Hello! New

[rachelmcc]

Hi, My name is Rachel and I'm a (relatively) new saltwater enthusiast. My husband always wanted a SW tank...I have had many freshwater tanks over the years. So, we made the leap and started a tank about 2 years ago. I've been an avid reader of these forums since the beginning!

Long story short, my husband sort of lost interest so I took over the daily care of the tank (which was fine with me). In hindsight, I probably talked him into the tank in the first place because aquariums have always been my little fascination, so I'm not upset that he has handed it over to me. He enjoys it and is interested, but he leaves the decisions (and the work) to me now.

Anyway, I know SO little about everything! It's actually a bit depressing to realize how much there is to learn about this hobby, because it seems too daunting a task to learn what is needed. I almost felt like quitting at one point. However, I'm still trudging along...haven't given up yet, and I don't plan to. I love my tank and all of my livestock. I get help from LFS and this website, yet I've made tons of mistakes....and sadly, had losses. No fish losses to speak of, mostly coral.

These pics are from 6 mos ago. The tank is currently undergoing a GHA outbreak so it's not looking too great right now. Once that is under control I'll post more pictures. I also recently replaced the large wooden hood with a T5, 4 bulb light fixture that rests on the top....so the tank is basically topless now. I think it looks a little more modern now, and I can actually get inside it to work. I hated that giant hood...it was so cumbersome and had just 2 bulbs.

Anyway, I'm proud to say that all of my original fishes (and a Fire shrimp) are still alive (we stocked slowly), but I have lost corals and inverts....currently only able to keep a frogspawn, torch, zoas, and finger leather alive at the moment. So that is what I am sticking with for now.

Anyway, thanks for reading and I look forward to posting more. I have a million questions...but those can wait for now! I would eventually like to have a refugium in the sump but don't know how to go about it. I'll save that for another day..

[sporto0]

Hi Rachel & welcome! Whenever you are ready to address your GHA issue, fire away.

[rachelmcc]

Thanks for the welcome! The GHA isn't totally out of control yet, but it's more than I've ever had. I think the problem started after we tore up the rock-work to catch a feisty Melanarus wrasse who was eating all of the snails and shrimps. He went back to the store. Anyway, shortly thereafter the hairy algae started growing. Partially due to all of the snail deaths and we also probably stirred up a bunch of stuff trying to catch him.

Anyway, I am adding back snails, and adding two Koralia power heads this week for additional flow. Also considering a Yellow Tang. The tank seems kind of empty now that the Melanarus is gone (he was my largest fish)...Display tank is 78 gallons.

Phosphates test 0, but I know that they are there (since the algae is growing). Not sure how to eliminate them. Trying not to overfeed. Doing about a 40% water change every other week (I currently hire the LFS to service my tank twice a month and do a water change). Use RO/DI water from LFS. Currently my skimmer never really fills up, but I still empty and rinse the cup every few days. Also change out the two filter socks once a week.

[FinancialReef]

Keep up the water changes. This will help with the GHA. You might try running some Phosban to help too.

[Ron Reefman]

Hang in there Rachel, it's a learning process. And even some who have been around a long time make mistakes and have losses. Ask your questions. Even some of us who think we know it all learn stuff now and again.

[rachelmcc]

Thank you! I'm glad so many experienced reef keepers are willing to share their experience here. It's an amazing resource for beginners like me.

[Bowels]

the tank looks great

[Sanveann]

Hi, Rachel! I'm new here, too, and have found everyone so helpful

[rovster]

I think that tank looks really nice!