Keeping Corals

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bergovoy,

I currently have a 60 gallon salt water tank cycling (Dimensions 48 inches long, 19 inches deep, 18 inches wide).  I have in it so far live rock, a power head rated for 60 gallons, a heater set to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, a 9 watt UV sterilizer, and a thermometer.  My PH level is at 8, and the salinity 1.028.  I'm in the process of shopping for a florescent fixture, then my next step is testing the calcium and alk.  My goal is to keep both LPS and SPS corals.  Would a 2 bulb (54 watt) high output florescent fixture be adequate for the corals? And should any special water conditioners be added? I nervous about metal halides, because the water can overheat.

Thank you, Oscar

ANSWER: Hello Oscar,

80 degrees is a bit on the warm side.  it's ok, but, i try to run my tank between 76-80, although during the summer it can creep up to 81 ish

also, salinity should be a bit lower, although it is really close... and a few hundreths is really nothing.. the target should be around 1.026

If you are suggesting t5 lighting, then that is fine... power compacts are not as efficient and you will be 'borderline' on the light needed for some corals...

You really shouldnt need a uv light, although it wont hurt.

You really wont need to test for calc and alk until you are getting close to placing corals.  and then you should be ok as long as you do routine water changes...  You would need a heavily stocked tank with tons of corals with hard skeletons to need suppliment calcium... but again, this is a bit off for now as you are still cycling..

Depending on where you live and the ambient temperature around the tank, metal halides arent a problem...  most folks get by without chillers and use regular desktop fans to keep thier tanks cool.  I have a chiller but the fans click on before the chiller and usually the chiller wont come on at all unless it is a blistering hot day...

What stage of cycle are you in?  Are you testing for nitrite and ammonia???  if you dont have fish in the tank, you should add a pinch of fish food, or maybe float a piece of shrimp, (from the market), for a while... this will feed/start the cycle...

anyways, glad to see you taking your time and researching this early in the game...

if you want to post more info, you can post it at my new forum at www.thelittleocean.com

there are other members there that can also chip in and contribute to your build and answer questions...

I hope to see you there.


bill

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bergovoy,

My next question is about protein skimmers, is one definitely needed? Are their any other options besides having a protein skimmer.  I'm looking to be keeping about 10-15 hard corals in my tank.  I have been researching red mangroves, is that a possible solution? In addition, I have been testing my tank for nitrites and ammonia.  They are both zero or reading very low.  My PH is at 8.2.  My next step is to add a few fish.  Is their any chemicals that I should add to aid the life of my future corals.


Thank you, Juan Ramirez

Answer
hello juan,

Did your nitrites go up at all???

And no, you dont need a skimmer. i know several reefkeepers that dont have skimmers...

I kind of think that skimmers help, and if you have one, yo might not have to do as many water changes, or not do them as often???

again, with everyone's systems being different and how they do thier own maintenace is different, it is hard to predict what may or may not work best for you..

If your tank is cycled, it would good to add a couple fish, then wait a month to see that they are okay and that you can do the maintenance you need without changing hte peramters at that time, adn then maybe add more or maybe get some mushrooms or softies/leathers , and again, just go slowly, something once a month.

Im sure your wallet will appreciate you going slowly too..

it sounds like things are going well with you..Please keep me posted on how thing go..

you can post at my new forum at www.thelittleocean.com

There are other reefers there that will be able to help and offer information, as well as buy and selling stuff too

hope to see you there.


bill