teacher seeks help in set up

i think its important to emphasis that the reef is only a very small part of the ocean. and that there are other features such as the abyssal plains that take up a vast portion of the oceans.

 

I'd definitely get rid of the trigger. In a 65, there is little room for a fish of this type. I'd also be hesitant to keep too much more, possibly a pistol shrimp to pair with your pre-existing goby (would be a great tool to show the interaction and symbiotic relationship between two different species). You would also, however, benenfit from a substantial addition of snails and/or hermits if there is enough algae present to feed them. I suspect that, because you have yet to setup your refugium, that you would likely have some algae available and ready to be consumed by such inverts. In response to your question re: the refugium. Miracle mud and a good chunk of chaeto algae might be a good bet, with some red spectrum lighting on top of the refugium to provide proper lighting. This will definitely help in the consumption of your excess phosphates and nitrates and will aid in the overall benefit of your tank.

And I would also like to congratulate you on being one of those teachers that go above and beyond for their students in attempting to spark interest and teach them more than what is in their textbooks. Any teacher that puts in the dedication and commitment of setting up a SW reef deserves a medal (or a payraise, lol).

 

i didn't read anything about live rock. You definately need some if you don't already have it.

 

Most certainly. We do discuss the various aspects of the ocean, including currents, salinity concentrations, gravitational aspects, pelagic areas, etc. I'm using a couple of decent texts and learning a lot as I go. I was a wildlife biologist prior to this, so a lot of its new, but follows in a very similar ecological paradigm. I'd also love to hear about any books you find very user friendly on reefs and ocean studies that students might enjoy.

Teaching rocks. Thats all I can say.

 

Got some, would like to get more. I'm trying to teach them about the ecology of the area, and its sensitivity, so we only go for cultured rock, or hand made stuff (some of its turned out quiet nice, though the difference is obvious). We have enough to make some caves, etc, and I had a lot of material left over from the cichlid tank we have here, so thats in there too.

 

for the refugium it depends on what you want to accomplish with it to determine what you should put in it. Usually it is to naturally reduce nitrates, phosphates and any other excess nutrients. This in turn can help reduce the chance of having some kind of algae outbreak in the main display which might be a concern since you have such a high bioload. Also it can be used to house pods and other benificial critters that can provide a source of food to some fish.

 

thanks man, I like teaching a lot. best job i've ever had

 

No takers on the book question?

It would be great if you guys had any ideas on good books for high school aged kids - they're pretty smart (most of them, some are smart a@#es).

Any other ideas on the ecology topic either? Baring snails, etc...what do you guys feel are true representitive species out there (like, what does every tank need to create good ecology - filter feeders, sponges, corals, fish (herbivores, carnivores, omnivores), cool symbiosis to talk about (thanks a lot for the goby idea, that was a great one).

I figured I would ask the experts!

Thanks again,

 

i would have to say all the lil pods and microinverts, well not ALL but the good guys.. a tank would just seem sterile without them.

 

sponges would be good.make sure you get a pretty new book.they get outdated fast.