New and trying to learn

[wasabivb]

I recently decided that I want to try and care for my dream, a reef tank. I was under the assumption that they were difficult and too expensive. After visiting a local store 2 weeks ago, I still want to do this. What I have right now is a 55 gal Long tank, 2- AquaClear 301 pumps powering an undergravel filter system for my Cichlids. I was wondering if this will work for water movement? I wanted to include some Tridachinds; I am cruising the internet and reading like mad, any suggestions on what "zones" or "types" would work for someone coming over from the freshwater side??

 

[ChrisRD]

Hi and welcome to Reefs.Org.

If you're interested in Tridacna sp. clams you're probably going to want metal halide lighting (especially if you're interested in T. maxima or T. crocea ).

My advice would be to get a few good books and look through our beginner's guide (check my sig). Daniel Knopp is generally accepted as the authority on these clams, and I'd recommend his book if you're into clams.

I'd recommend ditching the undergravel filter. Save the powerheads (good for circulation), plan on getting some good quality live rock, live sand (optional IMO - depending on which clams), a good protein skimmer and quality lighting. Be forewarned this is not a cheap hobby.

Check out those links and feel free to post any specific questions...

 

[ChrisRD]

Also, an RO unit or some source of very pure water will be another critical item IMO...

 

[wasabivb]

I have read and continue to refernce "Natural Reef Aquariums" by John Tullock, I am planning on going with MH lighting, I am getting rid of the under gravel filter. I have a list going....
Lighting, actualy a new tank with the in tank overflow, MH lightining, deep sand bed, live rock and an RO unit.
I guess I am trying to decide what "type" of tank i want in order to get the right equipment.

 

[wasabivb]

I have also decide to ditch my current tank and get one with the built in overflow, and use a sump...

 

[ChrisRD]

sounds like you're on the right track

 

[Anonymous]

welcome and good luck. i will deny that reef tanks are any harder, but i will admit that they are much costlier. now i just have one of each - my bigazz freshwater planeted tank and a little 12g JBJ nanocube. perfect.

-clams are sorta "high end" ... i recommend u get some experience first. i'm scared of clams. *shiver*

-my RO unit has been critical. don't start a reef without one. lugging 20 gallons of pre-made water home from the LFS every week gets old REALLY FAST.

-PC lighting is a good alternative, less expensive, but generally not considered suitable for clammy clams. i dream of MH lighting some day ... when i am brave enough to do clamz.

- natural reef aquariums is a great book. i think it helped be build a good foundation of "reef theory" ...

- good luck and post some pixx when you can

-me

 

[Anonymous]

yes, clams are a tad needing on the lighting and pristine water conditions...when i get my MH system, in April, that'll be my new task, clams....the #1 priority in setting up a reef tank, is do it right the first time...