Getting started looking for pointers

[Brad Moehl]

Howdy,
Buddy of mine at work turned me on to this web site, I like it so far. Just in the process of setting up my salt water tank, and the questions just keep coming. One, Should I use a cover or No? My friend says no that you want gas exchange, you look in the fish order section of your Dr. Williams catalog and it states "make sure the lid is secure fish tend to jump out".? Two Do ya'll feel that one and ahalf too two pounds of live rock per gallon is acceptable? Three Were is the best place to locate a compatability chart? I would hate to mix friendly folk with those whom might do them harm. Four What invertabrites should I incorperate at the on set? Five What is too many animals in a tank? This would get me going. I am new to reef building and any suggestions would be helpful. You would be unable to offend me, I am without a background in this endevore. Hope to learn much.

Peace
Brad

 

[hdtran]

Brad,

I'll let one of the moderators give you the proper welcome message, as I have no idea how to do it.

Click on the 'library' link somewhere near the top, and read the new-to-reefkeeping guide. Then, browse thru the recommended reading list, and get John Tullock's "Your First Saltwater Aquarium." Under $10, and has some indication of compatibility. Once you're done with that, get either his "Natural Reef Aquariums" or Bob Fenners' "Conscientious Marine Aquarist." Excellent reading.

1.5 to 2 lb of LR per gallon is perfectly fine. If you keep your water level about 2" below the top of the tank, that should keep most fish in the tank. There are a few chronic jumpers; if you choose those, you will want to put some mesh or lighting diffuser screen on top of your tank to block the jumpers.

Who or what is Dr. Williams catalog?

 

[Brad Moehl]

Howdy

Thanks for the direction. My fault it is Dr. Foster and Smith. So I'll take it that you would also suggest leaveing the tank without a cover.

Brad

 

[hdtran]

I have a canopy but no cover (or only a very partial cover). But that's my setup. Other folks may run covers.

BTW, I really recommend that you find yourself a good LFS (look up the acronyms), and do your shopping there to support the LFS's. I'm sure there are some good ones in Houston.

 

[Anonymous]

you can also use plexi glass for a cover since it doesnt mess with the gas exchange.... Read, read, read is the best advise...I dont have a cover either i have a custom built canopy running 130W of PC lighting, however the back is completely exposed to the outside...i have had only 1 fish jump out of my tank...a mandarin (S. Splendidus)....i also have another potential jumper called a firefish...however ive had it nearly a year and it has never attempted, to my knowledge, to jump out...