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Sort of new to saltwater

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by Bud, May 15, 2010.

  1. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,818 / 14 / -0
    Hello,
    I was pointed here to find fish and corals for a few tanks I maintain for others.  I have been doing FW for 20 years on and off, but I never have actually kept my own tank, I kind of fell into the maintenance business when I bought a 92 corner bow full setup for $200 and found out that he had a 125 reef in his office that was in pretty bad shape.  It was basically a FOWLR, Nitrates around 200ppm, phosphates way up, etc.  After a few months of research, I decided to take the plunge'.  It took a major sump cleaning and re-working, and about 2 months worth of PWCs and that finally got the Nitrates down to 0 and they've stayed there for months now.
    I picked up another 125 FOWLR in a chinese restaurant that had basically not had a PWC done in years, Nitrates over 500 and cyano running rampant.  Same deal, massive cleaning & PWCs, Nitrates still a problem (40-80) but the cyano is gone, added 50lbs of LR to what he had, added large CUC, cut lighting and feeding.  Still working on that one.
    Then I took over a 200 with same as above, no PWC for 3 years, 800 ppm Nitrate, 20 ppm Phosphate, temp 65, only thing that survived was a 4" Yellow Tang and a clown which eventually died.  Cyano rampant in this one also.  I took the smart route and took the fish out, emptied the tank and threw away the substrate, sanded scratches off the inside acrylic (THAT was fun), and re-piped everything.  As for the LR, I took it out, scrubbed it, soaked in my tub, then sprayed with straight bleach followed by hot water, then Prime, then soaked for about a week to be safe.  It's been up and running for about 3 weeks now (saved the bio-balls by putting in QT with the Tang),
    All 3 of these customers have been itching for new fish.  Hopefully I will find some at the swap today!
     
  2. Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +33 / 0 / -0
    Welcome to the club!
    It sounds like you're well on your way to becoming officially "hooked".  Many of us started in freshwater but the options and diversity of saltwater bring an entirely new intensity to the game.
    I'm amazed by the condition of the tanks your caring for as well as the progress you're making - do you happen to keep a photo journal?
    I know the swap yesterday was for corals versus fish but don't forget the 20% off coupon that was in your bag which should help.
    We look forward to hearing more from you!
    -Eric
     
  3. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,818 / 14 / -0
    I do keep journals on Aquarium Advice...as long as this site doesn't block outside links, here they are

    125 Reef - I bought about $250+ worth of corals for this tank, going in today...

    http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f11/tank-journal-125-reef-125546.html

    125 FOWLR

    http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f11/tank-journal-135-fowlr-124418.html

    200 TBD (FOWLR for now)

    http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f45/tank-journal-225-sw-fowlr-possible-future-reef-127906.html
     
  4. FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    Great job! Those tanks were totaly funked up.
    -Bill
     
  5. B-Rad

    B-Rad Inactive User

    999
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Nice Job!! you are ready to tackle your own!
    keep us posted of the tanks progress. And welcome to GIRS!
     

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