New Tank
- Thread starter newmarine
- Start date
Welcome to RDO!
To answer your question, we probably want to know the water parameter, your lighting setup, and most importantly, your preference. Tell us more!
A common mistake of people starting this hobby is buying corals from LFS without prior knowledge to what it takes to keep them alive. It is difficult to keep your money in your wallet when you see an unusual critter, and I suffered from the same problem now and then.
To answer your question, we probably want to know the water parameter, your lighting setup, and most importantly, your preference. Tell us more!
A common mistake of people starting this hobby is buying corals from LFS without prior knowledge to what it takes to keep them alive. It is difficult to keep your money in your wallet when you see an unusual critter, and I suffered from the same problem now and then.
new marine,
I'm assuming that you've just recently set up your tank, bought some pretty corals and now they are in distress? Is this correct?
The best advise any one can give you is to read the information that is available in the "New Reefkeepers" section. The read the articles in the "Advanced Aquarist".
Before purchasing and killing anything else, let your tank cycle. Research everything before buying, and you'll be wiser and richer in the long run.
I'm assuming that you've just recently set up your tank, bought some pretty corals and now they are in distress? Is this correct?
The best advise any one can give you is to read the information that is available in the "New Reefkeepers" section. The read the articles in the "Advanced Aquarist".
Before purchasing and killing anything else, let your tank cycle. Research everything before buying, and you'll be wiser and richer in the long run.
Sorry if I sounded pissey! I just hate when folks start buying things just after set up. Your tank looks to have no life other than the two corals, so I just assumed.
Ok, now that that is out of the way, let us know some info like the tank size, type of filtration, type of lighting and what type of tank do you wish to have? ie: fowlr, fish mixed w/ inverts or just a reef? Your choice of filtration and lighting will have a lot to do with your choices as will tank size.
There is just so much information out there and ton's of advise to give to newbies. And without knowing your particulars, it's hard to point you in a direction.
Ok, now that that is out of the way, let us know some info like the tank size, type of filtration, type of lighting and what type of tank do you wish to have? ie: fowlr, fish mixed w/ inverts or just a reef? Your choice of filtration and lighting will have a lot to do with your choices as will tank size.
There is just so much information out there and ton's of advise to give to newbies. And without knowing your particulars, it's hard to point you in a direction.
Sorry for the rambling in advance 
Read, read, read and read some more! I found that the best resource for deciding on fish is Scott W. Michael's series Reef Fishes 1-3. His pocket book Marine Fishes is also a great resource. Reading is the best first stop before anything especially the Local Fish Store (LFS). There are many things to consider. Are there certain colors you’d like? Shapes? Behaviors? If you want color, you'll go for bold fish like angels, wrasses, butterflies, Anthias, or damsels. If you're more interested in how they interact with their environment fishes like hawks, gobies, blennies, jawfish, etc are fun to watch. Your corals will be limited by your lighting, and your fish by the amount of space you have. Generally if you have Metal Halide (MH) lighting you can keep any coral, clam, and anemones. Very High Output (VHO) lights can sustain Soft corals, Large Polyp Stony corals (LPS), and Small Polyp Stony corals (SPS) if you keep them higher up in the tank. Compact florescent lights can keep soft and LPS corals. Generally for fish you should limit them to the amount of inches that’s appropriate for Gallons of water. The rule is one inch of fish for every 2 gallons of water max. Take into consideration each individual's space needs though. Some need more room then others, again read, read, read. Good Luck!
Read, read, read and read some more! I found that the best resource for deciding on fish is Scott W. Michael's series Reef Fishes 1-3. His pocket book Marine Fishes is also a great resource. Reading is the best first stop before anything especially the Local Fish Store (LFS). There are many things to consider. Are there certain colors you’d like? Shapes? Behaviors? If you want color, you'll go for bold fish like angels, wrasses, butterflies, Anthias, or damsels. If you're more interested in how they interact with their environment fishes like hawks, gobies, blennies, jawfish, etc are fun to watch. Your corals will be limited by your lighting, and your fish by the amount of space you have. Generally if you have Metal Halide (MH) lighting you can keep any coral, clam, and anemones. Very High Output (VHO) lights can sustain Soft corals, Large Polyp Stony corals (LPS), and Small Polyp Stony corals (SPS) if you keep them higher up in the tank. Compact florescent lights can keep soft and LPS corals. Generally for fish you should limit them to the amount of inches that’s appropriate for Gallons of water. The rule is one inch of fish for every 2 gallons of water max. Take into consideration each individual's space needs though. Some need more room then others, again read, read, read. Good Luck!
- Location
- San Francisco (formerly Manhattan!)
Hi newmarine, and welcome! If I remember your other post, one of your corals is a Dendronephthya species. Before you wait too long, I would see if your store you bought it from would take it back for some store credit. You (no one) won't be able to sustain it in your tank.
Oceans has given some good guidelines, but there are exceptions to every rule, almost. Oceans' inch/gallons might be more appropriate for fish only tanks. I would say a safer guide for fish/gallonage is 1 inch for every 6-10 gallons, if you also have corals. The newbie section on this sight is a great place to start. If you can answer the following question about a coral, you are ready to buy it?
Where does it come from on a real reef?
What lighting does it require?
What do I feed it?
What kind of water movement does it require?
Is it compatible with other corals, fish, and invertabrates in my tank?
Can I purchase the same coral, farm-raised (propagated) instead of wild caught?
One question I have, what is the "built in" filtration on your tank?
Oceans has given some good guidelines, but there are exceptions to every rule, almost. Oceans' inch/gallons might be more appropriate for fish only tanks. I would say a safer guide for fish/gallonage is 1 inch for every 6-10 gallons, if you also have corals. The newbie section on this sight is a great place to start. If you can answer the following question about a coral, you are ready to buy it?
Where does it come from on a real reef?
What lighting does it require?
What do I feed it?
What kind of water movement does it require?
Is it compatible with other corals, fish, and invertabrates in my tank?
Can I purchase the same coral, farm-raised (propagated) instead of wild caught?
One question I have, what is the "built in" filtration on your tank?
SnowManSnow":1dsbafgd said:Looks like you have a lot of sand bed area there in front of the rock work
And when you say you have ocean light.. is that a flourcent bulb.. or is that the Aqua Medic MH Ocean Light Pendant?
First of all, my built-in filtration are those that is at the side of the tank. Built into the tank with 3 compartment. first compartment I put sponge, 2nd with coral chip and 3rd is the outlet to tank.
Secondly I tried to return the dendro but the lfs refuse to take it back with full refund. So I have no choice but to read up am hope that she survive. Currently place it in a shady area with moderate but constant water flow. Seems to be doing fine. Hope it stays that why.
I recently took a reading of my saltinity and reliase that it has drop to 1.017 after I add some SW which I purchase from a lfs. Any idea why and how to raise it to the standard again.
Secondly I tried to return the dendro but the lfs refuse to take it back with full refund. So I have no choice but to read up am hope that she survive. Currently place it in a shady area with moderate but constant water flow. Seems to be doing fine. Hope it stays that why.
I recently took a reading of my saltinity and reliase that it has drop to 1.017 after I add some SW which I purchase from a lfs. Any idea why and how to raise it to the standard again.
- Location
- San Francisco (formerly Manhattan!)
Hi newmarine, first about your filtration- not sure what you have, but it seems like some kind of trickle filter or something. A picture would help. I would strongly advise purchasing a protien skimmer if you do not own one.
As to your water, adding salt will increase your salinity- but add it via higher salinity water- don't add straight salt to your tank. Are you topping off with fresh water? Do you know the salinity of the water your purchasing? Do you have any test kits for other water parameters?
I would probably advise putting your tank into a holding pattern for the next month or so, getting water parameters into line, not add any more corals or any fish, and do some reading. Then read a little more. And when you think you are done, read some more! You will feel much better with a base of knowledge, and have more confidence with purchasing animals and providing for their health.
Best, Peter
As to your water, adding salt will increase your salinity- but add it via higher salinity water- don't add straight salt to your tank. Are you topping off with fresh water? Do you know the salinity of the water your purchasing? Do you have any test kits for other water parameters?
I would probably advise putting your tank into a holding pattern for the next month or so, getting water parameters into line, not add any more corals or any fish, and do some reading. Then read a little more. And when you think you are done, read some more!
You will feel much better with a base of knowledge, and have more confidence with purchasing animals and providing for their health. Best, Peter
- Location
- San Francisco (formerly Manhattan!)
SnowMan's got it.
And you are right, there is a bunch to absorb, but I think it is the challenge that makes this hobby so potent, as long as we can challenge ourselves not at the expense of living creatures. I would also like to reiterate that there are now a bunch of resources and companies for buying tank-raised corals, or propagated corals out there, so, with a few exceptions, you can get all the life you want for your tank without having to take it from the wild. If your LFS doesn't carry tank-raised fish, or aquacultured corals, ask them why!
You are on the right path, some Visine and a little patience and your critters will love you for it!
Good luck.
And you are right, there is a bunch to absorb, but I think it is the challenge that makes this hobby so potent, as long as we can challenge ourselves not at the expense of living creatures. I would also like to reiterate that there are now a bunch of resources and companies for buying tank-raised corals, or propagated corals out there, so, with a few exceptions, you can get all the life you want for your tank without having to take it from the wild. If your LFS doesn't carry tank-raised fish, or aquacultured corals, ask them why!
You are on the right path, some Visine and a little patience and your critters will love you for it!
Good luck.
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