View Full Version : live rock and light
superlynx
06-06-2008, 11:53 AM
Sorry for all the newbie questions.
My tank is currently is fish only with a vulvu canister filter. It is running good. After reading a bit from the forum, I am thinking that I want to put in some live rock (and still keep it fish only). My light is not very good, just a old neon. Do I have to upgrade the lamp and do I have to set it on a timer. Thanks for all the knowledge.
To get the bulk of the natural filtration benefits of live rock, it doesn't require any specific amount of light. You wouldn't have to upgrade lighting. There are some photosynthetic critters that might come on live rock you might buy that wouldn't be able to survive, but the bacteria themselves do not require any light.
superlynx
06-06-2008, 1:40 PM
Thanks. Since I will be keep using my current filtration system, does it matter how much live rock that I will be putting in?
If you want to gradually phase out your canister filter, then yes, it will matter. If not, you can add in as little or as much live rock as you want to make whatever rock structures you would like.
im_a_tidyman
06-06-2008, 3:04 PM
now wouldnt it be nice to phase out that filter....lol
superlynx
06-06-2008, 4:52 PM
I don't even know that is possbile until yesterday. I will have to work up to it.
Why bother phasing out your filter? You could phase out the bio media but I would keep the filter, a: for extra flow and b: use it to run chemical media such as carbon/phos remover and filter wool to catch debris (this would have to be changed regularly thought)
Slappy*McFish
06-08-2008, 7:38 PM
Agree with Wayne^...fill it with carbon/phosphate remover/etc.
Instead of using filter wool 'inside' the canister, it would be much easier to just use a foam prefilter on the intake. You could clean it without having to open up the filter as frequently.
Amphiprion
06-08-2008, 8:04 PM
I agree with the two above posts. It is handy to keep that filter for various media, which will make things a bit easier/cleaner in the long run.
superlynx
06-09-2008, 3:11 PM
Thanks for all the advice. I think I will keep my current setup and put about 20-25 pounds in my 55 gallons to just test it out.
noskimmer
06-10-2008, 6:10 AM
ok, superlynx (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/member.php?u=87365), I don't know what sort of LR you have, where you have sourced it from etc. however there are some important considerations to take.
Does the LR you have purchased smell (I'm not talking of fresh salt water)?
Does it have any visible living organisms on it?
Has it been in the LFS in the dark for weeks (possibly months)
How quickly have you been able to transport it home and place it in your tank?
These questions are important when introducing LR into a tank which has established inhabitants.
If it smells, or has been in transit, then there is a potential for an ammonia spike.
If it has living organisms on it, or is very fresh from the reef, then of course light would guarantee the survival and growth of these organisms.
If it has been kept in the dark for weeks or months (as it commonly is.. light cost money) and you have been able to introduce it to your tank quickly from the LFS then it probably would be very well cured, and not require any light or special attention.
Hope this helps..
superlynx
06-10-2008, 6:16 PM
Thanks. I have not purchase any yet. I did go to a LFS, but they said they still need two weeks to cured their. I also stop at petsmart, their fish and live rocks do not look too good. I will visit a few more shops to see.
superlynx
06-18-2008, 5:22 PM
Here is the new LR. only 20 pounds. I will look for one or two more pieces. Want to upgrade my light, please advise.
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/tank20080617a.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/tank20080617b.jpg
noskimmer
06-19-2008, 4:24 AM
Tank looks like it's off to a good start! I love the juvenile emperor's. It is hard to say about the lights and the rock from these pic's, however you should be able to see if there is anything on them... well that isn't really true as you would be amazed what can be on it and given the chance to thrive will eventuate. Some close ups would be good.
superlynx
07-02-2008, 3:10 PM
There are more color stuff on the rock now. Still want to upgrade my light, will look around more this weekend.
Rocks.
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Rock20080702a.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Rock20080702b.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Rock20080702c.jpg
superlynx
07-02-2008, 3:13 PM
Here are some pics of my fast growing blowfish. He is getting big quick really fast. We were only gone away for a short vacation.
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Puffer20080702a.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Puffer20080702b.jpg
superlynx
07-19-2008, 9:41 PM
This hobby is addicting. Here are some new pics of my rocks and how my tank is now.
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Rock20080719a.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Rock20080719c.jpg
My Tank
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Tank20080719a.jpg
superlynx
07-19-2008, 9:43 PM
Here new pic of my puffer and angel.
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Angel20080719.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Puffer20080719a.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/superlynx/fishes/Puffer20080719b.jpg
superlynx
07-20-2008, 10:16 AM
Lights - I got a coralife 48" - 130w (65w x 2) with blue and white tubes.
My tank is 55 gallons.
I hope this is enough light for now.
Catpicklesdog
07-20-2008, 12:52 PM
If staying FOWLR then the lights you have are perfectly adequate.
Love the puffer by the way!:drool:
BToast
07-20-2008, 7:09 PM
Tank seems to be coming along nicely, good job!
lawnman
07-21-2008, 7:22 PM
How is your live rock doing? Did you up grade your light?
superlynx
07-22-2008, 2:41 PM
I upgrade the light to a 48" 130W Coralife light. It sure is brighter. Next upgrade will be t5 HO, but I probably get another tank first.
Rocks are looking good. It is kewl late at night with the flash light. I even put in a powerhead to get better flow.
I was wondering if anyone has experience with night light? Are they worth it?
Have you thought about getting some base rock? It is cheap, and in time (about a year) Will become live as well. Just a thought. Tank looks good by the way.