Hello everyone, I’m Adam Mollica. I’m brand new to BAR and have only been in the hobby for about two months now. I have a 20 gallon long tank as I only have limited time and funds, but I definitely will upgrade eventually (I’m still a broke college student for a little longer). I’m so glad to have found such a community of refers, especially with the extensive DBTC system. I hope to have many tanks in the future, and I would love to use these to help spread corals (and maybe even fish/inverts) to new hobbyists.
When it comes to forums, I’m definitely more of an observer. I will like or react to photos, but I tend to only comment when I have a question or have important information/advice. I think I will become increasingly active here as I progress through the hobby, but I thought I should mention my activity on the forum may not always represent my activity in the hobby.
So far my 20 gal has 1 Ocellaris clown, 1 Skunk cleaner shrimp, 1 Yellow watchman goby paired with 1 Tiger pistol shrimp, 1 Hermit crab, 1 porcelain crab, and 2 snails (1 trochus 1 astraea).
I will get another oc. clown, but I’m considering getting a different color pattern (morph?).
For Coral I have 1 Rose bta (I know its not a coral, and I understand the potential risks), A few Green finger/tree leathers, 2 green hairy mushrooms (Rhodactis?), a pink finger leather coral, a War coral Favia, some GSP, and and an unknown sps coral that was given to me as a bare skeleton and has since recovered. I think this is either a lythophyllon or leptastrea, but I could use some help identifying it. I could also use help with the two leather corals, one is a neon green “tree” and one is a coral/pink harder coral, but I’ve seen both labeled “finger leather”. I do have photos of the parent coral if needed.
Recently, I had an oc. clown pass away (I had 2) and I returned a starfish to the lfs. The clown randomly began “gasping” and acting lethargic, so I immediately did a ~35% water change and ensured that my powerhead disturbing the surface plenty. Over the next few days be was less and less mobile, staying in the corner on the ground on his side. I did my best to spot feed him but he refused to eat and eventually passed. I couldn’t see any visual issues at all and my other clown has been totally fine, so not sure what happened exactly. I also did a water test in the beginning but didn’t see any big changes or scary numbers (more in my tank log). I also had a green brittle star, about 7” across who mostly hung out in the tunnel. He was really fun to watch, but the clowns stayed far away and he kinda dominated the best real estate in the tank, so he had to go.
Also, I know I have a hair algae problem. I am ok with this for now as the new livestock change should more efficiently process food added to the tank. Also, I hope to get a baby Blue Tang soon (only for a couple months, more on this in my tank log) who should feast on the algae. I am also considering something else like a lawnmower blenny (suggestions welcome), although I am hesitant to add anything that would limit my choice in a centerpiece fish.
If anyone has any stocking recommendations or advice, please let me know.
Thanks for any advice or ideas you may have to offer, I look forward to exploring more of BAR!
When it comes to forums, I’m definitely more of an observer. I will like or react to photos, but I tend to only comment when I have a question or have important information/advice. I think I will become increasingly active here as I progress through the hobby, but I thought I should mention my activity on the forum may not always represent my activity in the hobby.
So far my 20 gal has 1 Ocellaris clown, 1 Skunk cleaner shrimp, 1 Yellow watchman goby paired with 1 Tiger pistol shrimp, 1 Hermit crab, 1 porcelain crab, and 2 snails (1 trochus 1 astraea).
I will get another oc. clown, but I’m considering getting a different color pattern (morph?).
For Coral I have 1 Rose bta (I know its not a coral, and I understand the potential risks), A few Green finger/tree leathers, 2 green hairy mushrooms (Rhodactis?), a pink finger leather coral, a War coral Favia, some GSP, and and an unknown sps coral that was given to me as a bare skeleton and has since recovered. I think this is either a lythophyllon or leptastrea, but I could use some help identifying it. I could also use help with the two leather corals, one is a neon green “tree” and one is a coral/pink harder coral, but I’ve seen both labeled “finger leather”. I do have photos of the parent coral if needed.
Recently, I had an oc. clown pass away (I had 2) and I returned a starfish to the lfs. The clown randomly began “gasping” and acting lethargic, so I immediately did a ~35% water change and ensured that my powerhead disturbing the surface plenty. Over the next few days be was less and less mobile, staying in the corner on the ground on his side. I did my best to spot feed him but he refused to eat and eventually passed. I couldn’t see any visual issues at all and my other clown has been totally fine, so not sure what happened exactly. I also did a water test in the beginning but didn’t see any big changes or scary numbers (more in my tank log). I also had a green brittle star, about 7” across who mostly hung out in the tunnel. He was really fun to watch, but the clowns stayed far away and he kinda dominated the best real estate in the tank, so he had to go.
Also, I know I have a hair algae problem. I am ok with this for now as the new livestock change should more efficiently process food added to the tank. Also, I hope to get a baby Blue Tang soon (only for a couple months, more on this in my tank log) who should feast on the algae. I am also considering something else like a lawnmower blenny (suggestions welcome), although I am hesitant to add anything that would limit my choice in a centerpiece fish.
If anyone has any stocking recommendations or advice, please let me know.
Thanks for any advice or ideas you may have to offer, I look forward to exploring more of BAR!
