SuncrestReef

Holly, I got a pocillopora from you last year. When my tank was suffering a bunch of coral losses, that was one that died in a matter of days, but during the process it was shedding flesh that floated around the tank. I think it’s a bailout survival mechanism. About a month later is when I started noticing all the new growths taking hold. I have macro photos of the original colony and the polyp structure matches these tiny refugees perfectly.

Partly luck, partly that I don’t have many fish. They also tend to stay away, I’m guessing due to the crackling sound it makes. I’m sure it’s pretty loud under water. (assuming fish can hear 🤷‍♂️)

Before: After:

You want it??? You got it!!! Check out the video as I zapped it with the laser: (if you turn up the volume you'll hear it sizzling and crackling)

Yikes...I think you're right based on Google photos. Time to break out the laser!!!

I doubt they came from my BTA. The last time it split, I was left with two anemones that were baseball size each. These are also very different in color than my BTA. Yes, they are definitely stinging the coral.

It's been a while since I've taken some good macro shots in my tank, so here are a few for your enjoyment:

I have a Garf Bonsai that has a hitchhiker next to it. I can't tell if it's some sort of tiny bubble tip anemone or a coral. There are two of them, each about 1/4" across. Any idea what they are?

I agree. I wonder if Neptune is being cooperative with Mindstream and Reefbot to allow them to integrate with Apex? If those products could integrate to allow control of dosing pumps or other Apex-controlled components it would be incredible how much you could do. But that would also make the Trident less appealing since it's limited to Alk, Ca, and Mg, which is why I wonder about their openness or resistance to 3rd party integrations.

Do they look like this? This is pocillopora and they spread easily. I had a large colony that died a few months ago, but I now have about a dozen that started showing up in random places in the tank.

Mindstream looks pretty cool, but at this time it doesn't integrate with any controllers or dosers to automate the pumps based on test results. To me that's the biggest advantage of the Trident. I have it configured to increase or decrease my 2-part dosing based on the actual test results. Mindstream's web site says they "will offer automated doser control at some point in the future" and they are "developing partnerships with key aquarium equipment providers for controller integration". There's no indication on how long that may take.

I would wedge a piece of wood between the rear top of the cabinet and the wall at each end of the tank. It will likely leave a mark on the wall, but that's easy to repair later.

UPDATE: Due to a website permission problem, the Member Map tab was not visible to some members. It appears this has been corrected, so everyone should be able to see it now.

Neptune just announced today that they will begin shipping Trident reagent refills to online vendors such as BRS, and they will sell a 6-month pack for $99.99, so a big discount over the normal $44 2-month supply. See the announcement here at about 18 minutes into the live feed:

That was the first thing I noticed too. 🤣

Bump. We’re just over one week away from the August meeting/BBQ at my house. If you haven’t already responded, please RSVP using the poll at the top of this thread so we can plan on enough food for everyone. There’s no obligation to bring anything, but side dishes and/or adult beverages are always welcome. Looking forward to seeing everyone! And I apologize in advance if Cooper (my overly-friendly black lab) invades your personal space. It’s just what he does. But please remember, don’t feed him anything because he has severe food allergies. Thanks!

Are_You_Awake ——————— Set OFF If Time 02:00 To 02:01 Then ON How_About_Now ——————— Set OFF If Time 03:15 To 03:16 Then ON EmailAlarm —————— Set OFF If Output Are_You_Awake = ON Then ON If Output How_About_Now = ON Then ON [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787] (maybe we need a Nerd Humor subforum) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Be careful what you wish for...I could program it to send you alerts every night at 2am. 🤣

BRS is giving away a free Apex-EL and Trident. You only have until 5:00pm today (Aug 15, 2019) to enter: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/hit-that-bell/ If a PNWMAS member wins, I will personally help to program the Apex. Good luck!!!

I found the sludge builds up quickly if I just dump the salt straight into the mixing tank and rely on the pump to mix it. Instead, I first mix smaller amounts of salt in a small bucket then pour that solution into the larger tank. I usually mix up about 40 gallons at a time which requires 20 cups of salt, so I divide it up into 5 cups in a gallon of water and hand stir it for about 10 seconds before dumping it in the mixing tank. I also leave a small powerhead running in the bottom of the mixing tank 24/7. This has dramatically cut down on the buildup.

I use 1/4" tubing from my mixing station for auto water changes and for ATO and pump it 30 feet with no problem. Your tubing is fine, but your pump with that reduction fitting is not a good combination. A simple peristaltic dosing pump or a submersible utility pump that directly connects to 1/4" tubing will work much better with your tubing. If you can make it to this month's meeting at my house on the 24th, you should check out how mine is set up to get some ideas.

The new trachy is pretty hungry on the first night in my tank. Time for some ReefRoids.

Once per year I drain the saltwater tank, disconnect the plumbing (thankfully I used unions), and use a long handled mop (that has never touched any detergents) and garden hose to scrub the inside. The deposits usually come off easily with plain water and a bit of friction. Then I rinse it with a few gallons of RO/DI, let it air dry in the sun for a day, then put it back in place.

What is that little black tube at the top of your plumbing for, and where does it lead?

This is one of the craziest things I've ever seen: https://nypost.com/2019/08/13/zombie-snail-with-flashing-neon-eye-stalks-freaks-out-hiker/