coralreefer

If I could vote twice for essential I would...that and replacing sand probably 2 biggest reasons for success I've had since teardown and start over...every time I complain about changing them out (every other day), I remember that it is a helluva lot less work than hair algae... DrMerle

do a search on treatments...various people have tried everything...I know I did...list a mile long...tried nudibranches too...I finally felt 500 (yes, 500 aiptasia) was my limit...I think all my treatments were spreading them...anyway, broke down and got a Klein's butterfly fish....within 4 days, all aiptasia were gone and he still lives in my tank and keeps it pristine!!! DrMerle

what is your lighting? flow? type of fish? DrMerle

Happens quite frequently with mine, especially after unplugging-replugging...I stick a finger in, hits the reversing twirling blades, it reverses and goes back to blowing normally....I'm just a reefer, so I can't give a mechanical reason why...my job is to do, not to question why!!! DrMerle

Obviously, something is amiss...in these instances IMHO, it is important to recheck ALL parameters, assume test kits are wrong or have gone bad and reevaluate...ph, salinity, nitrates, phosphates, temperature, ALKALINITY, all should be rechecked...did something die in the tank? heater broken? sounds silly but make a checklist and go through EVERY one...you will find the issue. DrMerle

Michael... 1) There is nothing wrong with tearing down and starting over...I did it a year ago and it was the best thing I could have done...gives you a chance to clean better, repair better, replace pipes and change little things that you didn't get right the first time... 2) I can't think of a harder hobby than reefing...it is a balancing act unlike any other....chemicals, lights, water motion, temperatures, creature interaction...it takes years just to get ADEQUATE....then factor in equipment failure and life's responsibilities...down cycles WILL occur... 3) The fact you are frustrated means you still care...a good thing...when you stop caring whether your tank lives or dies it IS time to get out!!! Think about it...you are keeping the earth's most sensitive ecosystem alive and thriving in your living room...no small feat. When someone comes over to my house (who knows nothing about reef keeping) and says "Your fish tank looks nice" it helps me realize that they don't even comprehend what they are seeing...the thousands of hours and dollars invested...the mountain of knowledge accumulated...the worry, frustration and delayed dinners due to "tank issues"... Don't fret over it...revel in it!!! We all swim in the same pool!! DrMerle

....huh?..... DrMerle

I'd like to see Fedor vs. Shogun Rua.... DrMerle

...here we go... DrMerle

Looking to buy a tabling coral, such as a red planet...up to a point, the bigger the better... DrMerle

I use BRS HC GFO...I looked for the best product at the lowest price point...I am very happy with it... DrMerle

Looks exactly like....a saltwater apostrophe....I hate it when I get those...here is a picture " ' " ! Sorry...lol... DrMerle

I am in... DrMerle

I put in 3-4 tablespoons of ROX carbon from BRS AND 3-4 tablespoons of HC Phosphate remover from BRS...no divider...one pump...they gently mix together and very gently tumble...I dump out mixture and do again on first of the month...yes, carbon maybe getting old and yes, phosphate binder may have some life left, but it is super easy, fast and GETS DONE each and every month...takes 10 minutes...may not be textbook with flows and lifespan, but my tank looks great and it is simple and relatively inexpensive. The enemy of a good plan is the perfect plan...

MSX200 with Bubble Blaster 3000!!!

I simplify it even more, at less cost and use less space...I mix BRS carbon and BRS High Capacity together in one 2 little fishies 150 and a maxijet with valve and change monthly...simple, easy, and seems to work great!!!

could you make 2 frags? I wanna play!! DrMerle

Congrats Miles...start saving your money!!! DrMerle

I'll say it again, IMHO.....it looks FINE!!! Don't touch... DrMerle

I think I've got a roll 2' x 12' x1" I'd let go for $10...now using socks...and I live in Damascus...should I not post that here? Sorry if that is wrong... DrMerle

Just watch it!!! Anemones deflate periodically to adjust electrolytes and "refresh" their fluids...expelling wastes too...if a central part starts to look like cream of wheat, get it out...up until then, leave alone, don't handle...I'll bet anything it is fine...!!! DrMerle

Black out won't hurt a bit...along with lights out, make sure you've got plenty of flow and a little Microbacter 7 may help... DrMerle

Turducken---turkey stuffed with duck stuffed with chicken...!!!! DrMerle

I am into it!!!!>>>> DrMerle

Be careful...I love blue faces and HAD to have one but eventually had to get rid of it due to it eating, biting, nipping and just plain destroying much of my reef tank's corals, both hard and soft. Relatively non-aggressive but curious and willing to pick certain corals to death... DrMerle