New to the hobby

I've had several freshwater aquariums over the years, but just this weekend, we bought a saltwater system from some friends who were moving. It's a 75 gallon with a 20 gallon refugium. It was stocked with a tomato clownfish, Niger triggerfish, and snowflake eel. They all seem to be adjusting well after the move. We want a few more fish, but are waiting a while to make sure we are doing everything correctly.

The refugium has about 10 pounds of live rock, some live sand, but not a DSB. I've got about 60 pounds of live rock in the DT. I know I need more rock, and plan on buying some from the LFS this week.

My questions are:

I believe I need a skimmer, am I correct? If so, what should I look for?

Nothing seems to be growing in the refugium, should I get some Cheato for it?

I also have no mechanical filtration. Do I need any, if so, what kind.

Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I give the fish I have now a fighting chance, and have the best possible environment for future fish.

 

WELCOME TO 3REEF I would really get some chaeto. It really helps alot
you do not need a skimmer (you only need one when it comes to more diffcult corals like SPS)
And not sure about a filter.... Im still a little new too

 

Welcome to 3reef.

Skimmer is not necessary but a big help. Buy one rated for a 150 gallon tank. Ratings are usually for a lightly stocked tank. The extra capacity will help should there be a problem.

Mechanical filtration is not necessary. Put the live rock in the refugium into the display tank. Get cheato and put it in the refugium. Light the refugium opposite the display's schedule to help keep your pH more steady.

As for fish wait a few weeks before considering more. Buy all your equipment first.

 

I suggest you head over to Reefcleaners.org and buy some cheato and some critters, cheato at least. Or you can just shoot John (owner) an email, he's responsive and very very helpful.

 

Thanks for the advice. I actually went to reefcleaners last night, but my Internet decided to crash on me, so I couldn't get to the custom CUC form. What all can I put in with the eel?

Also, when I got home from work this morning I saw a few tiny white specks in my refugium. I was able to see that one may have had something like antenna on it. Think these are pods?

Final question for now. I also have something that looks like a little twig growing in my refugium. It's brown, about 4 inches long. Sorry for the poor description. I may be able to get some pics if needed.

Thanks again.

 

Probably

Might be a mangrove? Aquatic Plants for Saltwater Marine Aquariums: Red Mangrove Propagule

They are pretty common in refugiums.

 

I don't think so... Let me see if I can get a pic.

 

These are about the best pics I could get.