Reefs, Crafting, and Other Random Things

Above is the original BioCube 29 (left), moved to IM 40 (right), now currently a Lagoon 25 Above - The Swap My first tank was a BioCube 29 that I bought used in July 2014. I had the tank set up almost 2 years before moving and setting everything up in an IM 40. I really didn't like the depth for the IM 40, so after only 4 months, I swapped the tank out for a Lagoon 25. I love the tank so much more! The tank sits on a custom stand that my boyfriend helped me make. It is a functional piece that houses my cat's litter box in the bottom and has a shelf for all the electrical. For equipment I use the stock pump, a Neo-Therm heater, Smart ATO, inTank media basket, and a Nanobox Duo. I have an RW-4 to add for extra flow at some point, but I need to get a new power supply for it. Luckily, my corals don't seem to mind the low flow. I used new sand (about 15lbs), and used old rock I had epoxied together from ReefCleaners and used in the BioCube. I have ...

This week I wanted to introduce one of my tanks, next week, I'll have a write up on my other tank!  In April, just after I moved to my BF's house, I started an IM10 to hold Andromeda the clownfish and a ton of RFA's. They had previously lived in an IM20 for a year. I really liked the IM20, but I just wasn't going to have the room once I moved. The tank sits on an IKEA stand, that I use for office supplies and old files. I use the stock pump, an RW-4, New-Therm heater, Smart ATO Micro, inTank media basket, and a Nanobox light for basic equipment. I used new sand (about 5lbs), and kept my old rock arch, which I epoxied together from ReefCleaners rock. Andromeda's roommate is one small porcelain crab, who remains nameless. There are also 18 RFAs, and 4 types of gorgonians. In the back right corner I have a purple plating sponge. There are only a couple of snails in the tank - I desperately need to place an order for more. I really like the simplicity of ...

So today’s photo shoot is extra special – I used my new camera UNDERWATER to take these pics. The fish did NOT like it, but I think I got some cool shots. I also apologize for only having a handful of pics, since the fish were getting agitated I didn’t want to take too long. Enjoy!

What a great month to start off 2017! The bad news: I rang in the New Year with a hangover. The good news: my wonderful fiance took care of me by bringing me water and food throughout the day. It actually wasn't too awful, and I kind of enjoyed vegging out on the couch all day. I started a new job at the very end of December, so this month I am really getting into it. The person who I took over for has moved out of state. I didn't get much time to train in person with her, so luckily she has made herself available via email for any questions or issues I have over the next few weeks. It's difficult communicating that way though, but hopefully I start catching on. Our wedding planning is coming along nicely - we have the venue, officiant, photographer, photobooth, and DJ booked. We have picked out our colors, invitations, favors, cake, guestbook, and a few other things we have to go out any buy. In a few weeks we will be getting the dresses for the girls. It seem...

I've seen a lot of Pinterest projects where people take a mason jar and paint the inside, or outside, with various colors of paint. I had the idea of painting a jar for myself to put by my fish tanks. Something vase-like so I could put a few flowers in the room to give it a tropical feel. I picked out a bottle that I thought would go well with my room - a bottle of Kraken. I have two saltwater tanks with various trinkets, posters, and other artwork to fit the ocean theme. I also picked out some fake daisies from Michael's in a couple of different colors. Lastly, I grabbed a bottle of acrylic paint. I started by cutting the daisies to size. The plastic stems were hollow so I had to cap the ends with some hot glue. I poured the paint into the bottle and swirled it around to coat the entire inside. Unfortunately, because of the narrow neck of the bottle, it took forever to dry!! It also started streaking inside and clumping. I almost gave up on the project...

Starting in the Fall, and all throughout winter, I get really into making soup. My favorite one to make is Cheddar Bacon Soup, but tonight I am trying (for the first time) Cream of Potato Soup. The best part is that I have found a "base" recipe to use for all my soups - All I have to do is swap out any veggies and meats to change it up! Cream of Whatever Soup (makes enough for 6 large bowls) Ingredients: 1/2 stick butter, unsalted 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 4 cups (approx) any veggies 4 cups vegetable/chicken broth 1 pint heavy cream (or ½ and ½, or whole milk)  Spices (I usually use parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder) Salt and Pepper 1/2 cup flour (for extra thickening) Directions: 1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft (about 10 minutes). 2. Add 3 cups broth and veggies to large pot. Stir occasionally until veggies are cooked. Add onion. 3. Add cream, slowly, while stirring. S...

I always thought it would be pretty cool to have a saltwater tank, but considered it too difficult, figuring it would take a lot of hard work and patience to have a happy salty environment. Well, about two and a half years ago I found a great deal ($100!) for a 29 gallon BioCube - an all-in-one system that came with tank, lights, pumps, sand, rocks, a couple snails/hermit crabs, a few corals and an urchin. It had been neglected for a while, was low on water, and the sand was extremely dirty. I was so nervous those first few months! When I got my first fish (two clownfish I named Lenny and Squiggy) I was so concerned about their happiness and well being, I gazed at the tank for hours making sure they looked ok and like they enjoyed their new home. I made sure to clean the tank every week, and siphoned the sand diligently to help get it (and keep it) clean. As it turns out, it's not terribly hard to take care of saltwater tanks. One a week I change out 20-50% o...