Shared lots of Success - Now time to share a loss

[o2manyfish]

Hey Folks,

For the past 2 years, while building up my outdoors SPS system, and this past year my 360 display tank, I have shared alot of my experiences and successes within this forum.

So, having hit a large stumble I thought it was time to step up and share a loss.

Since the holidays my system has had some minor hiccups.

First the monti nudis returned in force and decimated dozens of colonies within a very short time. I made some calls and gave away my remaining monti's, with full disclosures to all the locals that were interested.

Then we had a cold spell, cold by So Cal standards, and the temperature was a bit of an issue.

Then the rains came. For the first time salinity became an issue.

I had resolved all the issues, and things were looking good up through last weekend for a superbowl party.

Well this past week, my work took priority. I was gone most of the week. On Friday a couple of things looked bad in the tank. I ran some tests and found a salinity issue.

I had a leak in one of my outdoor tanks. Because of all the recent rains, the leak was undetectable. In the meantime, the top-off kept filling the system up.

On Friday the refractometer read 1.010... I started adding salt slowly over the next couple of days. I am back at 1.025.

However, the losses are extraordinary. So far I would say I have lost almost 70% of my SPS. Sadly this is almost 600 pcs of coral. Both colonies and frags. (Including my PM colony, and my collection of torts, efflos, solis )

There is no reason to post photos. Most of us have seen coral skeletons.

I am going to leave my webcam up and active. (www.o2manyfish.com/camera.htm) you can peruse what is left.

Once things settle out, I will be making some changes to the outside tanks.

As for the display tank, I am going to slide the island on the right side of the tank toward the center by an inch of two. And when I start addind frags back I am going to make more of an effort to get more corals mounted on the back rock wall.


As for me.... Well, this is an entirely unforseeable and unavoidable thing that happened. I didn't make a mistake, and didn't do anything wrong. So as frustrating as it is, I am not beating myself up about it.

The depressing part, is the wide diversity of unusual pieces I had collected in the past years. Pieces that will be hard to replace even with the generosity of so many friends.

Dave B

[kozmo02]

that's too bad. some times things like this just happen, as bad as it sounds, and as hard as it is to deal with, you just have to look at everything as a learning experience, im sure you have learned something about your system through all this that will help you rebuild it and make it better than before.

good luck in the future with it, its an incredible setup.

[melev]

Man. Sorry to read this.

[TippyToeX]

OMG Dave, I'm so very sorry to read this. I know there is little I can do, but if you ever think of anything please let me know.

You will be better for this though it's difficult to think so now.

[o2manyfish]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I am not down and out on the hobby. Having kept Saltwater tanks for over 20 years, this is one of the issues of having a living hobby.

It's no different than my orchids or exotic Iris. You just can't maintain absolute control.

I am in no way happy about the situation, and granted my situation is a much larger magnitude than most.

But within a couple of weeks, things will be on the mend, and the grow again.

I still have 100's of corals, all my fish, and all my clams are doing great.

Dave B

[melev]

Dave, have you been sharing those corals with others so that you can get some brood stock going again?

[majesticangelfish]

Dave, I feel for you mate, that is a very unfortunate thing to happen.

I admire your system. I'm sure with all the help you have offered others in the past, Your system will bounce back with many new frags

All the best mate,

Cheers Josh

[o2manyfish]

Marc,

Most of my stuff I can get pieces back of.

It's all the neat, unique pieces that so many people have given me...

Dave B

[NwG]

Well dave that really sucks.. But you are coral god! and have traded out so many great frags... I think with a little work on our part and a little planning you could get a frag of almost all the corals you had... I mean everyone has a dave B frag..!!... I have like 10 and am willing to return frags of them at no cost to you..(maybe cost you a beer) Let us know how to help....
Nate D

[Old Yeller Tang]

Dave,

Sorry to hear about your tank! Let me know if you need anything! You know your welcome to any frags I have, even the digitatas!

Roland

[bigfishman]

I am very sorry to read this.

[newmoon]

Oh my, I'm so sorry to hear that.
When things like that happens with fellow reefkeepers it brings a tear to my eye. I really hope you find most of the species you lost, and make them grow even better than before. We know you will. Keep it up. I don't have much to frag right now(new tank), but will gladly send you some of the few frags I already have to help you restock your tank. Just PM and let me know.

Best,
Carlos

[ReeferMac]

Wow Dave, sorry to hear.
Lemme know when you're ready for an injection of Upstate NY's finest frags.

- Mac

[MiddletonMark]

Dave, that's a shame.

I appluad your honesty, think it's important to share that part too. And your desire to continue right on [new + improved] is what I need to hear.

Last week a local reefer lost multiple tanks in a house fire, while on vacation. It's encouraging to hear others rebuilding, as that sort of loss doesn't seem `real' until you see it - and realize how devastating it is. [His dog is ok. though ]

Have no fear ... we'll hook you up again with what we can share

[slobound]

What a bummer Dave!!! Let me know what you you're looking for... I might be able to help!

G

[Narkon]

Ouch, man, that is hard to hear, but as you said it is just one of the things that can happen, glad you see it as that.

[tacocat]

Sorry to hear about this.

[ricka]

Sorry about this Dave.

Let us local people know if you need help implementing the fixes. I have lots of tools that are at your disposal.

--Rick

[Detritivore]

thats terrible, im really sorry for your losses, dave

[joefish]

Dave ,

I applaud you ! In the face of a devastating blow to your Hobby , it sound like your keeping your chin high and the upper lip stiff .

I'm so sorry to hear it though , I can't imagine the frustration that comes with that kind of Coral loss .

If there is anything I can do please let me Know .

Good Luck,
Joe

[Johnsteph10]

Dave,

I think you are sharing perhaps the most important character trait to have in this hobby.

We maintain such complicated and fragile ecosystems in a tiny box -- the slightest unforeseen occurrence/mistake/mishap/etc. can totally throw it out of wack.

So many just chuck in the towel and give up.

But not you! You take it in stride and learn and even post about it -- this is perhaps the most important thing in this hobby: to learn from our mistakes or mishaps. To keep going.


Good Luck Dave!!!!!

[tacocat]

Perhaps a restocking party is in order.

[attml]

Dave,

I am sorry to hear about your system! I just went through a major tank crash myself so I can relate very well to your situation. Hopefully the remaining corals will rebound well for you! Good luck!

Mark

[JB NY]

Sorry to read that Dave.

[polypman]

I too am sorry about your temporary setback. I agree with Johnsteph10 comment. A sobering thought for all of us who are COMMITTED to this hobby and who are at present experiencing a level of success is to realize that despite the best husbandry practices, accumulated knowledge and experience, bad things can happen beyond our control. Things will NOT always be smooth sailing and we need to realize this REALITY before even beginning to embark on this endeavor.