One Year Later...

[YankeeJeff]

This past May marked one year since I first set up my 38G tank.

Some of the things I've learned and/or experienced since are:

1) Water changes have become less frequent (I went from once a week to once a month).
2) Coraline algae will grow don't worry - you'll eventually have to scrape it off the front glass
3) Fish can survive without feeding for days (short vacation - no feeder just live rock)
4) IMO most softies are almost effortless to keep (lights and occasional all-in-one supplement). I don't even add calcium anymore.
5) I wish I had used sand instead of crushed coral - limits my options.
6) Stars and certain crab types didn't last very long for me.
7) Fish tails can grow back (Hydor accident or fight -not sure which).
8) I wished I never bought my aggressive fish: 4 striped damsel, yellow dottyback (these 2 make two too many in my tank)
9) Some sails (like my turbos) are indestructible & reproduce at will
10) I can't wait to move to a bigger place for a bigger tank.

I love my tank and the way it looks. I'm sure it would be even better with more water changes, less fish, sand instead of crushed coral, etc. but it is what it is and its what I can realistically do right now to maintain it.

Since I plan to get a house in about 1 year or so, I'm not going to do much right now to change things. The only thing I'm considering is changing to a 45 gallon (cheap & keep the same stand). During the switch I'd change to sand and donate my 2 pesky fish.

Anyway -its been a long time since I've posted but I do check-in once in a while. This place is great.

[Aquarist007]

Good testimonial--you learned some good things but don't lose track of the fact that a "water change can be your best friend"
as stated by Melev

Have you thought about setting up a refugium which would be a great asset to the filtration and food production for your tank
If you upgrade then your fug is established

[YankeeJeff]

I've learned a ton more from this site. These were just some of the things that quickly came to mind from my own personal observations and habbits.

I don't have much space underneath for a refugium because of my stand. Right now I'm experimenting using a old hob whisper filter converted to a small refugium. Its been up for months but I honestly can't tell if its helping things or not.

I definitely don't want to send the wrong message re: water changes - I really do notice a difference for the better when I do them more often.

I also want to say that I still consider myself a newbie and probably will be for quite some time.

[Aquarist007]

Originally posted by YankeeJeff
I've learned a ton more from this site. These were just some of the things that quickly came to mind from my own personal observations and habbits.

I don't have much space underneath for a refugium because of my stand. Right now I'm experimenting using a old hob whisper filter converted to a small refugium. Its been up for months but I honestly can't tell if its helping things or not.

I definitely don't want to send the wrong message re: water changes - I really do notice a difference for the better when I do them more often.

I also want to say that I still consider myself a newbie and probably will be for quite some time.

when you consider reefers like PaulB that has had a tank for 37 years we are all still newbies