Is This The End?

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

I am really taking getting out into consideration. With loosing all of my fish and even setting up a QT I'm at a complete loss. With not understanding how this whole QT works it's super stressful. I thought I had ich, then it was velvet, then flukes, now brook. It just doesn't stop. I would greatly appreciate some help here to figure out what to do with myself.

 

[SamB]

This hobby's allure and beauty is that of its challenge.
There is always something to see and appreciate but also there is always something to deal with seemingly around every corner
I feel your frustration - we all do because we've been there unfortunately
Not to preach but next time please spend a few extra dollars and buy QT''d fish from a reputable seller like Carl's Aquarium or Reef Boutique
Velvet and Brook won't go away while you have any fish host in your system so your options are brutal:
1. let the hand of God work through your tank and start over
2. Or get the survivors into a QT and begin treating with meds
Many reef keepers feel that Brook will only run its course in a tank if no fish are introduced back for at least 60 days (yikes I know)
QT tanks are pretty simple to set up and don't need much equipment but close monitoring and regular water changes are needed to ensure that ammonia and nitrate are kept to minimum
If you go the QT route, I have a bunch of spare equipment that I can loan you

 

[Nonuser]

I think we have all been there. I started my first saltwater tank over a year and a half ago had a 20 gallon probably two dozen Sps frags and everything was going along so well I wondered why anyone else was having problem. Bought a second tank and then lost $100's in corals probably well over a grand. I was pretty well at the same point as you.

I think you have to take a deep breath and have some of the veterans here help you out. Then remember go slow. Stuff can go bad fast

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

I have set up my QT and started cupramine but I lost them.

 

[TORX]

I do not think it is the end. More like a beginning if you so choose it to be. I think you have learned a lot in this hobby since you got into it a year ago. From your 14 gallon nano through to the current 40gallon breeder tank. There have been many additions and things removed from your tank. Looking back at your started threads, there has been so much going on across your tanks. it is time to step back and use the #1 rule of thumb in this hobby. Nothing comes quickly, slow and steady. Secondly, research everything fully.

I noticed looking back on your threads/signature that you are running a 40 gallon breeder. You also have tried a Lamarck angelfish, suggested to be in a >100 gallon, anthias are >50, and almost any tang would be bad in anything less then a 50. These fish are amazing to look at but would have been extremely stressed even if alone in such a small tank. Even if they were extremely little. To note from there, I believe the QT you set up is only a 20 gallon.

The allure of this hobby is extremely enticing. There are such beautiful corals and fish out there and it is extremely difficult to refrain from impulse buys. All of the tenured hobbyists have had similar mistakes in the past. We all lost fish, did impulse buys and had to deal with the aftermath. I have been in this hobby for about 5 years now and I finally have my current tank rocking.

My advice to you. Take a step back. Take note on your equipment and plan goals. Make a plan on what livestock you want to keep in the tank, what corals, fish, inverts. Then learn about them and what will work together in a system your size. Do not walk away, take it slow and steady with goals in mind.

 

[Salty Cracker]

If losing a few fish is enough to chase you from the hobby, then maybe the hobby isn't for you.


Okay, I'm being a bit tongue in cheek here, but really, some of us have lost a LOT more than a few fish over the years, it's part of the learning process (unfortunately for the fish and corals). You're lucky in that if you ask for and listen to the advice you get on this board, you have a good chance of having an absolutely kickass tank. There's a picture of mine when I was listening to the advice of an awesome store owner that just wanted to sell fixes and replacements, but not improvements.

Now even with all that mess, the fish survived because I only ever have like 6 fish in a 125. That particular hippo tang was always getting ich, but it didn't affect anyone else because they were non-stressed and healthy. If one of my fish today got sick I wouldn't do anything. If it is healthy it might survive, if it's not, it won't. I have to admit I rarely have fish die (and none disappear since I got rid of a monster starfish I had in there). Stability of the system and space for the fish to feel relatively comfortable is the key to long term success. I've had 2 clownfish for 15 years, the things just won't die.

 

[TORX]

You should add a comparison to today's tank

Sent from my SM-G925W8 using Tapatalk

 

[Salty Cracker]

You should add a comparison to today's tank

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Picture that Jroovers took (man he makes things look good). Same tank, 2 years after previous shot:

 

[sunnykita]

@LIttle Reef Keeper I'm sorry for your troubles, we've all been there at one point or another, now is a time to take a long hard look at what you'd like to have in your tank eventually, keeping in mind ease of care and size of fish, whether they are a good fit for your size of tank. You've learned a lot about the hobby and keeping of corals and fish and are now at spot where you can push through or shut down and possibly come back at a later time to the hobby. You mentioned continuing education which will bring changes as well if you aren't at home. When will you be leaving for school? This fall? Assess where you are and where you want to be, taking in all life changes and how that will reflect on your tank and then make your decision. Best of luck, there's lots of good advice here for you on the forum and many willing to help but the big decisions are yours to make
Sherry

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

That's true sherry I may be leaving for school next year. But in the mean time I would still like to have something.

 

[derrick orosz]

We have all been there. Really we should spend a year just reading before we buy a fish but who wants to do that.

I've always wanted sps in my previous tanks...never had much luck...with my current tank I took my time setting it up properly and now everything is growing quicky... just start simple and tank your time...but don't leave

 

[Pipes]

We have all been there. Really we should spend a year just reading before we buy a fish but who wants to do that.

I've always wanted sps in my previous tanks...never had much luck...with my current tank I took my time setting it up properly and now everything is growing quicky... just start simple and tank your time...but don't leave

This is exactly what I'm doing. Researching before I build. Buying little bits here and there as I see great deals. I have a plan and the process is to go slow.

Zack. Take a breath, close your eyes, and see where you want to be in the future. Find a goal and work towards it. There are many paths you can take to the destination. Sometimes you cant see the goal, but have faith that you are on a path to where you want to go. My path took me away from aquariums, but I keep coming back. Time and money are your friends in this salty game.

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Well after some thinking I have came up with a game plan. I have decided That I am going to sell my tank.
I am going to look for a frag tank so I can keep coral. I do not want to have many fish, if none. I think this is a better idea so I don't have as much work to do in the tank and reduce the stress.

 

[Pipes]

Does this mean you'll be growing colonies/frags for the next frag fest?

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Does this mean you'll be growing colonies/frags for the next frag fest?

Would you like me to?

 

[SamB]

Good plan - glad to hear that you are staying in the game !
Frag tanks are great and you'll be pleasantly surprised about how much less work you'll have regarding nitrates for example
Depending on the size that you choose, you could add a fish to help with "maintenance". A lot of frag tank keepers will have a six line wrasse for flat worm, parasite removal
You may have to dose calcium and Alk if you plan on keeping more SPS

 

[Pipes]

Would you like me to?

Hopefully by then I will have a tank. If you stay in the hobby, TFT members can help you going forward with your dream tank.

If you search the net, some people are only interested in corals, and don't focus on the fish. Some just grow corals as a financial recovery technique. Corals are fascinating in themselves.

 

[LIttle Reef Keeper]

Good plan - glad to hear that you are staying in the game !
Frag tanks are great and you'll be pleasantly surprised about how much less work you'll have regarding nitrates for example
Depending on the size that you choose, you could add a fish to help with "maintenance". A lot of frag tank keepers will have a six line wrasse for flat worm, parasite removal
You may have to dose calcium and Alk if you plan on keeping more SPS

Was thinking about a wrasse and maybe a algae eating fish. Not too sure yet. I really dislike fish at the moment.

 

[Aquatic Dreams]

Good to hear that you've found a direction to take to stay in the hobby. Personally I generally prefer the corals and invertebrates. I find most of them extremely fascinating. However many of the fish are very cool as well. I really enjoy watching some of the fish/invertebrate symbiotic relationships with various corals, anemones, etc.

Your frag tank idea is an excellent one! Although don't forget that there are many little pests that bother corals as well. The six-line sounds like a good plan in the frag tank. Another idea that I've seen online a few times is a small macro-algae tank with a few invertebrates. Some of the macro algae are very beautiful and you may also be able to sell any excess macro algae to members here.

Best of luck with whichever path you choose to take!

Dave.

 

[sunnykita]

@LIttle Reef Keeper Hey Zack, just be sure to take your time and think of all your options before pulling the trigger, many different ways you can go right now and still be involved in the hobby ! glad to hear you're looking at options !