Reef Evolution
by
, 01-23-2010 at 11:49 PM (2669 Views)
Hobby: an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.
I thought this may be a good place to begin my blog here on Reef Addicts as this is where my interest began, a hobby. An activity, introduced to me by my wife (read: all her fault), to help mitigate my very stressful occupation. She had no way of knowing that the 10 gallon tetra aquarium was just like a gateway drug.
Current image of my original tank still running
My dive into saltwater began with a FOWLR 10gal nightmare. Armed with nothing but the knowledge of the nitrogen cycle and stocking recommendations, I picked a "saltwater starter kit" some live rock and some sand and waited. I waited two whole weeks (not so good with the patience thing, better now) and dumped in two ocellaris clownfish and a green chromis. I was using a HOB filter and a normal output fluorescent algae lamp. I went thru countless additives and empty promises until I found Algone. I used this product for months with great success until I decided that I need a more economical way of filtering my water. I know, I'll just get a bigger tank which will help my stability!
Even put a moon light on it!
After countless hours on Craigslist searching for a suitable (i.e. cheap) tank I found a 55gal on sale for $30! I picked it up in the late evening from a couple who were moving away and needed to get rid of it in a hurry. I loaded it and the strip light into the back of my compact car and raced home to set it up in all of its scratched up glory! Now it was time to get serious..........