Hi all. Never seems to amaze me how these forums are such an important element to starting something new (regardless of the hobby).
I started my 32.5 fluval flex 6 months ago and have been enjoying (almost) every minute of it.
However....just lost my first fish.
Took the family to Tokyo for two weeks over the holidays and had no choice but to use an automatic feeder (on the lowest setting). I usually feed frozen mysis shrimp but got the crew used to pellets in anticipation for my time away. Also did a 10 gallon water change the day we left.
In the tank were:
2 clowns
Watchman goby/pistol shrimp
Royal gramma
6 line
Hawkfish
Halloween urchin
a few crabs and snails
I had a feeling it would happen but I came home to a full blown algae bloom (too new to know the names but a lot of green/brown hair). First order of business was to remove the auto feeder and get them some clean water. The feeder was a necessary evil but I think it overfed despite being on min setting.
All the fish seemed fine with the exception of the Gramma (missing). I figured he might be in his usual rock so I waited a few days before realizing my losses. He never reappeared.
It's been almost 2 weeks now and my tank seems to be cycling again. At first I tested and had 0.25 am and 0 nitrite. I'm assuming it's the gramma leading to the ammonia. Since I've done a few smaller water changes
My question is really this: aside from a few more frequent water changes, is there anything I should/can do? I don't want to stress the rest of the tank out and will be patient replacing but just want to make sure Im not missing something. My goal of this tank is simplicity (albeit somewhat of an oxymoron in this hobby).
Also, sidebar question, I've had a small zoa frag with two heads (I think it's called a Rasta) that hasn't grown much at all! Still 2 heads after almost 5 mos. Any tips?!
Thanks to this community.
I started my 32.5 fluval flex 6 months ago and have been enjoying (almost) every minute of it.
However....just lost my first fish.
Took the family to Tokyo for two weeks over the holidays and had no choice but to use an automatic feeder (on the lowest setting). I usually feed frozen mysis shrimp but got the crew used to pellets in anticipation for my time away. Also did a 10 gallon water change the day we left.
In the tank were:
2 clowns
Watchman goby/pistol shrimp
Royal gramma
6 line
Hawkfish
Halloween urchin
a few crabs and snails
I had a feeling it would happen but I came home to a full blown algae bloom (too new to know the names but a lot of green/brown hair). First order of business was to remove the auto feeder and get them some clean water. The feeder was a necessary evil but I think it overfed despite being on min setting.
All the fish seemed fine with the exception of the Gramma (missing). I figured he might be in his usual rock so I waited a few days before realizing my losses. He never reappeared.
It's been almost 2 weeks now and my tank seems to be cycling again. At first I tested and had 0.25 am and 0 nitrite. I'm assuming it's the gramma leading to the ammonia. Since I've done a few smaller water changes
My question is really this: aside from a few more frequent water changes, is there anything I should/can do? I don't want to stress the rest of the tank out and will be patient replacing but just want to make sure Im not missing something. My goal of this tank is simplicity (albeit somewhat of an oxymoron in this hobby).
Also, sidebar question, I've had a small zoa frag with two heads (I think it's called a Rasta) that hasn't grown much at all! Still 2 heads after almost 5 mos. Any tips?!
Thanks to this community.
