Sapphire

Agreed!

Yes Reef I certainly take your point. However I think the benefit of the forum and the discussions on it for peoplpe new to this like myself is that that you can get differing viewpoints and then use those as a basis for your own research. For example I've taken the views on say feeding sun corals from a forum and then done research using a variety of resources from retails sites, to online articles to give me a more rounded and in depth erspective. I guess I'd see the forum like a brainstorming session of sorts.

Well I've pretty much started with marine (except for a small goldfish pond) and it's been great. I certainly don't regret it. I will say it hasn't been cheap. I think the thing I've learned (and am still struggling with!) is patience!! Just read lots and lots and take the advice of the more experienced on the forum.... although there are differing opinions they have been there before with any issues you may have, including what equipment to buy etc

Both my partner and I have been using gmail since the invitation only stage too and we've had no problems at all. The only slightly odd thing a couple of days ago was it came up with a "type what you see below exactly as you see it". apart from that it's been fine .... sorry I can't help

Welcome! I've found this forum really useful so far. I started my first marine tank in Sept/Oct and it's been a huge learning curve but I love it! Enjoy the forum. Happy New Year too (still can't believe it's 2008 already).

Happy New Year!Hope it's a great one for everyone! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

I'm on annual leave - for the first time in years I'm taking lots of time off - YAY!! We're off to Arthur's Pass for Christmas so am in the middle of cooking and packing now..... I hope you all have a great Christmas!

Well I have to say I haven't had a camera since I was about ten and our Sony H7 is great - if I can take great photos even of corals and fish etc in the tank then anyone can!!! The only thing is I have to turn off the music/sound effects coz it's hard to sneak up on people to take photos when that goes off!

From the pics I've seen I think it is Wilson. It is hard know though how securely to attach coral - you want to know it's going to stay where you put it but you also want to the option be able to move it later! Have to say Fmxmatt you've had some bad luck with your tank recently. Hope its all good from now on!

I agree about the cost of the chiller. We're having some issue keeping the temp down in the heat we've been having but have found leaving a fan on pointed at the glass is helping when we're out. The plan is to get a heat pump with a cooling function in the future anyway so once that happens things will be fine. How's the temp in your tank now cONCH?

Good to CHCH on there! I think we will post on there eventually - I contacted them a while ago when I first stumbled across the site myself, but I really want to wait until I'm happy with the tank! At least we actually have a camera now so can take some photos! I think what I like about the site is reading the modifications others have done, and checking out the basic aquascaping to see how people cope with the small space (some are much better than others of course). Also surprised to see how many have the chiller - even taking into consideration the different climates they come from. Must really add to the running costs.

Yes hard to know I agree. Do you feed the brittle star directly?

That's awful :evil: :evil: nothing of ours has been touched - we are feeding it though (some chopped mussel, and it gets some stray brine shrimp off the sun corals) Is it time to say goodbye to it then?

Our one hasn't shown the slightest bit of interest in the other tank inhabitants. maybe there was uneaten food or something else of interest in the hole?

I'm only very new to marine so am only talking from my limited experience . I'll also say that my one purchase of a not-so-great coral (not from my usual LFS) turned out ok. However I do think if you take ownership of a coral like any other animal you do take responsibility for it. For those who have the experience and knowledge buying damaged/unhealthy coral is a viable option as they have the expertise to deal with them, but for those who are new to reef-keeping the situation isn't the same. From my perspective, I think it's better to obtain healthy specimens and learn how to maintain and grow them before learning how to cure/nurse damaged corals. I wouldn't like to think something had died because I didn't know how to look after it when someone else could have.

Umm.. zero brain cells? Zero the hero?!!

Maybe! We take terms naming things, but there is one rule - no fish is going to be called nemo!

We've found though since feeding ours specifially (just twice) it's not as quick or determined when we feed the sun corals. I do have to say though that it can eat alot at least it did the first time. i do hope your fish is ok, but I suppose it has been a while now.

No it's been fine - i've just feed it a bit of chopped mussel once a week or so. Seems to happy now - it doesn't rush over now when we feed the sun corals either.

They really do have personality don't they?!

Sorry about your clams.... I would be gutted if it were mine

Well i like it - especially in the tank shape you have - I think it has more of a central focal point (if that makes sense!). I like the cove as well though - I love watching fish etc diving in and out of caves! If our brittlestar is any indication I'm sure yours will be fine - I've seen ours get through gaps I never thought it would (and some I hadn't known existed!) Did the process go ok?

Did you get my pm?

do you mean a certain little one currently residing at Organism?!

Hope it goes well! When are you planning on doing this? Go the 2 net method!