Thank you for all of your helpful responses...With that said, here is an update on the anemones. One has doubled in size in just 48 hrs, and the other 2 are still looking for more food. Also, my water parameters have been stable with only one small swing since I added the rock. I appreciate the constructive feedback and I am glad to hear that everyone gets antzy when first starting a tank...:greenguy: :biggthumpup: :gay1: :beerchug:
My Condylactis Anemone (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter crayonbreaker
- Start date
here is another question to your post oyam I have read in some of my books as well as some postings on line say to add cheap fish to jump start the tank i am guessing that this to is wrong..
also oyam thank you for the sand and rock it looks great and is already geting more color (http://tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3737)
also oyam thank you for the sand and rock it looks great and is already geting more color (http://tcmas.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3737)
The liverock and dried out dead rock you added should be all you need to cycle your tank. There should be plenty of old debris in the dead rock and sand to feed the bacteria that your tank needs.
Given time, the liverock will "seed" all the deadrock and you won't be able to tell the difference between the two.
When it is time to add corals/fish to your tank, try to add them slowly. This allows the population of bacteria in your tank to adjust to the extra bioload of each new thing and will give you a better chance at success. You can add more then one thing at a time, but best not to add every fish you plan on having all at once.
The right fish is a good place to start. They are usually more robust and forgiving of mistakes you might make then snails and other inverts. Fish are definitely more robust then corals.
Jeff
Given time, the liverock will "seed" all the deadrock and you won't be able to tell the difference between the two.
When it is time to add corals/fish to your tank, try to add them slowly. This allows the population of bacteria in your tank to adjust to the extra bioload of each new thing and will give you a better chance at success. You can add more then one thing at a time, but best not to add every fish you plan on having all at once.
The right fish is a good place to start. They are usually more robust and forgiving of mistakes you might make then snails and other inverts. Fish are definitely more robust then corals.
Jeff
Oh, trust me. If I flamed you, you'd know it. There's a time and a place for tact, and there's a time and a place for flaming. If you thought my comment was flaming you'd best grow a much thicker skin. 
We are a knowledgeable group, always happy to share knowledge and give support and assistance, but we aren't stupid. If someone acts out of ignorance we generally call them on it. This isn't just a hobby for us; this is a conservation movement about which we are passionate, and when someone blunders in and just starts buying animals for a shallow, unjustifiable reason we WILL call them on it. Too many people stumble upon saltwater/reefkeeping and think it looks cool and either don't bother or are too stupid to properly research every aspect of this hobby. There are enough environmental factors killing these wonderful ecosystems in the wild; the last thing any of us want to do is aid that within our own communities.
Ignorance kills, and we aren't killers, nor will we support them. We strongly support education and will always bend over backwards to make sure you'd getting the answers and assistance you need to make the right decisions for your animals; just don't get upset if the answers aren't what you wanted to hear. We'll tell you what you NEED to hear.
We are a knowledgeable group, always happy to share knowledge and give support and assistance, but we aren't stupid. If someone acts out of ignorance we generally call them on it. This isn't just a hobby for us; this is a conservation movement about which we are passionate, and when someone blunders in and just starts buying animals for a shallow, unjustifiable reason we WILL call them on it. Too many people stumble upon saltwater/reefkeeping and think it looks cool and either don't bother or are too stupid to properly research every aspect of this hobby. There are enough environmental factors killing these wonderful ecosystems in the wild; the last thing any of us want to do is aid that within our own communities.
Ignorance kills, and we aren't killers, nor will we support them. We strongly support education and will always bend over backwards to make sure you'd getting the answers and assistance you need to make the right decisions for your animals; just don't get upset if the answers aren't what you wanted to hear. We'll tell you what you NEED to hear.
Oh, trust me. If I flamed you, you'd know it. There's a time and a place for tact, and there's a time and a place for flaming. If you thought my comment was flaming you'd best grow a much thicker skin.
We are a knowledgeable group, always happy to share knowledge and give support and assistance, but we aren't stupid. If someone acts out of ignorance we generally call them on it. This isn't just a hobby for us; this is a conservation movement about which we are passionate, and when someone blunders in and just starts buying animals for a shallow, unjustifiable reason we WILL call them on it. Too many people stumble upon saltwater/reefkeeping and think it looks cool and either don't bother or are too stupid to properly research every aspect of this hobby. There are enough environmental factors killing these wonderful ecosystems in the wild; the last thing any of us want to do is aid that within our own communities.
Ignorance kills, and we aren't killers, nor will we support them. We strongly support education and will always bend over backwards to make sure you'd getting the answers and assistance you need to make the right decisions for your animals; just don't get upset if the answers aren't what you wanted to hear. We'll tell you what you NEED to hear.
can I have my soap box back now please?
oke: :rotflmao: but in all seriousness. Hypoxia nailed it for ya:biggrin:
Speaking of ignorance. I was at All-reef This weekend and picked up a Naso Tang, But while I was there this couple came in and ask Peggy if they rented aquariums........They wanted to know if they could have a tank installed in their home and have someone come in and take care of it for them. Peggy actually kind of stumbled for a very brief moment and then ask them what they were actually looking for and they said that they loved the look of a tank but had no clue on how to care for one. so she told them about their reefkeeping 101 class that they now offer. And she gave them the appropriate info as she always does. I just thought it was amazing that someone thought they could come in and rent a reef tank like it was a movie or piece of art. they just wanted something to look at.
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2007
- Messages
- 873
Pet Rental
They rent out dogs in California now, why not a tank! :biggrin:
Also, CNN just had an article about a $22,000 cat- they hand deliver it, stay for a few days for acclimation, and provide pet insurance, animal behaviorist, etc. the works. Downside other than price is that the cat weighed 30lbs:EX:
They rent out dogs in California now, why not a tank! :biggrin:
Also, CNN just had an article about a $22,000 cat- they hand deliver it, stay for a few days for acclimation, and provide pet insurance, animal behaviorist, etc. the works. Downside other than price is that the cat weighed 30lbs:EX:
This thread has gotten so off topic... crayonbreaker is new, do you guys remember what it's like to be new to this, and the desire to get something going? I do, I still have a bad case of the 'nows' (I want those acros colored up now!)... There's been a lot of good that's already been said though relating to the posters topic. Let's be constructive here... he's a potential member of the club, and there are people of varying levels of knowledge/skill in the club.
As far as conservation, that's a great goal, but reality is we're pillaging the reefs. There's still cyanide fishing happening, and still dynamite employed. Shrimp boats are still raking the bottom of the reefs so that we can have our $9.99 all you can eat shrimp dinner at Red Lobster. Not only does farm raised shrimp cost a lot more, but so does aquacultured softies, zoos, hard corals etc relative to wild caught specimens. If we're so conservation focused, why are aquaculture facilities having a tough time? Their costs IS higher, and at a retailer, the consumer is going to pay a fair premium. How do I know this? Well, this is the feedback from local retail as I try to sell frags to them... So they can pay $20 per aquacultured frag raw cost, add shipping on top of that, or they can buy a whole wild colony for $7 + shipping and handling. Well, the business needs to make decisions about which to buy, their staff rotates in and out, they have poor knowledge to differentiate the aquacultured, so they don't move the product and end up not purchasing more.... Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but just wanted to point out that the hobby is a drain on the reefs (think about how long it took for that brain coral that is the size of a baseball to grow?).
As a side note, Walt Smith has done a good job of linking economic development with taking care of the reefs, but it's relatively small scale (and his prices are much higher too).....
As far as conservation, that's a great goal, but reality is we're pillaging the reefs. There's still cyanide fishing happening, and still dynamite employed. Shrimp boats are still raking the bottom of the reefs so that we can have our $9.99 all you can eat shrimp dinner at Red Lobster. Not only does farm raised shrimp cost a lot more, but so does aquacultured softies, zoos, hard corals etc relative to wild caught specimens. If we're so conservation focused, why are aquaculture facilities having a tough time? Their costs IS higher, and at a retailer, the consumer is going to pay a fair premium. How do I know this? Well, this is the feedback from local retail as I try to sell frags to them... So they can pay $20 per aquacultured frag raw cost, add shipping on top of that, or they can buy a whole wild colony for $7 + shipping and handling. Well, the business needs to make decisions about which to buy, their staff rotates in and out, they have poor knowledge to differentiate the aquacultured, so they don't move the product and end up not purchasing more.... Not trying to pick a fight or anything, but just wanted to point out that the hobby is a drain on the reefs (think about how long it took for that brain coral that is the size of a baseball to grow?).
As a side note, Walt Smith has done a good job of linking economic development with taking care of the reefs, but it's relatively small scale (and his prices are much higher too).....
all too true Matt. How many of us can say that our tanks have 100% aquacultured corals and CB fish in them?
I will be the 1st to admit, only about 5% of my fish are CB the rest are wild caught. My corals on the other hand though, at least in my main system I would say it is about 95% aquacultured corals.
I should have thought my example over better, I should have used clams.... as aquacultured clams cost (raw cost) can easily be twice more than wild caught (the exception are Ponape or Vietnamese clams). All those croceas out there that are cheap are a great example. However, the cost for ORA is in some case 3x more...
I am right there with you Mary. Most of us wouldn't have any fish other than clowns, cardnalfish, dottybacks in our tanks... (Meanwhile, I've about 8 anthias alone). I salute Grigor for breeding the bangaiis as those have a narrow geographic range and the hobby has almost decimated their population in the wild...
Sorry to get off on a rant, but the hobby isn't going to wipe out everything, but if you look at the bleaching events, disease, commercial fishing - it all has it's toll... I sound like an alarmist I gotta rake some leaves, finish a sump... it's a beautiful fall day
I am right there with you Mary. Most of us wouldn't have any fish other than clowns, cardnalfish, dottybacks in our tanks... (Meanwhile, I've about 8 anthias alone). I salute Grigor for breeding the bangaiis as those have a narrow geographic range and the hobby has almost decimated their population in the wild...
Sorry to get off on a rant, but the hobby isn't going to wipe out everything, but if you look at the bleaching events, disease, commercial fishing - it all has it's toll... I sound like an alarmist
I gotta rake some leaves, finish a sump... it's a beautiful fall day
I remember all too well what it was like to be new to the hobby. There are many facets of this hobby which I still don't understand. I look back on some of the mistakes I made and I wish to God someone had told me NOT TO DO THEM before I did them; I would have killed fewer animals then.
As a result, I have no problem speaking up when I see a newbie proceeding out of ignorance. I'm sure they would appreciate the caution and the education, just as I appreciated it when I was new (and I still appreciate it to this day). I'd want someone to tell me when I am about to make a mistake with the life of a beautiful being.
I've been in this hobby for a few years now and I still consider myself a newbie, and I force myself to ask questions I'm sure people have heard before, and I also research the subject to learn as much as possible. That's why I enjoy this hobby so much; there's always so much to learn and so many wonderful people to learn from.
As a result, I have no problem speaking up when I see a newbie proceeding out of ignorance. I'm sure they would appreciate the caution and the education, just as I appreciated it when I was new (and I still appreciate it to this day). I'd want someone to tell me when I am about to make a mistake with the life of a beautiful being.
I've been in this hobby for a few years now and I still consider myself a newbie, and I force myself to ask questions I'm sure people have heard before, and I also research the subject to learn as much as possible. That's why I enjoy this hobby so much; there's always so much to learn and so many wonderful people to learn from.
I had a pair of condies for about 8 years. My tomato clown loved them. He would spend all day going between the two. The biggest problem with them was that they got too big when fully expanded (about 20") and they would sting the other inverts. I never had any problem with them moving around.
I have one and my maroon clown loves it. He grabs pieces of brine when I feed the tank and spits them in the anenome to feed his host. My wife thinks it is so cute that the clown feeds him.
I have found condi's to be one of the more hardy anenome's. He will eat anything, and it seems like he grows everytime I spot feed him. I know they are looked at as less desirable than say a Rose, but I love the white with the purple tips.
As far as how everyone has been responding: I don't think anyone was flaming. I think it is good to be passionate about conservation. I think Hypoxia was firm to get a point across and guess what, it worked.
Don't ake offense Crayonbreaker, you are doing great. Your tank looks good, and if you are very diligent with maintainence and water changes, you will survive your mini cycles just fine. Don't add anything for a good month or two though, or it will back fire. You are taking a bit of a risk starting out with anenomes in a new tank, but I think you can do it.
I have found condi's to be one of the more hardy anenome's. He will eat anything, and it seems like he grows everytime I spot feed him. I know they are looked at as less desirable than say a Rose, but I love the white with the purple tips.
As far as how everyone has been responding: I don't think anyone was flaming. I think it is good to be passionate about conservation. I think Hypoxia was firm to get a point across and guess what, it worked.
Don't ake offense Crayonbreaker, you are doing great. Your tank looks good, and if you are very diligent with maintainence and water changes, you will survive your mini cycles just fine. Don't add anything for a good month or two though, or it will back fire. You are taking a bit of a risk starting out with anenomes in a new tank, but I think you can do it.
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2007
- Messages
- 13,288
I agree with everything posted, but I'm going to play devil's advocate.
My tank never cycled. I got nice fresh live rock from a club member. I still went somewhat slow monitoring levels very carefully watching for ammonia but it never happened. I certainly didn't wait the recommended times to add things and so far, its been OK.
As long as you're careful and you pay attention to your parameters, you might be able to move a little quicker than the general rule of thumb.
Directly to crayonbreaker-
You are still being way too fast. Nothing happens in a reef tank in the matter of a day or two (except a crash). Its going to take a bit longer to asses the impact of each change you make.
There is another reason to take your time - money. If you rush it, your stuff will die and that will cost you money.
My tank never cycled. I got nice fresh live rock from a club member. I still went somewhat slow monitoring levels very carefully watching for ammonia but it never happened. I certainly didn't wait the recommended times to add things and so far, its been OK.
As long as you're careful and you pay attention to your parameters, you might be able to move a little quicker than the general rule of thumb.
Directly to crayonbreaker-
You are still being way too fast. Nothing happens in a reef tank in the matter of a day or two (except a crash). Its going to take a bit longer to asses the impact of each change you make.
There is another reason to take your time - money. If you rush it, your stuff will die and that will cost you money.
Crayonbreaker, just a couple of things... you should post your params that you tested, while there is an initial cycle, your tank will continue to have microcycles of sorts. As a newbie, I'd recommend getting into the habit of regular water changes, later you can decide if you don't need to but 10-20% weekly will make up for a lot of sins... I don't know what cheap fish are, I believe you mean hardy fish, correct me if I'm wrong. when you go to buy these fish, tell the people that work at the LFS what you have, even if they don't ask (most won't, they typically aren't a good way to find out info about these animals/systems).... Do you have some books? I'd recommend the Delbeek and Sprung books, I may have a couple I could borrow you as well....
There's a pretty decent search function above that you can use to search the forums... but no question is dumb to ask...
There's a pretty decent search function above that you can use to search the forums... but no question is dumb to ask...