Okay, what next?!! Best investment?

ntvflgirl

ntvflgirl

Member
I posted this in a reply to my own post, but thought I would put it here as well, so I could get as much input as possible. Please let me know what my best investment would be. We are really novices at this. I'll tell you what we have. We have an Aqua clear 402 power head for a 55 gallon tank. A Whisper 3 power filter which says it is for a 20-60 gallon tank, and filters 300 gallons per hour. I don't know what to do next. I would like to have a fowlr system for now, the live rock coming in spurts, which I understand my size tank will need 55 to 65 lbs. of lr. I would eventually like to have a reef system, but for now, I want to learn everything I can, and be comfortable with what I have. Do you have any suggestions for what else I may need to just fun fowlr. I only want maybe a clown fish, tang, couple of damsels, and maybe something else. It's mostly for the kids, as they are homeschooled, and this can teach them alot. We definately have a strict budget, and have put about 300.00 into it so far. Not opposed to spending more...actually looking forward to it, but my problem is that I can only spend about $50 to $100 at a time. Where is my best investment going to be? We have a cc base as well. Just set this up today, so, I'm going to the lfs really soon.
Rory
 
azrile

azrile

Member
The best bet is to keep getting live rock til you get to 50-75lbs.
You can save the money on the filters by just getting live rock to start. No need for a filter at all.
This board is very pro-DSB, but there are many people who also say that CC is better because it helps more with your pH. Also if you add a good cleanup crew, and lots of bottom dwelling inverts, your CC will stay naturally clean.
Now to the teaching part :) I teach HS Biology and Chemistry, and also occasionally pick up a 7th grade biology class (just for the insanity of it).
Saltwater tanks are great if you are doing a course on the progression of life (I don't use the term evolution because I am a Christian). With a reef tank, you can pretty much show the entire progression from single celled organisms up to fish. About the only thing not present are amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
 
jakob4001

jakob4001

Member
DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO ADD AN ANEMONE for the clownfish even though it could possibly demonstrate a symbiotic relationship in some aspects...it would most likely iether die or not do well w/ your current lighting...good luck & TAKE YOUR TIME to cycle your tank; one "safe" way to do so it is suggested that you add in 1-3 shrimps from your grocer into your tank to establish a bacterial colony & to help cycle the tank chemically from amonia to nitrites to nitrates...good luck & have fun :D
 
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