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Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by CV-2, Mar 11, 2008.

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  1. CV-2

    CV-2 Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2008
    Messages:
    5
    Location:
    Kennewick, WA
    Hello! I'm Ryan, a long time reader of 3reef and I must say, I'm glad to finally post to say "Hi". I started my first SW tank about this time last year with a 29 gallon. I did the shrimp thing to cycle the tank and finally added a pair of O. Clowns after about a month and a half. Shortly afterward I bought 30 lbs. of Lalo LR and cured it in my basement over a 20 day period. Incredibly, just a day or so after I put the 'finally cured' rock in the tank, the bottom broke out and dumped all 29 gallons on the floor! It happened about 3 o' clock in the morning just as I was falling asleep. I was able to save all my livestock by literally scooping the fish out of the sand with my hands and dropping them in some extra mixed saltwater I had - it was actually the water my rock cured in. So, after all that work, I was 'tankless'! I couldn't believe it!

    To my good fortune however, the owner of a LFS in Salem, Oregon took pity and gave me a used 40 gallon breeder. So I had a new tank, but I would continue to make mistakes. The worst thing I did was to buy a 3-inch-long Orange Shoulder Tang. I was told he would be fine in my 40g for the time being so I bought him on impulse. Huge mistake. And by that time I really should have known better. He got ich and died along with my first two Clowns and some Chromis. Watching my Clowns die was really kind of hard on me. I felt really bad about that. I've always been an animal person, my two retired racing Greyhounds couldn't be more spoiled if they tried, and after all that I decided that this hobby just wasn't for me and so I gave it up. But....

    There's a thing about this hobby -- you just can't stay away once you've got the bug and so I'm back with some very hard lessons learned. I bought a 55g a few weeks ago but decided I need to go bigger so I'm now selling it and buying a 75g. Yes, I certainly learned some hard lessions, but failing doesn't make you a failure - quite the opposite - excellence is often built on a foundation of failure. So, while my beginner's 'freak-out at everything' days are behind me and with nearly a years' worth of asking questions, reading, and learning, I'm really looking forward to my second phase in the hobby. 8)

    -Ryan

    The first SW fish I ever bought. Gotta' love them clowns!
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 11, 2008
    CV-2, Mar 11, 2008
    CV-2, Mar 11, 2008
    #1

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  2. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2007
    Messages:
    7,933
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Welcome aboard mate, Excellent story!! Its great to hear that your going to give it a second chance and that your better prepared. Kudos to you my friend. I dont see it as being a quitter, this is your second wind and is a strong one. Im sorry to hear about your losses. Good luck with your journey and count on us to help you along the way.Luna
     
    lunatik_69, Mar 11, 2008
    lunatik_69, Mar 11, 2008
    #2
  3. clownfish

    clownfish Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2007
    Messages:
    287
    Location:
    Fremont, CA
    Welcome to reef brother!!!

    That part about your dogs being spoiled....I'm with you on that...I have two rotties...word of advice though...if you ever run out of food...DO NOT feed them chilli...'cause if you do...make sure you have a gas mask....all I'm gonna say.
     
    clownfish, Mar 11, 2008
    clownfish, Mar 11, 2008
    #3
  4. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2006
    Messages:
    6,467
    Location:
    Elizabethtown, IN
    Welcome to 3reef and back to the hobby. I would be lost without a aquarium in the house, had one since I was 15 and I just turned 40 last week so they will be with me until I can no longer take care of them.
    Stick around and research before you buy, will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
     
    Otty, Mar 11, 2008
    Otty, Mar 11, 2008
    #4
  5. bmshehan

    bmshehan Fu Manchu Lion Fish

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,904
    Location:
    Columbus, Indiana
    WELCOME!!! Glad you found your way here and giving it another shot! Keep us posted, and you are already on everyone's "good list", you posted a pic with your first post!!!

    ...and by then I will owe you enough favors that I will be driving to your retirement home taking care of your tank for ya;);D
     
    bmshehan, Mar 11, 2008
    bmshehan, Mar 11, 2008
    #5
  6. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2003
    Messages:
    4,745
    Location:
    Silverdale, Washington
    [​IMG]

    To 3Reef!!!     ​


    Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

    Sounds like you are all up to speed on new tank needs.

    Nice pic...not the two that died I hope? -- real beauties.

    Keep us updated on progress...

    Note: My rule is, "current tank is just sump for next..."....;)

    Rgds,

    Scott


    [​IMG]


    The Tao of Marine Aquaria
    Tips for Our Hobby and Life

    © 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
    Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00
    ​



    [​IMG]​
     
    omard, Mar 11, 2008
    omard, Mar 11, 2008
    #6

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  7. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2007
    Messages:
    4,884
    Location:
    Louisville, GA
    Welcome to 3reef! :wave: Good luck with your new tank!!!
     
    cuttingras, Mar 11, 2008
    cuttingras, Mar 11, 2008
    #7
  8. CV-2

    CV-2 Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2008
    Messages:
    5
    Location:
    Kennewick, WA
    Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone! :sunny:

    clownfish -- Yeap, been there done that and I paid a terrible price! Oh, the humanity! LOL

    How many clowns do you see? I see three clowns! ;D
    [​IMG]
     
    CV-2, Mar 11, 2008
    CV-2, Mar 11, 2008
    #8