Matt's 20 long Aquarium
AQUARIUM DESCRIPTION- 20 Long with 10 gallon sump. (started 9/04) with DIY Rock, 70 Watt HQI Halide x 2 24 watt T5 actinics, Aqua Medic Turboflotor Multi Skimmer, Tunze Turbelle 7200 powerhead. Precision Marine Calcium Reactor. OBSERVATIONS:
Full disclosure...
I found this aquarium to be incredibly demanding with it's small water volume. There was very little margin for error. I had constant issues with pH. If I forgot to fill the I.V. doser with Marine Buffer, the pH would start dropping rapidly. Another issue that I believe was related was valonia outbreaks. I had to really stay up on Magnesium as well.
After 2 years of moderate success and just when I was enjoying good coral growth, I screwed everything up when I lost my discipline and overstocked the tank with fish. First I bought a small Fox Face because I wanted to save it from the LFS where it was being constantly nipped by about 20 damsels in the small holding tank it was in. Fox Faces have no business being in such a small tank. Then after some cocktails with friends I bought a mated pair of Diamond Gobies. (Do not drink and go the fish store!
Another crazy decision as I had to really supplement their diet with aggressive feeding since the sand bed was WAY too small. One of them ended up jumping out down the road.
So nanos aren't for me. I haven't slipped like that in years, but I realize I want a lot more than I can safely keep in such a small tank. After a couple business trips in which no dosing occurred, I lost my acros which had been growing. This greatly upset me. On the last business trip, I lost my foxface. At that point, as much as it pained me, I decided to shut this tank down. I practically gave it away to a local reefer who took the remaining fish and soft corals as well. He really knew his stuff and I was glad they went to a good home.
This month I nearly pulled the trigger on a 120 gallon setup, but then I got a letter from the landlord that he is raising my rent.
Now I am seriously considering moving onto a boat as many of my friends have around here in Northern California to save money. Expect a 'Help me to create a custom tank and holder for a sailboat' in the future. heh. lol.
Even though I am not home as much as I used to be and maintaining this site is more and more demanding, I don't think I can stop being a reefer for very long.
Some would call this 'airing dirty laundry' and I suppose that is true. But I am honest and I always hope that when I share my observations (and mistakes!) others will learn from it. That is what 3reef is about.
I hope you enjoyed my video! Share yours soon!
matt