My tank is going down hill and can use some help

[bmorecopper]

Just my 2 bits here... you are asking about what corals you can put under your lights. You may want to invest in some things you need to care for your corals and the rest of your tank first. I would get a good test kit to test for things that will cause you problems as you progress. Calcium, Alk., Phosphates, and Magnesium, to name a few. I made the mistake of having just a general test kit when I started adding corals. When the problems started to arise and corals started looking sad, I didnt have the proper equipment to take care of them. If you are on a budget this could be a problem. Also, make sure you have the right food (if any is needed) or supplements. I just resupplied my stock and it cost me over $50. Again, this may not be a big deal for some but if your on a budget this could be a factor.
By no means am I trying to scare you away. These are the mistakes I made along the way. Something else I just thought of also.... before you ad anything else get in to a routine of taking proper care of your tank. For more then just a few weeks. When I first started out I took good care of my tank..... that is when I wanted to add something new. Then I would slack off. Now, I constantly monitor my tank. And I have for some time. If your not going to commit to taking care of it then save your money and livestock( not in anyway trying to say you are )
Please do not take these comments as criticism. Just do not want to see anyone make the mistakes I have made.
Best of luck,
Copper

 

[coolcat63]

its ok copper, i was like that but probably worse. now i have an income so i can afford certain things but am still on a budget. couldnt get a job last summer for personal reasons so w/e money i had left i tried to keep the tank going. i'm going off 2 college but coming home on the weekends 3 do water checks during the school yr. i am having my dad feed everything and turn the lights on and off while i am away. hopefully it all works out.
so when u mentioned the budget r u saying i need better lighting? or just to get the test kits and things of that matter in general. the lighting is probably out of my range but everything else i can do. also i hate to keep asking questions but how do things like magnesium and calcium affect the tank?