Quote:
Originally Posted by
FoxandHound http:///t/388629/can-this-tank-be-salvaged-what-to-do-for-dirty-neglected-tanks/20#post_3430795
Man, thanks, about to order a new 4x54w T5HO system though I keep wondering why I cant just use those bulbs in my fixture??? Does the fixture have to be t5HO rated?? T5 bulbs are 5/8" diameter, which is way too small to fit in the sockets of your standard T12 florescent light fixture. T5's also require a different ballast, so you're better off buying a new fixture. You could look into buying a retrofit kit. I know there are some retrofit kits out there that are much, much cheaper then a fixture, but you have to do the electrical work yourself. Most people don't want to take that chance.
We have bristleworms and tons of babies on one rock. It's looking like a possible infestation. I have also removed 4 fireworms from the tank. I guess I should get an arrowhead crab to take care of these various worms? An arrowhead crab was advised, but we were might cause problems to the corals and CUC community. Is there a backup plan that doesnt involve curing the rock? Could I soak the rock in freshwater? Or could a Falco Hawkfish get along with the crew? A fish would be a good way to maintain your bristle worm population. I've seen some six line wrasses (reef safe) pick on them. You'll have to contend with the fireworms yourself. You could pick up an arrowhead crab, but you need to be aware of the impact it might make on your invert population.
Right now, we have a maroon clown, regular clown (?), blue hippo tang, coral beauty fish, & blood shrimp.
My girlfriend wants to get a foxface and a copperband butterfly, and some more CUC, a peppermint shrimp. Good? Bad? I've researched the combinations and they seem OK, but I'm not 100%. Your 55g is already maxed out with large fish. Putting a Foxface in there would unnecessarily stress your tang. A copperband butterfly will nip at your corals. In fact, I think your tank is already too small for your blue hippo tang - which should have a longer swimming distance than 4 foot. But, I wasn't going to say anything, I don't want to be the "tang police."
Here's the cool part ****** the fish have personalties that became apparent in just a few days. The maroon clown is a sand sweeping lunatic,oblivious to all. The other clown is happy go lucky, but at night, he sleeps among pillows of Xenia coral. The blue tang is swimming buddies with the clown, but she and blood shrimp share a cave for sleeping. Yup, all fish have their own personalities. You'll start to see some personalities come out in your clean up crew too... Some shrimp have awesome personalities. I had a cleaner shrimp that would come feed out of my hand, and clean the dead skin off my hand. It was pretty cool.
Everyone is pretty chill except that awful velvet damsel like a bat out of hell. He's in quarantine, we will rehome him or just give him to the LFS. Not sure how that works....does the LFS credit you or they just take fish off your hands? We didnt buy him, he came with the tank. Usually, you would ask for store credit. Sometimes they will, sometimes they won't, depending on the species, quality, and health of the fish. Never hurts to ask for credit first, and if you still don't want him, either give him to the LFS or give him to someone whom you know can take care of it. Though, I think at the LFS you're lucky to get $0.50 for a damsel. lol.
