My 90 Gallon Reef Tank!!!!

Discouraging to say the least. Here I am ready to pull the trigger on an Apex aquacontroller. I think time goes by and we learn new tactics. For sure, I just learned a very important one. Now that I have gotten all my LR off the sand, things are WAY different, and it's only been a week. I can see improvements already.

I used to think this hobby was hit or miss. I now think differently. Those who succeed do so, either after vast periods of failure, or they're lucky and just did everything right "enough" the first time.

Tatted; unless there's something drastic you had in mind that you'd like to change, I wouldn't start from scratch. Institute one remedy at a time, and give it at least a month before deciding if it worked. Don't address multiple variables lest you not know for sure which one "does it." If you do decide to start over, a thought might be to go bare bottom, with all new rock, purchased dry. (That might have been one of my problems too). Some of my LR is over 20 years old! That can't be good, as some must be absolute phosphate sinks.

No matter what anyone says, this hobby is not for the feignt of heart. It takes tenacity, discipline, and absolute sticking to routines without varying.

Anyways, I agree with Powerman. Unless you have some idea in mind; tearing down the tank and starting from scratch won't solve it. I'd liken it to a question on a test. You've already written your answer. Never change that answer unless you have a glaring reason to do so--like you read it wrong the first time around.

Good luck, buddy.

 

So what is it you feel is lacking Tat? What problems do you feel you are having keeping SPS? What problems are going to solved with the tear down? Just asking. Perhaps we can rule a few things out before you choose the nuclear option. The Alk OD surely set you back, but you have also added a lot of beneficial things lately and maybe they just have not had time to take yet.

When I put my fuge in. I did not see any real life for the first 6 months besides pods and a bristle worm. Even now, I have more worms, but nothing like my display tank does and it has been a year.

I have had some good sucsess with my tank for me being a rookie, but my tank was a year old when I bought it. Now it is 2.5 yrs old. I don't think my ALK/CA numbers and temp are the important stuff.... I think it is the tons of stars and worms and micro fauna and all the sponge I have growing. The whole eco system and that takes some time to mature.

 

Thanks Sparky and Powerman for the wise words.

Im at the point where im at peace with this decision. Ive tried making small minor adjustments over a long period of time with no success.

I cant even keep montipora, birds nest. Im no dummy and I know how to keep these easy coral with no problems.

Im at the point where Ive had a tough day at work. I come home and see failure. Not a good feeling.

I have other things influencing my decision also.

I feel that Ive ruined my system sometime ago where the recovery is extra challenging. Im always up for a challenge but this is not one where I want to pursue.

Im gonna replace my sand and let my system run dry.completely fresh start. Keeping all plumbing and equipment the same.

Plus I think I can have a hitch hiker that I can not see with my eyes. Red bugs, AEFW's, montipora nudis. Not sure but dont want to recover just to deal with that problem again later.

 

I did the same thing by starting with a new tank. It worked out great, until I was stupid and washed my filter socks in a wash machine (no bleach, no soap, just water) and I think I got some residue of some sort in my tank and all my SPS either browned out or started to die directly afterwards.

I think a fresh start would do you good if something is out of control.

 

Well Ive decided not to tear down the display tank....

Did a big water change and have added a little bit to my aquascaping....

I will be a bit more patient.

 

Yay!! Give it some more time and see how it goes. I'm frustrated with mine right now too - I think that's a normal part of this hobby.

 

Good luck, man. It's so hard to step back and play out scenarios when it's your own tank.

 

Hank in there and develop as many plans as you can to handle all scenarios that come to mind. Best wishes on beating this issue.

 

Its official...... I tore down the display.

Bringing treasured livestock to a lfs for boarding...

Dry rock is out in the garage drying out.

Sand bed is completely removed from tank.

Live stock is in refugium..... have a mj400 feeding from sump to refugium with skimmer on for oxygen.

When the livestokc is transferred... removing refugium sand bed. let system dry out for a week.

Then its time to rebuild..... Now I know why I was waiting to start a "Part 2" thread

 

Well too bad you needed to start over, but it should help you get things the way you want. Keep us posted on the rebuild.