Recent content by g.mcclean

We have a pair of tank raised tomatoe clowns. Several months after having them we introduced a LTA> The female barely gave us a chance to get the anemone in the tank. She was in it immediatelt and hasn't left.

We are just starting with corals- tanks up and running for 6mos- 1year (2 tanks) We first started with hammer corals. Total light 3 watts per gallon. They were place fairly high in the aquarium. All water parameters good ( 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, salinity 1.023, pH 8.2, nitrates 20, temp...

retired teacher

Here lies my MAJOR peeve. We have also starting adding coral and been diligent about testing for Ca. We were talked into a LaMotte test kit (the best?) The calcium part of the test is almost impossible to read the differentiating point on the color change. We add ESV 2 part additives...

The only addition I could make is that the calcium should be around 420. Many of the corals require at least 400 ppm.

The supplier we use is in Clementon, N>J> We are in South Jersey. Where are you The LFS we use is in Clementon, N>J> We are in South Jersey. Where are you? They have an extraordinary marine department and techs that have marine set ups themselves...

Great article. Thanks so much for the link.

I purchased a "green scolymia" from the LFS that we have utmost confidence in. The tech explained all of the needs of this coral including lighting, placement, feeding it etc. He assessed our tank and said it would do fine for us ( and it has so far.) This same tech also talks us out of...

In the process of leveling my calcium and alkalinity I find my magnesium levels to be around 1000ppm. I want about 1250 ppm. I bought ESV magnesium to supplement. The directions say to add 1-1.5 ml per gallon. That would be about 75-112 ml for a 75 gallon. Since there is also a warning...

Kent makes several different marine mixes. Which speciic one are you referring to?

I have been using ESV bionic 2 part additive. I have reached a calcium level of 412 ppm;alkalinity of 10.2 dKh; and magnesium of 891ppm. I am using a LaMott test kit for hardness and alkalinity. Now my two questions; Is the magnesium too low and if so how do I increase this? I hope not...

Another suggestion is to buy or borrow Eric Borneman's book on corals. It spells out all the care requirements for almost any coral you might want to keep.

In my opinion, unless your tank is very large, mixing ble and green chromis would be a problem.. As for feeding, ours ate any flake we fed and some frozen food. We almost always feed twice a day, but have a large clean-up crew for waste.

The best thing you can do is to buy or borrow Eric Borneman's book on corals. He covers all care requirements. Your problem sounds like low calcium. You should have calcium levels of 400-450ppm and alk at 3.5. Lighting could also be an issue. Pick up the book. It's marvelous!

You have 5 watts plus per gallon and fairly shallow water, In my opinion metal halide lights are overkill. Sometimes it seems that we are encouraged to spend money where it is not necessary. MH is not only costly to buy but also to run. Check out Eric Borneman's book on aquarium corals for...