20 gallon hex build(first tank)

gator05156 · Aug 20, 2024

Got my corals, dragons breath, ninja star snails, and tiger conch today. Was supposed to get micro brittle stars...but there were none in the bag. Hopefully they will reship them. I'll post pics once everything settles in.

gator05156 · Aug 20, 2024

I also think I've narrowed my fish down to a goby that pairs with a pistol shrimp, a banggai cardinal, and a pajama cardinal. At least to start.

gator05156 · Aug 21, 2024

Pictures of the new things. Sorry bout the blue...letting them adjust to the new place.

gator05156 · Aug 21, 2024

Also, shout out to Top Shelf Aquatics. The stock I ordered came in in great condition, and we'll pack. The one mixup there was, was handled quickly with zero hassle. I will definitely buy from them again.

gator05156 · Aug 24, 2024

Went to the semi LFS today...got 4 trochus snails and found a kenya tree attached to a snail shell. $32 out the door. Pretty happy with that. Tried to get a feather duster too...but it was wedged into a spot and couldn't be safely removed.

gator05156 · Aug 30, 2024

Checked the tank with a flashlight last night with the lights out...copepods everywhere. Very cool to see the ecosystem taking shape.

gator05156 · Sep 3, 2024

So I went kinda cheap on lights...went with a hygger 16w due to it being about the only one that would fit on my tank...and a month in it stopped recognizing the remote and went to a default setting. To my surprise, a few emails later a new one is on the way. Very happy about that. Also getting some new coral(a pavona, 2 favias, and a montipora), and my pom pom crabs. Super excited. Also have occasionally seen my starfish...so at least one is still kicking around.

gator05156 · Sep 7, 2024

Some pics and a video of the new additions.

Eric R. · Sep 7, 2024

Good luck!! I would say be prepared for algae and Cyanobacteria and other things to show up and go away on and off over the next several months. Hopefully no problematic dinoflagellate outbreaks. If you ever want some free beginner corals (ones that grow fast and can kinda become pests if you don’t keep them contained, but are nice to start with as a beginner since they are hardy), and you don’t mind picking up in Essex, let me know. I’d also be happy to hook you up with some aged rock to help get some microbial diversity in your tank.

gator05156 · Sep 8, 2024

Slight moment of panic...found what appeared to be a pom pom crab carcass...was ticked...made it two days...then my wife reminded me they molt. Turns out...he's still alive...it was just a shell. Whew. Lol

Eric R. · Sep 8, 2024

The Pom poms I’ve had so far have been fairly reclusive unfortunately. I like the porcelains more since they are always out. Wish the Pom Poms were out more as well.

gator05156 · Sep 8, 2024

Eric R. said:
The Pom poms I’ve had so far have been fairly reclusive unfortunately. I like the porcelains more since they are always out. Wish the Pom Poms were out more as well.

Porcelains are my next purchase. My pom poms have been pretty much hidden...but they are like 1/2 inch across so I kinda understand...hope they realize at some point that there are no predators.

gator05156 · Sep 10, 2024

Another new addition...and again one that hides. Added a small tiger pistol shrimp. Hadn't planned on it yet...but the LFS guy knew I was interested so he ordered one. Cute little guy. Already digging a burrow.