Questions..

[nick17]

I'm going to start this threat in attempt to get SOME kind of answer from you guys. I am new.. so questions will be common and I don't want to make a new thread for just one or two questions..
I have questions almost daily and will post them here. Just whatever comes to my mind I will try to ask in a simple question, so I can hopefully get an answer.
Here's number one..
What's the MINIMUM wattage of light needed to grow 3-6 soft corals, and a Red and Blue mushroom? I don't intend to buy a Halide until I move up to a 125 or similar.. but I’m looking for a cheap one at the moment.
I just had a successful cycle and added about 30 lbs or LR today and I will be doing some tests soon and will post them for you guys.
When would do you think the tank will become "established" and able for me to add some soft coral and mushrooms? And fish?
That's it for now.
Thanks,
-Nick

 

[laudluvr]

I want to do that too! I have gazillions of questions but don't want to bother people. I will follow your threads. Have fun and ask all the right questions. LOL

 

[nerdy]

First of all, what is your tank size!? I have always been under the impression that 3 watts per gallon is a safe bet when doing soft corals! That is what I have sone in my tank and it seems to be doing well! And your cycle is done when the levels are perfect. Every tank is different and wil take a different amount of time!

 

[nick17]

It's a 29 gallon and everything is about perfect except amnonia.. which sits a little to low.. so LFS said I can add my LR to my tank which I did and will let if filter through for a few days and test everything again..
Do mushrooms need any special lighting? (I go to marindepot.com and use them for references on everything ie. food, compatibility etc.)
Has anyone done these before? An electric Scallop?
A few more coming.. let me here your responses..
Thanks,
-Nick

 

[wrassecal]

Nick, I've been following your other thread.
1)Just as a general idea for you on wattage, get 3 - 5 watts per gallon of Power Compact or VHO lighing for the easier starter corals like mushrooms, colt coral, bubble coral, frogspawn or hammer....to name just a few of the hardier ones.
2) You didn't pose this as a question but, you just cycled your tank. Then you added 30 lbs of live rock today. (I think I remember your tank is about 29 gal) Is it cured live rock? Does it have purple/pink coralline on it? You are likely, not definately but likely to experience another small to large cycle from the die-off of the live rock. You need to wait a few more weeks to see what happens to your water chemistry. If ammonia then nitrites raise again you are in another cycle. When I first started I spent weeks with a magnifying glass just marveling at the live rock! People thought we were crazy but you will find a lot of stuff coming to life over the next few weeks on that rock. Hopefully that will help you stay patient while waiting to add the corals.
3) Once you are absolutely sure that you are not going to be dealing with amm or nitrites then you could add say mushrooms. Then wait some more and see how it goes.
I hope this helps and welcome to the hobby.

 

[nick17]

Thanks for the warm welcome Wrassecal!
Actually.. I got 30lbs of Walt Smith rock and EACH piece is loaded with coarlline algae.. and it's fully cured..
I'll see how everything goes and keep you guys updated (without pics.. sorry.. I don't at the moment.. have a digi camera
Thanks,
-Nick

 

[nerdy]

I agree with wrasceal. Most of what he says is true. But since you just added live rock, there should be an ammonia spike over the next few days.

 

[nick17]

Alright.. so I should check for amnonia in the next 3 days?
I'll report how it's going..
Thanks,
-Nick

 

[nick17]

What are some good chemicals from swf.com? I'm thinking about getting 2 SeaReef Aquarium Calcium for $2.99 and get 2 of those..
What else is "standard" I just bought 2gal of alk/ph and calcium today.. but for $2.99 I can't pass up..
Just a thought..
-Nick

 

[nick17]

bump

 

[michaeltx]

hey nick heads up on linking to other sites that sell things on this board that is hosted by a web saltwater store one of their conditions is that we dont link to other competitor sites. so I would go back and edit out the link above before the mods do it for ya.
Just a heads up .
Mike

 

[nick17]

This is their site.. under dry goods.. swf.com = saltwaterfish.com
-Nick

 

[nick17]

You get my e-mail Mike?
-Nick

 

[michaeltx]

the link above is to m*****d**** 2 different places 2 different stores the drygoods area here you are still on this site not a different one.
I go to m*****D**** .com and use them for references on everything ie. food, compatibility etc.****LINK****)
ona different note no I never got the email sorry.
Mike

 

[nick17]

I see, I see.. I meant to use it to post a picture of what I was talking about.. sorry.
I re-sent the e-mail..
Check now..
Fixed link..
-Nick

 

[michaeltx]

yeah its one of those things that if a person keeps posting links to other site it can get a ban issue that comes up for violations of the user aggrement.
BTW got the mail that time
Mike

 

[michaeltx]

I got that one and sent a responce did you not get mine.
Mike

 

[nick17]

Has anyone attempted to have one of these in their tanks? It's a Electric Scallop..
If so, how did it go?
I hear he's peaceful and reef-safe.. and also a carnivore..
Thanks,
-Nick

 

[nick17]

Nope Mike..
slange@cfl.rr.com
Thanks..
-Nick

 

[michaeltx]

they are filter feeders and most dont make it long term our tanks are to clean. I had one that lasted for almost a year but I didnt use a skimmer or use skimmer. so there was a lot of food in the water column but it makes for a dirty tank to keep them happy. I have tried them in a cleaner tank wth a skimmer and all and it lasted for about 2 months. and I will not buy another for my tank and dont suggest them.
Mike