Aggressive Tank Help

[Andrea1]

Okay, we just established an aggressive fish tank.

Specs 90 Gallon
75 wet/dry sealife
2500 flow pump
800 rio water jet have two using one for salt water production and one for new tank
Regular 48" light.
140 lbs of live sand. Wanted deep sandbed
40 lbs of crushed coral.

No built in flow. It is off the back.
No Skimmer. Is one needed?

Asking.
What equipment do we need?
What fish can we have together?
What test should we do?
What additives should we use?
What should our test results be?
How long should we wait before adding fish?
Do we need cleaners? Snails, crabs etc?

All I can think of.

Thank you very much,
Andrea

 

[ChrisRD]

No Skimmer. Is one needed?

I prefer to use one, even on a FO system (I assume this system will be fish-only). IMO they make it much easier to maintain good water quality and avoid nuisance algae problems.

What equipment do we need?

Sounds like you've got the basics covered. You might want another powerhead or two in the tank to provide good circulation.

What fish can we have together?

http://www.reefs.org/library/compatibility.html

What test should we do?

The basic stuff like temp, pH and SG is all I'd worry about for an FO tank. Initially it's a good idea to monitor ammonia and nitrates to see how the system is doing, but once the tank is established, I generally don't bother with those tests anymore as I never get detectable levels on hobby test kits.

What additives should we use?

Assuming there will be no live calcifying organisms (stony corals, clams, etc.) in the system, you don't really need to any anything beyond fish food and fresh water for evaporation.

What should our test results be?

IMO ammonia/nitrite and nitrate levels should be undetectable. Many FO systems run with significant nitrate levels and no problems but personally, I have always avoided that.

How long should we wait before adding fish?

Considering the amount of live sand added, I would give the system at least a few weeks to settle down before you start stocking.

Do we need cleaners? Snails, crabs etc?

They're helpful in keeping the tank clean, but your choices as to what you have in regards to these critters will depend on your fish selection (ie. some aggressive species will eat your clean-up crew).

JMO & HTH

 

[Andrea1]

Thank you Chris....
I have no more questions for you at least for now.
We will get a skimmer and possibly add another powerhead. We do have 2 right now and they seem powerful enough. I don't know that will be my husbands decision.

Regarding our reef tank....I do have a question.
What do you feel about putting carbon sacks in the wet/dry? We just read that you should only put the carbon in there for 3 days then take it out b/c it takes trace elements out. We have had a carbon sack in the wet/dry since we set up the reef tank and one is in there now. Changed it three times. Should we take it out and not use it anymore?

Thanks very much,
Andrea

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO when you're running carbon passively (like you are) there's no harm in just leaving it in like that. I'd change it out for fresh carbon about once a month.

 

[Anonymous]

I would use a skimmer......your water quality wil be much better and very well aerated.