Questions about reef tanks.

beachbomb

beachbomb

New Member
Hi, I have a couple questions about reef tanks. First I have a 65 gallon that has been set up for 2 years, I have live sand and live rock in it, it has VHO lighting. I have dabbled in some anenomes, clams and one coral, but cannot get anything to stay alive in it. I guess my question is, what do I need to do to make it a true reef tank? Is there something I should be putting in the water? Upgrade lighting? I'm not sure and don't want to start sinking alot of money into things without knowing fully what I am doing. All fish in tank are healthy. I also am running a protien skimmer and a U/V sterilizer. Thanks..Jim
 
salt210

salt210

Active Member
what are the water params?
flow?
the wattage of the vho might not be enough as well. both clams and anemones require a high output light
 
beachbomb

beachbomb

New Member
Originally Posted by salt210
http:///forum/post/3084497
what are the water params?
flow?
the wattage of the vho might not be enough as well. both clams and anemones require a high output light
All water params are within specs, I have and extra flow-head in the tank which provides excellent flow throughtout entire tank.
 
beachbomb

beachbomb

New Member
Originally Posted by salt210
http:///forum/post/3084497
what are the water params?
flow?
the wattage of the vho might not be enough as well. both clams and anemones require a high output light
I was also thinking my lights may need to be higher, what do you suggest?
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
You are going to need either T5 or MH lighting for a decent reef set up. Do you run a sump and or refugium?
 
greenreefer

greenreefer

Active Member
You could do a very nice reef with VHO only, but you'd want to use them like you would t5, coverage front to back. What do you currently have? If it a fixture then probably start over, but if you have a retro in a canopy then either add vho or add MH.
 
truperc

truperc

Member
I am not sure what coral was your one coral. Also, how old are your bulbs.
Of what you have listed, you are choosing some of the more difficult items to keep in a reef.
I would suggest you start with some of the hardier corals. Leathers, star polyps, button polyps, mushrooms...and am sure others can add to the list.
 
dkw27

dkw27

Member
UV sterilizer is good for a fish only tank, not a reef tank...Kills off good stuff corals need to be healthy...
 
salt210

salt210

Active Member
Originally Posted by dkw27
http:///forum/post/3085127
UV sterilizer is good for a fish only tank, not a reef tank...Kills off good stuff corals need to be healthy...
this is a debatable statement. seen a lot of nice reefs running them
 
greenreefer

greenreefer

Active Member
Originally Posted by gypsana
http:///forum/post/3084549
Wouldn't VHO limit your selections?

I'm sure someone will disagree, but I've seen quite a few tanks running only VHO with SPS tanks and getting great growth and color, but I'm sure there are some certain things that would do better under different lighting.
 
beachbomb

beachbomb

New Member
The lights I'm currently using are 2 Acintic and 1 Super Acintic T-12 bulbs, UVL-VHO's. They are about a year old. I'm thinking I need to upgrade. But to what? Also is there anything I should add to the water (marine snow, additives, etc)? Thanks..Jim
 
gypsana

gypsana

Active Member
Good thing to have a sump.
RODI water is purified water that goes through multiple phases of filtration. It eliminates all the unwanted chemical, minerals, ect. from tap water. It gives you the purest water for you tank. As for additives all corals have different needs. Some feed off light primarily while others need coral food/phytoplankton feedings. Marine snow is not all that great, there are far better products for your tank. When you are ready to get coral start slowly with your easy to care for corals. I stay clear of species that will overrun you tank like Xenia. I know a lot of people like it but to me it is like a weed. Regardless that is all personal preference. Once you established that your system can handle keeping coral alive research the species you want to see what their care entails. Again for lighting I would go with T5, but that is what I like. VHO lighting IMO limits your selection. I hope this helps. Oh yeah research, research and more research!!!
 
ryancw01

ryancw01

Member
Originally Posted by beachbomb
http:///forum/post/3085374
Stupid question, but what is RO/DI water?
Not a stupid question at all. That is why we all come on this website is to learn. Gypsana answered your question there about RO/DI. When I first changed my freshwater hobby into saltwater I had no idea what a RO/DI unit was or what a refugium was. But it was not until I started using both that I was successful with corals. If you cannot afford a RO/DI unit now, you can start off by buying drinking water or filtered water from the grocery store. It is at least a little better than tap water. Use it for top off and water changes.
 
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