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My first salt setup (with lots of pics) | |
terranova Fish Master Posts: 1984 Kudos: 1889 Votes: 229 Registered: 09-Jul-2003 | I cant wait till we can frag swap. -Formerly known as the Ferretfish |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | In inches it's 36Lx12Wx16H. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
shaun64326 Small Fry Posts: 14 Kudos: 4 Votes: 1 Registered: 01-Dec-2005 | Nice tank. What are the dimensions of it? |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Patchy- yep I do love thier swim...but dang is it hard to get a good picture of them Ferretfish- Thanks for the compliment, hopefully it will continue to go well. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
terranova Fish Master Posts: 1984 Kudos: 1889 Votes: 229 Registered: 09-Jul-2003 | Looking good Matty. I'm very impressed. You're a very good example of how well even small saltwater tanks can develop and mature with time. You've got some great growth on your rock. -Formerly known as the Ferretfish |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Patchy Enthusiast Posts: 224 Kudos: 195 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-Sep-2005 | IMO their is no real effort needed in getting them to breed,(they get to buisness when it suits them) alot of people that tried everything to get them to breed cant. the bigger effort is after they lay. occ and percs are the best clowns ever, you gotta love that awkward swim they have |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks Books. Yeah they are common, but there aren't a whole lot of options for a 30G reef tank, plus it's my first marine tank, so I don't want any trouble. Maybe when they mature I'll consider it if I'm willing to spend the time and effort(I'm not really sure how involved it is), but for now my goal is just to keep them healthy and happy. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
sirbooks Moderator Sociopath Posts: 3875 Kudos: 5164 Votes: 932 Registered: 26-Jul-2004 | Nice clownfish. Ocellaris are common, but you don't always find healthy ones like those appear to be. Are you going to try to convince them to breed at all? |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
nano reefer Fish Addict Posts: 716 Kudos: 570 Votes: 3 Registered: 29-Feb-2004 | Lookin good mate Like the monti cap |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks DRO After looking at some pics, I think it looks most like acan subechinata, though I haven't seen a similar color morph in any pics I've seen. I have quite a long way to go to be able to ID some things. Also good to know that's a montipora Cap...I definitley need to get into the habit of using more of the scientific names. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | Its not an Acan. Lordhowenisis I can tell that Couple of possible things it could be... Micromussa, or most likely Acan. Subechinata BTW, nice looking Orange Montipora Capricornus Last edited by DarkRealm Overlord at 29-Nov-2005 22:45 |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks guys...I guess that means I have to keep posting pics huh You really should leave me soem more comments on my post so that I know mine will start out as wonderful as your has. I've been reading through, but I didn't know there were any questions left unanswered... Oh, I forgot to add that I temporarily added some mechanical filtration through the use of an old HOB for a while until I get some of the particulates out of the tank. Last edited by mattyboombatty at 28-Nov-2005 21:47 Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Hoa dude_dude Mega Fish Posts: 957 Kudos: 888 Votes: 72 Registered: 28-Dec-2004 | I can't say much buuttt... Well done This certainly is a very cool tank & you should be proud of it |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | The tank is lookin GREAT matty! I am sorry I haven't commented in a while I ahv ebeen quite busy. I do hope you do not stop posting pictures! That would make me very sad. You really must come over to my house when I get my 90 Gallon so that you can help me set up my tank. That way I know everything will lok good in it. Everything is looking so pretty. Keep up the great work! You really should leave me soem more comments on my post so that I know mine will start out as wonderful as your has. Christina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | This post has been deleted |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Well I finally got some new stuff. Last night I got a small frag of a pink and green hammer coral, and a frag of an orange plate type sps coral. I've been watching both at the store, the plate coral I've seen grow a square inch in about 1-2 months. The hammer just came in last week, and it's been doing well since. The algae all seems to be dying off except for a brown "puffball" type. Even this isn't growing much, and is easily removed. I was told that we'll be getting in a shipment of percs and ocellaris clowns the tuesday after thanksgiving, so I'll get my last two fish then, after I see which batch looks to be in better health. I'll get pics of everything when I get back from home, this was just a quick update to let you know I didn't kill everything. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | It might be "trained", most LPS that you feed on a regular basis will start to show tentalces when food hits the water. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Its hard telling what Acan it is without a closer pic I'll try to hold it closer to the glass and take a pic that way. That was as good as it gets from it's placement on the rock. Target feed mysis, cyclopeze, etc when its feeding tentacles are extended (most likely at night). Does it become "trained" like the sun polyps? That would be cool to see during the day I bet. It wil grow its own skeleton, so you can leave it unattached if you want, or you can glue it down in place.....your decision Well as long as it stays in place, I'll just leave it. Thanks Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Well it won't let me edit, so I'll have to post again. since it is an LPS does it grow it's own skeletal ba Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I'm not sure what type of acan it is. It wasn't even labeled - it was in the 3 for $35 bin at work. I recognized it as an acanthastrea though, But I can't seem to find much info on the net about them - just pictures. I was hoping you guys might figure out what type it is. If not, oh well....it's very nice anyways. What can I target feed it, and when should I do the feedings? Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | What Acan is it? Lords? Either way, Acans are pretty hardy. LPS, medium to high light, medium(ish) flow.....and target feedings if you want them to bud and reproduce faster. Generally speaking Acans will bud pretty easily. I would guess that if you target feed, that the frag you have will add another 2-3 heads in a month or two. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Well i got some new stuff...After this I'm going to have to stop for a little bit and save up some dough. Here's a few pics of what I've added recently: Yellow Cucumber: Some Polyps: An acanthastrea (only 2 polys) A little help here on the requirements please, I didn't do much research on these guys. And another nice closeup of my rainfords goby: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
swiftshark88 Enthusiast Posts: 205 Kudos: 143 Votes: 61 Registered: 17-Apr-2005 | Last time i saw a Helfrichi firefish, it was going for about $159....:%) Nick "Impossumable- unable to play dead" |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
terranova Fish Master Posts: 1984 Kudos: 1889 Votes: 229 Registered: 09-Jul-2003 | Wow, just looked it up and it is very attractive. That I'd buy up instead of a clown. told you so IMO its one of the prettiest fish in the trade...you're gunna pay for its beauty though, even at wholesale this guy is pricey "Do you quarantine?" ....of course I do.... or at least I know I should. If I were to be getting any fish that was more than $15 and/or was really sensitive, I would. Instead I just acclimate really well and try not to stress the fish out and try to stock in the right order to minimize territory disputes. dont worry...I think we're all the same way when it comes to QT. I'm in the process of getting a quarantine set up, because when/if I ever get my anthias in, i'll need to QT everybody after that, for fear of losing them. -Formerly known as the Ferretfish |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | But the Helfrichi firefish is just DDG Wow, just looked it up and it is very attractive. That I'd buy up instead of a clown. Do you quarantine? ....of course I do.... or at least I know I should. If I were to be getting any fish that was more than $15 and/or was really sensitive, I would. Instead I just acclimate really well and try not to stress the fish out and try to stock in the right order to minimize territory disputes. Last edited by mattyboombatty at 06-Nov-2005 17:20 Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
terranova Fish Master Posts: 1984 Kudos: 1889 Votes: 229 Registered: 09-Jul-2003 | No worries, it was just a suggestion. But the Helfrichi firefish is just DDG...we actually got one in last week, and I saw it in person. I almost died. And good call on the not rushing the stocking...your tank is still new and could easily mini cycle, especially since it's small. Do you quarantine? -Formerly known as the Ferretfish |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I think I'll just stick with the clowns and the gobies. I think I'll get the clown goby first - sometime this week. I'll get the percs sometime later, in a few weeks. I don't really like to rush the stocking for a bunch of reasons. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | It all depends Matty, Pseudochromis fridmani is probably the most peaceful out of all of them. Most people have good luck with them. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Patchy Enthusiast Posts: 224 Kudos: 195 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-Sep-2005 | Not sure what its like in the states, but here the premixed water is grabbed out of lfs' coral and live rock tanks. (i only go to a few different stores so i may be wrong too) which cant be that bad or even use bad quality products. some lfs here also sell true salt water brought from clean inlets. Which is suppose to be alot better than artifical salt( makes sense) |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Looking good there Matty, But that is all I can say, as I have no clue about the dark side. One more thing though - quite some interesting wall paper there Hope it works out well for you, Ingo |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003 | I was going to try hard not to comment on the wallpaper...really I was! ah well...I suppose it can't be helped (*snickers quietly*) . Cant comment on the darkside much....but may I suggest moving the piece of LR that's on the top left of your scape to the top right where it may help hide some of the equipment better? ^_^ [hr width='40%'] "in any case, chocolate is hardly a rare comodity." said Chaos. "There are planets covered in the stuff" REALLY? "Indeed." IT MIGHT BE BEST, said Death, IF NEWS LIKE THAT DID NOT GET ABOUT. ~ Theif of Time [link=Terry Pratchett]http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Background coming soon.... unfortunately I can't help much with the wallpaper...stupid apartments. and eventually I'll be getting around to the aquascaping part. Right now I just kinda threw it all in there. I still need a bunch more before I really try to work on the scape and hiding things. Thanks for the comments though Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Got my lights today....Dual 96W Coralife PC fixture with one actinic and one 10,000K. It looks a little too blue for my taste so I may go with one 50/50 and one 10,000K in the future. Any opinions if I might be able to grow some sps near the top? I figured I'd definitely be able to grow lps and softies, but I wasn't sure about sps. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I just got another 8 lbs of liverock last night, so I'm thinking of aquascaping, and as Babel suggested I'll try to hide the overflow box. I'll update with some pics later. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
houston Fish Guru You want what when? Posts: 2623 Kudos: 2462 Votes: 337 Registered: 29-Mar-2003 | Nice Matty I'm like the rest though and don't know diddly squat about the darkside, except it costs more than I'm willing to spend right now, and I couldn't keep corries in it Otherwise it looks like a great beginning. What size of tank is it? I have thought many times of tempting fate, just haven't gotten up the guts to do so yet:88) Heidi EDIToops sorry how did I miss that it was 2; 30 gallon tanks? Blonde moment I suppose...hml Last edited by houston at 12-Oct-2005 19:06 "I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom." Thomas Carlyle |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks Heidi, But you shouldn't dismiss it just cause of the lack of cories, there are plenty of super interesting marine fish - like the jawfish. I noticed there's not a whole lot of activity over here in salty land. I appreciate the replys! Well I just cleaned some algae and wiped the salt streaks. So this is about how it looks right now. I think I might still need a few more small ppieces of LR to create some front to back depth instead of it looking like a wall. I was hoping to go with the crescent look, I think it's supposed to be called an atoll formation? However I'm not sure if my tank is wide enough for that look. mattyboombatty attached this image: Looks blue right? Last edited by mattyboombatty at 13-Oct-2005 12:59[/font] Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Here's my lonesome critter - a rock crab or somesuch thing. mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Matty, I think it looks already very pretty. That's unfortunately all I can say as a freshwater guy Ingo |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
nano reefer Fish Addict Posts: 716 Kudos: 570 Votes: 3 Registered: 29-Feb-2004 | looking good realy like the aqua scape!!! the crab looks like a manthraemerald) crab generly very good for your tank. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | LF - Marine tanks are WAAAAAY easier than a successful planted tank. You are actually trying to grow algae . In all seriousness though, I think you could handle it with some reading. Nano Reefer - Thanks! I'm still trying to get the perfect 'scape. I'll probably end up jamming another 5-6 lbs of rock in there. The crab unfortunately isn't an emerald crab, that would have been nice. First it's brown, without a speck of green anywhere, and second, it's got big ol' hairy legs. So I've been thinking about the stocking, and these are the fish I like - not the final stocking list by any means. Royal Gramma Yellow assessor Yellowhead Jawfish Pajama Cardinal Banggai Cardinal ocellaris clown Any of the flasher wrasses six/twelveline wrasse rainfords goby Green or yellow clown goby neon goby Blackray shrimp goby Purple firefish 1-2 gobies of some sort are a MUST for me, as I really like them. I think I might get a couple/few yellowhead jawfish for my refugium (DSB). Everything else I'm still undecided about. I don't even think I'm going to touch the corals list yet, except for some pulsing xenia and maybe some hammer coral, they tend to catch my eye. Otherwise I have no idea where I'm going with that. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
debbiemc Fish Addict Posts: 520 Kudos: 80 Registered: 06-Aug-2001 | Hi matty Nice set up happening You give us freshy's hope I tend to agree with you on the 'blue' look. (although I have seen some beautiful tanks with that look). I think you need to determine what corals/sponges (clams etc) that you want before you put them in and deal with your lighting prior to introducing them. Only because I think if you put in some lovely corals and they start thriving with the blue lighting and then suddently change the spectrum you could end up with certainly a sudden change in those inhabitants and possibly even disastrous results. I think (Someone in the Reef section should be able to help you out here) Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know that I think you tank is looking way-beautiful and I hope when I'm better in the future to be able to follow in your footsteps with my current 4' x 2' x 2' tank. Your leap is inspirational Deb BTW: A school of blue/green chromis would be nice & PS: sorry this went to the other post in error first too In wildness, nature is not human-hearted! |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks deb, If you need help setting your tank up in the future I'd be glad to help! I'll try to take the lighting into consideration, but I don't plan on getting any delicate corals for a long time. So any changes I make in the lighting would be minimal. For now though I'm trying to get used to it. It's too bad that the chromis get a little too big for my measly 30G tank. Otherwise, I would definitely get those...or maybe the blue reef chromis, which are awesome. I got another 5 lbs of VERY porous rock (forget the name already) and changed around my rockwork. I think I'm really close to what I want it to look like now. I'll post some pics as soon as the batteries charge(and the dust settles). In the last week or so I've been getting some pretty nasty algae which my cleanup crew isn't keeping up with. I've read though that this is to be expected, so I'm not freaking out yet. I've also read recently that coulerpa(sp?) isn't the greatest macroalgae for use in the fuge. What I've read is that it can reproduce sexually on a large scale and can travel from the sump to the main tank and take over there as well. I really don't want this to happen, so I'll be trying to get rid of all of it from my sump. Last edited by mattyboombatty at 20-Oct-2005 12:35 Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | How do you plan to get rid of the coulerpa? Will you have to strip the sump down? Ingo |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | LF - Thankfully it hasn't been in there long enough to become fully entrenched. So I'll manually remove the big clump(green stringy algae in the front of the sump in above pics) and try to even get rid of the roots(brush down any rocks it has perched on). This stuff is really invasive and can grow back from seemingly nothing I guess, so it may take a while to get rid of. While doing a good job of nutrient export - it has its drawbacks. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Some pics from today: Full view: mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | The overhang in the middle: mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | and a new shroom: mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | If its a crab and its hairy, get rid of it. They will stalk your fish when they are sleeping and you will end up with dead fish. Hairy crabs are very opportunistic and will munch on just about anything and everything. I've also read recently that coulerpa(sp?) isn't the greatest macroalgae for use in the fuge. What I've read is that it can reproduce sexually on a large scale and can travel from the sump to the main tank and take over there as well. I really don't want this to happen, so I'll be trying to get rid of all of it from my sump. Not only will the spores spread to the main tank, but if a big enough portion of it goes sexual, it can cause an ORP crash...thus most likely crashing your tank. It also releases a toxin called caulerpin. There are ways to fight it going sexual though....very regular prunings, and 24/7 photoperiod over the refugium seem to work well. I would however remove it and add Chaeotmorpha algae to the fuge instead. It grows just as fast, isnt invasive, and rarely if never goes sexual. BTW, the last pic of the new shroom you posted....looks like a ricordia to me..nice freebie |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks DRO - the crab has been banished to an isolated section of my sump where it can't do any damage. I couldn't bring myself to kill it. I thought the shroom might be ricordia, but wasn't sure - I "stole" it out of one of the display tanks @ work. It's tiny, about dime size, hopefully it will grow and spread . Yeah I'll go ahead and take out the caulerpa - sounds like it could be bad news. Is chaetomorpha called "brillo pad" algae? I've got quite a few different algaes in my fuge that I don't really know what they are. Maybe I'll post up some pics of each one, and maybe you guys know what they are. I've looked around a little on line but haven't really been able to ID them myself. Some look really similar. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | Chaetomorpha is indeed "brillo pad" algae |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I took out most of the caulerpa last night, and also got my first new fish! I got two yellowhead jawfish, both are settled into their new homes/holes in my sump. They even ate today, which made me extremely happy (so I overfed a little, bah!). I took some pics this morning, here's the best one I took: mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | Hey think when you get done with yours maybe you could stop by my house and help me figure out how to set up mine? I REALLY need help figuring out all that stuff lol PLEEEEASE!!! lol Tank looks great! Are you going to put fish in it or just snails and such? Christina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
LITTLE_FISH ***** Little Fish ***** Master of Something Posts: 7303 Kudos: 1997 Votes: 670 Registered: 20-May-2005 | Matty, Upfront, excuse my ignorance and total lack of knowledge. The one thing I don’t like about your tank is that greenish rock on the left bottom. Is there something on it that makes it look so green? Another question: Why do you add fish to the sump and not the main tank? Otherwise, it looks very nice. I can’t wait to see a lot of corals and other stuff () growing in your tank, not to mention some colorful fish. Ingo |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Christina - look up(above your post) and see my first fish! And I'll definitely help you any way I can. LF- that rock is pretty nasty isn't it? It's the only rock covered with algae - I think I need a bigger clean up crew, but I think the algae mess is supposed to be normal in the first few months. It should clear up after a bit, maybe with the help of some algae grazers. As to the fish in the sump question - I think they will be the most happy there. They need a BUNCH of sand to burrow in, and there's not enough sand in my main display for them. Plus they are a little skittish - the jumpy type. Nobody will bother them down there. The reason I got them first is because, well, they were available and I really wanted them. They have quite the personality - always jumping in and out of their hole. I should be getting my first corals this friday. Just some pulsing xenias and some colorful zoo's from a friend at work. The hardy stuff first so I don't kill anything . Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | Is he in your main tank? What kind of goby is he? He looks quite friendly and OH so adorable! I am a little dumb when it comes to saltwater tanks. I know some good information about freshwater tanks, but I would LOVE to learn more about saltwater tanks. For starters, why do you have a sump? What exactly are they? Can I have a saltwater tank without them? I will leave that for now.... Chrstina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Christina - The Yellowhead jawfish is just that - a jawfish. I have them in my sump because I feel they will be happy there, with all the sand and cover the algae will give them. Sumps are very good for marine tanks for a number of reasons. They increase water capacity, increase oxygenation, add places for multiple types of filtration, and get the heaters/filters/other gadgets out of the main display. However good they are, they are not a "must" have. Have a read at [link=wet web media]http://www.wetwebmedia.com" style="COLOR: #FFD700[/link] about sumps/refugiums and their use. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
tetratech Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4241 Kudos: 1074 Registered: 04-Nov-2003 | Matty, First congrats on the new tank. I think your off to a great start. I'm glad you did this, because I've already learned alot from you and I have been thinking for a long time about doing a saltwater liverock setup, but not yet. I have to ease my wife into it. I started with a 12g, moved up to a 46g and now the 72g. I do have an empty 46g sitting around. One question, was the liverock you used cured or uncured and how long did the tank take to cycle. My Scapes |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | It was cured. I never saw a "cycle" I just had to wait a few week for trace amounts of ammonia to disappear. I let it stay fallow for another month before I added anything, just for good measure. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | There are several places around here that sell you cycled saltwater. I thought this sounded liek the best bet for me personally. It would make it a lot more convenient and take a lot of strain off the owner, and the fish. What do you guys think? Christina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
sirbooks Moderator Sociopath Posts: 3875 Kudos: 5164 Votes: 932 Registered: 26-Jul-2004 | Someone set me straight if I goof up here, but I don't think that you can buy pre-cycled saltwater. It would take quite a while for a store to cycle water in large enough quantities to sell, and the labor and materials involved for the process would raise the price beyond what many would be willing to pay. I think what you're seeing is actually "mixed" saltwater, which is usually reverse osmosis freshwater mixed together with bags or containers of marine salt like those for sale on the shelves. This water is sold so that hobbyists who do not have the time, space, or inclination to mix their own saltwater for water changes can just pop down and buy their own. It makes things easier for the aquarist, but the water does cost more than mixing your own and you can't be sure of the quality. The salinity might be different than that of your tank, the salt may not have been given enough time to dissolve into the solvent water, or the brand of salt used may not be reputable. For those who want to buy pre-made saltwater, it pays to check up on what exactly they would be getting. An associate or manager should be able to answer any questions you might have about their water. Disclaimer: I'm an idiot, so there's a chance that not everything above is correct. To anyone reading, double-check what I said with someone else before you actually believe it. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I think Books has that one right Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | Maybe I misunderstood what the lady was telling me, however the water she used I think she was taking it out of her fish tanks or out of the giant "pond" of live rock. I have no idea I did not see what she did. I am trying to learn abotu saltwater still. I don't want to do this until I know what I am doing, and evidentally I don't know much right now..... Oh well. Maybe I should go get a book for this. Anyone know any good saltwater tank books? Say Saltwater aquariums for dummies? lol Christina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I thought most pseudos are aggressive...I don't want anyone beating up on my rainfords goby. I think the 12 line just has different coloration. *I think* Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | So do you guys recommend me trying that? Would you do that Patchy? I thought this would help ensure that my tank survived better atleast until I was seasoned at conditioning the saltwater.... What do you think? Christina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Patchy Enthusiast Posts: 224 Kudos: 195 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-Sep-2005 | if buying it comes down to do you trust your store? i get mine from a inlet that i know is clean as i found a web page from a long time reefer who lives near me and uses this place. obviously you dont want sewage dumped where you fishing or lots of boat traffic that dunp crap in the watter. buying the water is very useful if you dont have the room but can be a pain to transport. so its all up to your circumstances really |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | Anyone know any good saltwater tank books? Say Saltwater aquariums for dummies? Saltwater aquariums for dummies is actually a decent book You may also try Reef Invertebrates by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner Book of coral propogation Vol. 1 by Anthony Calfo Pretty much anything by Anthony Calfo, Robert Fenner, Mike Paletta, Steven Tyree, Dr. Ron Shimek, or Scott Michael are good books with fairly recent info. The two books I listed above are probably the most up to date out right now. As far as what you should do about your SW....I always mix my own. Its nice to know that if I have an emergency at 3am that I can mix up 50+ gallons of saltwater if I need it. Premixed SW from the lfs is ok, but there are a lot of variables. Different people mixing it, different salinity, has it been mixed well, is the store using ro/di water, are they servicing their filters like they should, are the storage tanks they are using leaching nitrate into the water.....Id rather mix my own and know what I have. Even if you buy your SW from the lfs, you will most likely stil have to have salt mix on hand to adjust salinity to your tank. If you are going to go to all that trouble, you might as well mix your own |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Got my first coral today (unless you count the shrooms as corals)! I've been eyeing up a nice looking (and cheap) piece of green star polyps at work and I had to get them today. It's a really nice bright green - and an easy beginner type coral. hopefully it will overrun my tank like the stories I've heard. I've got it in the sump acclimating right now, so I'll get some pictures if they open up tonight before lights out. Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
Patchy Enthusiast Posts: 224 Kudos: 195 Votes: 0 Registered: 25-Sep-2005 | Oooo please do post pics, i would love to try corals with my newly converted Sw lionfish tank. but me thinks wait till i know my parameters will stay constant |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
dvmchrissy Big Fish Posts: 477 Kudos: 301 Votes: 38 Registered: 09-Oct-2005 | Thanks for those book names I am going to look for them. Hopefully I can get started on a saltwater tank as soon as I get my raise, which will be very soon! I can maybe buy my tank and try to keep the water constant and in the meantime read all of those books you suggested. I can't wait!!! I also cannot wait to see some more pictures of your tank matty! It looked great from the start. I bet it will look ten times beter when you get finished! Christina |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Aright here we go: mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
sirbooks Moderator Sociopath Posts: 3875 Kudos: 5164 Votes: 932 Registered: 26-Jul-2004 | Nice. I really like the green star polyps, they just have a nifty look. I also have read that they are quick to spread and grow, so hopefully you'll have good luck with them. |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | Thanks books, they seem to be doing pretty well so far, though I havent really picked a spt out for them yet. I think I may let them spread from rock to rock on the substrate. I got a turbo snail and a "green sea hare" to combat some of my algae. I've been waiting on a shipment my friends ordered - we all went in on some astrea snails, but it's been delayed and I needed something desperately. The green sea hare is just plain cool - here's a pic: mattyboombatty attached this image: Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | The algae in your tank doesnt look that bad....make sure you supplement Nori for the seahare so he doesnt starve. My reef club has a community seahare...he goes from tank to tank when needed |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
terranova Fish Master Posts: 1984 Kudos: 1889 Votes: 229 Registered: 09-Jul-2003 | Matty you work for your LFS? Can you hook me up with some P. smithvanizi? -Formerly known as the Ferretfish |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
DarkRealm Overlord Moderator metal-R-us Posts: 5962 Kudos: 2166 Registered: 23-Sep-2002 | If you work at the LFS, why dont you order it in from one of your distributers? Im suprised you found the shroom with it being that small! Ive lost big rics and havent been able to find them. They always seem to end up behind the rock and I dont notice them till I rearrange rock and find bleached, bone white rics |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
mattyboombatty Moderator Tenellus Obsessor Posts: 2790 Kudos: 1507 Votes: 1301 Registered: 26-Mar-2004 | I may post more, but these marine forums would crash without you. Without the both of you really. This site definitely lacks a healthy population of marine posters. Hopefully I can start helping out around here. And the both of you correct me if I post something malinformed. *installs some lights on the dark side* No wonder more people don't come over...it's so dark! Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
terranova Fish Master Posts: 1984 Kudos: 1889 Votes: 229 Registered: 09-Jul-2003 | OK OK I'll pick both of your brains if you insist . Oh we insist! LOL! Calfo's Book of coral propagation is about $10 more on amazon than at marine depot. I'll see what the discounted price is. I thought that you could by that combined with Reef Inverts for cheaper on amazon...but if it's cheaper on MD then by all means go for it. MD gets them in bulk I think, therefore yielding good prices. -Formerly known as the Ferretfish |
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:40 | |
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