Inherited a new tank....several questions

[ReeferWannaBe]

We just moved and bought the existing saltwater tank from the previous owners (my in-laws) for $500. Established 55 gal tank (well, about 9 months old anyway), estimated 80+ lbs LR, hairy mushrooms, brown polys, feather duster, etc. Also one fish, a bright yellow with blue dots jawfish (or goby?). Sure made moving the tank much easier!

We added our measly 12 lbs LR, a couple of snails, a couple of hermits, a maroon clown and a coral beauty over a period of a couple of weeks. All of this was from our over 1 year-old tank. Everything seems fine so far. I would like to add one more fish. Then I would like to start adding some corals. First I really need new lighting though.

So....what exactly is this fish? I only have one book and it is not pictured. Will it eat flake food? I can't tell if it eats because I rarely see it. It has a great hidey-hole. <sigh> It's a shame to have such a beautiful fish and not see it. My clown and angel are really picky and will only eat flake food. Apparently have sworn off frozen at all. Won't touch the stuff. Does the new fish need anything special? Previous owners not much help.

Also, any ideas for a fourth fish? I don't think that would be overstocking, do you? My guess is that I shouldn't get a fish that is *too* docile or the angel and clown will harass it. My goal, in the very long run, is to have the tank set up as a reef tank so it would have to be reef safe.

One piece of LR from my tank has a hitchhiker that I believe is a sea slug of sorts. It does seem to feed off of algae. We made sure to move it because I like it. It's been living in our tank for at least 5-6 months when we got our last bit of LR. Is this going to be okay? I've been reading horror stories on nudibranchs and really don't want this thing dying and killing my tank.

Finally, there are 4 apstasia in the new tank. I just need lots of luck to get rid of those! But, they have been in this tank for several months that I know of. And they have not reproduced yet. But I am sure it is apstasia. It all looks like every picture of apstasia I have ever seen. In-laws *said* they tried the kalkwasser thing and it didn't work. I am pretty sure these guys are too big for peppermint shrimp. ANY other ideas? Maybe, they are something really cool that just LOOKS like apstasia???!!! LOL

Also, quick lighting recommendations would be appreciated. I am a lighting dummy and not understanding all of the terms I am reading about. Anyone have a good Lighting 101 site?

[Ninong]

Hi ReeferWannaBe, welcome to Reefland! I'm going to move you over to the Reef Aquariums forum since your tank is actually more of a reef tank than a fish-only tank.

Ninong [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

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"You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test."—George W. Bush, Townsend, Tenn., Feb. 21, 2001

[ReeferWannaBe]

Great lighting onfo! Thanks!

<chanting to self> I will learn this stuff, I will learn this stuff!

[chromis]

I know that when I first started thinking about a saltwater tank I dropped by the pet store and picked up Bob Fenner's book. This book had all the info I needed to set up my first tank. If you dont have his book yet I would strongly reccomend it. As Ninong posted, his website is also very good. If you added up all the hours I have been on that website its probably like 3 weeks. Seriously, lots of good Q & A and articles. On the Aipistasia, I would get them out now, kalk injection whatever. I thought they were cool in the beginning and now they cover my entire tank. For lighting, I suggest about.com's saltwater section(sorry no link).

[img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img][img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img][img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]
Andrew

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"I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them."

George W. Bush

[scubadude]

Hi ReeferWannaBe [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
Welcome to reefland!

First off congrats on the new tank! your fish sounds to me like a blenny, jawfish, or goby all of which are fairly small. Its hard to tell w/out seeing it in r/l. as far as its needs to tell you the truth each fish is different IMO so try various things and I believe alot of them like brine and/or mysis shrimp.

On the aiptasia issue I would make sure you are using Boiling Kalk Paste and injecting alot of it right into the aiptasia, this method has pretty much foolproof so far for me.

And as far as your lighting goes then its relative to what types of creatures/corals you keep

Try this
http://www.candybass.com/lightingtypes.htm


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Check out my NEW website

Scubadude's Website

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

[Ninong]

ReeferWannaBe ~

Check out this site: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marindind2.htm

I linked you directly to their "Set-Up" section. There are other sections covering fish, invertebrates, husbandry, diseases, etc.

Ninong [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

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"For every fatal shooting, there were roughly three non-fatal shootings. And, folks, this is unacceptable in America. It's just unacceptable. And we're going to do something about it."—George W. Bush, Philadelphia, May 14, 2001

[Elmo18]

I'm gonna take a crack at the fish you have. It may be the Yellow Watchman Goby, which does have pronounced yellowish/green body coloration, with blue dots more pronounced around his face and jaw areas.

Also, welcome to Reefland!!

Regards,
Ilham [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]