SPR
Well-Known Member
following along. That's the tank I hope to get someday.
My 72 hour blackouts have not had those results. I must have different algae. I'm glad its going well for you. Do you have a planned stocking list or are you going with whats available?
It was the fist time I have done a blackout and yes it certainly has worked so far but.... It wasn't total but the room has curtains and a blackout blind in one window but is south facing on the main windows so a small amount of light could be seen. I didn't surround it with cardboard or anything like that!
I don't have a plan at all to be honest. I have only been doing this since February this year and I am lucky in that I have 2 shops within 5 miles and both have very good and large stocks of fish.
When I first got my original Max 260 I bought whatever looked good in the shop (not aggressive though). Then I had my first experience with a long nosed butterfly I think it was, that started pecking at corals and killed at least one. I then had the joy of trying to catch him!! That was in a 260 so no chance in a 650.
After this lesson, and as my tank is nearly fully stocked, if I see a fish I like I would do a lot of research first. My blue throat trigger pair had been in the shop for months before I got them whilst pondering if they would be safe with corals, crabs etc. In the end they are fine and the best fish I have.
Having said this, my LFS are very good. In fact until they know you, they won't just sell you one unless they are happy you have the correct tank etc. This was a little annoying when I first started out, but now makes me have a lot of trust in them and to be honest if I see a fish I want, and they says its reef safe etc, I would just get it.
I have my eye on 3 anthias which have been in the shop for a few months as a shoal, but I've been waiting to sort the Dino situation in case I have to use chemicals, so if that's sorted I think I'll go and get them. They are quiet expensive which is why I have been waiting, not that that means they are more special than the inhabitants I already have.