What do I need to keep live rock?

M

Mr. Pez

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Dec 28, 2002
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Toronto, Canada
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I've been keeping fish for the better part of my life and wish to enter the wonderful world of saltwater fish keeping. I've been reading tons of stuff in books and on the net but I still want to take things slow...Very slow.

At the moment I have an empty 17 gallon tank, aquaclear 150 power filter, aquaclear 301 + quick filter, 15 watt power glo fluorescent light...I know that this equipment is geared to the freshwater aquaria but I was wondering if this would suffice in keeping just Live rock, live sand and maybe a fish or 2. I don't plan on keeping corals or anenomes yet.

Also what else would I need?...Obviously salt and a hydrometer but what else?

Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks a bunch
 
A 17 gallon tank is doable but it does have sever limitations. You may be able to keep only 1 or 2 fish plus some inverts.

If you are planning on keeping live rock then I suggest you remove any media from the AC 150. It will end up creating high levels of nitrates. Just use it as a source of water movement and potential place to use activated carbon if needed.

You will need considerable more light if you plan on keeping even the simplest of corals.

You will probably also want to have a sand bed for a base along with the 1-1.5 pounds of LR per gallon.
 
From what I've heard... LR and most (if not all) fish can survive with no light at all. There are some little critters on the rock that will die with no light, but the bacteria doesn't require any light and so the LR can still filter your water for you.
 
My personal preference is to use no filtration, and go with a good skimmer and lots of circulation, either from powerheads or a closed loop. The aquaclear can be used for circulation also, if you remove the media. A lot of people recommend circulation rates about 10 X the tank volume per hour. I use somewhere over 20X.

The lighting will be fine, unless something really cool (like a coral) comes in on the live rock, then you might want to order better lights.
 
Best Live Rock Information

I would recommend checking out www.aquariumarts.com...they have great information on how and why Live Rock is essential. They seem to be extremely knowledgeable. I have actually ordered Live Rock from them and really cannot believe how fantastic their product is. I know it is from FIJI...and comes fully "CURED" and brimming with life...lovely red and pink rock...really a must see...! GOOD LUCK
 
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