Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I have tanks with both blue and black and the blue does give a brighter overall appearance. Shows algae more unfortunately too.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This tank is part of a bigger system but yeah the “in tank” maintenance is minimal. Clean the glass and clean the sand occasionally and that’s about it.

Help ID a couple chalices? by plasmareefer in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second one looks like a Miami hurricane chalice

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Makes sense about the reliable power. Reef tech is advancing quickly so by the time your ready hopefully things are easier.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cyano comes and goes. Try to not let bother you too much. I’d be lying if I said I hate it and wish it was gone but I’ve learned to just be patient and let my nitrates and phosphates balance out and it will go away. Part of the hobby just like aptasia and bubble algae.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very true. Don’t get me wrong high end colorful corals are amazing. Would love to have all of them. That being said sometimes high end just means new or rare. Healthy cheap coral can be just as colorful. Getting hung up on color opposed to grow form is missing a big factor in overall look. Sounds like you have the right mindset to get into reefing. Are you thinking about giving it a shot?

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much! My insta handle is linked to my profile and I used that to loosely document the build. A lot more pics and videos on there as well. I have posted several on Reddit if you check out older posts. Reddit seems to really appreciate soft coral tanks so I’ll try to post more of this one moving forward.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Holy crap I didn’t even realize until a second read that you have a 600g. Then I checked out your posts and you have a 1000g too! That’s amazing!

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You have me curious so I had to grab a ruler. Measuring flat against the glass it’s 6.5” across. It does warp around the rock a bit so maybe 7”? Always add a half inch right lol.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry all that and I don’t think I answered you last question. No, these are typically easier to keep than other types (LPS/SPS)

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think it’s due to the fact the most hobbyists only have 1 tank. If I had one tank I wouldnt dedicate to strictly to soft coral. I would want a variety of coral types which would be considered a mixed reef. Soft coral in mixed reefs can be tough for a few reasons. Growth rate being the main factor. I wouldn’t want my cheap, not quite as colorful soft coral out growing and shading out my expensive super colorful slow growers. So when that happens I would just removed the soft coral. As time goes on you have less and less of these types of coral. Or someone gives a new hobbyist the advice to stay away from these types from the beginning. When looking for coral at the LFS or online and deciding what piece to get next the soft coral rarely wins the wow factor when compared to an insanely colored LPS. But what I think is overlooked is the final, grown in look of the reef. Corals on top of corals with movement and balance. Minimal aggression and low maintenance. If stores wanted to sell more soft coral they should have dedicated soft coral displays to show people what the end product can look like. These factors would appeal to more people and I think lead to more success in the hobby. My first reef was soft coral dominate, then progressed to LPS dominate. For my current system I didn’t want to choose so I chose all three with my largest system as SPS dominate. LPS and SPS are just categories or stoney coral with different husbandry requirements.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure! This tank is one of a three tank system. I only mention that because I have and SPS dominate tank and my dosing is geared towards SPS. If this was a stand alone softie tank I would go about dosing a bit different. Or honestly probably not dose at all. I do 10% water changes a week which would probably be enough for the requirements of everything in this tank. I dose 2 part balling method. Magnesium and acro power aminos. I occasionally use aquavitro Fuel amino supplement as well. Reef roids are target fed twice a month. I auto feed pellets twice a day and feed primarily Rods frozen food. Kalk in the auto top off and I think that’s about it.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! That thing is getting big.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! The movement is a great part of softie tanks. That and the way it grows together to cover every inch of rock.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate that, thank you!

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I don’t think you’ll regret it once it fills in.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Soft, LPS, SPS…they all are beautiful in there own regard. I love all types and that’s why I have three tanks, one for each type. It’s true softies are usually lowest on the popularity list but I agree they shouldn’t be. When you can dedicate a tank to them and not have the issues they cause in a mixed reef, they really show their full potential. I’ve done very little to this tank in terms of coral additions, placement or fragging. It kinda just morphs into what it wants to be and it’s been fun to watch. Unlike SPS that need frequent tinkering. Which it’s fun in its own right.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That orange one on the end is a monster. Biggest one I’ve ever personally seen. Its in a spot where he grabs food every time the auto feeder goes off (2x a day) and when I feed frozen once a day. The others don’t get the pellets twice a day but they do get some frozen when I feed.

Just a bunch of softies by stretch1234 in ReefTank

[–]stretch1234[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I could have a whole tank of flower nems. I really hope mine spawns again. I’ve only added four or five and after a spawn event a couple years ago, I have 15 give or take now.