Help! Need info and tips about keeping these fish!

[jmarino]

Ok, here is the specs on my tank

30 gal. bow tank
30 whisper filter
The bubble making thingy
Basically all other noob items

Here are the fish (or inverts/live rock) that i want

1 1/2 lbs. of live rock
A clown fish or two
A long tentacle anemone
A yellow tang
Some coral

can anyone tell me if this is a good idea and can people list other good ideas into the list? Thanks and please respond.

[jmarino]

And can anyone tell me if i can get a power compact light at just a regular pet/fish store or do i order it online because i found some pretty strong regular lights in pet stores saying theyre for anemones.

[Reefscape]

i presume you mean 1.5lbs per gallon there mate?

Clown fish would be fine...long tenticle nem i would suggest no in a 30, may interfere with anything that is near by...tang is a no no in my opinion, very bear minimum i would suggest is 55gal and that is only as a temporary measure..Corals, research them and list some suggestions taking your lighting into concideration...

When you refer to "regular" lights, can you be a little more specific..I.E correct type whether it be T5, Power compacts VHO ( very high output ) ...

Niko

[jmarino]

I am not sure what theyre exactly called but theyre powerful lights shaped like a rod

[Reefscape]

when you next go back to the shop, get a make and model and look at the wattage of them and post the info on here...the shop will give you that info...

Niko

[jmarino]

ok. but i dont want to be annoying to the people so i will just look on the box

[Germanman]

i presume you mean 1.5lbs per gallon there mate?

Clown fish would be fine...long tenticle nem i would suggest no in a 30, may interfere with anything that is near by...tang is a no no in my opinion, very bear minimum i would suggest is 55gal and that is only as a temporary measure..Corals, research them and list some suggestions taking your lighting into concideration...


Niko

i agree

[Reefscape]

jmarino...the lfs would not mind you asking at all mate, never think of it as bothering or annoying them..Just ask mate, they will help you get the info about the lights...

Niko

[jmarino]

ok. I will just not go into full detail about it to them

[jmarino]

Does anyone know of easy, nice looking corals i could put in my tank?

[Germanman]

how long the tank been going? most soft corals will do mushrooms, star polyps, and leathers.

[jmarino]

its starting in a week

[jmarino]

I just need a jump start so i dont do anyting stupid

[Germanman]

ah id wait at last 3 weeks if not a month or two after the cycle is completely done

[jmarino]

ok. i already have 9 months of experience

[Squawkbert]

9 months for you, but if your tank is at 0, you want to complete the nitrogen cycle before adding any inverts or fish (I'm assuming a fishless cycle here).

Please read the FAQs, starter guides etc. You'll save yourself many headaches and lots of $ by doing so.

[jmarino]

ok. but out of curiosity, how long does it take?

[jmarino]

the nitrogen cycle?

[Germanman]

like i said i would let the tank mature a month or two. corals are sensitive they need stability.

[jmarino]

does that mean no fish for two months?

[jmarino]

Or no coral?

[Germanman]

coral and thats just what i recommend sooner can be done with experience. fish can be added after the cycle.

[Magpen]

What everyone is saying is wait for the nitrogen cycle(ammonia appears and spikes then decreases, nitrites appear and spikes then decreases, nitrates appear and increase) to finish before adding any fish to the tank at all. It is cruel IMO to add fish to cycle the tank. Germanmann is advising that you wait two more months after the cycle finishes to start adding soft corals because the tank parameters should have stabalized by then.
As far as how long it will take for the cycle to be complete will depend on how much "live" rock you have in the tank. Generally, it takes anywhere from 3-8 weeks. Don't short cut this step though. It is very important to properly establish the cycle to have a good setup in SW.

[jmarino]

ok. but with my 30 gal how much live rock could i have without filling the tanks with rocks?

[Germanman]

ok. but with my 30 gal how much live rock could i have without filling the tanks with rocks?

can u be more specific on that? that was a bit confusing of a question . u mean if u use a filter instead of the rock for filtration?

[jmarino]

yea or just enough to keep it healthy with the filter

[jmarino]

yea or just enough to keep it very healthy with the filter

[Germanman]

i would recommend no less than 1 lb per gallon but its up to u. if its a money issue u can get half live rock and half dead rock.

[jmarino]

dead rock?

[Germanman]

its called base rock has not growth on it. just dry. the live rock u get will in time spread onto it and make it live.

[jmarino]

could i put rocks fom lets say outside in the yard and put them in the tank on the live sand or rock and then they will become live?

[jmarino]

And is it hard to take care of a rose coral? i saw one in a beginners section and i want to know what i have to do to keep it healthy.

[Reefscape]

answer really is no regarding the rock from the yard...Live rock is a very pourous rock..

Yes, rose corals are quite easy to take care of, provide medium lighting and flow and feed on planton every week...

Niko

[jmarino]

what exactly is medium lighting?

[Reefscape]

ha ha ha...quite a broad question.....

people used to gauge lighting by watts per gallon, for example, a certian corals needs about 3 watts per gallon, this theory is not really used anymore as advanced lighting types become available...

I class medium lighting like VHO or power compact lighting, where as a high lighting i would class as metal halide...

There are two ways of classing lighting levels i suppose...one way as above and the other to class lighting is by how many watts you provide for the tank which, of course, is always going to be different as every tank is of a different size ( length and depth etc etc )..

Just a basic opinion of course...

Niko

[jmarino]

How do i fit a power compact into my tank?

[Reefscape]

That will all depend on the construction of your hood/canopy, space available, ability to secure the light tubes etc etc

Niko

[jmarino]

how do i get a flow going through my tank? A filter? The bubble making thingy?

[Reefscape]

flow is achieved by the use of powerheads. These are basically just compact water pumps which you attach inside the tank and pointed in certain directions..Another method of getting flow in the tank is via a closed loop system. A closed loop is simply a powerfull pump that sucks water out of the tank and then pumps back in the tank at different areas and directions..the beauty of a closed loop is that you dont have to have powerheads sticking all over the tank if your trying to acheive fast flow...

Niko

[jmarino]

eeerrrrrrr... where could i get those?

[Reefscape]

most lfs that deal in marine equipment or places like http://www.marinedepot.com

The powerheads you get need to match your requirements though

Niko

[jmarino]

do regular pet stores sell these too?

[Reefscape]

could not begin to answer that one mate...every store stocks vaired equipment..

Niko

[jmarino]

ok... I'll refine that. Do MOST pet stores sell that equipment?

[Reefscape]

ha ha ha ha....yes if its a fish related pet store...lol

Niko

[jmarino]

ok. now i got it

[jmarino]

If i got an anemone, will it harm other fish even if theyre "reef safe"? And should i put an anemone on top of live rock?

[Reefscape]

depends on the nem you buy...but, you dont want to be adding a nem to the system for ata least a year, it needs to be mature and have excellent water conditions..

Niko

[jmarino]

well, i know the year part and i want a long tentacle anamone ( it might be called a bubble tip but im not sure. whichever one hosts the clown fish).

[jmarino]

If anyone has any ideas of beginner fish or inverts that i could put into my tank please write them down here.

[rockethippo]

Clowns, Chromises, Damsels. Lots more

[jmarino]

and what are the lots more?

[jmarino]

and i thought damsels were agressive

[Reefscape]

they can be aggressive yes, but, the question was to list fish that are easy to take care of....am damsels are easy to take care of...

Niko

[jmarino]

ok, i have had damsels in the past and they were very aggressive. can anyone list some fish that are NOT aggressive and easy to take care of? Inverts too!

[jmarino]

And can people tell me how skimmers are necessary and what can't live without them?

[Subliminal]

Wow. Your questions sound like mine from a month ago.

If I were you, I'd do MUCH reading before doing anything.

Go to www.liveaquaria.com and look through the fish they have. They have good write-ups on every fish they sell, and a compatibility chart that tells what they will get along with.

For filtration, there's many ways of doing it. A buddy of mine has a tank he's kept running, trouble free, for YEARS now with an undergravel filter. It's the old school way, but also the cheapest, and if you are very careful, it's very effective.

The newer way is to have lots of live rock. With the live rock you also need good flow, to push the water thru the live rock, which is so porous that it has stuff growing inside and out, so when the water flows thru it, it filters it.

Skimmers just take out nitrates from the water. They make bubbles, and the crap that you can't see in the water is attracted to the bubbles and yadda yadda...

As for where to get equipment, your best bet (if on a budget) is NOT your LFS. Your best bet is in the classified sections of boards like this, or reef central or if you're lucky you might even have a local club with a forum.

You just need to read read read before you do anything else.

[jmarino]

how do iget the water to flow?

[jmarino]

Do filters and bubble things do it? cuz with my first tank they made a current throughout the tank. And could my Whisper 30 filter, if used with live rock, replace a skimmer?

[jmarino]

And can u guys make it as simply said as possible? some of u guys r using very confusing words. If u need to use a confusing word, please tell me what it means...

[Subliminal]

Dude. You just need to read. All of these questions could be answered by reading threads on this and many other forums, as well as even just looking through a Dr. Foster's and Smith catalog, or viewing their website.

[jmarino]

not the skimmer stuff

[Subliminal]

You should browse through these 40 pages of skimmer related posts in the newbie section:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1444127

After you get done with that, ask what questions you still have.

[jmarino]

ok :angel: lol

[Michael Marino]

Yes that is my little brother uhh basicly what he is saying is he wants a long Anm.

[Michael Marino]

Read and find my freind, that is the beauty of the internet. Maybe start off with wikipedia.net to find a broad array of questions and then ask something still un answered instead of using up forum space :) Also visit your LFS for advice and price estimates.

[Germanman]

Read and find my freind, that is the beauty of the internet. Maybe start off with wikipedia.net to find a broad array of questions and then ask something still un answered instead of using up forum space :) Also visit your LFS for advice and price estimates.

i agree that reasearch is the best way to go but dont ever feel pressured not to ask questions. maybe start a new thread for each though. and careful with Wiki its not always correct, but general ideas are usually fine.

[fishcatch22]

for the record, "bubbler things" do not do much of anything and don't really have a place in a marine tank (except to drive certian types of supplemental filtration). your whisper filter is also completely uneccessary, but can be used to create a flow in the tank. the basic equipment you MUST have for your marine tank are a powerhead, strong lighting of at least 3-8 WPG depending on the corals you want, and a protein skimmer.

also, FTR most reef fish are aggressive to some extent, as in a coral reef they claim a spot on the reef for themselves and defend it from those who try to invade it. some good common fish that are realtively peaceful are clownfish (they do not need an anemone at all and many don't even know how to use one if they're tank bred) psudochromis, gobies, firefish, most blennies, and some types of dwarf angelfish. be VERY sure to thoroughly reseach any fish you plan on keeping, as most marine fish need special care and even clownfish will need a good knowlegde base on your part for you to successfully care for them.

some good inverts would be most kinds of snails and shrimp, some crabs (be VERY careful to make sure the crab you want is not one that will eat corals/fish!). as for corals, mushroom corals,leather corals, and most colony polyps are good for begginers and need only about 3 WPG (which would mean you need to have at least 90 watts of light over your tank.)

[jmarino]

My whisper filter can be used for flows? would an anemone be able to live with that type of flow? And what are the other things that make flows?

[jmarino]

And whats a power head?

[Subliminal]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=powerhead&btnG=Google+Search

[jmarino]

thanks

[jmarino]

but WHAT are they and what do they do???

[jmarino]

And what is their price range?

[Subliminal]

Sigh.

Did you even look at the link?

The first link is to a page selling powerheads of different sizes and prices.

[Michael Marino]

Material list
SOME TIMES I FORGET TO SAY THAT YOU MUST USE INSTANT OCEAN BRAND SALT. I LEARNED THIS SO LONG AGO, AND SO MANY TIMES, THAT I THINK EVERY ONE JUST DOES IT. YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST RESULTS WITH INSTANT OCEAN.
1) 55 gallon show aquarium 48" long
2) 1-Visi-jet protein skimmer
3) 2-Maxi-jet power heads (1000)
4) 1- heater
5) 2-4 ft 40 watt "Triton" bulbs with end caps
6) 1-4 ft 40 watt "Blue moon" bulbs with end caps
7) ballast for 3 40 watt bulbs
8) 1-"Triton" enhancer light cover
9) 40 lbs. seeded live rock
10) 80 lbs. Aragonite base rock
11) 50 Mixed snails and 32 Mexican red legged hermit crabs
12) base rock for attaching research invertebrates


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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I set up the 55 gallon reef tank by placing the protein skimmer in the back corner. I use the dry base rock to construct a loosely spaced stack that allows water to circulate. I operate the skimmer with the flow adjustment open to the highest flow. This high flow rate allows the skimmer to produce a profusion of small air bubbles. During the fist several weeks of operation I keep the air valve open all the way. Direct the extra bubbles along the back of the rock pile.

After the tank is stocked with corals I remove the bottom deflector so that any excess bubbles rise up the out side of the skimmer tube. I believe this extra aeration is beneficial to the system. I have had no problems with the extra air in any of systems I am running.

The "Maxi-jet" power heads are used to create a flow across the front of the tank. I do not fix one of the power heads in any one position because moving it around creates different currents in the tank. I have found that by turning the power head slightly each time I observe the tank I can create flow patterns that keep the detritris from clogging the live rocks. I have observed polyps feeding on the debris from these "mini-storms". It does not require much movement from the power head to create a large change in current in the reef tank. This change in current is very easy to observe in the long tentacle type corals.

When first establishing these reef tanks, after adding the 40 lbs of seeded live rock, I do not feed the system at all for the first two months. Place the Triton and Blue Moon lights on the tank and cover them with a Triton Enhancer. Leave the lights on for 14 hours a day. I have found that each tank goes thru a definite series of blooms. During the first month you can expect the entire tank to turn brown. This brown bloom is made up of diatoms. This is the time when to 50 mixed snails first earn their keep.

During this phase you may have to empty the skimmer cup each day. If the waste material seems watery or clear simply move the skimmer up in the tank by sliding the suction cups up. You can learn to control the skimmer by watching the red band that holds the powerhead in place. If the red band is below the water line the skimmer will remove more water. If the red band is above the water line the skimmer will remove a darker liquid.

The only maintenance that is need on these skimmers is a simple vinegar bath if the amount of foam starts to decrease. When we notice the skimmer is slowing down we simply remove the power head and run it in a pint of warm - NOT HOT - white vinegar for an hour. After a short rinse in fresh water the skimmer is ready for several more weeks of use.

THESE ARE THE BEST THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR TANK EACH WEEK


SeaChem Reef +
SeaChem Reef Complete
SeaChem Reef Calcium
THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT YOUR MAKE UP WATER
Only fresh water needs to be added to tank as water level goes down. The salt will stay in your tank.
Use 1 tablespoon of Pickeling Lime per 2 gallons of fresh water.
Repeat this three times when you add fresh water. Use SeaChem Reef Builder the forth time you add fresh water.
Start over and use the lime three more times before you add the SeaChem Reef builder again.
WATER CHANGES
Change 5 gallons each month to replace minerals . The more water you change the better the reef will do.

[Michael Marino]

Maxi Jet 1000 Power Head

This is a multi-use submersible pump, ideal for powering undergravel filters and creating water movement. Silent motor protected against overheating. High output with low power consumption. It has a fully sealed impeller chamber, triple suction mount, adjustable hook with cable guide. Can be used with both fish and invertebrates. Max flow rate 291 gph.

Specifications:
This item is UL listed, uses 20 watts, 120 volts, max flow rate: 291 gph, max head height: 69", power cord is 6'.

Size:
2"L x 2"W x 2 1/2"H

Warranty:
Two year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.




Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days.

198202$17.99

[Reefscape]

120lbs of rock in a 55gal? seems a little much to me...just an opinion of course...


Niko

[Michael Marino]

Yea i know it is taht was copy and pasted definatly not my tank ahaha

[jmarino]

i looked at the link. i just couldnt find what i was looking for...

[jmarino]

Whats a refugium and is it something that i need? if so, what does it do?

[Reefscape]

a refugium is either a section in a sump or a hang on the back type that usually contains a deep sand bed, live rock rubble and macro algae..The live rock and sand bed act as additional filtration for the display tank and the macro algae is there to out-compete any algae in the display tank for nitrates and phosphates which keep algae in the display tank ( hopefully ) near nothing...

Refugium ( fuge ) is not a "got to have" thing, its just an added bonus to the system and helps out loads in tank maintenance if your system is a reef...

Niko

[jmarino]

oh, ok. thanks for the post. but do anemones need a current in the tank? and if so, does my 30 whisper filter make that current?

[Reefscape]

yes, everything needs current, of varying levels in a marine tank..how much will depend on the type of nem that you get after about a year of the tank maturing some what....

Niko

[jmarino]

Does my filter make a current though? enough for a long tentacle nem?

[Reefscape]

probablt not, i would imagine your gonna need more water movement in the tank..cant really answer properly till you have the tank and everything together...

Niko

[Germanman]

probablt not, i would imagine your gonna need more water movement in the tank..cant really answer properly till you have the tank and everything together...

Niko
yup i would go with some powerheads in addition to ur whisper.

[Michael Marino]

German Man is correct. I whould strongly suggest ( even if a cheap one) a protine skimmer and definatly a power head. From what I understand , not to discurage you, have a lot of reading to do. This is a beautiful site for this. Before posting make sure it is an unaswered question as well ;)

[Germanman]

and maybe start a new thread thsi one is getting kinda long (i know ur proud of it...lol) but it gets hard to read it all for a new poster.:)

[Michael Marino]

Yea 90 Post Strong and counting. I whould say stick but this information is well.... you say usless ahaha just kidding.

[musho3210]

ok a skimmer is not a mechanical or biological form of filtration so the wisper wont be the replacement. Ok a simple run down on skimmers is
A skimmer works at molecular level, the ions (positive or negative atoms) in fish poop is negative and air bubbles are positive. Free floating dissolved fish waste is attracted to these bubbles in the skimmer chamber. The bubbles then flow up the chamber into the foam area. From there it will pop releasing all the fish poop into a cup. They indirectly lower nitrates. Although it might seem simple, its hard to find the right skimmer, do not get air powered skimmers, they are useless and a waste of money, do not get prism skimmers, they are useless and a waste of money. What you want is a good quality, reverse flow venturi skimmer. These are actually worth the money. Of course tehre are dozens of brands and most of them are also rip offs so you will need to find the right brand. All i know of a good brand is AquaC, coralife is okish but the lower models have a tendancy to break down.

You will probably need a skimmer if you are doing a reef tank, if you arent having a reef tank and dont want a skimmer, you will need to do more water changes. Personally, the expensive cost of skimmer saves more money than constantly buying more salt mix. Of course, skimmer or not you will still need to change water, just that if you have the skimmer maybe a bit less.

[jmarino]

ok, but what isthe price range for the god skimmers? I got kind of a money issue with this tank so i need the least priced one possible.

[Michael Marino]

33.99 for VisiJet ...... did you do any research?

[Michael Marino]

http://www.garf.org/bullet.html WILL GIVE YOU THE CHEAPEST WAY AROUND A REEF Tank. Also a little research will help.

[skateroffallen]

mate, if the people at the store think your annoying or dont want to help you then they are not worth buying from. if you have questions always ask.

[Michael Marino]

Amen
mate, if the people at the store think your annoying or dont want to help you then they are not worth buying from. if you have questions always ask.

[Germanman]

mate, if the people at the store think your annoying or dont want to help you then they are not worth buying from. if you have questions always ask.
yup at my old work it was customer first...most stores just see money though.

[musho3210]

this saying sums up the hobby

You get what you pay for

Getting a good quality skimmer will be in the hundreds, AquaC makes good skimmers, runs in the hundreds, coralife from what ive heard are ok to save a few pennies but the pumps break down easily in the earlier models.

Visijet isnt so good, sure its better than air powered ones but there pretty bad quality

[Germanman]

this saying sums up the hobby

You get what you pay for

Getting a good quality skimmer will be in the hundreds, AquaC makes good skimmers, runs in the hundreds, coralife from what ive heard are ok to save a few pennies but the pumps break down easily in the earlier models.

Visijet isnt so good, sure its better than air powered ones but there pretty bad quality
amen:)

[musho3210]

http://www.reefaquariumguide.com/forum/aquariums-filtration-calcium-reactors/76513-visijet-skimmer.html

theres a review of the visijet

http://www.fishlore.com/aquacremoraprotein-skimmer.htm

theres a review of the AquaC, choose for yourself

[jmarino]

ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 30 gal cracked when i was cleaning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Need new info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!
Getting a 55 GAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WITH ALL NOOB STUFF NEED NEW IDEAS!!!!!!!!!!

[Germanman]

same as before but for a 55 gallon but larger. more rock, stronger lighting etc. let us know what comes with it and well all help ya piece things together.

[Reefscape]

Suggest starting a new thread for the new tank or else this will end up being lost due to its length...

No need for the same questions as before as they have all been answered in this thread, just read through what has been talked about. As G'man mentioned above, just more rock and stronger lighting. All the principles discussed in this thread apply to the 55 gal your getting..

Thank you..

Niko

[Michael Marino]

Its a shame but happens to everyone maybe its a sighn to take everything a little slower

[jmarino]

wait... i MIGHT get a 29 gal...

[Michael Marino]

Huh Keep us posted BTW nice last name ahah

[jmarino]

ok... ty lol

[jmarino]

ok... i guess i have to make a new thread.


P.S. I'm getting a 30 gallon tank. My new one will be called suggestions on keeping a30 gal.

[jmarino]

well, it was nice having the posts...