biggest screw-ups?

[fixed]

Anyone do anything as stupid as this? Found a dead clown this morning. Using my long scissor/grabber thingy, I picked it up to dispose. Well, being a total oaf, I grabbed and smashed a shrimp there with the clown carcass as well. End of shrimp, dangit.
Maybe it would be good to have a thread on stupid moves to that others might learn and try not to repeat them.

 

[wax32]

I bet you'll use your hand next time.

 

[ouchthathu]

Originally Posted by Fixed
Maybe it would be good to have a thread on stupid moves to that others might learn and try not to repeat them.

How about setting up a used 55gal tank, adding 120lbs of oolitic sand and 100lbs of liverock all in the same afternoon... returning the next day to find a leak in the tank and all the saltwater on my office floor

 

[fixed]

That's my nightmare. I have my 55 in my brand new law office in a brand new building, and I'd just die if there were even a spot on the new carpet. I'm absolutely paranoid that I'll come in one day and find a blown hose connection with water everywhere .

 

[otto13]

My wife got mad one night and threw one of her shoes randomly in the room. It went right at my 55 gallon, the heel hit right in the middle and a penny sized hole appeared. It was kinda funny.... kinda.

 

[fixed]

She must be Italian. ;-)

 

[ouchthathu]

Originally Posted by Fixed
That's my nightmare. I have my 55 in my brand new law office in a brand new building, and I'd just die if there were even a spot on the new carpet. I'm absolutely paranoid that I'll come in one day and find a blown hose connection with water everywhere .

Let me add one more.... I did it twice with the same tank. After the first incident at my office I replaced the tank with a brand new one and took the old one home. Cleaned it and resealed it. Set it up again (this time adding only water at 10 gal increments until I hit 40gallons). It sat for 3 days without a drop of water leaking. I then added the sand and som live rock (not nearly as much as what I did with my office tank). I was 8 days into the cycle and came home to find it empty (again) and water all over my floor. That afternoon I took a sledge hammer to the tank and disposed of it.

 

[fixed]

So, is the lesson never to buy a used tank, or just let it sit filled with fresh water for a month in the garage first?

 

[murph]

Actually this is the reason everyone in the hobby should install tile floors before ever buying a tank. Say no to rugs.
If I can ever afford the living room display type tank I will also be installing at the vary least some tile curbing if not waist high wall around the display area, marcite it out and any flooding will be contained to that six by six area.