice. Also agree - really beautiful tank! Do you have stocking plans for it yet?

You still have the info I sent you Kim? Will be curious what your readings are.

That is stunning Rudy!

Definitely a wise approach. As the others have noted, you can learn a lot and save yourself a lot of hassle by just reading some of the threads on here regrading tank startup and husbandry. Lots of experienced folk who are willing to advise if you have questions. Good luck planning -that is a big part of the fun!

I kind of enjoyed it across the back of my old tank - never spread to the rocks though.

Congrats man. Love that tank - would have been all over it if I hadn't already set up my current system.

Might take you up on that some time Bert - out of town right now so can't jump on this... plus I don't need that large a piece really. It would make the rest of the frags in my tank feel inadequate and I don't want to discourage them - they are trying so hard to grow.

Bummer Randal - I was looking forward to the zoa garden in the lagoon.

Nice - looks like you have it well stocked already!

Well, I would help you out if I had any of them but they are on my "wish I had" list as well ?

Nice list Kim. They may be oldies but they are classics as well.

Nice! Sadly I wouldn't trust it in my tank at this point but someone will have a beautiful specimen.

Yeah - I really like the idea and may experiment at some point but would need to find some 36 inch single bulb fixtures and a new way to mount all the lights. Which means it isn't happening anytime soon ?

Always more flow... bigger, better, faster, more!