Update on the 30gal.

[Chasman]

I thought I’d post an update on the 30gal. Thursday will be the 7 week mark and everything is going quite well. At Thanksgiving I added six snails from Ninong’s suggestion. (He actually said four which now seems right) Three Astrea and three Trochus snails. (the old more is better thing) I was, and still am, a bit concerned about that being too many. They have eaten everything in sight. I certainly don’t have any algae issues anymore. It doesn’t look like Death Valley …. Yet. I was considering taking two of them back to the store. What do you think? That’s the only thing in the tank at this point.

All my water parameters are where they should be with no detectable nitrates at all. I bought a nice refractometer and have my salinity right where it should be. The cheato in my HOB refugium is growing nicely. I have a 1” percula clown fish in my QT tank but he needs another three weeks before putting him in the DT.

I’ve been researching the beginner corals (zoo’s, mushrooms, star polyps, leathers and the like) My lighting is 2 X 31Watt 10,000K T5’s and 2 X 31Watt blue actinic T5’s. Do you think these will be good enough for the softies? These are true 28” lamps, not 24’s in a 30” fixture. Tank depth is 18".

At what point, time wise, could I add one of the soft corals? I still don’t know exactly what I want yet, but it won’t be long before I see that one I gotta have. On the other hand I don’t want to screw this thing up as it’s gone so well so far.

Chasman

[Chasman]

Forgot to add the pic. Everybody likes pics. Not much has changed though except for the snails.

[vio]

nice set up. I noticed your in cleveland. i am also. have you been out to aquatic technology in columbia station? from the looks of the rock you have but if you havent i would highly recommend it. as for the corals i dont know about the lighting. im curious to see the responses you get because i have around the same wattage and am wondering the same thing. most people will tell you to wait about 5 or 6 months for the tank to mature before adding any corals because although the levels may be right, everything may not have reached a natural balance and you never know what can happen in a new tank. patience will pay off. Go Cavs! ( and browns i guess)

[Burbarry]

I think your lighting will be fine for now. I would start off with some of the mushrooms, zoos, and leathers like you said. But, mushrooms don't need much light at all. I have grown mushrooms and kenya tree leather in my QT tank for a long time. The only light that tank has on it is 2-15watt bulbs that came with the tank. The corals in there are not opening up to thier fullest but they have made it for a very long time.

[metalhead]

Your lighting should be sufficient for most soft corals.

The snails should be fine as well.

Tank looks good too btw!

[Chasman]

Thanks for the feedback. I appears the tank is pretty well lit compared to some I've seen, and I like the soft corals the best anyway.

Hey Vio:

I have been to Aquatic Technologies. That is where the rock came from. Nice store! A bit messy but great inventory. I live in Rocky River and there is another really nice store in Vermillion called the Salty Critter. Bit of a drive for you but worth a trip. Very nice selection of corals. You can find them on the web.

And sadly I'm a Browns season ticket holder. Oh well.

Thanks Chasman.