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Getting my reef started |
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#1 |
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Citizen
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Delaware
Posts: 200
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Getting my reef started
ok so i could use some opinions here.
i need to find out the absolute musts for reef life, ive been reading for a month now on the subject so i have somewhat a decent knowledge of it all. kinda looking for a consolidated version of what to know. again i have a 26 gallon tank with: 20 lbs of live sand, 31 lbs of live rock, 2 temporary damsels for the cycling of the tank (will be returning them to the store when i get my clowns, though im going to miss the domino damsel) and ive gone with the aquaclear filter refugium set up (miracle mud and some macro alge in it) i plan to start adding the live stock to it probably after christmas, the cycling will be done by then. right now i use the api test kit but it only tests for nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, high level ph, and i use a hydrometer for the SG . what other tests are mandatory for a reef? my plans are basicly to get some soft corals zoa's are very nice, maybe some euth's (saw them in the favorite coral thead and i plan to have clownfish) i keep hearing about phosphates, alkilinity (thought that was ph heh) mag, calcium and others. so for starting out, at a minimum what test kits do i need, supplements for them, and what corals should i start with? thanks in advance for input ~Tim |
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#2 |
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Citizen
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Delaware
Posts: 200
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Re: Getting my reef started
bump
any ideas? |
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#3 |
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Owner
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Bardstown, KY
Posts: 13,144
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Re: Getting my reef started
Hi Tim,
You need to test for alkalinity and calcium as well. The others are really not needed. I would recommend some better quality test kits as well, such as LaMotte or Salifert. Also, what kind of lighting are you running? |
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#4 |
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Citizen
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Delaware
Posts: 200
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Re: Getting my reef started
i went with the Current USA nova extreme luner light set up with 2x24 10kk bulbs and 2x24 actinic blue and 2 luner leds
this Nova Extreme T5H0 | Current What's Next the 24 inch one |
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#5 |
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Council
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Denville, NJ
Posts: 406
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Re: Getting my reef started
Start by upgrading yuor test kits like Scott said, and throw the hydrometer in the garbage. For $45+/- you should get a refractometer. Test for SG, PH, Nitrate, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium(if you have a Ph problem), phosphate.
Start with some zoa's, there's planty of choices and they are relatively inexpensive. Don't move too fast though, that's when problems arise. I don't see any mention of a protein skimmer or of a quarantine tank or process. How do plan to deal with health issues in your reef tank? Good luck
__________________
Rob "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -- Benjamin Franklin |
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#6 | |
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Citizen
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Delaware
Posts: 200
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Re: Getting my reef started
Quote:
i keep getting mixed answers about protien skimmers. East Coast Aquatics is where i shop they have the best supplies and varity of livestock and knowledge within 100 miles, (their main display is a 1300 gallon reef) anyway all of their tanks smaller than 55 gallons are refugium only reefs, i keep asking about protien skimmers and they tell me they havent used them in 15 years with no problems. so im a bit confused on the matter. love the site, love the advice thanks in advance for input ~Tim |
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#7 |
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Just Moved In
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Re: Getting my reef started
Your ok. Just go for it...
I agree with teh calcuim and phosphate tests.. YOu don't need the refractometer- sure it is better but most of us use the regular old hydrometer with no issues....
__________________
I love all pets - as long as they don't bite me, sting me or make me feel ill.
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#8 |
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Tenant
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern, CA
Posts: 53
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Re: Getting my reef started
Lol I doubt you will be returning the damsels. Once your NH3 peaks they will likely not servive.
Next time around try a fishless cycle. Much more friendly. ![]()
__________________
<< Click Here To View My Tank Thread >> 60 Cube: SS Lumen Max 2 | SS Galaxy 400w Ballast | 400w XM 20k | 2x Koralia 3 Livestock: A. Ocellaris Mated Pair, Six Line Wrasse, Lemonpeel Angel, Royal Gramma. |
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#9 |
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Just Moved In
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: lockport
Posts: 28
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Wecome abroad. You have pick a good site. You will recieve good information on reef systems. Protein skimmer is a must in my eyes because at first you might not need it because your system is new but when you system ages your protein skimmer will be a must. All the test you are doing are right and the couple that others reefers suggestion are good.
Good luck. Reef75 |
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#10 | |
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Just Moved In
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Re: Getting my reef started
Quote:
I don't think the skimmer is required. If she was goign to have a lot of fish then yes I would say she needs it. But 2 clows are not going to nessissatate a skimmer. However at teh same time a skimmer is not goign to hurt anyhting except for your wallet....
__________________
I love all pets - as long as they don't bite me, sting me or make me feel ill.
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#11 | |
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Citizen
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Delaware
Posts: 200
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Re: Getting my reef started
Quote:
![]() edit. the tank is going to be more like a zoa garden, with perhaps a few clowns, and the needed cleaning crew. im trying to keep it basic for beauty and ease. Last edited by TimH07; 12-17-2007 at 11:16 AM. |
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#12 | |
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Just Moved In
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Re: Getting my reef started
Quote:
Sorry about that... Lost my mind.... Still I am not sure that you need a skimmer. If you can afford one I would get it but don't waste your money on a cheap one cause they are a waste.... However with water changes I think you can do fine without the skimmer.
__________________
I love all pets - as long as they don't bite me, sting me or make me feel ill.
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