My own newbie thread

[iidylii]

Ok yeah maybe the silicone will seal a little easier that way...like I said I have a 125 gallon sump so I'm not pressed for space so exact precision is not super important as long as the divider is somewhat in the vicinity lol

 

[lmforbis]

If you use silicone you need to let it cure about a week before you re fill it with water to make sure no toxins get into your water.

 

[jay0705]

What about aquarium sealer? Yea/ nea?

 

[bang guy]

What about finding a plastic container that's a close fit and filling it halfway with sand or rock to keep it in place?

 

[iidylii]

Not a huge deal...just trying to eliminate a step :~} may as well take your time and do it the right way

 

[iidylii]

What about finding a plastic container that's a close fit and filling it halfway with sand or rock to keep it in place?

And then just sit the algae in the container with the live rock?

I'm wondering if the algae would slowly make it's way out of the container?

Your right though that just may work :~}

 

[lmforbis]

If you use chaeto, in my experience, it tends to wad up into a ball the just gets bigger. A few strands escape but not much.

 

[jay0705]

Agreed. Cheato stays pretty much together

 

[bang guy]

And then just sit the algae in the container with the live rock?

I'm wondering if the algae would slowly make it's way out of the container?

Your right though that just may work :~}

cut holes in the container where appropriate for water flow and plug them with nylon screen or plastic netting.

 

[beaslbob]

So my next question is...I work at somewhat of a water treatment plant...I'm wondering if it would be ok to use the water we produce...what it does is first goes through the RO filters...then travels through carbon media and then goes through our zeolite media...would this be ok to fill my tank with this water? I'm not sure what other info u may need but lemme know :~}. It would sure beat using my own rodi system up at home I would say lol

YES!!!!!
phosphate and nitrates are not worthy of concern as they are consumed by the (macro) algae in the tank.

 

[beaslbob]

I'm just curious why the ph doesn't matter? And the 7.4 was after adding salt :~}

PH is affected mainly by carbon dioxide. The low pH IMHO is a concern not because pH is low but because the co2 is high. After conditioning in tank with circulation and most especially algae, the pH will rise.

If it stays low then you do have a serious problem. Way too much co2. but then macro algaes will prevent that anyway.
my .02

 

[iidylii]

ok so im about to order my first live stock to go into my tank...hopefully im not overdoing it lol heres is a list and im not quite sure if its ok for this many urchins so that's why im posting here before I hit "buy it now"

long spine, short spine, pincushion, hairy pincushion urchin...variety of hermits...variety of snails...coral banded shrimp...couple emeralds and porcelain crabs...sally light foot...brittle and serpent stars...oh and a two spot goby and 3 pajamas

 

[lmforbis]

I'm not sure about the urchins. I'd research their diet and make sure you will have adequate food in your tank for them. They are really cool animals though.
Coral banded shrimp are known to kill fish. Maybe a skunk cleaner shrimp would be a better choice.
Brittle stars and serpent stars are great. I have one that is fun to watch. Rarely see all of him but when I feed the fish his arms pop out to grab the food. There is one type that is know to be a fish eater though, can't remember which type maybe someone else knows.

 

[iidylii]

I'm not sure about the urchins. I'd research their diet and make sure you will have adequate food in your tank for them. They are really cool animals though.
Coral banded shrimp are known to kill fish. Maybe a skunk cleaner shrimp would be a better choice.
Brittle stars and serpent stars are great. I have one that is fun to watch. Rarely see all of him but when I feed the fish his arms pop out to grab the food. There is one type that is know to be a fish eater though, can't remember which type maybe someone else knows.

yeah I am a little concerned with having adequate food considering its a brand new tank starting...I may have to buy seaweed or something...and I can't seem to find anything on the net saying that they can't be kept as more then one in a system...

as far as the coral banded goes...im finding most people saying that they rarely ever bother there fish...but of course there are those occasions where it does happen...im gonna go ahead and chance it I believe though...but I am gonna get a skunk cleaner eventually also...

and actually im finding people just add algae wafers or chips to the tank to feed the urchins...

 

[lmforbis]

I don't think there is any issue with keeping them in multiples as long as the water conditions are compatible with the urchin types. Not sure if there is any special type acclimatization protocol for them like starfish. I had one many years ago that did well except it tended to knock things over. Not his fault. It is hard to move with all those spines.

 

[iidylii]

I don't think there is any issue with keeping them in multiples as long as the water conditions are compatible with the urchin types. Not sure if there is any special type acclimatization protocol for them like starfish. I had one many years ago that did well except it tended to knock things over. Not his fault. It is hard to move with all those spines.

That's what I'm affraid of...my rocks are stacked like a volcano u could say and are about 18" high...they are pretty secure and stable I think though...just really don't want one smashing out the glass
Here's a pic

 

[lmforbis]

Maybe try one and watch it closely.

 

[jay0705]

Urchins will be fine. They do eat alage. Mine will eat seaweed that I feed the tangs. The coral banded do have a rep of getting aggressive as they age tho

 

[iidylii]

ok order was just processed so now I wait until Tuesday

 

[lmforbis]

I hate the waiting part.