New to Saltwater

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dsteelman23

[attachment=0]IMG00051-20100621-1854[1].jpg[/attachment]Hello Everyone! I am new to saltwater tanks, so I have a few questions. I have been keeping freshwater for the last 15yrs or so. I finally decided to go saltwater full bore about a month ago. I have a 75 gal tank with a Sealife Trickle filter and I'm running 2 powerheads with filters on each side of the tank. I started out with 40lbs of live sand, 15lbs of Florida crushed coral, and 50lbs of Fiji live rock. I also supplemented with about 60lbs of Texas holy rock that I have been using for yrs. I started with a couple of Damsels to get the biological filtration going while I was waiting for my live rock to come in. After reading a bunch of posts on this forum I realize it was a No No. Sorry!!! Anyway I bought a Wavepoint 48" T-5 Light fixture and I'm happy with it so far.
So here are the questions, what kind of corals can I keep with this lighting fixture? I kind of like the Damsels, so I was hoping to keep them around, I have one Blue body Yellow tail, one 2 strip and 2 Brown body with Yellow tail damsels. Next I wanted to keep some Tangs, not real sure on the ones I want yet, will the damsels annoy most Tangs? Also what kind of clean up crew do I need? Thanks for all the answers in advance. Daniel
 
The problem with Damsels, is that while they can be cute .. they are very aggressive fish. I don't think it matters how big the fish is, those damn things are brutal! I had one I liked too, until it attacked my hippo tang and I had to nearly pull my entire system apart, all rock and etc out of my tank to get that little twerp out of there to find him a new home!

I'd say 2 tangs are your limit and if you get them, you need to get them at the same time and introduce them at the same time. This way it prevents a dominant fight later on downt he road.

As for corals, most any coral can be kept under that lighting. They all do really well with it.

I can start you on your journey to your corals, as I have some zoa's up for sale along with a monti cap i can donate to you if you are a member.
 
Totally agree. If you like the damsels, nothing wrong with that at all, don't plan to add any other fish. Add some nice soft corals and LPS over time and you'll have a great, easy to care for, reef.
 
Yeah they do. And actually 99% of skimmers can be hung on the back (they come with all the mounting stuff for it). It just might be a tad big if your not looking for a HOB specific skimmer.

BTW.... you REALLY need a skimmer... trust me it makes things SO much easier!

I have a 4 bulb t5 and I can keep everything so you will be fine. Its all about placement. And dont forget... its not just about light. People make it out to be this HUGE thing when in reality water quality/water movement is much more important.
 
Just curious, won't you have lots of die off from using those Texas holy rock that I have been using for yrs in freshwater in saltwater tank? Since you tank is only setup 1 month ago, I won't recommend getting any Tangs anytime soon, wait about 6 months for so for your tank to mature. You might also want to add some cleanup crew now, as I can see the algae blooming on some of your rocks.
 
Tank Update: its been running for a while now, and we finally managed to get the damsels out today. Took them to the store and traded them in for a Starry Eyed Blenny. So one fish in the tank for now. I did manage to get a dozen Hermit crabs, a dozen small snails and two turbo snails. We also acquired four Peppermint Shrimp, thanks Jaguar. As for the protein skimmer, i'm currently looking for one. I am trying to keep up weekly water changes for now. About 10% a week on the water changes. Thanks for all the advice I'm getting it is really helpful.
 
Congrats on getting out the Damsels, The Starry Blenny is a cool fish in my opinion and will help tank care of your algae. Just be Patient on adding livestock, and get a skimmer as soon as you can. Also the Starry Blenny can be aggressive towards other blennies or fish similar to a the appearance to a Blenny. Always do research before you make a purchase, and it will make things a lot easier.
 
On the skimmer, you might look into the Coralife Super skimmer. It can hang on the back of your tank or the side of your sump since you said there's not much room in there. I have one and i like it a lot so far. They are relatively inexpensive too, especially if you buy one used. They are for sale here on the forums pretty often.
Glad to see another from Mesquite on here too.
 
If you go with a Coralife SS make sure to get the larger one....i think the 220....they are WAY overrated. They do function and skim, just overrated.

You can get them CHEAP from Reef Central or in the Classifieds here I'm sure.
 
Update to Tank 9/25/2010: Tank is doing good, added a hang on Refugium and a Hang on Protein Skimmer,CPR Aeroforce. Still doing regular water changes. I have added some Zoa frags and Xenia. Also some Candy Cane trumpet corals and a nice Devil's hand coral. The tank is slowly looking like a reef, LOL. I am also a full fledged member of the club, and I would love to take any and all donations, LOL, and any advice. Thanks to all, can't wait to make the oct. meeting
 
what lights do you have? That clam and Green Birds Nest will need moderate lighting.....from the looks of it you do not have sufficient lighting, could be wrong though.

Also are you using tap water? Have you got the algae under control? Do you test for Calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium?
 
I mean this in a good way and I'm telling you this because I'm concerned and don't take it personal, but you really need to check into your water quality,filtration,filtration media,algae!
Your tank doesn't look the best right now,by the pictures it looks nasty...
but every problem has a solution!
GL!
 
Visit liveaquaria.com and use their site to determine fish and corals that are right for you as a begginer. That sps coral you have probably won't grow under your lighting. You may want to stick with soft corals for now.

How are you water parameters?
 
water tests are good. I'm using T5s now at 206 watts. The Wavepoint brand. The clam is growing fairly well. The Algae in the top pics are old before I got my skimmer put on.
 
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