Tank Progression: 60 gallon

[PufferMe!]

What a drag you're having this problem. You've got a lot of die off on your live rock, I would say. I was lucky to have nitrates for a short time, go to close to 15-20ppm, and then they just went to 0. How much do you really know about the quality of the LR you bought, because I remember you bought it online?

I don't know what to say, but to keep up with water changes to keep it below 20ppm, and hopefully you're bacteria in the LR will kick in and help you with this problem. Patience may be the key here. I myself just got some cool corals, that my GSP is totally leaving alone. I'll put some pictures up on a new thread, with what they are called, if you are interested in the same type. I lucked out and found a guy on Craigslist, who was thinning his corals in this amazing tank! I remember you live in a small town and don't have access to that

Gwen

[Pufferpunk]

If she was having any die-off, there'd be ammonia/nitrite.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Nitrate removal in marine tanks:
1 1/2-2lbs LR w/good flow
Protein skimmer
Refugium with macro algae
Water changes

Well I have 50lbs of live rock and then the 25lbs of base. I've also been back and forth a lot on 'good flow'. I am thinking about adding another powerhead just to be safe. I do not have a refugium but was actually just looking at some HOB to see what is available.
I do not have a protein skimmer yet. I should have one in the next couple months or so. Waiting until I can afford to spend the money on one. I'm looking to get the dual bak pak.

I will continue water changes. I just checked the nitrates again and they are still at 40ppm from last nights water change. I am about to do a water change. I have around 20gallons of water ready to go.

[*GSP*Fan*]

What a drag you're having this problem. You've got a lot of die off on your live rock, I would say. I was lucky to have nitrates for a short time, go to close to 15-20ppm, and then they just went to 0. How much do you really know about the quality of the LR you bought, because I remember you bought it online?

I don't know what to say, but to keep up with water changes to keep it below 20ppm, and hopefully you're bacteria in the LR will kick in and help you with this problem. Patience may be the key here. I myself just got some cool corals, that my GSP is totally leaving alone. I'll put some pictures up on a new thread, with what they are called, if you are interested in the same type. I lucked out and found a guy on Craigslist, who was thinning his corals in this amazing tank! I remember you live in a small town and don't have access to that

Gwen

I don't see how it would be die off from the rock. There definitely was die off from the live rock when I was cycling. It only took me about a week and a half to cycle so I am assuming it was at least partially cured because of that. I did get it online. I asked the seller about the status of the rock relating to curing and was told it was keep in a holding tank until shipped. I don't see anything wrong with the live rock. It could be better, more established I guess, since there was no obvious coraline growth/etc on the rock. Though I believe I am starting to see coraline. I also want to mention I have yet to have any algae bloom.

Its possible a hermit(s) or snail(s) has died but it would be quite difficult to know for certain. I have tested 0 for ammonia and nitrites. But I don't know if it would be too small of a spike to even pick up if that was the case.

I know patience in important in this hobby but it is a bit frustrating. I definitely want some corals and still want to add another tankmate for the future GSP. But I want to wait until its more stable. I know I want some mushrooms, zoas, and similar. I'd also like a frogspawn and maybe a few similar. I will be ordering online when I do.

I do have access to craigslist but where I do live in a relatively small city, there isn't much posted. I have yet to see anything in terms of corals.

Its great your GSP is leaving them alone. Did you also add tankmates or am I thinking of someone else?

I will continue the water changes for now. I'm just confused as to why it was staying at 10ppm and is now climbing quite quickly to 80ppm.

[PufferMe!]

I just don't know enough on this. I guess I'm thinking you could still have die off, but have enough good bacteria to handle it, that's why you only see the by-product of nitrates. If you get algae, that would be great. That's what I had, and then my nitrates went to 0 without a water change. I have yellow tail damsels with him. I have frog spawn corals now. They are very pretty. I didn't spend much money on them. Got all the corals I got for $30. This way if they don't make it, it won't be a huge loss, but so far they seem happy

Gwen

[*GSP*Fan*]

I just don't know enough on this. I guess I'm thinking you could still have die off, but have enough good bacteria to handle it, that's why you only see the by-product of nitrates. If you get algae, that would be great. That's what I had, and then my nitrates went to 0 without a water change. I have yellow tail damsels with him. I have frog spawn corals now. They are very pretty. I didn't spend much money on them. Got all the corals I got for $30. This way if they don't make it, it won't be a huge loss, but so far they seem happy

Gwen

I can't say that I do either. I'm definitely still learning. I get what you're saying thought. I guess that could be possible because I really don't see what else could be causing it. Well possibly a dead snail(s) or hermit(s) somewhere. Which I could see how both could be a small enough amount of ammonia to be handed by bacteria but would still lead to nitrates. I know the water changes will take care of the nitrates but I definitely want to find the source. Especially before I make any more additions to the tank.

Are the damsels and him getting along well? I definitely want a frogspawn along with a few others. Thats a great deal. I added what I wanted to begin with to my cart online at saltwaterfish.com and my total is about $150, with about 25-35 of that shipping costs. Since it seems it may be a bit before I add corals I hope to come across a great deal around here as well.

[PufferMe!]

They are doing fine together. I even put in a large turbo snail, and initially he was mostly at the top on the glass, and I figured he knew there was a predator, but now he's out and about, on rocks etc. So, I think he just needed to get acclimated. I really can't say I see my GSP bothering anyone, at least not causing harm. He's curious, but seems to move on. The snail "tucks in" and then seconds later he's moving on himself He is busy eating algae that I get on my glass and I'm assuming LR, but all the brown diatom algae has disappeared.

I love my corals and will do what I need to so they thrive. I squirted small food to them tonight, and the trumpet/candy cane corals, actually put out little tentacles and eat! So cool! Did you see my thread where I posted pics of the corals?

It's a drag when you have to wait, but you're doing it the right way. You'll get it stable. Your blenny is doing okay however? I'm waiting myself to add anything else till probably after December. I still like the idea of an anemone and a clownfish Some people say anemones' are a pain, and not worth the work. More research to be done for me

Gwen

[*GSP*Fan*]

They are doing fine together. I even put in a large turbo snail, and initially he was mostly at the top on the glass, and I figured he knew there was a predator, but now he's out and about, on rocks etc. So, I think he just needed to get acclimated. I really can't say I see my GSP bothering anyone, at least not causing harm. He's curious, but seems to move on. The snail "tucks in" and then seconds later he's moving on himself He is busy eating algae that I get on my glass and I'm assuming LR, but all the brown diatom algae has disappeared.

I love my corals and will do what I need to so they thrive. I squirted small food to them tonight, and the trumpet/candy cane corals, actually put out little tentacles and eat! So cool! Did you see my thread where I posted pics of the corals?

It's a drag when you have to wait, but you're doing it the right way. You'll get it stable. Your blenny is doing okay however? I'm waiting myself to add anything else till probably after December. I still like the idea of an anemone and a clownfish Some people say anemones' are a pain, and not worth the work. More research to be done for me

Gwen

Thats great. My GSP will be the last addition to the tank. I'd even like to get a few corals in beforehand too. I'm hoping having the GSP as the last in the tank will help decrease any aggression and even picking at corals. Sounds like you've got yourself a very well behaved GSP. How big is he?

I do already have some snails in my tank, no turbos though. And actually just ordered a few more nassarius and some nerites. We'll see how long those and the hermits last. I figure the nassarius will stand more of a chance since they do stay under the sand the majority of the time. Its kinda neat to watch them pop up.

I did actually see that thread. The corals look real nice! And at a great price on top of that! I can't wait to get a few.

It is definitely a drag but I know it can't be rushed. That would more than likely just lead to more problems. The blenny is doing great! He's starting to warm up a bit more and I've seen him out on a regular basis picking at the rock and such. So happy to see him out, enjoy watching him. I kinda like the idea of an anemone of highly doubt I'll get one. I know for sure I would have to update my lights. I also would worry about them moving around to find the right spot, feel that could lead to issues. I've read they can live many many years in the ocean but would not in an aquarium. I would assume both from care and lack of time. I haven't looked too much into them. I'm sure some are easier to care for than others. I do want to try a clown or two. I really like the black and white. If I decide to get a clown it will be my next addition as far as fish go.

[PufferMe!]

My gsp is about 2 inches. I have a couple nerite snails too, that I see from time to time. I need to look into the ones that bury in the sand. Glad all is going well with your blenny!

[*GSP*Fan*]

My gsp is about 2 inches. I have a couple nerite snails too, that I see from time to time. I need to look into the ones that bury in the sand. Glad all is going well with your blenny!

Oh he's still quite tiny

I'm worried about the possibility of increased aggression as the GSP matures. Just like you've done, I'm hoping having the different corals and tankmates in the tank before he is mature (or even in the tank) will help in the long run.

I've heard the nerite snails are one of the best for a tank with a GSP or similar because they don't extend much of a foot and are harder to eat or get picked on. My order from my first nerite snails and then the additional nassarius snails just shipped today. The nassarius snails are neat and I wanted more to help keep the sand bed stirred. I'm also hoping that they'll be less likely to get eaten since they do spend the majority of their time under the sand.

So far I've ordered my CUC from reefcleaners but there was some really good deals on ebay for snails as well, nassarius especially. When I get more I'll probably get from ebay.

Thanks! I love the little guy and am happy he is doing well and out in the open even more now.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Well I am now beginning to see the first obvious signs of algae in my tank. Diatoms have showed up. They aren't too bad and are mostly on the rocks with just a spot here or there on the glass and sand. I just let them run their coarse basically right?

Also, I should be getting an RO/DI unit and a skimmer next month. I'm excited. I'm sure the RO/DI water will help prevent any issues down the road and am hoping the skimmer will help with keeping nitrates down.

[Pufferpunk]

Keep up with clearing them off or it'll get out of control.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Keep up with clearing them off or it'll get out of control.

I've been using a turkey baster on the rocks and have finally gotten enough suction out of my siphon to be able to keep the sand bed cleaner.It doesn't really seem like much comes off the rock with that method. The only place its really noticeable is on the Macrorocks since they are white.

There are also quite a few snails; nerite, nassarius, cerith, etc and hermits. Which I'm sure are helping keeping them down as well.

I've also got water ready and should be able to perform a PWC change when I get off work tonight. Other than that I didn't know what else to do regarding the diatoms.

[Pufferpunk]

Use a toothbrush.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Use a toothbrush.

Ah yes. Thanks. I don't know why that didn't come to mind and after reading it again I know I've came across that before.