reef vs. saltwater aquarium

[aquagirl]

Am I correct to say that the only difference between reef and just a saltwater aquarium is that reef aquariums have also live sand and live rocks? Would some inverts such as shrimp, snails etc. be o.k. with just the salt water and not the live rock and sand?
Also what are some good combos to start out with i have a 120 gallon saltwater setup only, not reef! I have one clown and a blue damsel, what would go nice? I am interested in getting a snowflake eel, and possibly a nurse shark... has anyone had any luck? Any comments, or help is greatly appricated....

 

[stacyt]

When talking about a reef that is normally a tank with corals. You should have LR, and LS in any saltwater tank IMO. It's not necessary, but does help with filtration/nitrogen cycle. If you plan on having the eel I would definately recommend adding some LR at the minimum. This provides them a place to hide. A snowflake is a good choice. A nurse shark will outgrow a tank that size. I'm not a shark expert, but there have been many posts in the aggressive forum on this matter. You have plenty of options available as far as fish selection goes. What is your current setup as far as filtration, powerheads, lighting, etc.

 

[carrie1429]

The only difference I know of is that reef has corals. You can have a salt tank with LR and LS, that is considered FOWLR (fish only with LR). I have a very nice tank with LR and LS but no corals, but it is not considered a reef though. You would definitely have to have a really big tank for a nurse shark, from what I've heard they can get like 15 feet. Post in the aggressive forum about that matter.

 

[joerdie]

do you like your clown and damsel? if so DO NOT put a shark in!! they will be gone as soon as the shark can fit them into its mouth. just my $.02

 

[shadow678]

All sharks require extremely healthy water conditions to survive, thus beginners are very much urged to not attempt sharks until they have a good amount of experience keeping saltwater aquariums. Even then, sharks will put an immense strain on biological filtering, and extra measures will have to be taken to keep the water quality high, which can be very costly. Also, until you have a guaranteed home for the nurse shark after a couple of years, it would be very unwise to attempt one, as they grow to 14 feet long, and would not be suited for an aquarium less than 1200 gallons.

 

[marine fanatic]

I have had a snowflake living in my tank now for over 6 months with damsels and other smaller fish and have had no problems. I learned some tricks from a friend on how to keep them in the same tank without problems and this is what I have been doing....
1. Feed your eel regularly and never let him get to the point that he starts to hunt due to hunger....if he does, chances are, your smaller fish may be food.
2. Elevate portions of your live rock to allow higher areas for the damsels to live and lower areas for the eel to live.
3. Despite being almost blind, snowflake eels are LIGHTNING fast. If you are cleaning or moving anything that requires you to place your hand in your tank..make sure the eel is not hunting....I have had mine try to nip at my finger more than once and even though he had just eaten, perhaps it was defensive instincts or something so be aware.
This is what I did and it worked for me, not saying this is the only way to do it, just my opinion