Jeremevans

I bought a tank raised mandarin and put it in my tank months ago. I've seen it about once a month and it's growing. I had pretty much given up on it after the first month.

I have a trap that you are welcome to use. I was given this trap and have never used it, but figured it might come in handy some day. I drive through Scappoose every day so I could drop it off. I don't live far if you want to swing be too.




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I have a pair of 24" stainless tweezers that I think is made for feeding snakes (?). They are not the highest grade stainless (some rust over time), but the help me reach around a tank that is deeper and taller than arm length.

That's a good deal on the Iwaki. I run one to return from the garage to the house (and up). Unfortunately, I have a backup already and fortunately I've never needed it.

Not that this thread needs encouragement...but...The frags I got a while back have gone nuts and these are all very colorful and hardy corals

Update (2nd attempt):

I did send in a second sample using my own container. The USPS tracking said it left Portland, but it still appears to be "in transit" since July 14th. So, I waited patiently, but it is still in limbo today. https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?tLabels=9500100023398192000158

Update (3rd attempt):

 Part of my thinking on being careful with all of the coral and fish in the tank is to do regular ICP tests, so I got up the energy to try again. This time I started with a new test vial (official packaging) and shipped again by USPS. Success. https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?tLabels=9500100023398227000122

The package arrived in 5 days (included a weekend) and results were available on the website the next day.

Results: 

The results format is not as slick as Triton ICP test and there is not nearly the information about each element. The ICP-Analysis.com website simply has links to wikipedia which are not too helpful in a reef tank context. An example is the high sulfur level I am seeing.

I had to go google that and think about what it means. In the end I referenced a Randy Holmes post where he says not much is known about the effects of different sulfate to chloride ratios. Okay...

So, then I looked at my results a bit more and pondered until it hit me. On the webpage, but not the printout they show the salinity. My salinity is too high (41.27 vs. 35 expected). I immediately grabbed my digitial salinity meter and checked. The salinity was 1.026...hmmm. I then rummaged around and found that calibration solution I bought and promptly filed away behind the test kits in my cupboard. My calibration was way off...

After re-calibrating I could see that my SG was 1.030. Well, crap. Or... thanks ICP testing for reminding me to be diligent and pay attention! I'm now lowering my SG 1 point per day. I'm not sure what effect this elevated level had or how long it has been going on. I do 10% water changes weekly, so it has probably been creeping up.

Moral: 

ICP testing is another arsenal in our tool bag to stay on top of managing our tanks. I will definitely be testing again, at least as insurance against my own human error.

PS: 

I knew my calcium had been running high and I was surprised that it wasn't "snowing" in my tank. The high levels of all major elements definitely seem to corroborate the high salinity reading.

testResult_jeremyevans_20180822223521.pdf

So did he eat the small hermit (or snail) that is under him?

I picked up the frag kit yesterday--Thanks!

It should work out perfect since there is no hope that I will leave work before 1pm.

Thanks!

1 hour ago, Emerald525 said:

Okay let’s plan on that . @Jeremevans I could also drop off your frag kit.

@Emerald525 That could work. When are you planning to go by CnC tomorrow? I was thinking of dropping by there late afternoon-ish anyway.

4 hours ago, kev311 said:

Whites 40% blues 50%


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Maybe white light is the key--I haven't heard of too many people running that much white.

More likely these buggers like lower flow. My tank is high flow and they high PAR so they seem to close up shop mid-day.

2 hours ago, kev311 said:

Im not sure about par numbers, I’m running my leds at about 40% around  14 inches or so from the tank. Zoas were about mid way in a 40 breeder with moderate to low flow. And it was indirect feeding with rods as this is what I usually feed my tank with everyday. I would like to see what my par numbers are though.

Do you run 40% on whites and blues?

The frag kit sounds useful. As soon as I figure out @kev311 's secrets I'm going to need it.

I told my wife I was going to frag the superman monti and she said it isn't big enough yet...I better leave it alone for now since she likes it.

So...maybe check back with me in a few months or give Upscales a call and see if they have a piece.

What do you have for trade?

I'll get a piece fragged and mounted on a plug so it can heal. 

So... @kev311 what's the magic to get explosive growth like that?

I have an encrusting colony. I picked up a frag from Upscales a while back. They have a huge colony in the display.

If you are looking for a frag I could probably cut / break off a piece. It is a pretty decent grower.

Also @MrsBret are you still thinking about getting some ordered in? It looks like there is definitely interest.

@ocboat Where did you order from?

Started with 6 and it looks like I'm up to 12 now.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on getting some Berghia's. 

Any recommendations / experiences?

@spectra  (or anyone else) let me know if you are interested and we could combine on a shipment.

@bubbles if you do, I'm definitely interested in a local way to test.

For others watching this it looks like my package is lost in the some void on July 14th between here and Colorado.

I'm going to give it one more shot...and then maybe I'll have to give up on the USPS.

Does anyone have experience with ICP-Analysis.com?

I picked up a test kit as a freebie on a large order from an online retailer a while back. I have attempted twice to submit a water sample, but the USPS seems to be failing me...

I sent of a sample and they never received it. I should have paid for tracking...

I emailed and they promptly suggested I send another sample in any container and simply label it with the serial number which they included in the email (saved me some time). So I sent of the sample and paid for tracking...now the shipment that should have arrived last Saturday is stuck in a status from the 14th as "in transit to next destination".

I'm starting to wonder if it is worth a third attempt at sending in a sample... I did ICP testing through another vendor (international) that was a very smooth experience.

"You look like a garbage bag... but also drunk" 🤣

Not a great picture, but there is definitely some growth. This colony never status open all day for me, I think there are about 5 new tiny heads piping up.







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