The Great Move of October 2004
On October 29th, I decided to relocate the tanks back upstairs since the heat of the summer no longer laps us. The last few weeks have been nice weather-wise, cool enough where I do not have to worry about the tanks overheating and slowly boiling my fish. I decided to place the freshwater tank at the end of the hallway. This tank is a little louder than the saltwater tank so this was one of the factors. Second, the shape of the tank and the general look of it was more opt as a centerpiece of sorts. It is a twelve gallon tank and I drained most of the water from it. The inhabitants, especially Hoover II, were very disturbed by the low level of the water. The Guppy Nation repeatedly assaulted my hand when I tried to excavate some of the rocks and pebbles from the bottom of the tank. Even with most of the rock and decorations removed, the tank weighed a lot (or maybe I just need to work my tri- and biceps more). Needless to say, the tank more itself was uneventful. The water was replaced and the filter cleaned. I also cleaned the motor for the filtration from months of gunk. After the water cleared, I replaced the pumps and decorations, deciding to go with my Egyptian column decoration. I added a second pump for more circulation (I think this was one reason why some of my plants never took in the tank). All in all, the tank looks nice in its new location.
The saltwater tank was more of a chore (also since I care more for their well-being and they are more delicate). I removed 2/3 of the saltwater as well as most of the live rock and coral into a bucket. After hauling the tank up to my room, I replaced all the coral and rock haphazardly into the tank along with some freshly prepared saltwater. I allowed the tank to clear up and the sand settle, then I began the artsy part of the project. The pulsing xenia and the rose bubble-tipped anemone were to be the centerpieces. In fact, I had not seen my RBTA so healthy and bubble-tipped ever (thanks in part to the caretaker Checkers the clownfish and the Hand [that feeds them]). I decided to first remove the fish, some snails, and some of the crabs to minimize death by the Hand that rocks the Rocks. Next, I delved deep into my artistic side and formulated a plan to organize the tank. After much [internal] debate, I decided to ditch the pit caves I originally had, and focus on some minor caves and flat space to place future coral. In the end, I was satisfied with the end result: the anemone on one side, the pulsing Xenia on the other. However, I still need to glue/attach some of the corals to the live rock to complete the project. I know Checkers was unhappy with some of the rearrangements since she tried to bite the Hand that feeds her: but no harm no foul. Lightning simply hid and upon completion surveyed the damage/modified surroundings.
I was happy that no damage occured to either tank and (to date) there were no casualties.
Update: The RBTA is awesome!!! Still the tentacles have remained bubbled, a very good sign on its health, and it has remained in the place I put it --> Brine shrimp for all my fish!!
The saltwater tank was more of a chore (also since I care more for their well-being and they are more delicate). I removed 2/3 of the saltwater as well as most of the live rock and coral into a bucket. After hauling the tank up to my room, I replaced all the coral and rock haphazardly into the tank along with some freshly prepared saltwater. I allowed the tank to clear up and the sand settle, then I began the artsy part of the project. The pulsing xenia and the rose bubble-tipped anemone were to be the centerpieces. In fact, I had not seen my RBTA so healthy and bubble-tipped ever (thanks in part to the caretaker Checkers the clownfish and the Hand [that feeds them]). I decided to first remove the fish, some snails, and some of the crabs to minimize death by the Hand that rocks the Rocks. Next, I delved deep into my artistic side and formulated a plan to organize the tank. After much [internal] debate, I decided to ditch the pit caves I originally had, and focus on some minor caves and flat space to place future coral. In the end, I was satisfied with the end result: the anemone on one side, the pulsing Xenia on the other. However, I still need to glue/attach some of the corals to the live rock to complete the project. I know Checkers was unhappy with some of the rearrangements since she tried to bite the Hand that feeds her: but no harm no foul. Lightning simply hid and upon completion surveyed the damage/modified surroundings.
I was happy that no damage occured to either tank and (to date) there were no casualties.
Update: The RBTA is awesome!!! Still the tentacles have remained bubbled, a very good sign on its health, and it has remained in the place I put it --> Brine shrimp for all my fish!!