griss' Tank Upgrade Thread

[Reefing102]

I’m with @vlangel. I’ve never had long term luck with dither type fish. Maybe a small school of monos? Humble had a relatively recent thread on them. Not sure about reef compatibility (some say they munch soft corals and some inverts).

I’ve always been a fan of the old TOTMs with a bunch of large angels.

 

[griss]

You definitely need a red spotted hawkfish. They have the best personality.

Oh, a Hawk of some sort is definitely in order. I miss my Caribbean Hawk, I had him for a very long time

No tangs George? A bristletooth tang will help with nuisance algae. I've not had a lot of luck with so called dither fish, anthias, chromis as they seem to kill each other off until there are only 1 or 2. Bangaii can be that way although Pajama cardinals are more accepting of each other but not as cool looking as bangaii. Personally blennies are so fun. In your tank maybe a Starry blenny since you have some aggressive fish.

Thanks, Dawn. I will definitely have a tang. When I first got into SW in the 80s (my parents 200 gallon fish only) the first tang they had was a Convict Tang and I've always been partial to those. I saw one at the LFS last weekend and almost picked it up. I like blennies as well so, that is definitely on my wish list.

I’m with @vlangel. I’ve never had long term luck with dither type fish. Maybe a small school of monos? Humble had a relatively recent thread on them. Not sure about reef compatibility (some say they munch soft corals and some inverts).

I’ve always been a fan of the old TOTMs with a bunch of large angels.

I hadn't even thought of Monos. I'll have to put those on my list to look into. I'm not a fan of the big angels unless its for a huge tank. But, I might consider one of the dwarf angels.

This is all still up in the air and I'm really bad about impulse purchases of livestock so, who knows what all I'll end up with Thank you all for you input, it is greatly appreciated.

On the dither fish, so far my 4 Chromis are being peaceful with each other and I'm actually enjoying them. Who would have thought someone with 40+ years in this hobby could actually enjoy sitting, drinking a beer and watching a group of Chromis? But, hey, maybe it's old age, nostalgia and not having to shuttle kids to practices and help with homework.

 

[vlangel]

Oh, a Hawk of some sort is definitely in order. I miss my Caribbean Hawk, I had him for a very long time

Thanks, Dawn. I will definitely have a tang. When I first got into SW in the 80s (my parents 200 gallon fish only) the first tang they had was a Convict Tang and I've always been partial to those. I saw one at the LFS last weekend and almost picked it up. I like blennies as well so, that is definitely on my wish list.

I hadn't even thought of Monos. I'll have to put those on my list to look into. I'm not a fan of the big angels unless its for a huge tank. But, I might consider one of the dwarf angels.

This is all still up in the air and I'm really bad about impulse purchases of livestock so, who knows what all I'll end up with Thank you all for you input, it is greatly appreciated.

On the dither fish, so far my 4 Chromis are being peaceful with each other and I'm actually enjoying them. Who would have thought someone with 40+ years in this hobby could actually enjoy sitting, drinking a beer and watching a group of Chromis? But, hey, maybe it's old age, nostalgia and not having to shuttle kids to practices and help with homework.

I say if we can enjoy the simple things in life, then we have learned some of the best lessons!

 

[griss]

Went to the closest Petco today. As is almost always is the case at that store, tanks looked terrible, very poor selection and a couple dying LTAs

Then, I went to a LFS close by my house that has been in the same location for decades. I actually went there on a field trip in 4th grade. They are the best LFS for freshwater and ponds in the area.

They’ve always had saltwater but, usually a limited selection and their prices are a bit high IMO. But, today, they had much more variety and prices were much better.

Got to talking to the guy and it turns out his Dad who started the store back in the 70’s (I think) retired and his sons are running it now. The son told me they have plans for for saltwater tanks. So, I may actually have a decent store 5 minutes away instead of having to drive 30-45 minutes to a good SW LFS.

Picked up an Arch Eye Hawkfish.

 

[vlangel]

Went to the closest Petco today. As is almost always is the case at that store, tanks looked terrible, very poor selection and a couple dying LTAs

Then, I went to a LFS close by my house that has been in the same location for decades. I actually went there on a field trip in 4th grade. They are the best LFS for freshwater and ponds in the area.

They’ve always had saltwater but, usually a limited selection and their prices are a bit high IMO. But, today, they had much more variety and prices were much better.

Got to talking to the guy and it turns out his Dad who started the store back in the 70’s (I think) retired and his sons are running it now. The son told me they have plans for for saltwater tanks. So, I may actually have a decent store 5 minutes away instead of having to drive 30-45 minutes to a good SW LFS.

Picked up an Arch Eye Hawkfish.

Wow, you must be living right!

 

[griss]

I also started building a controller board for the Hydros. I had some spare plywood and 2x’s laying around and found a partial can of primer. Combined with my framing nailer and finish nailer, I didn’t have to buy anything.

 

[griss]

lol, classic Hawkfish perch, way up on the rock.

 

[griss]

Next fish on the list, Klein’s Butterfly or Raccoon Butterfly.

Moved a few corals over tonight, see pics. The last pic is a Caribbean stony that came with the KP rock I got in 2017.

I’m off work the next two days so, I’m hoping to move the rest of the livestock I’m keeping over and finish the controller board. But, that will depend on the granddogs. The boy who still lives at home got the puppy last weekend and his twin sister’s Goldens are coming over for doggo sitting the next two days.

 

[vlangel]

Next fish on the list, Klein’s Butterfly or Raccoon Butterfly.

Moved a few corals over tonight, see pics. The last pic is a Caribbean stony that came with the KP rock I got in 2017.

I’m off work the next two days so, I’m hoping to move the rest of the livestock I’m keeping over and finish the controller board. But, that will depend on the granddogs. The boy who still lives at home got the puppy last weekend and his twin sister’s Goldens are coming over for doggo sitting the next two days.

It looks like the tank is well on it's way! I am excited for you about the Klein's butterfly or Raccon Butterfly. I've never had a butterfly fish but I especially like Raccoon butterflies.

 

[wvned]

Klein’s Butterfly and Raccoon Butterfly
I have both in the 180 with a longnose too.

 

[griss]

I’m a little concerned about adding a Raccoon. In the past I had one that was a model citizen, then one day it started going after my Tridacna. Since I want to have clams, I’m going back and forth. A friend has had many Klein’s over the years and never had any issues.

 

[griss]

Moved a couple more corals over. Caught the Strawberry Pseudochromis and moved him over.

Despite removing all the rock, I couldn’t find the 6-Line, he must have gone deep in a rock. So, he sells (hoping I can sell the whole setup together) with the system.

Decided against moving the Clarkii’s as the female loves moving/knocking over rock so, they’ll go with the system too. Also decided I don’t want this to get taken over so, they BTAs will remain with the system too.

Lastly, decided the Blue Devil might be too aggressive for the Chromis. I’ve also noticed that since being moved to the new tank, the Filefish is out a lot more. I know the BD would chase him so, BD stays with the system as well.

Dismantled the GFO/Carbon reactor and that will go on the new tank.

Removed the OctoPulse (those will be added to the new tank) and have them in a vinegar bath.

I did keep a couple nice pieces of old Haitian rock that will get a bleach bath and eventually be added to the new tank.

Need to clean the sump up a bit, take pics and list the system for sale. If I don’t get a decent offer within a couple weeks, I’ll start parting it out.

 

[griss]

Going to borrow a fish trap from a friend. I saw the 6-Line so I’m going to try to trap and keep him.

 

[vlangel]

Going to borrow a fish trap from a friend. I saw the 6-Line so I’m going to try to trap and keep him.

Best of luck!