I'm an idiot...

[OgreMkV]

Another few pieces of advice that I've found out.

1) There is this fantastic 'water mat' product from Drs. Foster and Smith. If you value your carpet or wood floor, get several. Towels work, but this mat has a water proof bottom.

2) Have a worktable next to the tank until it's stable. You just can't do water tests, rest implements, or rock on the top of the tank.

 

[OgreMkV]

Stay tuned for a message from the missus...

"I personally have seen him move fast on several occasions. But I had no idea he could come out of a 46gal tank that fast. He left a wake in the tank!

I'm still looking for a possible mantis carcass on the dinning room floor. I thought for sure the two were launched out together. But for now the score is Mantis 1: Orge 0 (yep thata zip on the master plan.)

As for videoing the next round. I'll try for high speed, Even my digital cannon couldn't keep up with the speed of them. "

hmmph

 

[Snoogans]

Stick with it mate. I battled creatures and nitrates for over 12mths and am only now really enjoying my tank. Once it works its so brilliant and worth all the crap you are going through now.

That is until I become over confident and add/buy something I shouldn't have, then all the dramas can start again

 

[j_chicago]

There is this fantastic 'water mat' product from Drs. Foster and Smith.

Could not find that on there site, but sure a poly/paper dropcloth from your local paint/hardware store would be cheaper.

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(hk5gf255ws2pz0554il2unmp)/productDetails.aspx?SKU=1260157

 

[OgreMkV]

Could not find that on there site, but sure a poly/paper dropcloth from your local paint/hardware store would be cheaper.

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(hk5gf255ws2pz0554il2unmp)/productDetails.aspx?SKU=1260157

Here it is...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14697

 

[OgreMkV]

I NUKED IT.

The ammonia was above five for two days. I've changed almost 60 gallons of water out of a 46g tank. Three trips to the LFS for more salt water. I couldn't keep up with the ammonia levels.

I pulled all the rocks and everyone smelled like it was dead. The sand is covered in dead things. I'll have to sieve the sand to get all the crud out of it.

When I pulled the rocks, I put each one in an RO water bath for about 10 minutes and then scrubbed them as much as I could. They still smelled dead. I've been working on this since 4.

The funny thing is that I've only found 1 mantis shrimp. The other two are still in MIA.

I'm going to get a big tub and cook the rock for a few weeks. I love the shapes of the rock and will keep them. I'll start again hopefully without all the drama.

 

[OgreMkV]

Oh, I also found the cuke... dead. That might have helped destroy everything too.

 

[Almondsaz]

You really don't want to add inverts or anything until the cycle is complete. I will bet that the reason the rock/tank smells so bad is from the dead cucumber. It is almost a sweet putrid smell. I lost a starfish once and that was the odor it gave off.

Did you clean the rock at the start?

 

[OgreMkV]

I pulled off the stuff that smelled dead at the beginning.

Let me say this. The fault lies entirely with me. TBS has an excellent product and has taken care of me way above and beyond the call of duty. I've seen unbelievable awesome tanks with TBS rock.

 

[journey0820]

OgreMkeV, I am so so sorry. What an awful experience. I hope you talk with Richard about it as I feel sure he will try to take care of you in any way he can. A bunch of people over at RC have TBS tanks and I haven't heard of anything like that happening. Seems like you were that "lucky" guy to get the crap end of Murphy. Maybe once you get all up and running we can take a frag collection for you!