Recent content by Hermit Up North

Hummm...... Thanks for all the replys so far, much appreciated. I have heard/read the same conflicting views on the water change issue. More often, less often, more %, less %, and I have tried both. It simply MUST be the water. We live in the Northwoods Boonies, and have well water...

I am still fighting this blasted diatom bloom. It covers the top of my sand in brown carpet like patches with long stings topped off by a bubble on top. I have been doing all the right moves to get this under control but it stays ahead of me. My question is this: I have a prizm hang on...

Mango, I'm so sorry you are loosing your clown! :cry: I have a Clarkii that I have had for 12 years now myself, who came from a friends tank who had him(her?) for two years, and before that who knows! I do know that if this fish could write a book----oh my. The experiences and stories he...

:cry: I'm afraid to confess I did disturb it alot, moving the LR. Nothing seemed to be affected however, all life (including corals) was flourishing as usual. And, basically, it still is. But the Brown is on everything now. I wish I had never had this hair-brained idea. I wonder how many of...

No. :cry: Something happened when I changed things around, I'm positive. I just don't know what, or how long it will last. I'm thinking now perhaps I disturbed the SB too much. Is this a contributor to the bloom or have I done something reaaalllly bad? Hermit

As a post script to my last post: I have cut the hours of lighting from 10 now down to 8. Do not want to cut it much more. I know I need more cleaners (like a Queen Conch!!) but living in the boonies my only resources are mail order. And I don't particularly want to have anything shipped right...

I do not have a unit, I purchase all my water. It is labeled "Reverse Osmosis" and yes I have tested it. All my readings are zero also. (I use Sailfert). This particular reef has been set up now for 2 years. The substrate is well matured and full of worms to the bottom of the sandbed (as viewed...

I use ONLY RO/DI replacement water. I was vaccuming the diatoms off the substrate (5" DSB) when doing the water changes, and using a scrub brush to use on the LR. I use mag float magnets to constantly wipe the inside glass, so no diatoms there. With this information, any advise?? TIA Hermit

I thought I was through with "minor" challenges after all these years in the hobby, but no one is immune I guess. I need your help and advice: Diatom bloom is taking control of my beautiful reef! What I did: An "overhaul", changed some LR around, moved a few corals to better locations, 40%...

Thanks to all who replied, and especially Marcosreef for the most informative research articles. Hermit

What is the top end on salinity in a reef tank? Mine is 1.028, should I bring it down? I usually run 1.026 on this reef (2 year old tank) but somehow it got away from me. Your advice, as always, is greatly appreciated. TIA Hermit

Once again, thanks for a reply. The fragging is my next venture. Right now I have a colony of Palythoa that needs to stay put! I expect to be around here looking for answers to my fragging question, coming soon. BTW, my e-mail notification when I have a message reply does not seem to be...

Thanks for your response. I will pick that up today. Just curious, when you use this method is it forever? If you ever want to move the coral again, would you have to move the whole rock it has been glued to? Do you just "smear" the glue on the coral or rock and place it right away? Thank you...

(No pun intended :wink: ) What is a reef safe glue (for attaching corals) and where can I find it on-line? TIA Reefers Hermit

The technology today is awesome. I am always amazed at how far we have advanced in keeping both fish and especially corals. I had very good results with buckets of ocean water. I lived in Hawaii and in fact that is where I got absolutely HOOKED on SW fish (after snorkeling and swimming...