[freckles]

I'm a new member ... I found your site off of Saltwaterfish.com. I have had my 125 saltwater up since the beginning of October. Here's my run down:

25 lbs. of LR (adding about 10 lbs. every few weeks, or as $$$ permits)
15 lbs. of Lace rock
150 lbs of sand; 50lbs of AragLive sand
2 Penguin Powerheads
2 Emperor 400's
1 Fluval 404
1 Prizm skimmer (for now)
120 watts of NO lighting (want to upgrade to PC, or possibly VHO)

Fish:
1 -- 4" yellow tang
1 -- tank-raised percula clown
1 -- blue damselfish

Inverts:
3 hermit crabs (the ones that stay tiny)
4 few turbo snails
3 queen conches
1 sandsifter starfish
1 cleaner shrimp

[Reefland]

Welcome aboard.

Sounds like your off to a quick start. Have you had any problems with the system to date? Running the smaller skimmer, you may want to slow down on buying fish until you can get a bit more liverock to add to your filtration capacities. What are your ultimate plans for the tank?

Good luck,
Scott Z.

[freckles]

I had a disaster back in February, where I lost 2 damsels and a flame angel to ich I didn't treat the angel in time. I also had 2 other yellow tangs, which died for no apparent reason. I'll admit, too, I was the one to blame for adding too many fish at one time, and I learned it the hard way; but, atleast I'll admit it now. I also didn't have LR at the time either ........ I had a bare tank Don't ask me why I never went to my LFS's to begin with and bought a few pieces like I am now, because I honestly can't give an answer to that.

The only thing I am dealing with right now is diatoms. About a week and a half ago or so, I had a really bad outbreak, especially near the lace rock. So, I did my water change and that seems to have helped. The coraline is starting to take over the bad algae. I use the Aquarium Pharmaceuticals master saltwater kit, and when I test for nitrates, I get a reading of 0, or so that is what it appears to me on the chart. So, someone on The Reef Tank suggested me buying a new kit, which I am going to do. Also, I've had my skimmer off for about a month because it wasn't skimming. But, since adding my LR and battling with the diatoms, I decided it was wise to put it back on. When I can rake up some extra cash, I'd like to get a better skimmer.

My ultimate plans: I'd like to add some mushrooms and maybe a toadstool. I like the open brain corals, too. I also like the corals that look like anemones (plate coral??). I think though that since I am a beginner, I will start off with the mushrooms and see how I do with them. I know that a lot will tell me to go ahead and get the better lighting (MH) now, as it will save me $$$ in the long run. I would like I said in my earlier post is to upgrade to PC lighting for now, and then maybe in a year or 2 upgrade to the MH, and that is if I even decide to go with the more intense lighting corals. Does that seem strange to any of you?? I bet it does ...

Hmmmm....I think I've covered it.....

Oh, and I live in Arizona. My hubby and I also have a 600g freshwater tank. We also own 5 cats

My book is done

[the_blue_tuna]

I would not worry to much about the diatoms as they are a normal part of the progression of a tank. You will probably continue getting small blooms each time you add more live rock.Just keep an eye on your params. I would stop adding fish for awhile though. Patience is key until your tank matures. Keep reading all you can and ask questions. Welcome to Reefland!!!!

[Biomanjcs72]

I would like to take this opportunity to Welcome you to the Board and to second what Reefland and Blue TUna said.

Welcome

[PerryinCA]

Welcome!