just getting started.
- Thread starter mzlambert
- Start date
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by mzlambert http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499084
@ snakeblitz33 I read some of your posts earlier today and I really liked them. I will definitely read more! I will start a build post too. That would be cool to be able to look back and see it.
Awesome. Looking forward to it. If I don't catch it, PM me the link if you will.
Originally Posted by mzlambert http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499084
@ snakeblitz33 I read some of your posts earlier today and I really liked them. I will definitely read more! I will start a build post too. That would be cool to be able to look back and see it.
Awesome. Looking forward to it. If I don't catch it, PM me the link if you will.
S
saxman
Guest
To be honest, If you DO cycle with live fish, and if the damsels die from burned gills (that's what ammonia does to fish, BTW), this is the ONE TIME you can leave the carcasses in the tank, as they will still provide the necessary nitrogenous waste to get your cycle started.
If you're dead set on cycling with live fish, you might consider using mollies instead...at least they won't be unholy terrors. after the fact.
Nobody is dissing you...however, there's a lot of experience on the forums, and there's both good and bad advice. Your job is to weed out this info. The best thing I can suggest at this stage, where you're learning the ropes, is to find one or two like-minded mentors and follow their advice. If you start picking part of this and part of that, you'll end up confused, or worse, as sometimes different methods can't be combined, or you may not have the experience to know what you CAN take pieces of.
Some of us have been doing this a LONG time, and you have to understand that nobody gets paid to help noobies (or anyone for that matter), and it CAN get frustrating when one feels like their experience is being ignored, so that sword cuts both ways: You may feel like you're being treated as a noob, but the folks trying to help feel like some peeps only want validation of a poor idea rather than real help...
If you're dead set on cycling with live fish, you might consider using mollies instead...at least they won't be unholy terrors. after the fact.
Nobody is dissing you...however, there's a lot of experience on the forums, and there's both good and bad advice. Your job is to weed out this info. The best thing I can suggest at this stage, where you're learning the ropes, is to find one or two like-minded mentors and follow their advice. If you start picking part of this and part of that, you'll end up confused, or worse, as sometimes different methods can't be combined, or you may not have the experience to know what you CAN take pieces of.
Some of us have been doing this a LONG time, and you have to understand that nobody gets paid to help noobies (or anyone for that matter), and it CAN get frustrating when one feels like their experience is being ignored, so that sword cuts both ways: You may feel like you're being treated as a noob, but the folks trying to help feel like some peeps only want validation of a poor idea rather than real help...
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by saxman http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499144
If you're dead set on cycling with live fish, you might consider using mollies instead...at least they won't be unholy terrors. after the fact.
+1
What I do is start the tank with macro algaes right from the start. Then wait a week so the algae conditions the tank.
Then add a single male molly and not add food for a week.
Then start feeding 1 flake per day.
And after another week add the marine only fish.
What happens with the macros consume ammonia directly preventing the dangerous spikes suring the cycle.
my .02
Originally Posted by saxman http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499144
If you're dead set on cycling with live fish, you might consider using mollies instead...at least they won't be unholy terrors. after the fact.
+1
What I do is start the tank with macro algaes right from the start. Then wait a week so the algae conditions the tank.
Then add a single male molly and not add food for a week.
Then start feeding 1 flake per day.
And after another week add the marine only fish.
What happens with the macros consume ammonia directly preventing the dangerous spikes suring the cycle.
my .02
S
saxman
Guest
That's a good plan beaslbob...live macro is THE BOMB IMHO, but I try not to toss too much confusion into a first time build. There's a nice big ball of Chaetomorpha in the sump of our new 210 gal (along with a bag of fish/shrimp pieces).
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by mzlambert http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499190
do i just get it and put it in the tank??
Well yes and no.
The problem is most fish and crabs like to eat the fast growing macros.
So in an empty tank you just put it in but once fish are introduced you do need to protect the macros.
One way is just to partition the tank with a small macro section using 1/4" plastic grid sold at building supply/hardware stores to diffuse lighting in drop ceilings. (called eggcrate).
But the macro's effect on the tank are truely amazing making the extra effort well worth the while.
my .02
Originally Posted by mzlambert http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499190
do i just get it and put it in the tank??
Well yes and no.
The problem is most fish and crabs like to eat the fast growing macros.
So in an empty tank you just put it in but once fish are introduced you do need to protect the macros.
One way is just to partition the tank with a small macro section using 1/4" plastic grid sold at building supply/hardware stores to diffuse lighting in drop ceilings. (called eggcrate).
But the macro's effect on the tank are truely amazing making the extra effort well worth the while.
my .02
J
jstdv8
Guest
wouldn't the lionfish take care of the damsel issue once the tank is cycled? I don't know if those little guys can eat a damsel or not. I sold my full sized lion to a guy with Damsels and he put the lion in to eradicate the purple and yellow problem.
Didn't take long.........
Didn't take long.........
S
saxman
Guest
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jstdv8 http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499198
wouldn't the lionfish take care of the damsel issue once the tank is cycled? I don't know if those little guys can eat a damsel or not. I sold my full sized lion to a guy with Damsels and he put the lion in to eradicate the purple and yellow problem.
Didn't take long.........
Depends on the lionfish...heh
Also, some damsels can get pretty cagey in terms of avoiding a lionfish...they know exactly what their "flight distance" needs to be, and run back into the rockwork. However, it only takes one little slip, and "SLURP". I've seen lions become pretty frustrated with these "smart" damsels tho.
Originally Posted by Jstdv8 http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499198
wouldn't the lionfish take care of the damsel issue once the tank is cycled? I don't know if those little guys can eat a damsel or not. I sold my full sized lion to a guy with Damsels and he put the lion in to eradicate the purple and yellow problem.
Didn't take long.........
Depends on the lionfish...heh
Also, some damsels can get pretty cagey in terms of avoiding a lionfish...they know exactly what their "flight distance" needs to be, and run back into the rockwork. However, it only takes one little slip, and "SLURP". I've seen lions become pretty frustrated with these "smart" damsels tho.
farsight32
Member
It sounds like you really like the idea of damsels. I can understand, they were one of the first fish I looked at. I am fairly new at this, but I would say if you are going to do Damsels, the Talbots Damsel is a good choice. I have one, and I love it. They are some of the more passive damsel fish, and since most people seem to avoid Damsels because of their aggression, this can help minimize the problem.
And someone mentioned earlier you could add a bottom dwelling fish. The yellow watchman goby(sometimes abbreviated YMG) is one of my favorite fish. Bright colors, interesting look, and they have a tremendous personality. They are also a great beginner fish as they are pretty hardy and not difficult to feed.
Also, +1 on the macro algae. I would highly recommend it.
Keep it up. It sounds like it will be a fantastic tank! Best of luck.
And someone mentioned earlier you could add a bottom dwelling fish. The yellow watchman goby(sometimes abbreviated YMG) is one of my favorite fish. Bright colors, interesting look, and they have a tremendous personality. They are also a great beginner fish as they are pretty hardy and not difficult to feed.
Also, +1 on the macro algae. I would highly recommend it.
Keep it up. It sounds like it will be a fantastic tank! Best of luck.
mzlambert
Member
Thank you all.
I am a little wishy washy on the lionfish. One minute I want it the next I don't. They look really cool but Idk how I feel about having a poisonous fish with an almost 2 year oldest. She never messes with the tanks but there is always a chance she will get curious and stick her hand in this one. Its right by our recliner in the living room.
@farsight32 I will look into the YMG. My husband likes the idea of an all goby tank, well see. I have plenty of time to decide
I would like to thank everyone for their help and input!!
I am a little wishy washy on the lionfish. One minute I want it the next I don't. They look really cool but Idk how I feel about having a poisonous fish with an almost 2 year oldest. She never messes with the tanks but there is always a chance she will get curious and stick her hand in this one. Its right by our recliner in the living room.
@farsight32 I will look into the YMG. My husband likes the idea of an all goby tank, well see. I have plenty of time to decide
I would like to thank everyone for their help and input!!
farsight32
Member
they will go together. and I made a typo earlier. it is YWG*. that was my bad. But regardless, it is still an awesome fish.
Make sure to choose which type of clownfish you want. Some of them get bigger, or are more aggressive than others. Try looking into percula clowns. Or ocelaris. I would avoid tomato or cinnamon clowns, IMO.
Make sure to choose which type of clownfish you want. Some of them get bigger, or are more aggressive than others. Try looking into percula clowns. Or ocelaris. I would avoid tomato or cinnamon clowns, IMO.
mzlambert
Member
i researched them and i think i prefer the Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula). i like the thicker black lines around their white stripes. just makes them look NEATER.. it really wouldnt matter, though, if my lfs only had ocellaris clowns. i would get them, i just would RATHER have the TRUE percula.
THANKS @farsight32, i never ever would have known there were different types of "regular" clowns. i did know about the tomato and cinnamon clowns though..
JW... why should i avoid the tomato and cinnamon clowns... so i can tell my husband and he will want the one i want..
THANKS @farsight32, i never ever would have known there were different types of "regular" clowns. i did know about the tomato and cinnamon clowns though..
JW... why should i avoid the tomato and cinnamon clowns... so i can tell my husband and he will want the one i want..
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by mzlambert http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499396
i researched them and i think i prefer the Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula). i like the thicker black lines around their white stripes. just makes them look NEATER.. it really wouldnt matter, though, if my lfs only had ocellaris clowns. i would get them, i just would RATHER have the TRUE percula.
THANKS @farsight32, i never ever would have known there were different types of "regular" clowns. i did know about the tomato and cinnamon clowns though..
JW... why should i avoid the tomato and cinnamon clowns... so i can tell my husband and he will want the one i want..
tomato and cinnamon clownfish both will grow too large for your size aquarium. They can both get really big!
Originally Posted by mzlambert http:///t/393370/just-getting-started/20#post_3499396
i researched them and i think i prefer the Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula). i like the thicker black lines around their white stripes. just makes them look NEATER.. it really wouldnt matter, though, if my lfs only had ocellaris clowns. i would get them, i just would RATHER have the TRUE percula.
THANKS @farsight32, i never ever would have known there were different types of "regular" clowns. i did know about the tomato and cinnamon clowns though..
JW... why should i avoid the tomato and cinnamon clowns... so i can tell my husband and he will want the one i want..
tomato and cinnamon clownfish both will grow too large for your size aquarium. They can both get really big!
mzlambert
Member
Guess what everybody???? I got some macro algae!!! Yay we also got 4 more lbs of live rock. This piece is all purple with Coraline algae. I am so excited.
We decided to go with a goby tank with 1 clown fish.
We also got an actinic light. We are going to do half and half with daylight and the actinic bulbs.
Tank is coming along quite nicely. Will add a new pic some time tonight on my build post
We decided to go with a goby tank with 1 clown fish.
We also got an actinic light. We are going to do half and half with daylight and the actinic bulbs.
Tank is coming along quite nicely. Will add a new pic some time tonight on my build post
florida joe
Well-Known Member
Just for the hell of it this is a picture of a damsel I had and IMO one of the more beautiful looking ones available.
As far as getting one or more out of your tank, I do not believe it will be too much of a problem in a 20g if you use my method
of divide and remove
As far as getting one or more out of your tank, I do not believe it will be too much of a problem in a 20g if you use my method