[helenwheels]

Hey everyone! If you were around about six years ago you may remember me. I had a 110 gallon mixed reef that was my pride and joy. Unfortunately life got in the way and I had to give it up.
But I could not resist an email from Bulk Reef Supply advertising a complete pico setup for $199. So I bit the bullet. I think I’m cycled and ready to add a citron goby, a tiny cuc (I’m thinking about 5 each hermits and nassarius snails), and maybe a coral frag or two. I’ll be taking the three our trek to my “local” fish store tomorrow.
This will be interesting… I’m using NSW! Hope it works.
Would love to say hi! Especially interested in hearing from those with a pico, or those using NSW.
Helen

 

[helenwheels]

Hey! Here’s my first question
now that there is some life in my tank, I realized I cannot continue water changes with cold NSW as the water temp would drop rapidly. I could get a heater for the 5gallon jug of NSW and keep 5 gallons warm at all times. But I was thinking, since the changes will only be 1-2 gallons at a a time, could I simply warm the water in the microwave? My gut says it would be ok, but maybe I’m not thinking of something.

 

[helenwheels]

That’s what I was afraid of.

 

[helenwheels]

What temperature would water in your 5 gallon jug be at if it was left full between water changes?

Hi Jerry,
the water is stored in a 5 gallon jug at room temperature. before water changes (1.5 gallons, 2x week) I stick a heater in it to bring it to 78.

 

[helenwheels]

What size is the tank Helen? I also noticed a lack of pics....just sayin. I'm bored and it would help out a lot.

 

[helenwheels]

Current occupants: 3 nassarius snails, 2 red-legged hermits, cleaner shrimp. Coral frags: Green mushroom, blue mushroom, red acan and Duncan

 

[helenwheels]

I would grab NSW when you can, several gallon jugs abd store them in house, discreetly warm em op when WC time comes. Are you still in same house in PO?

Yep, still here!

 

[helenwheels]

Here’s my dumb question of the day. I needed more flow so i bought a sicce nano powerhead. It’s a bit too strong. Can i put it on a standard light dimmer to dial in the flow? Would that work?

 

[helenwheels]

I’ll see if I can find something like that.

 

[helenwheels]

I added my fish today! It was hard to wait. But I got a pair of DaVinci Clowns. I am fully aware that they will grow too big for my tank, but they have a plethora of choices when the time comes to rehome them. Shout Out to Reeftopia, they are beautiful fish and reasonably priced. I also upgraded my lights to a Chinese kessil dupe from Amazon, and so far I’m very impressed.

I have been doing 2 30% water changes per week. Now the fish are in I’ll see if I have to step up to three. But I have to say a 30% NSW water change in a 5 gallon is soooo much easier that a 15% change was using ASW in my 110 System. I love this little tank.

 

[helenwheels]

First big NSW challenge today. Because of this string of atmospheric river storms and there 60 mph winds, the dock is closed to the public and the saltwater pump is off. Have only 1.5 gallons on hand, enough for one water change. Thankfully I do have salt on hand for emergencies.

 

[helenwheels]

Nice thing is that it‘s a deep-water Port, and the water pump inlet is pretty far away from the boats. The water is used for the live-fishing market to transport fish and crab long distances to tanks around the country. It should be fine. When they turn it back on.

we had a fatality this morning. One of my clowns jumped from the tank and my dog ate it before I could respond. Gotta get a lid.