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 State of the Tank: (cont.) |
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| As to how some of this stuff got into the tank in the first, two of the more interesting possibilities I've heard lately are on the plugs on 'Bali' aquacultured corals and on the shells of some Astrea snails ordered in clean-up crews. Like many reefkeepers, I have introduced both to the tank within the last year so there's nothing I can do about it now. What I CAN control is the source of the excess nutrients keeping it alive and thriving...at least, I hope I can. I also hope I'll have a positive report in the next update.
All the corals and fish are doing fine with the exception of the A. hoeksemai frag (Acro #56) which finally pooped out on me. I knew it was an 'iffy' specimen anyway so it's demise was no great shock. I did notify Atlantis Aquarium however and we worked out a deal to replace it with a much nicer (and larger) colony. So to spare both you and my webguy any extra navigational trauma, I'll just call the new piece Acro #56, substitute the new image  (#236a) in its place, and together we'll just forget the old frag ever existed, ok?
Otherwise, there were no problems. This I attribute to my being forced to leave things pretty much alone this month. But, as stated previously, I did add a few new pieces, more so as space-targeted fill than anything else. Interesting stuff though. |
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Astreopora myrophthalma: This coral represents both a new specimen AND new species in the tank. According to what little information I could find about them, Astreopora prefer strong light and water movement. And while these are not the EXACT conditions of the space I had available, they were close enough as a tiny bleached area on its top has already slowly begun to heal. From Reefer Madness.
Acro 59 A. horrida. If you've been a long time follower of this site, then you know this is one of the species I've had a heck of a time keeping alive. But then, you also know that I'm pretty stubborn about things like that and usually will try until I get it right if I really like the coral. This little aquacultured colony came from Atlantis Aquarium. I'd recently read this species doesn't like the intense light we normally throw at them and I had a perfect spot for a 'lower light' loving acro. Not only is the piece doing well so far but also if its hardiness in transit is any indication, it should continue to do well. You see, it got held over at a FedEx hub in Indianapolis for nearly 24 hours before it got here. I expected to open a bag of turgid, stinky water but to my surprise it looked as if it had just been shipped; polyps open and everything. I think I got lucky because the weather was mild across most of the country that day. Still, I was careful about acclimation and so far, it's still doing well. Lesson here: If they're a day or two late, don't lose hope. They're tougher than we think. Mine survived a day in Indy. |
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