LavenderTi

I’ve seen the aquabiome results around r2r but hearing more about how to interpret them was very interesting. I ordered 2 tests because I’m curious to see the results for my QT and DT. My QT was getting good coral growth and color. My DT doesn’t have as great of growth and color. There’s a few differences but I dose ammonia on the QT since it’s fishless. I may have to start dosing ammonia to promote better bacteria. Both tanks were started with ocean rock (DT= kp aquatics, QT= TBS) thanks for the link @Krux and @Lexinverts for discussion. 

I’m assuming you need to be present to win?

How long are people seeing the KDF media last?

My 22 gallon coral quarantine tank is fishless. I dose ammonia daily and phosphate weekly. I will feed pellets from time to time. There’s a ton of amphipods and bristleworms in it since there aren’t any predators. I previously ran the same tank as my main display with 2 clowns and a hawk. The corals seem to not notice a difference. 

@SE PDX Reefer has a Naso he's looking to rehome: https://www.pnwmas.org/forums/topic/53422-naso-tang/#comment-502457

Quote

Here is a link to a reefstable article with a live link to amazon

https://reefstable.com/blog/how-to-dip-coral

This link is great, thank you!

At our last meeting we were discussing using KCl as a coral dip for SPS frags. Has anyone used KCl with LPS?

Does anyone in the PDX area use Bioadvance? If so where are you getting it? I checked Home Depot and Lowe’s and can’t find one that has the ingredients that Bayer had:

beta cyfluthrin

imidacloprid

Captive bred option too:

https://shop.thebiotagroup.com/products/molly-miller-blenny-aiptasia-eater

I originally did not QT when I had only a nano. That was 3 fish total and just 12 corals. Once I went larger the “stakes” become greater. I actually introduced ich to the nano with that 3rd fish. The close quarters of the tank and the aggression from the clowns caused that 3rd fish to present an ich infection after a month of being introduced. From that point I knew I’d have to be more careful and QT everything when moving to a new larger tank. 
 

CORALS:

I do 76 days for each frag through the coral QT. I also plan to QT CUC in that same tank. I dip in coral RX. I’m likely going to start Bayer dips and possible potassium chloride after @Lexinverts convincing case.

FISH:

For fish, I don’t plan to bring new fish often once I get this initial batch established. I keep ceramic media in my sump in the event I need to start up the QT tank. It’s a 20 tall (width restraint, I wish I could have done a 20 Long) with a hang on back filter, plastic rock structure, and heater. I’m hoping to keep these fish alive for years and years.

My method is based on Marine Collectors and Humblefish:

methylene blue bath

formalin bath

2-3 days of observation and ensure they’re eating, eating is very important  

copper power @2.3 ppm for 30 days

formalin bath again

metro in their food for 3 weeks

2 weeks observation

I agree in theory of the philosophy of having healthy fish with strong immune systems. What concerns me is large stress events becoming an outbreak if ich is being “managed” in the tank. A power outrage is my main worry.  

I really enjoyed hosting and getting to know more people. The pH dip was totally worth the good company. Thanks @obrien.david.j for the presentation and the encouragement to host. 
 

I’m very close to Reed College. 

I've got a Coral Beauty that unfortunately has a taste for corals - Acans and my digis. Does anyone have a fish trap I could borrow? I don't anticipate needing a trap regularly so hate to purchase one and have it just sit. I'm in SE Portland.

Also anyone interested in a Biota Coral Beauty? - obviously would recommend a FOWLR or fish only tank. It's about 1.5" long. Pretty fish, I'm bummed it's eating my corals.

After a similar problem with overfeeding, I now use pill organizers and autofeeders. My grindall worm culture can't be autofed, otherwise everything else is on autofeeders.

I have a 360 camera that I leave in front of the aquarium with the doors open. That way if I need to check something out I can. My Apex has also given piece of mind with temps and water levels. My recommendation is try out a week or so by using your vacation method.

Also labeling your equipment plugs so you can give better instruction to who's watching the tank.

25 minutes ago, Flash21 said:

Have you seen anything online? 
I know I have made this thread before and no bites at all.  
I did a quick search and found someone on Etsy. Thoughts? 

$108 shipped for the colony. We could frag it between to the two of us. Only concern is it ships from NY. I’m hosting the January meeting, we could split it then?
 

Still would love if someone locally had it. 

I'd try calling.

1 hour ago, Emerald525 said:

My heart hurts for you Sharokh I don’t blame you for being so discouraged right now. Sounds like an awful 52 hours. I would also support a fundraiser to get you back on track and I’m sure others would too.  

My heart goes out to you @Eatfrenchfries not only the losses but also the stress of going through that 52 hours. Sorry you went through that and for your losses.  
 

I’d love to support a fundraiser. 

I just grabbed a generator from BiMart in Oregon City. 

I’m interested as well. 

2 hours ago, Eatfrenchfries said:

Close to 30 hours without power.

Main marine battery is keeping my reptile/invert collection alive. 

Ran out of backup batteries to keep the aquariums heated and aerated. Been manually shaking the phytoplankton cultures every hour.

 

Fingers crossed power is restored soon. 

 

I hope power comes back soon!  🤞🏻

1 hour ago, SuncrestReef said:

Glad your house wasn’t damaged.

I still think my whole-house generator was one of my best investments, even now that I no longer have the aquarium.  And I love that it automatically runs a self test each month and sends me health reports.  Total peace of mind!

My wife and I are going to be getting one this year. We switched to heat pumps from a gas furnace. A portable generator can’t run them. I didn’t even have to bring up the money saved due to not losing corals/fish. We went without power in the ice storm of 2021 for a week, so it’s a real concern. 
 

In 2021 I didn’t have an aquarium. We have a DC to AC inverter that I used power from our electric car to run the old furnace and the refrigerators. 

I'm interested in joining for a new one.

I'm happy to host. I'm in SE Portland near Reed College / Woodstock. The 27/28 weekend would be my preference.

Feels vulnerable for you all to see my setup with your own eyes.

When a member hosts, how many members do we typically attend?

8 hours ago, islandVib3s said:

Returned?

Yes! My bad, life with a 6 month old… USB is back at cuttle ready for the next person. Great device!

Reef looks great!