New and Need some Help, well, I think...

[softpaw]

Hello everyone! After a bit of searching I decided to join this group of salt water enthusiasts. Y'all seem like a wise, intelligent, and knowledgeable group of individuals. Needless to say, I like it when I go to a forum and have a difficult time understanding the main jargon or lexical usage, especially because I'm an English teacher!
Anyhow, this is my situation and I would appreciate some advice. I have a 65 gallon reef set up currently. I began about 20 days ago. So far I have the following.
- 65 gallon tank
- 70 pounds of live rock
- 4 inches of crushed sea shell for a bottom
- Coralife 65 gallon protein skimmer
- Coralife Lunar Aqualight T5 Quad lamp. http://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Aqualight-Output-Fixture-48-Inch/dp/B0049PU8BI
- 300 Watt hydor heater
- 2 Aquatech power heads
- A testing kit for salt aquariums
- REfractometer and other little accessories for testing
- Purple Up and other little "additives"
After I mixed the salt and set the tank up with the love rock I waited five days and got 4 snails, two hermit crabs, and 4 emerald emperor crabs. What I want to accomplish, with this tank, hopefully, is to have a few corrals, and a couple fish sustaining. Once I feel like I understand a little more I am going to upgrade to a larger display tank using a sump etc.
I guess I don't really know what to do next. I noticed 4 days ago a brown algae growing on my live rock, the sand, and all the plastic accessories in the tank. After more reading I guess it is the first part of the cycle. What should I be expecting? I am testing, but to be honest I really don't know what to be testing for. I understand the principle of nitrates, phosphates, etc but I can only go so far by implementing theory into the field, so to speak.
I am the only person I know who is curious with salt and the LFS is great with my questions. If it wasn't for the LFS I wouldn't be able to keep this up, just because of where I live and the limited resources; unless I ordered everything off line.
I guess I am looking for someone to help guide me into a successful tank and help me understand the processes I need to start. Shoot, I don't even know how often I need to clean my canister, how much light, or even how to use my skimmer the correct manner.
How much longer do I wait until I can put my first fish in. I would love to do the clown/anemone thing with a couple pieces of coral, but how do I make sure my tank is ready? Clearly It isn't now, but what should I do in the mean time and is it normal the way my tank is behaving?? Is the browin algae really normal? What am I to expect coming up in the next couple weeks? My live rock was starting to bloom a little before the algae came in and now it's covered. Is that okay? Is it okay that I have the animals in there that I do? They seem to be thriving rather well.
Thank you very much for reading this post. If you think you can help please let me know!!

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Welcome to the board! I've only been doing this hobby for 9 months, so I will let some of the more experienced posters answer a lot of your questions.
I do know that they will ask what you are testing your water for, and what those readings are. (i.e. Salinity, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, PH, Temp). Those are the main ones. And then if you do decide to add corals, you will probably want to test calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium levels. Those levels will help the posters on this board help you determine when it is right to add livestock.
And don't be discouraged if you are getting algae blooms. The tank will go through a lot of changes the first year as it matures. My tank is 9 months old, and I've seen lots of stuff come and go already. But it sounds like you are doing your homework, and you will do fine in this hobby. The best advice I've seen is to be patient with it, and do things right (as in getting the better equipment) the first time. You'll save a lot of money in the long run. Again, welcome to the board. I'm sure some of the more experienced posters will chime in soon!

 

[softpaw]

Wonderful! Thanks for the welcoming. I have been doing testings. I want to make sure I know how to do them correctly so I have been praticing and keeping a log. I haven't been testing for Mg but I don't have an advanced testing kit. I do need to get a RO system or a better way to get water. I'm thinking of asking my local LFS to supply me with water. The LFS is actually Doctors Foster and Smyths. Has anyone ever ordered anything from them? They are actually one of the largest suppliers, in the country, for pet suppliles. They recently added a fish department which includes salt water. I have been lucky enough to take a tours of their research facility. It is quite fassinating. They have been able to breed species of fishes reproduce coral, and other crazy marine things I don't understand that no one else has been able to accomplish.. Anyhow, the facility is right down the road from my house and their outlet store is actually pretty focused primarily on saltwater aquariums. I am lucky to have them right down the road.
Would it be worth to get my water from them instead of using another source? How would I transport the water though? In a bunch of five gallon buckets with lids?? How often should I do it?

 

[fattytwobyfour]

To be honest, I test everything but magnesium. From what I've read online, if your calcium and alkalinity are good, and corals are growing, you are probably fine. I will eventually invest in a magnesium kit, but the ones I've found are a little bit more pricey than the tests for everything else.
You for sure want to invest in a good RO unit, and also a TDS meter to read the quality of the water. I think most would recommend mixing your own saltwater. Especially when you figure up how much water you will need to be hauling back from the LFS for each water change. It for sure will be cheaper, and less of a headache in the long run. But whatever you do, I wouldn't use tap water.
I believe Drs Foster & Smyths are pretty respected in this hobby. I have never ordered anything from there personally. But that is neat that you do live close to them. You may have a pretty awesome reefing community in your town. (I've not been able to find any local reefers in this town... well no local "coral" reefers. But that's for another thread).
Even though your LFS is who they are, I'd still invest in a RO unit. I'm thinking they run $150-$200. But it will for sure pay for itself in the long run. Add up your time, gas, and hassle of having to run to the LFS every week. (Or however often you do a water change. I do weekly changes). Sometimes you might need some water at that moment, and the LFS won't be open. Water chemistry is probably the most important part in this hobby, and you for sure want to have it close by at all times.

 

[softpaw]

Awesome response. Thank you very much. I have been looking online at the RO systems. It looks like I should get a three stage and spend around what you were saying. I agree with you about the LFS deal. It would be much easier to do it all myself instead of relying on a store. I need to keep learning about the water anyhow and relying on them would make me lazy.
I was thinking the same thing about the community too. I'm new to this area (only been here for a year) so it will be nice to find some people interested in the reef system/s...
What I do need is to become more comfortable with this beginning cycling process. I really want to get a fish or some coral started. I'm not sure about this cycle and I read a lot of information that contradicts itself. I'm hoping to get more consistency with this forum.
Anyhow, thank you very much for the feedback. I'm at my computer all day tomorrow so it would be nice to have some folks giving me their opinions about fish and corals.
Again, thank you.

 

[fattytwobyfour]

I'll be around tomorrow. Several of the users on this message board are at a national convention for the hobby this weekend, so they may not be able to respond like normal. But if you aren't testing your water, I'd for sure invest in some tests, and start learning how to do it. The other posters have a lot of experience with the different brands and will guide you in the right direction. The other users will also get you through the cycling process don't worry. I purchased my tank used, and honestly moved it to my house with the tank half-full of water. (I think that is a no-no due to the risk of busting the tank). The tank didn't start another cycle from the move, so I was pretty lucky. But the downside is that I haven't lived through my own cycle, so it would be hard for me to give you advice.
Have you thought about what kind of fish or corals you want to add? That's the fun part for sure. I started with soft corals, but I've started venturing into LPS corals (which I really like). The SPS corals are for the more advanced hobbyists. But honestly, I haven't got the urge yet to add any SPS coral. I really like the LPS and Soft corals.

 

[flower]

Hi, Welcome to the site!
You can purchase RO water from a Super Walmart for 37 cents a gallon, or any big grocery store with a refill water station. The LFS is more expensive. Your own RO unit will be the best way to go, but go for a 5 stage unit, not 3..
If you want a reef...I really highly recommend you swap the crushed coral substrate for live reef sand. Many reef critters live on the fauna they find in live sand, and they have a problem keeping crushed coral clean. You really shouldn't have any life in the tank right now. 2 inches...4 inches will allow stuff to get trapped in the substrate that could go toxic if it isn't turned. Should you ever disturb a deeper substrate, you risk releasing those toxins, and killing everything in the tank.
I order a great deal from Foster and Smith. Nonetheless, here is my #1 rule for keeping SW critters. DO NOT EVER, NEVER ask a LFS (not even Foster and Smith) for ANY ADVICE ON ANYTHING. Not equipment, not additives and not fish. EVER!!! Go to the LFS knowing what you want or need. This site and others like it, are people who have been in the hobby many years, we know the brands, we know the methods of how to do things, and we are not trying to sell you anything. You wasted your money on the purple up and any other additives. Purple up is just calcium dosing, and if you do regular water changes each month, you won't need additives to replace trace elements. #2 rule...ONLY dose for what you have tested for, and only when a test indicates a need to dose, otherwise don't add anything.
The first cycle is an absolute necessity. Poor snails, but at least you didn't try and cycle with a live fish.
First you need to introduce ammonia, either by tossing in a chunk of raw shrimp...or... pour in 1/4th cup of pure ammonia (found in any laundry isle in a grocery store...or... use flake food and "ghost feed" LOL, that means you just pretend you are feeding an invisible fish each day.
The ammonia needs to spike at least to 1. Test ONLY for ammonia each day until it drops from 1 to 0. Then test for ONLY for nitrites, when the nitrites go to 0, then test ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. If you only have nitrate readings, and the other two are 0, do a 3% water change...ghost feed for one more week...and after one week, test all three again. If you still have 0 readings (lab type not strip test kits) and don't use API kits, which is sold at Foster and Smith. Go on-line and get Seachem, Salifert or Instant ocean master saltwater kits (cheaper then purchasing each test individually). If after the 1 week, you have nothing but nitrates, your tank has cycled, if nitrates are over 10 do a 3% water change. You are ready then for ONE fish...ONLY ONE, and only add a new fish every 2 to 3 weeks. Too much too soon, is the main reason new beginners crash their tank.
While your tank is cycling is the best time to set up the quarantine tank, it can cycle right at the same time as your display. Not only will a quarantine keep your fish healthy, it will help you pace yourself to not add too many critters too soon.
Get a good book on keeping and starting saltwater tanks. The Conscientious Aquarist by: Robert Fenner is a great book. Also the "Saltwater Aquariums for Dummy's" book.
I'm sorry to hear you purchased anything Coralife, that brand is horrible, and I never had any luck with their stuff. I absolutely HATED the Coralife skimmer, and gave the garbage thing away. The 4 bulb T5 light you purchased is not strong enough for anemones and most corals. However you can keep mushroom, Kenya tree, and any non-photosynthetic corals.
Macroalgae is awesome to help keep your tanks water pristine...If you decide to go that route: Check out "Golf Coast Ecosystems" since you do not have a sump, you would need the decorative stuff with a "hold fast (means it attaches)". The stuff such as Chaetomorpha just floats around and does not attach, the macros with a hold fast can be glued to a rock. Use GEL crazy glue to attach macros and corals to rock, it works great...just squirt a glob on the point you want to attach, and hold for a few seconds, right underwater.

 

[softpaw]

Thanks for all the excellent advice FLower. I appreciate it. I was ghost feeding earlier and can tell my tank started to cycle becuase two days later brown algae started. I will pick up another test kit to make sure I can test for what you were telling me to. It's too bad about my light to be honest. I was told I would be fine on most corals under that light, but not for all. I knew better than to get a fish right off the bat. I'll be excited when I can go ahead and just have one thriving. I DO NOT want to rush anything. I just want to take my time, do things right, and have a thriving beautiful tank. That's my goal.
Now, I do have a 600 watt adjustable metal halide I can use if need be, but I wanted to stay away from it because of the heat. I guess I'll pull it out and set it up. Like I said it's adjustable to three different modes. I can keep it a 600, turn it down to 400 as well as 200. The skimmer, you are correct, seems a bit cheap but it is working. I can tell, in the future, I will be upgrading, but for the time being I'm okay with the equipment I have. I am working on another tank for a quarantine and another one for a sump. I'm playing around with quite a bit and it's fun, but I have a ton of learning to do.
I just rearanged my LR as well. I knew I needed to do it quickly becuase I wouldn't want to once my cycle was over and everything started growing, atleast thats what I read. I was lucky I chose some good pieces. Besides that everything seems to be working out well.
Now, you menitoned Cralife is a horrible brand. Can you tell me why? I want to stay away from anything that is cheap or not trust worthy.
Thanks again FLower, this helps me a ton!

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Softpaw http:///t/396258/new-and-need-some-help-well-i-think#post_3530167
Thanks for all the excellent advice FLower. I appreciate it. I was ghost feeding earlier and can tell my tank started to cycle becuase two days later brown algae started. I will pick up another test kit to make sure I can test for what you were telling me to. It's too bad about my light to be honest. I was told I would be fine on most corals under that light, but not for all. I knew better than to get a fish right off the bat. I'll be excited when I can go ahead and just have one thriving. I DO NOT want to rush anything. I just want to take my time, do things right, and have a thriving beautiful tank. That's my goal.
Now, I do have a 600 watt adjustable metal halide I can use if need be, but I wanted to stay away from it because of the heat. I guess I'll pull it out and set it up. Like I said it's adjustable to three different modes. I can keep it a 600, turn it down to 400 as well as 200. The skimmer, you are correct, seems a bit cheap but it is working. I can tell, in the future, I will be upgrading, but for the time being I'm okay with the equipment I have. I am working on another tank for a quarantine and another one for a sump. I'm playing around with quite a bit and it's fun, but I have a ton of learning to do.
I just rearanged my LR as well. I knew I needed to do it quickly becuase I wouldn't want to once my cycle was over and everything started growing, atleast thats what I read. I was lucky I chose some good pieces. Besides that everything seems to be working out well.
Now, you menitoned Cralife is a horrible brand. Can you tell me why? I want to stay away from anything that is cheap or not trust worthy.
Thanks again FLower, this helps me a ton!
Hi,
Metal Halide at 200 is more then plenty of light, even for an anemone.
You don't need a skimmer for at least 3 months after the tank is up and running.
Coralife went out of business years ago, another company bought them out. The only thing sold now with the Coralife logo are the things that didn't sell, or was rejected for being sold for whatever reason. So nothing they have is new. I found that out when my Coralife Elite 175w Metal halide was over heating, and I needed a replacement ballast. The company was out of business, so I called the store where I purchased the unit, they gave me a number to contact... they told me they would send me a new ballast and they explained that Coralife was no longer a business. I had nothing but grief from every coralife brand thing I purchased. Years ago the brand was a good one. My first 2 and 4 bulb fluorescent lights were Coralife, they worked great, and I got years of service out of them...in 2005, they closed up and it all went to pot.
Here is a short list of Coralife products I was disappointed in: Mind you I didn't go cheap either.
The skimmer
The master controller
The 2X175w MH with 2X96w actinic Coralife Elite light
The brand was good back in the day, but another company took over and it isn't the same.

 

[softpaw]

Whoa, bummer for Coralife. Indeed, I do learn every day.
Should I turn off my skimmer for a little bit? It seems to be skimming some type of waste?.?.
What do you think about the light? It has a seperate ballast and everything. Would that be something I should consider? I mean if I have insufficient lighting I will go ahead and install the MH, but it is a large bulb and quite bright. Or do you think I can make do with the lighting system I have now until I purchase a smaller MH lighting system. I can't afford to go out and buy a small system currently but I should be able to in a few weeks. Shoot, I thought that light would have been sufficient. You are right, don't listen to the people at the LFS..... Grrrrrr...

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Softpaw http:///t/396258/new-and-need-some-help-well-i-think#post_3530176
Whoa, bummer for Coralife. Indeed, I do learn every day.
Should I turn off my skimmer for a little bit? It seems to be skimming some type of waste?.?.
What do you think about the light? It has a seperate ballast and everything. Would that be something I should consider? I mean if I have insufficient lighting I will go ahead and install the MH, but it is a large bulb and quite bright. Or do you think I can make do with the lighting system I have now until I purchase a smaller MH lighting system. I can't afford to go out and buy a small system currently but I should be able to in a few weeks. Shoot, I thought that light would have been sufficient. You are right, don't listen to the people at the LFS..... Grrrrrr...
Ever hear that old saying...Plenty of fish in the sea...
You don't have to change to a different light, you just need to expand on your coral selections. There are corals for every type of lighting from none to sun. Look up low light corals and non photosynthetic types. They have other needs, such as strong water flow and lots of food, which means more water changes. But that doesn't mean it can't be done, you just learn how to keep them by doing what you had to do anyway, which is study up on their care.
You can keep your skimmer, at least it's something I guess. You don't need a skimmer for a few months after a new set-up, there just isn't anything to really pull out before then. As for pulling out "some" stuff. Mine over flowed on a regular bases and caused a flood, after I fixed that problem it created a new one, it would shoot tiny mico-bubbles so bad it made the tank look cloudy. Then it got to where it only pulled out 1/4 cup of gunk every 3 months...it just was the biggest piece of garbage I ever owned. Once I got a good skimmer, I realized just how crappy the Coralife was.
The thing is, Coralife is a crap shoot. They used to be a really good product, and in all the hodge podge of equipment left over, there are still a few good pieces out there, and so those lucky ducky's who get them insist Coralife is just fine. LOL...I had one person actually tell me that if I tweak it just right it, will work great. Maybe it's just me, but when I pay a few hundred dollars for a piece of equipment, I don't think I need to have to "TWEAK" it to make it work like it's supposed to.
The lower light corals are actually more colorful. The Chili Sponge Coral (it isn't a sponge at all) for example is bright red, with tiny white flowers that look like stars.
Here is a picture I looked up of a whole reef tank with nothing but non-photosynthetic corals...breathtaking.

 

[mohawkninja]

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure MarineLand bought Coralife. Marineland makes decent products, so I'm not sure why it went so downhill.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mohawkninja http:///t/396258/new-and-need-some-help-well-i-think#post_3530195
I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure MarineLand bought Coralife. Marineland makes decent products, so I'm not sure why it went so downhill.
Marinland did not purchase Coralife...Oceanic Systems did, from what I gather from their web site. When something happens to a Coralife whatever product, those are the folks you will be dealing with. They aren't too bad, and if possible they will try and help fix the problem gadget...but often it's the whole system and not just a part, on those occasions they say there is nothing they can do.

 

[softpaw]

Flower,
You have been a big help. Thank you. Looks like my cycle is going pretty well. The brown algae that was forming is almost all gone as of this evening. I'll test my water tomorrow, but I don't have anything better than a beginner test. I'll use what I have. I will order one from the resources you provided. Mt snails, hermits, and emeralds are all doing just fine, I think next week I'm going to go and purchase my first fish. Another newb question, should I purchase my corals before I start buying fish? Or would it be okay to start out with one fish and add corals slowly? I'd really like to add a fish to my tank now, but if I have to wait I have to wait.
That tank in the picture looks very similar to mine, the size does at least. Its good to know I'll be able to have something so beautiful in the time coming up. I'm in the process of building a 150 gallon tank right now. All the supplies are ordered so I'm pretty excited. I'm not going to put it all together until I know more about sumps and lighting, however. It will be a different tank than this one and I hope to have it up and running by the new year. I want to have a dedicated RO supply so I'm having my friend come over and look at the plumming tomorrow. I will be asking a ton of questions on this build next month and looking at the people on this forum it looks like I will be getting intelligent and well thought out answers.
On a different note: What would be a good starter fish to have in my tank? I'd like something about 3-4 inches and good with a reef, a beginner, and being solo for a little bit. Anyone have any ideas? Becuase of the advice I got from my LFS I am no longer going to ask them. Even though they are a respectful dealer, you were correct, they are interested in sales not my best interest. So, when I go in this week to poke around at some inverts I think I will keep my questions to myself...

 

[fattytwobyfour]

Do you have some kind of mesh lid to cover your tank? I've swore that I won't add any more fish to my tank until I add one. I had a beautiful coral beauty angelfish that I was really attached to, & he jumped out of the tank. It's pretty upsetting when one does jump out & you didn't realize it until it was too late. I'm just mentioning this because as your starting your tank, you might want to go ahead and add one now. Some fish are more likely to jump than others, but I think the majority of fish have some risk of jumping, especially if they get startled.

 

[softpaw]

actually, no I don't. I don't have anything covering the top of my tank... Hmmm.. Should I make my own? Or do you have any other ideas?

 

[fattytwobyfour]

A lot of people make their own. There is lots of ways to do it on google. Just don't use anything metal, as metal and saltwater don't mix. But I know some have made lids out stuff as simply as window screen framing. I can't make one for my tank until I get rid of my HOB protein skimmer. (Which I'm going to have to build a sump to do). But before I add any more fish, I've decided it was best to make sure I had one. If you get a fish with a lot of character, you'd be surprised at how you get attached to it, like any other pet.
But as far as fish, are there any that you think you might like? I think the next fish that I purchase is going to be a Midas Blenny. I've not owned one, but I've watched them on YouTube, and I really think they'd be awesome. I also loved my dwarf angelfish, but there's always the risk that they will nip at your corals. Some do, some don't. Some won't do it while they are young, and then just start doing it one day. They are beautiful fish, but it's a gamble if you are going to keep corals.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Softpaw http:///t/396258/new-and-need-some-help-well-i-think#post_3530218
Flower,
You have been a big help. Thank you. Looks like my cycle is going pretty well. The brown algae that was forming is almost all gone as of this evening. I'll test my water tomorrow, but I don't have anything better than a beginner test. I'll use what I have. I will order one from the resources you provided. Mt snails, hermits, and emeralds are all doing just fine, I think next week I'm going to go and purchase my first fish. Another newb question, should I purchase my corals before I start buying fish? Or would it be okay to start out with one fish and add corals slowly? I'd really like to add a fish to my tank now, but if I have to wait I have to wait.
That tank in the picture looks very similar to mine, the size does at least. Its good to know I'll be able to have something so beautiful in the time coming up. I'm in the process of building a 150 gallon tank right now. All the supplies are ordered so I'm pretty excited. I'm not going to put it all together until I know more about sumps and lighting, however. It will be a different tank than this one and I hope to have it up and running by the new year. I want to have a dedicated RO supply so I'm having my friend come over and look at the plumming tomorrow. I will be asking a ton of questions on this build next month and looking at the people on this forum it looks like I will be getting intelligent and well thought out answers.
On a different note: What would be a good starter fish to have in my tank? I'd like something about 3-4 inches and good with a reef, a beginner, and being solo for a little bit. Anyone have any ideas? Becuase of the advice I got from my LFS I am no longer going to ask them. Even though they are a respectful dealer, you were correct, they are interested in sales not my best interest. So, when I go in this week to poke around at some inverts I think I will keep my questions to myself...
Hi,
150g...awesome!
The books I posted below are super helpful when making that choice. Chose your absolute favorite...coral, fish or invert, whatever fits your greatest fancy, and build your tank around it. For example I love seahorses, so my entire stock list of tank mates, inverts and corals revolve on what makes a seahorse happy. It also dictates the equipment I need...I believe that's the smartest way to set up a SW tank. That way you have an idea to guide you on what you want and need.
I also posted a page sample of each, so you can see what info they offer.

 

[softpaw]

That book is quite amazing. Yes, I do need to pick up some reading material related to this field. I have been relying on the internet but there are some really good books published that I should look into. Thank you for the reference.
The 150 gallon.... I'm a little nervous about it. I'm hoping within the next 6 months I will learn enough to give enogh respect to the larger tank. I believe I will. I don't see why I wouldn't... Still, Its a lot more to handle. I'll see what it's like once I get more fishes and coral started. If I feel overwhelmed then I know, however I do have the time so I don't think I will have a problem.
Now, as far as setting up my tank: That is a really good idea. Stick to one approach and build my tank around it. It sounds so simple, don't know why I didn't think of that I do know that the light I have started me off in one direction right away. I also know that I want to make sure I have as healthy as a reef as possible. My reef will have priority over my fish. I do want fish, trust me, but I want my focus to be on the reed and inverts I guess. Hmmm. Brain storming out loud... I think I figured out the focus I want to keep.
So, a reef tank focused on inverts. Is that possible? I'm thinking though that it requires a different light source. Am I wrong about this?

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Softpaw http:///t/396258/new-and-need-some-help-well-i-think#post_3530228
That book is quite amazing. Yes, I do need to pick up some reading material related to this field. I have been relying on the internet but there are some really good books published that I should look into. Thank you for the reference.
The 150 gallon.... I'm a little nervous about it. I'm hoping within the next 6 months I will learn enough to give enogh respect to the larger tank. I believe I will. I don't see why I wouldn't... Still, Its a lot more to handle. I'll see what it's like once I get more fishes and coral started. If I feel overwhelmed then I know, however I do have the time so I don't think I will have a problem.
Now, as far as setting up my tank: That is a really good idea. Stick to one approach and build my tank around it. It sounds so simple, don't know why I didn't think of that I do know that the light I have started me off in one direction right away. I also know that I want to make sure I have as healthy as a reef as possible. My reef will have priority over my fish. I do want fish, trust me, but I want my focus to be on the reed and inverts I guess. Hmmm. Brain storming out loud... I think I figured out the focus I want to keep.
So, a reef tank focused on inverts. Is that possible? I'm thinking though that it requires a different light source. Am I wrong about this?
LOL...I have corrupted you! Yes, you can certainly do a reef with coral and inverts, it's just a matter of learning what gets along with what, and you have to do that with fish and corals anyway.
In saltwater, the smaller the tank the harder it is to keep going. The 150g is actually going to be much easier to maintain then the small tank. The cost of start-up is more because you need more of sand, rock, bigger lighting, bigger skimmer and anything else...well that's just good reasoning to know that. Water changers take a bigger tub, power heads must be the big granddaddy types and so on.
IMO The secret to a healthy tank is ...Macroalgae. The stuff is amazing for keeping your tank parameters pristine, it absorbs all the nasty's out of the water to grow on, and as you prune it back (called harvesting) you remove all the yucky stuff from the system. You can just section off a small chamber in the sump for a refugium (highly recommended for a reef) or use the decorative macros right in the display. For the display you want the slower growing macros, so it doesn't cover over everything and gives you time to harvest without growing so fast you can't keep up. In the sump/refugium you want it to grow fast and crazy, to export the bad stuff from the water as fast as possible.
Golf Coast Ecosystems is where I purchased mine...I often have enough to share, so if you want some (you pay for shipping) just let me know. I have red Botryocladia (looks like grapes), Caulerpa prolifera (looks like turtle grass) and Red Halymenia (looks like red lettuce leaves). Chaetomorphia (not what I keep) is the type you want in a refugium, it doesn't attach, but just floats in the chamber and grows...