Recent content by FishDaddy

Stringzoo, That's a bit on the warm side, especially now that hot weather is here. Are you using glass tops by any chance? I have a single 96w CSL Smarlight on a 38 FOWLR (I do have some shrooms and Nepthea frags in there so it's technically a reef;) ). I have glass tops to keep the...

Dan, I have a bottle of "Natural Garlic Oil" capsules. The ingredients listed are: "Vegetable Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Garlic Oil." I suspect everything but the Garlic Oil and perhaps, Vegetable Oil, are components of the capsule shell. I take one of these everyday and haven't had Ich in...

I have a Chainlink, which is very closely related to the Snowflake (Both are Echidna Genus), and we tried a Coral Banded Shrimp, based upon the peaceful symbiotic cleaning relationship observed in the ocean. We documented this for my daughter's Science Project last year. Conclusion...

Hate to hear that, Ernie. My Lawnmower jumped about a week ago... fortunately I was in the room and heard a "thump" as he hit the grandfather clock next to the tank! I scooped him up and plopped him back in and he's none the worse for the trip. I'd only been home a few minutes so timing was...

Ernie, That really helps those of us using slowdem dial-ups! That iPix was neat! Any date for our next get-together yet? Dick

I take it you are using tap water? Most dechlorinators will cause the skimmer to go crazy for a while. Those that contain slime coat enhancers will likely cause more over-bubbling than others such as AmQuel. I would recommend getting a RO/DI or at least a DI unit to process your tap water...

Great pics, Ernie! It is so interesting how much abuse corals can take in the ocean while they are so sensitive to conditions in our tanks. I suppose the "great flushing action" of the sea has a lot to do with it. Glad your wife was able to share the trip with you. That was a special treat. Dick

There's an even better option: (5) Upgrade your RO/DI with a 100 gpd membrane and fill it up on site. With the great investment you are going to have in a large tank, the best water quality you can get is paramount from the first fillup, IMHO. Tap water should be avoided at all cost! A Tap...

Having been priviledged to see Ernie's tank in person, I can say that it is an awesome tank! Not only the corals and fish are great but the plumbing and mechanical systems are first-rate. Nice, Ernie! Dick

Second that one, ReefHound!!! The Smith's were great hosts and Ernie has a great reef! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone and it looks like we've got a great group of fine folks! Dick

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote Sara, I'm a bit confused by what you meant by "not killed properly" Live rock is not "killed" during the curing process. Curing is simply keeping the rock in circulated saltwater while any organic matter that dies...

Looks rather "Colt-ish" to me too. A pic with the polyps out would help. Perhaps you might suggest your LFS buy a good book! Dick

I agree about the deeper front to back tank. I would offer a 3rd suggestion to go for a 75. There is very little difference in price between the 55 and 75 but a world of difference in what you can do with the tank. The 4' length gives you more swimming room for a wider selection of fish as a...

I constantly go back and forth in planning my next tank. The 55 has been great but I've got to upgrade soon. So much depends on the amount of time and money you want to put in to the project. Bigger is certainly better but obviously, more expensive and time consuming. A 75 is an excellent...

Texman, that's terrible Really sorry to hear that. Hope you can salvage as much as possible. Dick