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[knowse]

I learned a new trick with my camera today So I went picture crazy, sorry!

[knowse]

[knowse]

[knowse]

[knowse]

[knowse]

That pretty frilly pink macro algea that got broken is now growing on a sponge that is part of the skimmer box.

[knowse]

What a learning experience this has been! Not only for myself but for many others. My little nano has been a major learning/teaching tool for my fav lfs, which is where this tank was housed.

The one thing that stands out most to me is that tank location IS a major decission. Jeff, the lfs owner, made a shelf for the tank that was in a nook (former dressing room) and was situated at eye level. Great for viewing but hell on maintence. That made checking pumps, water changes and adding top off water to the bucket pert near impossible to access. I had to stand on a ladder/foot stool to get to anything.

Another thing that I noticed was that the surface skimmer for the skimmer made it very difficult to keep the pump clean. With such a small tank, I had to move rocks (can you say PITA) to get the skimmer box off. Then try and get it back on without knocking the pump or the airline off. In Oct. I noticed that the airline was getting clogged, but since things were going well, I'd leave well enough alone. Last week, I noticed that the tank again had no flow going threw the skimmer, only to find out that that pretty pink frilly macro algea that was attached to the sponge had grown and FILLED the surface skimmer box almost completey. All because that stupid box is impossible to get off and I really didn't want to move half the tank so near the end.

I also learned that (this is the biggie) when you go on a vacation, make sure before hand that all equipment is running properly and that you have spares on hand just in case. Also make sure the tank sitter knows how to replace pieces of equipment (which would of course be easier with a better tank location). I would also suggest here, that you don't let them over feed your tank!

I've learned the difference between cyano and dinos and I'll take cyano any day of week, thank you very much! I also found that when you get a hair algea outbreak and dinos at the same time, your in for a uphill battle. But there's hope! Doing large and frequent water changes up to three times a week for a month helped in ridding the tank of the dinos and reduced the amount of hair alges. Keeping up with regular water changes after getting the hair algea under control aides in the elimination. Pulling and syphoning out what you can during water changes also helps. Slacking off isn't an option for little tanks and maintence should be done on a regular basis.

I also learned that any soft bodied aminal that moves, can and will get sucked into an uncovered powerhead. I was devistated when Rose went threw the holes of the surface skimmer! Who would have thunk it?

I also hope that I proved a point about the lighting needs of BTA's. Watching Mr. Bleachy go from a foot and mouth and into Emerald was worth everything.

The last lesson learned is about equipment. Never skimp on the equipment! I had so many problems in the beginning because I tried to save money on the lighting system. I'd have been 4-6 weeks ahead of the game had I just bought a good light system from a reputable company.

I've had the best time with this tank, even though I had to travel every other day to do maintence and check on my charges. I've enjoyed answering questions from store patrons and pointing out different things in the tank. The biggest disappointments were loosing Rose, the maxima clam and three different torch corals.


So...Now I'll submit my last two picts. Both full shots.

[knowse]

I felt a slight update was in order but not to affect judging. Just felt you all sorta needed the offical THE END on a couple of things since that last post. I've started to dismantle the tank, skimmer and light are going onto my grow out tank. I thought that I had lost both the hermit crabs that were added at the very start. When I pulled the surface skimmer box thingy, I found one and about 200 stomatella shells. Somebody was eatting pretty dam good, if you ask me. The sea swirl, the fish and both Ruby and Emerald have all been moved to a new home. A150g future mixed reef. They were moved into the lfs owners personal tank at the store and were my Thank You to them for letting me house the tank there.


Junior and Mama checkin the new digs


Everybody gettin jiggy whidit!




Thank you, Jeff, Diane and Jeffery for all the help you gave me with the tank over this year. And Thank you RDO for doing the contest and giving me a nice place to call home!

THE END