The next step

J Feez · #1 01-11-2006, 05:29 PM

Sorry about that I didn't realize my location wasn't showing. I live in the SW of Calgary.

I figured it would be too early to be putting anenome's in my tank, especially for their price.

But if anyone has some live rock they're looking to get rid of in the Calgary area I may be interested.

christyf5 · #2 01-11-2006, 06:04 PM

Definitely try to get more rock in your tank. When I started out I didn't really have enough LR but because of the price I thought I could get by without it. I had all sorts of problems with algae and such. After getting more rock, the algae wasn't so bad but it still had a foothold and I wished I had bought more rock earlier. I would definitely try to get more rock in there before you increase your bioload.

The addition of more rock will also allow you to ditch the mechanical filtration (only if you want to). The mechanical filter is something that you really have to watch and clean fairly often as lots of detritus can build up and any sponges inside can become nitrate factories for bacteria.

It sounds like you have a pretty good setup though

danny zubot · #3 01-11-2006, 06:14 PM

Sounds to me like you have your first steps in order. Now you can look forward to lots of trial and error, upgrades, downgrades, good times and bad, through sickness and health.......

In other words your sucked in now.

Ruth · #4 01-11-2006, 06:21 PM

What they said and welcome! The other thing to consider with an anemone is that they are fairly light demanding if you want to get one to hose clownfish and you may want to consider a light upgrade before you consider one of these creatures.

J Feez · #5 01-11-2006, 06:29 PM

As I've read more I've been reconsidering my lighting choice, but again money is and has been the limiting factor for getting the best of everything I need. Going used I'm sure is the cheapest route. Slowly but surely is the process I've adopted and from what I've read it's really the most sensible as well!

J Feez · #6 01-11-2006, 06:19 PM

I will put all available funds towards some LR then!

I have been told that I should look at getting rid of the mechanical filtration, however, I don't have a sump. Is that going to make it a problem? And to be honest with you I don't know all that much about the sump system and how it works and even how easy it would be to add one to my set-up.

Whereabouts in Nanaimo do you live? I lived there for 9 years.

christyf5 · #7 01-11-2006, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Feez

I will put all available funds towards some LR then!

I have been told that I should look at getting rid of the mechanical filtration, however, I don't have a sump. Is that going to make it a problem? And to be honest with you I don't know all that much about the sump system and how it works and even how easy it would be to add one to my set-up.

Whereabouts in Nanaimo do you live? I lived there for 9 years.

I live in Scarewood (Harewood) near Malaspina College.

The mechanical filtration is fine, I just think that after you get more rock you won't need it. Plus the weekly cleaning and such will become a chore.

Theres nothing wrong with buying used. I have hardly bought anything new, I've just upgraded when something better used came available. Money is tight in this hobby and quite frankly I need it for more corals

Your lighting seems fine, but remember you'll be restricted to lower light corals but theres plenty of great tanks out there that aren't lit with blinding lights

J Feez · #8 01-11-2006, 06:44 PM

Sorry the weekly cleaning of the filter? Or the weekly cleaning of the tank because there is no filter?

It's like I'm talking on msn right now haha

christyf5 · #9 01-11-2006, 06:46 PM

Well I've never had a mechanical filter on my tank before but they get filled with crud pretty quickly. All that crud makes a happy home for bacteria which in turn produce nitrates which affect your water quality for both fish and corals. In order to get that out of there I would imagine you'd have to clean it pretty often, whether it would be every week or every two weeks I'm not sure.

danny zubot · #10 01-11-2006, 07:00 PM

As far as fluvals are concerned, what I've done in the past is run only carbon and bio balls or live rock in them. It significantly cuts down on the nitrate, and increases the flow through the filter for your carbon to utilize.

As far as your light is concerned, 96 watt Pc's will keep some anemone's happy. Considering that light is only one way for an anemone to feed, you'll have to have a regular regiment of feeding the anemone. I've kept Condalactis and BTA's under about 100 watts of light, but thats me. I'd continue to research this topic befor jumping in.

Another alternative for your sandbed is to go bare bottom. It seems to becoming more popular and has even tempted me (die hard SB supporter) to ditch my sand from time to time. I think that crushed coral is only good for FOWLR tanks. (fish only with live rock)