Advice on starting a reef greatly appreciated!!!

[FishPharmD]

Hi,
Let me just say this site is AWESOME!!! I've been reading for a couple hours now!
I've been keeping African Cichlids for about 5 years, but have no saltwater experience. Me and a fellow co-worker decided to try our hand at keeping a reef tank up at our work. I think we're ready to add some coral?, but I haven't the faintest clue where to begin or what to do, so any and all advice would be great! Also keep in mind that we are on a very, VERY limited budget for this thing. I'm the kind of guy who does things right if I'm gonna do them, and I've been doing my homework, believe me, but there's SO much to consider when it comes to inverts. Let me tell you about the tank first for starters...

It's a 30 gal tank, started on 12/10/03. External power filter (Penguin type), Red Sea AirLift 60 Skimmer, replaced the standard NO fluorescent with a Corallife 50/50 24" light, MicroJet MC450 powerhead, ~#35 live rock, substrate is Florida crushed coral (fairly large grain...not "sand" by any means), 1 green brittle star, 1 emerald mithrax crab, 1 Sally lightfoot crab, 2 peppermint shrimp, ~5 sm. hermits, ~5 astrea snails, 1 green chromis, 1 yellow-tailed damsel, 1 yellow tang, 1 Royal Gramma. Cycled the old fashioned way (with the chromis and damsel and LOTS of water changes). Daily water testing revealed the classic successive NH4 and NO2- spikes, with 0ppm NO2 since about 1/08. Just added the last two fish and all but the hermits a few days ago, and everything seems to be doing great. I should mention that thanks to eBay, I've got a better skimmer coming, a nano HOB refugium (which I'm still not exactly sure what it's for), a better air pump to run the skimmer, and most likely a Marineland HOT 250 canister filter. Again, everything is running without any hang-ups so far!

I know most corals require a lot of lighting, but we're just not ready to get into all that expensive lighting equipment. I also don't know a whole lot about the different types of lighting and what coral species requires what type of lighting. So here goes for the questions I've got?

*Are we at a safe point to begin adding coral?
*What are some good suggestions for "easily kept" coral that is very attractive? (and can thrive with less than perfect lighting?)
*Is there a better way to obtain coral than through my insanely-pricey LPS? (I think the cheapest coral I've seen was a sad-looking branch type thing for $45.99.)
*When I do, if ever, find some coral I can afford, do I acclimate it just like fish, and where's the best spot for it in the tank?
*What is a "frag"? Do you guys just trim this stuff like a hedge in your front yard?
*Is there a species of anemone that's good for a beginner?
*Can anyone suggest an economically-priced lighting alternative if my standard hood with a 50/50 (white light + blue actinic, I think, not sure of the spectrum) bulb isn't enough light....maybe a different bulb for that hood?

I'd sure appreciate any info you could provide! Thanks!

TIA,
FishPharmD

[Poseidon]

Hello and WElcome to Reefland!!!

*Are we at a safe point to begin adding coral?

I would say yes, but only very hardy species of Soft Corals or Large Polyp Stoneys (LPS)

*What are some good suggestions for "easily kept" coral that is very attractive? (and can thrive with less than perfect lighting?)

My first Corals were Anthelia, and Hammer Corals. I still have both today, but I did have Power Compact lighting. My friend kept Mushrooms under NO flourescents for about a year. I can understand not wanting to shell out a ton for Lights when you are just getting started, but honestly you will not be successful without them. At the very least add a second 50/50 bulb.

*Is there a better way to obtain coral than through my insanely-pricey LPS? (I think the cheapest coral I've seen was a sad-looking branch type thing for $45.99.)

Yes, but not till the weather gets a little warmer. Even overnight shipping in freezing temps can cause the water temp to fall below 70. There are many online vendors that are very cautious and provide excellent product. (like www.coralfragz.com or clams direct reeftopia ipsf premium aquatics) Check out the sponsors of this page first, then if you find someone else post a question about them, believe me you will get answers (or better yet use the search option on this board)

*When I do, if ever, find some coral I can afford, do I acclimate it just like fish, and where's the best spot for it in the tank?

Yes and no... I acclimate corals, shrimp and Snails VERY VERY slowly. I have an airline hose I've tied a knot in, start a siphon from my tank to a bucket holding the creature and let my tank water drip in slowly for about 2-3 hours.

*What is a "frag"? Do you guys just trim this stuff like a hedge in your front yard?

Well almost!!! A frag is just that a small piece of the original coral. Browse through the Gallery pages, you'll find lots of frags, and in some case's you can see what they grow up to be.

[FishPharmD]

Thanks Mike.....some very good opinions. But how would I add another 50/50 to a standard 1-bulb hood? I will look into those corals for sure. Anyone in the Texas Panhandle (I doubt it!) have good suggestions about where to get live coral? Mike, I've been to coralfragz.com and really liked their stuff and prices, but I will have to save up and ship a bunch of stuff at once to be able to afford the shipping...I would also like more opinions/suggestions/advice from anyone and everyone else! Thanks again Mike!

[Poseidon]

You can't add a second bulb, but you can add a second fixture. You may need a Full Glass top to do it, but you can have to "Hood Lights" sitting on top of your tank. One in front of the other.