New nano reef diary

Critters are helping out with the algae, tank doesn't look too bad. NH3, NO2, NO3 & PO4 all at 0 today, so I guess the Caulerpa in the refugium isn't essential and I'm okay without it.
Bought a little yellow clown goby today, he was eating in the store so I hope he'll be all right. I dripped him for an hour, he didn't bat an eyelash. Cutest fish ever! :D
Something interesting/scary happened: I was moving a zoo frag, and accidentally crushed a polyp. It released a cloud of liquid, and since I know they're toxic I yanked my hand out of the tank and washed it right away. I had a horrible metallic taste in my throat/mouth, started to feel dizzy, noticed my pupils were dilated, and wondered what the heck was going on. I guess minute exposure to palytoxin can cause a pretty strong reaction!
I spoke with poison control, they suggested a trip to emerg just to be safe - palytoxin has neurologic effects, and I'm epileptic, so I didn't want to fool around. The doctors and nurses had NO idea what a zoanthid was, lol, but they spoke with poison control about the toxin and managed to sort things out. I was there for about four hours and started to feel less stoned and dizzy, so they let me come home as long as my husband promised to keep me up and watch me for a few hours. I'm still a little dopey and sick to my stomach, but fine. Next time I'm handling zoos, I'll wear gloves, this is NOT a feeling I ever want to experience again.
 
Egad's girl! I'm glad to hear you're ok. Wow! I had no idea things like that could happen. As you can see, I know little about saltwater critters/tanks, but I'm glad you knew enough and what to watch out for. I am amazed at the strength speed of the toxin, without even a "sting"... just being in the vacinity!
 
I just read that although zoanthids are a good beginner coral, some of them have toxins that can be 'deadly'. I'm glad you were able to react in a timely manner and you could tell the medics what you thought the toxin was. This is so much more helpful than saying it was yellow with a green center...
My tank is still in the works, thanks for the heads up Blinky. Sorry that this happened to you, but I learned something from your experience. Hope your better now.
 
There are quite a few posts scattered about on ReefCentral, Reef Sanctuary and Nano-reef.com about people's experiences with these little guys, they pack a heck of a punch. One man lost his dog when it investigated (and probably nibbled on) some zoo frags he had in a bucket :(

I brought home a little yellow clown goby from work yesterday, he seems fine so far but our SW stock has been stressed lately so I'm hoping he doesn't suffer from the added stress of a trip and acclimation.

Here's a pic of the new layout - I had to move things around to accomodate the skimmer's intake. Other than seeing way too much equipment in the tank, I'm quite happy with it ATM. Hopefully once there are more corals in the tank the equipment won't be so noticable. There's a lot of algae growth on the back wall, I'm using the mag-float on the front and sides but leaving the back - pods seem to like hanging out in the algae 'fuzz', and the wrasse has been using it as her own personal buffet :D

This is the best shot I could get of the wrasse, she's really fast! You can just see the goby, perched on top of the PH.

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The tank is looking more mature all the time. You need some more corals! I have a batch of mushrooms and montipora frags I'd love to give you if you ever make it this way.

Close call with the zoos, eh? Funny, I manhandle mine all the time and only think about the consequences after I'm done. Doh!
 
Dave, that's so sweet, thanks! I hear you about the corals, I'm enjoying the little bits I have but I'd love a tank full. I think it's probably wise to make sure I don't kill these guys before getting more, but I'm looking all the time.

I spotted a gorgeous bubblegum pink Xenia a while ago, it wasn't much more than a frag - around 3" x 2" or so - and cost $65CD. I didn't buy it for a few reasons: I thought my tank was still too new, I was afraid to kill it as I've heard they don't travel well, and I thought the price was a bit much for something people often throw away because it's sort of a weed! Now I wish I'd grabbed it, it really was pretty.

I wonder if the Alveopora I got was partially bleached, or maybe this is a result of different lighting - I thought it was a lovely pale pink, but it seems to be developing some darker pink/brownish colour. It's turning the same colour as the others that were in the tank at the store, probably the exact same coral and not a different colour variation.

Diatoms are absolutely out of control in the tank now, can't wait for this phase to be over (please please tell me it's a phase, lol). There's also some fuzzy green algae, doesn't seem to spread much on the glass or equipment, and the emerald crab is making short work of any that grows on the rocks.

The goby looks great, eating like a little piggy, but after the last goby I think I'll have to have him for about a month before I can relax and get attached to him.

Stay tuned for the next exciting update... :D
 
Current pic of the tank:

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The goby looks good, he was a little skinny at first, seems to be fattening up with regular feeding of meaty foods. The wrasse is enjoying her pod buffet, constantly picking at the glass. Both fish are curious and outgoing, they approach the front of the tank when I come in the room and seem to play together :D

Diatoms are rediculous, since NO3 and PO4 are undetectable I guess I'll just have to ride it out.

Last night I watched the rocks with a red light, saw two ~1cm amphipods or shrimp scuttling about. I figure if I can see two, there must be more, so hopefully they're breeding and will eventually become a tasty snack for someone.
 
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