ALL THE FISH (REMAINING) IN PALAU REEF / 4000litre SALTWATER PALUDARIUM ...

[@BeardedReefer]

Way to go big Ad, love the fish selection, whole tank looks great, keep it quiet about our secret spot though😂

[@australianaquarist]

Had my first collecting trips last weekend down there. It’s looking to be a good season

[@BeardedReefer]

@@australianaquarist Did you see the barramundi cod?

[@australianaquarist]

@BeardedReefer I saw the little estuary cod. Never seen a barramundi cod there?

[@BeardedReefer]

@@australianaquarist he’s there, beautiful fish!

[@falcolf]

I honestly think scopas tangs are really pretty! The first time I saw one in person I was absolutely wowed by him.❤ Also I really love damsels too, I think that they are gorgeous little fish!

[@australianaquarist]

Completely agree! It’s going to be amazing to see it reach its full adult size and colouration. And damsels…. You can see I love damsels. I feel in the coral race , that the hobby seems to have become, many have lost touch with what attracted them to salt in the first place. For me, that mixed tank of blue ,and black and white, cute fish, is very prominent in my memories!

[@falcolf]

@@australianaquarist for me it's all about the fish too! All of mine have names (my tank is far smaller than yours - a mere 30 gallons - so not as many underwater friends,) and I'm working on an upgrade to a 90 gallon just so that my existing fish have more room to swim, grow and be happy.❤️ (Although I'm stoked to be adopting a yellow tail damsel tomorrow from another reefer! I had one before but she died after my cat destroyed my first tank, a Fluval 13.5.)

[@australianaquarist]

@falcolf great. Starki or hemicyanea?

[@falcolf]

@@australianaquarist I'm pretty positive that it's Chrysiptera parasema, that's what I had previously and it looks like the same species but the footage I was shown wasn't the greatest. It was under full actinics so it was a bit hard to tell colours but it did only have lighter colour on its tail so I'm pretty confident!

[@australianaquarist]

@falcolf ahh they are nice quiet little guys. Have fun with it. See if you can pair it up

[@Gilsfishroom]

Well, you did name him "Monster". It isn't his fault if he tries to live up to the name. Everything is looking great Adam. The terrestrial plants look like they have settled in nicely.

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks Gil I’ve had my first challenge with keeping plants inside… spider mite. I noticed the clerodendron on the left going yellow, and then fine webs. The mites like dry conditions, so I’ve upped the hosing, and gave the plant a spray with white oil. I think I’ve nipped it..

[@SaltWaterSteve1]

I can’t wait to see this mature. Excited to see how both side look. Such a great idea 💡 I love archer fish. So exciting and it’s not even mine 🤣

[@australianaquarist]

Cheers Steve Yeah the archers are uncertain. They definitely stay down the quieter end of the tank, away from the surge devices. If they don’t ‘seem’ happy , I’ll set them up in an estuary tank if their own

[@queencityreefs]

This building is turning to be so epic!! Great job man! Thanks for bringing us along 🔥🙌👏👌💯

[@_JMann]

Impressive setup. I admire what you do sir

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks JMann I’m glad you enjoyed the build

[@apolloravindran]

Love the evolution of this reef, can't wait for more adventures!!!

[@australianaquarist]

Plenty more to come !!

[@heronaquatics4661]

​@@australianaquaristhow did you treat your velvet - parasite outbreak in your reef tank?? Is the disease still in your aquarium?? Waiting for another stress event?? Great video as normal?? No angelfish and no anthias?? Any reasons why or are they to come, later??

[@australianaquarist]

I chose years ago to manage parasitic diseases in my aquarium, rather than try and eradicate it. Over the years I’ve been through tank transfer methods, fallow tanks, isolation tanks. I believe in thorough quarantine ( which is not prophylactic treatment with meds, but observational isolation). But to quarantine properly also means quarantining coral, inverts, liverock and sand in a fishless system. I approach my hobby in a rather natural, and holistic manner. I collect my own natural seawater, unfiltered. I collect my own live feeds in the form of shrimp, algae’s and bait fish. I made a conscious decision to accept potential risks, and keep as healthy a fish population as I can. So what do I do: 1. 24/7 UV sterilisation. I’ve got a 120W Pentair on the tank, with the flow tuned down. Bulbs replaced every new year. 2. Feed, feed, feed …….. feed, feed All those natural foods, as well as quality pellets, and NZ mussels. 3. Use of hydrogen peroxide dosing to the tank, as per Humblefish 4. New fish are freshwater dipped for three minutes, and then hydrogen peroxide bathed in saltwater for 15 minutes. 5. Accept that some fish are more sensitive than others. Butterflyfish are a good example, which sucks because I love them. All that looks like a video!!

[@australianaquarist]

Anthias are definitely going to be in the tank. Many. I may get a Regal Angel, and some Centropyge. For a long while I was planning on keeping Emperor angels in the tank, but not sure ATM. Annularis angels would possibly be more appropriate. I’ve got some angels lined up for my Gold Coast Seaway tank ( estuary tank number 2), such as Koran, bicolour, coral beauty. I’ll be looking to butterflies and triggers in Palau reef, over the angels.

[@australianbiotopes4563]

Looking good mate!

[@Worldslayer85]

Keep up the good work m8!! from NZ

[@australianaquarist]

I’ll certainly keep trying! Thanks for your support!

[@saf1671]

Those convict tangs have full bodies (don't tell them I said that). The few I've seen around the various hobbyist displays on forums do not look like that. Great job. Even better that you are able to collect them on your own. Very nice. I also have a Scopas which I love and damsels, well I have 11 Lyretails Damsels (Neopomacentrus azysron) from Biota. They bring the reef to live with all of the movement with multiple pairs spawning regularly. They really are great at hugging the reef structure. Keep up the great work. I enjoy the content - reminds me of a table talk over coffee or beverage. All the best.

[@australianaquarist]

It seems you and I have similar thoughts. I’ve been looking at the Neopomacentrus also. Not as bright, but cheap, cheerful and a good way of filling out some movement. Agreed with the convicts. I ALWAYS see skinny convicts…. Actually skinny tangs in general. Those convicts are about 5 inches long and about 1 inch thick!

[@VK4VO]

Fantastic video mate.

[@johnmaude5065]

I don’t know anything about saltwater fish, but the tank is really starting to look fantastic 😊

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks John! I trust you’re doing well?

[@johnmaude5065]

@@australianaquarist all good up here mate 👍

[@australianaquarist]

@johnmaude5065 warming up yet? Are the sand goannas on the move

[@johnmaude5065]

@@australianaquarist nah, still cold, only 38.9 degrees today lol 😂

[@petesfishroom1580]

Hi Adam. Another fantastic & informative video. What was your parrot doing when u told him off & called him a prick, lmfao. Can’t wait for the next episode. Sorry to hear about your fish losses. Take care m8. Pete 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@australianaquarist]

The feathered bugger had discovered he could get across from his branch, and was taking it upon himself to dismantle the roller door tracking!

[@petesfishroom1580]

Lmfao, he’s a naughty boy, l luv him. Cheers Pete

[@voultronix761]

I assume with monster its tough to get smaller cave dwellers but would be awesome to see ! Will continue to share your awesome videos 👏

[@australianaquarist]

Thank you greatly! I do appreciate your support. I think actually fish such as coral cardinals, sweeps and soldier fish would do fine. Being somewhat nocturnal, they’d be active and aware when Monster is moving around

[@insanity4224]

I actually love the damsels in your tank, they make it so natural. I have a small damsel in my tank that was bycatch with chromis so it only cost me $10 but I love it because it’s navy blue with iridescent blue edges on its fins and tail steamers. Can’t remember the species I don’t think it’s targeted by collectors. your tank is looking great 👍

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks Insanity! Damsels are definitely one of my favourites and actually the first group of fish that got me attracted to marine aquariums. Blue Devils and Humbugs!

[@SaltWaterSteve1]

It’s looking awesome mate. I can’t wait to have a huge display like that 😍

[@australianaquarist]

KZbin’s a weird thing hey. I didn’t know of your channel. You seem to get served up the usual stuff

[@Razgriz218]

Great video with a lot of information. Love the Palau reef tank!

[@australianaquarist]

Hey thanks very much. I’m pleased you enjoyed the video !

[@glub9075]

Cant wait for all the corals to fill out.

[@australianaquarist]

I’ve got a tonne of corals to buy to even get started! Bit by bit, slowly slowly. I can’t alert the wife!

[@glub9075]

@@australianaquarist Would love to see some fimbriaphyllia and acropora tenuis

[@australianaquarist]

@glub9075 highly unlikely on the fimbri’s. Acros and softies is the target. The closest I’d get to hammers etc, will be Heliofungia.

[@Vroomy1986]

Hey buddy thanks for the update!! Starting to fill out with fish and corals. I love domino damsels. Great work!

[@australianaquarist]

I’ve never kept domino’s. I reckon a great look would be an anemone cube with a family of domino’s and a pair of Clarks clowns

[@Vroomy1986]

@australianaquarist 100 percent they look amazing in the wild with the clowns. On that how good does Danny's shallow paludarium look!!! That tank would look incredible with a nice carpet anemone! Keep being an inspiration bud.

[@DJDDstrich]

I'll be honest I was quite doubtful of your background paint job, but seeing it mature out in this video has proven me wrong - It looks fantastic and just blends in. I would dearly love to see some fish collection videos, or a guide even. Do you think that could happen at some point? Looking very forward to hearing more about your other projects too! Keep it up mate.

[@australianaquarist]

Mate!!!! I can’t belief you doubted me! Oh well, Ive moved on. I should have mentioned I was an award winning artist in a previous life! Still, I agree with you, that it just blends in. In reality, once the corals and tank grow in, the background is going to be minimal. I’ve thought about the collection videos, but I think it’d be tricky. GoPro on a wrist or head strap. I’m not sure the footage would be all that valuable. I’d be happy to take you out sometime!

[@DJDDstrich]

@@australianaquarist haha well at least now we can both agree time heals all wounds including paint jobs. Re the collection videos - You might have some success emulating what The Fish Locker channel does when rock pooling. It's probably harder than it looks to do though. I definitely would love to come see how you do your thing at some point, thanks for the offer! Next year I hope to start a natural self-found tank if I can make it happen.

[@australianaquarist]

@DJDDstrich love it. There is definitely a sense of connection and pride from looking at a tank filled with fish you caught yourself. The common scissor tail sergeants that you collected with your son or mate, mean a lot more to you than the Genicanthus angel that came from across the world

[@DJDDstrich]

@@australianaquarist Absolutely agree!

[@darrenhammond1669]

My clown tang is great for Algae control . Never stops cleaning & eats everything you put in the tank

[@australianaquarist]

Nice one Darren! Mines too busy being bossy!

[@colinstevenson857]

Love your videos mate.. Im more freshwater.. Im thinking of making a 16 by 3 by 3 foot aquarium out of stainless 3mm angle..with just one centre brace all round . i will be housing my 8 adult oscars and large cats i have in my 10ft atm. im a boilermaker so i know the tank will be built strong.. seeing your reef tank has inspired me to do so.. i will be using 15mm 8ft glass panels that i will have to source, so i will keep you updated.. Cheers from Geelong.. btw beautiful eel :)

[@australianaquarist]

He is a beauty. He’s been a good boy now. Your proposed build sounds great. I would have liked to have used stainless steel but it was just too expensive, without me having trade pricing. You’ll have the ability to either polish it or do a brushed finish, without fear of it tea staining. Keep me posted.

[@SaltWaterSteve1]

I’ll definitely shout ya out in next my weeks vid mate

[@australianaquarist]

Nice I’ll check you out

[@SaltWaterSteve1]

@@australianaquarist Got nothing on your channel Adam your set ups are next level. I definitely will be building myself some large pond/Tanks Just need the $ and permission from the boss lady 🤣

[@devachapman6315]

Hey Adam, thanks for keeping me company while I eat dinner. bummer you lost some fish. the saddle back is a stunner for sure. looks like you got alot going on in the fish shed...you in the dog house?? have you and Reggie been excommunicated from the house? lol always nice to see your vids brother. keep the updates coming.

[@australianaquarist]

Rather I suspect I’m going through my male menopause!! The mid life crisis! Except there’s no red sports cars or swingers bars for me. I trust your meal was enjoyable enough to put up with listening to me!

[@devachapman6315]

@@australianaquarist ha I hear you. Same boat hear mid life crisis tank basement coming for me…hopefully. Yes, thank you meal was delicious and the company pretty good too. It’s so cool you can go collect some fish & inverts. What about coral are you allow to collect any or is that a bother permit?

[@australianaquarist]

@devachapman6315 we aren’t allowed to collect corals at all. Unless of course, you’ve got an industry licence

[@divviesthirdstream3938]

Can you breakdown your coral selection and some tips for each. Very big duncans im aspiring to get mine that large

[@australianaquarist]

I’m just starting to introduce corals into the tank- mainly to see what sps the butterflies will eat. If got an overall plan which I will share shortly. The next video out, will show some coral shopping I promise!

[@tyroneabnes87]

Beautiful eel, i dont know if you know the exact species, but its a gymnothorax isingteena, not a tessalata as many people confuse it to be, they have distinctive markings aswell as not having the yellowish hue of a tess. Unless you plan to keep smaller fishes like the yellow tail damsels, any tangs you put in there will be eaten, or even any fish.

[@australianaquarist]

Spot on being a G. isingteena. Check out the earlier videos. He’s been a model citizen with fish for the last few years, so I’m a bit surprised that he took those two wrasse. Though it makes sense he took wrasse, as wrasse really go almost comatose when they sleep. I hope he’s back to his non murderous ways. It’s been about 4 weeks now, with no further fish loss. I guess I’ll wait and see.

[@ahrondinar8782]

Tell us about the background. How did you do it looks stunning like a genuine deep blue down there...

[@australianaquarist]

Morning I’ve attached the link here to the video that shows me doing it. After sealing the tank with epoxy, I then got creative with different coloured marine polyurethane paints kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWiweGtnoqmXercsi=Pveo5hOChlrbqtUe

[@ahrondinar8782]

@australianaquarist amazing will have a look thanks a mill

[@Ravan_Caw]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@aaronarmstrongaa]

Is there a show on the lighting you used for this tank?

[@australianaquarist]

Not yet. I’ll be installing some led’s on the tank soon, so will make one then. Look out for that in the next few weeks

[@DEIVinci]

Do you think you'll be adding more oddballs in the future if you ever encounter them while out searching during a restock? Any ones in particular that you've been looking at getting?

[@australianaquarist]

Ahhh speaking my language. I did record a whole fish list section of the video, but thought it was getting a bit long. 1. Butterflies-Pacific Double Saddle, Yellow Long Nose, maybe Dot and Dash. 2. Niger triggers - probably 3 3. Flag tails and Garfish 4. Fusiliers maybe As well as crap loads of Chromis and damsels, and anthias

[@lyleground5081]

I find hippo tangs prefer a small same species group to hang out with

[@australianaquarist]

Yeah I’m thinking about getting a couple more. Probably two smaller ones

[@lyleground5081]

@@australianaquarist Great stuff. loving your setups and approach. Inspired me to start a cold water native species (Tassie) pond

[@australianaquarist]

@lyleground5081 ahhhhh now your talking. That empty peninsula tank in my shed, is at this stage, looking to become my third attempt at keeping kelp. This time I’ll chill the water. Done the high light, high flow, but I think the summer knocks it. Senator Wrasse, Southern Māori Wrasse…, One day I’d love to keep ornate or Shaws Cowfish

[@leecooper6486]

Still onl got audio...must ne be phon, because you guy's seem to see the visuals

[@VictorHHH7]

That’s a shame did you think they were vegetarian

[@australianaquarist]

Quite the opposite. My experience with Gymnothorax isingteena over many years of keeping this species, is that it has a strong preference for cephalods as its food source. Unlike G. favagineus which along with cephalopods will include fish. This individual had never eaten a fish in previous aquariums. Of course with any predator, there’s a risk. I calculated that risk and took it. Through witnessing the behaviour of the tank over the last 3-4 weeks, I’ve decided to continue to take a risk. I’ve many times witnessed predatory fish become “lazy” once settled in the new environment. I’d love to hear about your experiences with this species?

[@TrolltrainForever]

I had a moray start nipping my fish (Gymnothorax polyuranodon) I didn't count for growth. Anyway, starting feeding every other day and right before bed. Haven't had a problem since. That being said I plan on moving my moray to its own tank for peace of mind.

[@australianaquarist]

That’s interesting. That’s the freshwater moray you have? Those are usually shrimp/crustacean eaters

[@TrolltrainForever]

Yes, the freshwater. I can't explain, what look like bites. They match the size of its head.

[@australianaquarist]

What other fish are in the tank

[@TrolltrainForever]

@australianaquarist I keep the moray with a large group of silver dollars. They are far to large to be considered food, or so I thought. Should add that the moray is about 14inches or 36cm with the smallest silver dollar being about 10cm. Most are larger

[@australianaquarist]

@TrolltrainForever are THEY bickering amongst them selves? You could also leave a night light on nearby, or use a controllable light and program a moon light. That way it would be harder for the moray to sneak up during the night