i tried them in SW. they lived a few days tops and was really sad watching them die slowly. i wouldn't try it again. gammarus shrimp are your best bet, the SW ones.
2. is it best to use all live rock, or some base and live mixed together? yes, but its cheaper
4.im sure theres a thread here with the acceptable watar paramaters but i cannot find it can someone help me out?
ammonia, nitrite 0. nitrate low as possible. specific gravity 1.022-1.025 temp 76-78...
yellow tail blue damsel and 2 hermits will attack anything. there are 3 common peppermint shrimp imposters. one looking exactly like the real one but being a cold water species. only the ones from the carribean and florida are the real ones.
the yellow tail or black blenny is very similar to the bicolor. same care, etc. same family. also in that family is the midas. escenus or whatever.
bicolors are my favorite fish. very friendly, awesome personality, and gorgeous.
florida is really cheap.
heres my cheap build. adjust accordingly. seed with a bit of live rock and live sand.
10 gallon kit at pet store $40. hydrometer $10. adjustable heater $20. aragonite sand 1-2" $20. 10 lbs washed bowl/lace rock $20. food $10. sea salt $20. thermometer $2. coral frags...
i would do a freshwater dip with methelyne blue and get some medicated fish food. leebca over at reefland has a great post about it called being a super pooper snooper
even though some fish may not show signs. they still have ich. anything can carry including rocks, substrate, crabs, etc they just wont be affected by it. ich needs fish to live and all ich will die if fishless for 2 months. brittle star, emerald crab, and hermits will aid in your fish's...