Let's play "What's WRONG with Mikey?"

[shabreeson]

hey guys, I have been one of those tag-along members that never seems to find the time to come to the meetings. but I am coming home from school to attend the September 27th meeting. I am coming partially out of curiosity, but mostly out of desperation.

I have been trying to set up a mixed reef for about 2 years now and it isn't going too great. I have been doing a lot of DIY projects based on some info from online and some based on my own ideas. I have never had any fellow reefer even look at pictures of my system let alone see it in person. I have made; a stainless steel frame for my lights with four normal output 4' florescent bulbs(stupid I know and now they don't even work) and a 250w MH at 10k, a 20 gallon sump(made from two 10g sumps siphoned together) which leaks a gallon every time I turn off the main pump, and an auto top off system which also serves as a water change system.

for being rather isolated in this hobby I faired pretty well for a while. I was able to keep frogspawn,and xenia. when I went to the last frag fest I bought a monticap, an acropora, and a birdsnest colony. right after that I bought a bubble tip anemone. in a slow terrible series of events(caused by any number of problems with my tank) all but the monti and frogspawn died. the frogspawn is on its way out but the monti seems to be doing very very well. yes, I did manage to kill a healthy xenia...

I was wondering if anyone was able to help by:
-letting me temporarily, or permanently, keep my frogspawn in their tank, or QT, while I get things in order.
-taking a look at my fire hazard tank(or tank-of-fire) and telling me what part of my stupidity is killing my corals
-any means he or she feels fit

 

[goat585]

First off always feel free to ask questions here since most of us have killed our fair share of livestock. I am sure we can help or at least provide some guidance.

The most important info is to post your water parameters, ph,alk,ca,nitrates,salinity,etc. If you do not have the kits let me know and I will bring mine to the meeting and test your water. If not most petshops will do these tests for you.

Unfornately I do not have time to stop by after the meeting (have my 10 high school reunion that night) or I would take a look at your setup. I am sure some one in the club would be willing to help. The other option is to post some pictures and I can try to help that way.

 

[shabreeson]

I cannot give you an up to date water test because I am at school until this weekend. I either do not have the test kits or do not believe mine to be accurate(apparently my osmosis water has 10ppm nitrates just like my tank!)

I will bring a large water sample for you, or anyone to test.

I don't have a camera so that isn't an option.

 

[BenjieC]

I'm in Rockford and could possibly stop by. Just LMK.

 

[shabreeson]

definitely, thanks

 

[BenjieC]

I'd prefer to check out your system before the meeting on Sat or Sun morning. I'm on nights and need to get some sleep sometime. Just PM me your address and preference and we can go from there.