Finally Getting It

[EPopper]

A couple of weeks ago, I became very frustrated with how the tank was looking, as well as fish dying. Found this forum to look for answers and to look for advice and what to and not to do. Great feedback and advice from so many people. After a couple of weeks and a bit of investing, my tank is looking so much better and I am feeling a lot better about it.
Invested in an RO/DI and a Penguin 350 filter. Also got a Diamond Goby that has completely turned over the sand bed and has it looking great. (Boy is he fun to watch in action.).

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Before

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After

 

[Xxero]

It has a much healthier look to it. Keep it up! :bigeyes:

 

[cymen]

Looks good! Do you have any other cleanup crew (snails/hermits/?)?

 

[EPopper]

Looks good! Do you have any other cleanup crew (snails/hermits/?)?

Just the goby. The puffer must be French, because he will eat any snail we put in there. I was amazed how quickly that thing turned over the whole sand bed.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Looks a lot better. You should put a blue or black background behind the tank that will make everything look twice as good.

 

[Fish Keeper82]

Looks a lot better. You should put a blue or black background behind the tank that will make everything look twice as good.

Agreed, a dark background will make alll the colors in the tank look more vibrant.

 

[TimeConsumer]

More rock will also help stabilize the ecology of the tank.

 

[edinphilly]

Finally Getting It

Just the goby. The puffer must be French, because he will eat any snail we put in there. I was amazed how quickly that thing turned over the whole sand bed.

Buy (or get for free) a bunch of small shells from your LFS. Put them in the tank scattered around. Then, add a couple snails and/or hermits at night while the puffer is sleeping or at least not actively hunting. I have a puffer in my mixed reef and he is fine with hermits, crabs, and snails. I had to use that trick though. And shrimp are definitely a snack.

EDIT: I do lose snails occasionally to the puffer.

 

[vikinglord13]

Definitely more rock.

My buddy and I both have 29G Biocubes. He has probably less than half as much LR than I do and my system stays stable much better than his. I'm also running crushed coral as a substrate rather than sand.

 

[EPopper]

Looks a lot better. You should put a blue or black background behind the tank that will make everything look twice as good.

So funny that you suggested a background. That is exactly what I was out doing this afternoon. Wow, it does make a huge difference.

 

[EPopper]

More rock will also help stabilize the ecology of the tank.

Also working on that. Bought about 10 more pounds yesterday. That was another thing that I learned made a big difference.

 

[Bogue Chitto]

Well you will have to take a pic and show us again. I'm glad you like it.

 

[Jade5051]

Great job! Love it!

 

[Monte26]

I would suggest looking into dry rock from bulk reef supply. It's significantly cheaper than live rock at your lfs. Reef saver rock starts around $2.50 a pound I think. Free shipping on orders $75 if I remember right from my last order.