New to 3reef have a few questions

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by fishoholic, Oct 3, 2008.

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  1. fishoholic

    fishoholic Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Location:
    Albuquerque NM
    I have a 125 gal SW tank with a wet /dry filter system, with protein skimmer and recently added a 18 wt UV stailizer, also have 4 power heads. As of now the tank only has 5 fish just little damsels.
    1st question is what is the best way to keep the sand clean?
    2nd question is there any other items I might need or am lacking to make a better tank?
    3rd where is the best place to buy SW fish online?
    4th what would i need that i don't currently have to change over to a reef tank?
    My main goal is to have the healthest tank possible, so I'm not killing fish by having a unhealthy tank.
    Also if anyone has advice on care and maintance for a SW tank, I'd love to hear it.
    Thanks for any info
     
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  3. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Welcome to 3reef!!!!!!!!!!!! There's more to be added to your questions. I was being general. Someone else may chime in. Or, someone may have while I was typing.........;D
     
  4. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    Welcome to 3reef. A picture would help. 8)
     
  5. fishoholic

    fishoholic Purple Spiny Lobster

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    The lighting I have 2- 30w Marine glo says there good for fish corals and inverts
    and 2 -30w 11000K ultra daylight
     
  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Definitely need different light fixtures.........
     
  7. fishoholic

    fishoholic Purple Spiny Lobster

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    how do you post a pic, never done that before.
     
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  9. fishoholic

    fishoholic Purple Spiny Lobster

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    What kind of lighting?
     
  10. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    It depends on the corals you want to keep and how the checkbook is....
     
  11. reefnut1

    reefnut1 Spaghetti Worm

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    The best way to keep the sand clean is to by a fish or invert that stirs the sand. A diamond goby is a top quality sand mover and an easy and inexpensive fish to keep. Good water flow meaning as little dead spots in the tank as possible. 4 power heads is a good start. What size and type are they?
    Make sure you have good water test kits and test regularly until your tank becomes stabile.
    I dont use a UV sterilizer. There is good and bad to having one.
    You did not mention that you have live rock. I am sure you have some but the more the better.
    Do partial water changes weekly. Use only ro/di water.
    As for becoming a reef tank start with the easier things first and work you way up to the harder corals to keep. Zoas mushrooms leathers. Keep in mind when picking your fish that some angels will nip at corals and may cause future problems. Study the fish you are considering and make sure they will get along. An angry and jumpy tank is not a fun to look at as one that everyone gets along in.
     
  12. reefnut1

    reefnut1 Spaghetti Worm

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    That lighting is not good enough for a tank your size to keep any corals except possibly some mushrooms. It is good enough for a fish only tank though. So as your budget allows, plan for quality future lighting either T5s or Metal halides or both. If you get pcs only you will be limited in what corals you can keep.