Recent content by swatchguy

See y'all at the potluck. In the meantime I'm trying to complete the final stages to cultivate microalgae. My plan is to grow copepods eventually. Does anyone have enough green water to help me out with about a liter? I'm using a couple 2 liter softdrink bottles w slow aeration and plenty...

Thanks. I've read that copepods are what I'll need to feed a Mandarin Dragonette. Eventually, I'd like to add one to my tank, but first I have to have this propagation process down pat. Thanks for your help. Steve

Hey Vince...I don't know what I'm missing here but I can't seem to get pods to grow and propagate. I'll start my "bucket" over this weekend to stabalize the parameters. Til now I've had cheato, a live rock and some live sand with a air tube (slow bubble just to keep the water moving some. I...

Thanks CookieJar, I kinda figured they might be too big. I'll keep lookin' for a source for the little ones. I think that I need to straighten out the parameters in my culture tank before making the next move. Thanks for your offer, though. S

Thanks, Elite. I've reviewed the article and I'll take it to heart. S

Elite, I think you may be right about the Mandarin putting the bioload over the line. I'll have to think about that. Don't you think that the pods would provide a good food source for some of the other livestock? To address your thoughts on "training Mandarins" to feed on pellets: I've...

Thanks for your quick response. Cookiejar, I'll take you up on your offer, once I've stabilized my culture tank. My plan is to propagate enough pods to eventually keep a Mandarin Dragonette fat and happy. Naturally, I won't put the Mandarin into the tank until I can sustain it's healthy...

I'm looking for a club member who is willing to part with some "pods" so that I can begin culturing my own supply. Once I get these things propagating, I'd be happy to share others in the club. I've already invested $50 in bottled pods and for one reason or another I haven't been able to get...

The Academy is anticipating 50,000 visitors throughout the weekend. It's going to be a madhouse. Local transportation: Bart into San Francisco and the the N Judah out to 9th. Or Take Bart to Glen Park and tranfer to the 44 O'Shannosee (sorry bout the spelling). I'm with whoever said...

Beaupierce, Thanks. I'll take u up on your offer. I've put both my CC and Open Brain in my quarantine tank with the hopes that I will be able to resusitate 'em. 3 days and not luck. Still have hope. See you at the next BAR mtg. Thanks. STEVE

I think you both have hit the nail on the head. I'm sure my Ca/Alk chemisty was way off. The addition of Mg may have had something to do with it. Been doing some studying and Mg bonds with CO3, so too much can foul up the Ca/Alk balance. (from the article Dyngoe referred me to). You're...

DYNGOE, thanks. I've been adding Mg per directions on container. Guess I should get Mg and Sr test kits. Also been adding slight amts (2 mls/20 g once or twice a wk). Maybe those additions made a diff. Thanks for the offer to replace my Candy Cane. I'll keep it in mind. Any ideas about...

I'm bummed!! I left town for 5 days and came back to a dead 3 stalk Candy Cane and a dying Open Brain Coral. Everything was stable when I left. Readings upon my return were NO3 0-.25, PO4 0, Ca 400, PH 8.1, Temp 82. Alk 6, SG 1.024 Any thoughts? I'd like to correct this problem before it...

I am presently going through the guide/docent training at the Academy. With the opening less than a month away take it from me, you certainly don't want to try to arrange a private tour prior to September 27th. I'm with Dyngoe. Even then we should wait until the dust settles. After a...

Thanks, Tuberider, I appreciate your quick reply. Swatch