FishChannel Forums / Saltwater Forums / Everything but Livestock

Food

NeonBlue64 — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 08:00:32 GMT

I just bought a couple of saltwater fish and was wondering if i can use this food.

Diamond Watch Goby and fire fish are what i have

I gave the fish some Beta flakes and they loved them and was wondering if that will do i also have some Tubifex worms and wondering if that would do it also, or do i need to get special food. I also have shrimp pelets.

Beta Flakes:
Min Crude Protein: 48%
Min Crude fat: 10%
Max Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Min Phosphorus: 1.1%
Min ascorbic acid: 90MG
OMEGA-3: 6K MG

Freeze Drized Tub Worms:
Min Crude Protien: 50%
Min Crude Fat: 5%
Max crude Fiber: 5%

Sand or Crush Coral

Dolphin0150 — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 14:27:06 GMT

My saltwater tank is a 14 gallon tank, I know what to do now but I'm unsure on what to keep on the bottom of my tank. I have both mixed in but there's this algae that is growing as the water sits there. I'm going to be redoing my room and want it back up and running for right now. Should I keep the mixture I have and try to keep the algae off or just keep it. And is sand hard to keep clean. I was told how to clean sand but it seems like a weird way to go cleaning the sand. I'm not sure if I want to get any sand dwellers so that might be an option.

Filter setup

M0D — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:23:45 GMT

Hello All
-I have an idea to setup a few filter types/media.
-Any feedback would be great.
-This is my Idea. I want to run my protein skimmer (in sump) into a phosphate reactor > calcium reactor then back into my sump.
-I have limited room in my tank cabinet so I have to have the reactors outside my sump.
-My question would be can I run all this inline?

Thanks

Lighting

kklopping — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:26:00 GMT

I currently have a hexagon tank that measures 18" across and 24" deep that is a freshwater that I am converting to saltwater and I am trying to determined the best type of lighting to go with. It will be a reef tank with 1-2 fish. My concern is with the lighting and whether it will reach the lower portion. I have heard missed opinions on LED. Also, I have XP3 FilStar by Rena and need to know if I can use it and add a protein skimmer.

Tunze skimmer

Bertie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:06:00 GMT

Sorry. New member.

Sand or Gravel

Dertotschlager — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:17:43 GMT

I have gravel in my tank, and am currently thinking about switching to Sand. The gravel looks kind of ugly. Got any comments or suggestions?

im still around and here is my question

justin30 — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:10:59 GMT

anyone know of any good water movers that have a good price and move water for a 55gal tank.

Thank you

Justin

Sump Pump

DrPeter — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:42:54 GMT

I was just wondering if i need to buy a sump pump for my 90 gallon saltwater tank.

Overflow Boxes

DrPeter — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:40:50 GMT

I was wonder what are some overflow boxes that you don't have to drill into the aquarium. It would be nice to know where I could find them and how much they cost.

Protien skimmers-Open Poll

Nep2Ns PlumR — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 06:20:03 GMT

Hey Guys,

Saltwater aquarium keeping can be very expensive (now there's an obvious statement). Aragonite sand (versus basic aquarium sand), liverock (a freshwater equivilent might be live plants) and live stock are going to cost more $$$ than the average freshwater system.

Then there's equipment. Skimmers, lighting, calcium reactors, pumps (returm pumps and powerheads) and kalk reactors to name a few. All of this stuff requires a significant investment. The biggest problem to me is, equipment that sounds great in the advertisement, but doesn't live up to the billing once you put it to use. So how do you know up front what's really worth the money/what's a good product?!?!

Really only 3 ways. Spend the money and find out for yourself (great if it's a good product, sucks if it isn't), read product comparisons on the web or in magazines (and hope the author isn't bias and how would you really know) or get oppinions from fellow aquarists that have/are using the exact same item you're considering.

So here's the point of this "OPEN POLL", to try and save each of us some money by providing real world information on products we all use. My trying to list all skimmers would be limiting to the poll. What I propose is that you list and describe your particular skimmer. I in turn will keep a running tab (on this post) of the skimmers listed as well as the answer to 5 questions about it.

*Skimmer name:

1) What did it cost? (include cost for pump if it was a seperate item)

2) Was it easy to set up? (scale of 1-5, 1-very easy thru 5-very dificult)

3) Is it easy to maintain/clean (scale of 1-5, 1-very easy thru 5-very dificult)

4) Rate the performance. (scale of 1-5, 1-very good thru 5-very bad)

5) What size system are you running it on? (Total system volume if you have a sump, refugium etc.)

My skimmer-

Aqua-C EV-400

1) Skimmer-$460, Pump -$150 = $610

2) Set up - 2 (took a while to dial in but has stayed set very nicely)

3) Maintenance - 4 (a real pain to clean)

4) Performance - 2 (huge quantity of very small bubbles/thick skimate)

5) Total system volume - 320 gallons

I think this can be a big help to those just getting started as well as someone looking to upgrade!!!!

Aqua-C:

EV-400 (in sump)

1) $610 2) 2 3) 4 4) 2 5) 320 gal

Remora (hang on back)

1) $199 (Canadian) 2) 1 3) 1 4) 1 5) 40 gal

Upgrading Lighting to LED on a BioCube 29

sabrefan73 — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:56:57 GMT

Looking to replace my PC's. Would two of these Ecoxotic Panoramas 8000K/453nm be enough?? http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...&child=XX08200

I also have a 12.5 inch Stunner Strip that I intend to keep in the setup.

I currently have only softies and a couple LPS; however, I am considering SPS at the top of the rockwork (approximately 2/3 from the bottom), but this is not a deal breaker.

I am open to other eccomendations. Any opinions or suggestions would be most appreciated!

lights

susanw — Sun, 01 May 2011 00:02:11 GMT

can you tell me which lights would be the best, i am planning on having fish,some non photosynthetic corals and anomone

i have now:

55 gal tank,live rock,canister filter,uv light,protein skimmer

Best pump and filtration for a 75 gl

FindnNemo — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:50:51 GMT

Looking for some input on a 75 gallon Aquarium that houses 6 discus, 10 card tetras and a tea cup stingray. Whats the best way to go for filtration and water quality?

setting up a 29 gal have a few q's

TomTrout — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:07:23 GMT

I am setting up a 29 gallon mini reef. I have the tank and stand. Lighting is 96 total watts 4x24" 2 actinic blue 2 10,000k bulbs. H.O.B. Protein skimmer with refugium ( 4" x 16" x 13.5")using a 250 gph pump. Also have an aqueon 20 hob filter i belive it's 200 gph. I also just bought a Cora-life 50 gpd r/o unit. I plan on using between 30-45 lbs of live rock form Pet-Co. I plan on adding some live rock rubble and macro-algea in the refugium with a light on at night.

How much live sand should I use? The packages I see suggest 1 lb per gal. .

How deep a sand bed do I put in the refugium?

How much light over the refugium?

Do I have enough water circulation?

The only LFS that I have found in my area is the Pet-Co in Middletown N.Y., all others in the local yellow pages seem to have closed. Anyone know of an lfs close to Middletown N.Y.? I can't buy livestock online my job doesn't allow me the ability to be home for deliveries.

Suggestions on lighting?

LilDabOSalt — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:15:05 GMT

Doing our first salt tank, its an older tank so the "normal" dimensions found on todays tanks aren't the same. We're looking for lighting and while we want whats best for our new fish to come, live rock and corals we aren't trying to break the bank either if you know what I mean. LOL

I'm looking for recommendations and reviews please. This tank measures 12 inches wide, 24 high and 60 inches long.

DIY 75g Stand & Shadowbox

LilDabOSalt — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:58:29 GMT

Hello all, my husband and I are brand new to the world of salt although not new to aquariums as we've had multiple freshwater tanks over the years ranging from 10g - 200g. Obviously we're aware that salt is NOT the same and we hope to learn much from others far more experienced here.

Since we're used to larger tanks we knew we wouldn't be happy starting off small with saltwater so we decided to convert one of our 75g tanks into our first saltwater. We're excited but also a bit nervous as we want to make sure we do things right. Our first step was a new stand for the tank so, rather than buying one that we knew we wouldn't be happy with we decided to build our own by modifying what used to be our entertainment center. Along with that, we were so tired of all the more "traditional" backgrounds or no background at all that you typically see for both fresh and salt tanks that we decided that too would have to be unique so heres what we have so far....

The first thing we had to do was lengthen the entertainment center 2 inches and get rid of the cabinet on the side. Also shortened the drawer in the center to accommodate the 20g wet dry we're putting under the tank.

We totally dissected the stand. built a new floor base and the pedestal was supported with braces. A new shelf was made that will go all the way across to hold the tank. We then cut the cabinet door to match the height of the shelf. Since we shortened the center drawer, we cut it back so that the back panel is directly below the back of the fish tank for strength. We also had to make it accessible for feeding and for maintenance of the tank so we reinforced the top of the stand and can now hinge it for maintenance and put a hinged front on it that folds up for feeding.

Here is the finished stand, I'll be posting the shadowbox next.

play sand to start in a saltwater tank

rolo103 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:49:26 GMT

If i place play sand (standard sand) and seed it with live sand is this good?

Aquarium Decorations - where can I get them ?

Danio10 — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:56:51 GMT

I have been searching frantically on the internet for a dragon statue and have only found two . They aren't what I am looking for though . Where can I find some ? Thank you in advance for the help .

DIY Sump

Butch2693 — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:47:55 GMT

Hey guys,
I am setting up my first reef aquarium and would like to know what you think about my setup. I will be using a 55 gallon aquarium. I am using Coralife Aqualight compact fluorescents. I have 2 65 watt actinic lamps and 2 65 watt 6700K lamps in the Aqualight giving my 260 watts total. I have a Fluval 305 canister filter and am currently building a sump. I have a Coralife Super Skimmer 65G for an in-sump protein skimmer. My main question is about the sump. I was going to use a 20 gallon aquarium for my sump but unfortunately, the inside of my stand is only 10½ inches wide. Most aquariums are 12 inches wide and so as you can see, there is a problem. So I decided to build my own. I bought a sheet of acrylic and cut it to my desired panel sizes (the sump is going to be 30" long, 13" high, and 9½" wide). It is going to have 3 compartments, the first containing live rock (or bioballs), the second compartment containing the protein skimmer, and the third compartment containing the return pump. The second and third compartment will be separated by a bubble trap. Does this sound like a reasonable setup or does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Choosing the Right Tank

akagorilla — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:32:24 GMT

I want to buy two tanks, one for freshwater and one for saltwater. Should I buy the same tank twice or should I choose different brands?

Both tanks will be desktop versions around 10 or 12 gallons.

Can't afford those T-5s fixtures... here's how I did

SCOOTERc268 — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:05:12 GMT

I have and will be getting more 36" double T-5 fixtures and didn't pay 2-300 bucks per unit. Here's what you do.. I bought some 36" double T-5 fixtures from Home Depot. These have to be hard wired in to an electrical system. So, with that in mind, I had purchased a large gauged extension cord with a GFI plug.

I went home and cut off the plug (side you plug things into). The wires are green, black, and white. So, just match them up to the T-5 fixture, secure them with wire nuts. I secured the fixture to the aquarium hood with wood screws.

I replaced the lights that came with the fixture with 10k Coral Life bulbs and actinic. These lights are on my salt-water tank, which I am stocking with soft corals. I have some already in the tank and they are doing fine.

For Metal Halides, Home Depot sells a metal halide flood light that comes with a 100w bulb and its less than 100 bucks. They come on a pendant that one can move and point in any direction. Now, not knowing the light spectrum on the bulb, I would possibly go to my local aquarium store and purchase a bulb.

The T-5s are like 29 bucks for a 36" double bulb or single. The 4ft fixtures are in the $30 range.

I have no problems at all with them at the moment and will be planing to get another three fixtures for a total of 12 bulbs.

Also, if you have a aquarium hood and want to add more reflectiveness; go get aluminum duct tape. It has a very shinny surface that is similar to polished aluminum/chrome.

t5

justin30 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:54:32 GMT

hey i just want everyone to know that I got my t5's, I went with Aquatic life linkable fixture and Its soooo sweet, I plan on geting the second set of lights to give me a 4 bulb system but the 2 is makeing my tank look great.

Current Sundial T-5 Canopy Light Fixture

LongIslandFirearms — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:57:45 GMT

Hello!

If you read my introduction, you will know that I was in search of a lighting fixture for my 37 gallon tank.

My 37 gallon has a canopy as well (Senoma Marineland 30 inch canopy). Well, I searched and searched for the right lighting source as well as the best price. I found the Current Sundial T-5 Canopy Light Fixture for an amazing price of 207.99! (Dr. Fosters) however I ordered it from Marine Depot, which had it at $299.00 (BUT they did a price match and a 5 percent off ) -pays to smart shop! I save over $100! (Now I can get the protein skimmer I always wanted)

I just ordered it today, and should have it within a weeks time. Once I get it, I will do a complete review.

The goal is to make the coral/fish happy here and make it easy on me. I found out that this unit has all the light sources I need, as well as timers built-in AND the fans are located in the back (perfect for canopy tanks owners!) -Woo Hoo!

I noticed that this fixture has been around for over 2 years now with no system changes, so I conclude that it must be a good product. All but positive reviews online.

Being that it is a 37 gallon tank (30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 22 3/4) its a DEEP tank. I was afraid to get a HO T5 thinking that the depth of the tank being a challenge. However this lighting fixture has 4 lights in total, unlike most systems which have 2 lights. Given that, I hope this will be the solution I have been hoping for. Now, I only hope it fits in my canopy!

...stay tuned!

DVDs or books

chwmiami — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:17:12 GMT

I just bought The Conscientious Marine Aquarist and it is an EXCELLENT book! It is easy to ready and thoroughly informative. I am very very new at this hobby - both saltwater and fresh. I have gotten all the Dummy and Idiot books and a few Easy to learn DVDs. Anybody have any other suggestions on what good books there are or DVDs to learn about this hobby and how to keep our swimming buddies happy?

have you used this

justin30 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:52:14 GMT

Has anyone ever used Purple up to help coroline grow in the tank, I have used it for 2 weeks now and I have an explosion of color, the big quesion is does red slime grow before coroline>

Tunze Nano Skimmer Review

camaroracer214 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:57:45 GMT

Here's a review of the Tunze Nano Skimmer I did over on my blog...click HERE

Overall, I like the skimmer a lot. It did a really good job of skimmer, though it required me to mod the back of my Nano-Cube in order to fully accommodate the collection cup. Also, it's virtually impossible to keep the stock hood on the tank if the nano skimmer is in place, though I've seen some nano aquarists put the skimmer into a tank with a stock hood (required some big time modding though!).

Anyone else using these skimmers? I like them a lot.

Aquac Remora Protein Skimmer

LongIslandFirearms — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:06:09 GMT

Hello folks!

Once again I've read and read to conclude that:

1. I need to get rid of my Seaclone skimmer that does nothing for my tank.

2. Must get a skimmer that will DO THE JOB!

Ok, so I made a bad purchase. Protein skimmers are important enough to spend your paycheck on it to ensure your hobby is successful. (thats the only way I can put it..)

Setup is 37 gallons.

I bought a Seaclone skimmer and all I have is headaches, millions of micro-bubbles in my tank, and no protein to cry home to. I've read you can adjust the Seaclone to get something out of it. I have adjusted it so much that the best way for me to use it is to make the adjustment side open... anyway

AquaC Remora seems to be a terrific unit. Keep in mind to purchase this with the Maxi-Jet 1200 not the Rio-800. I've heard no good news from the Rio-800 with the Remora. For one I dont know why they (Aquac) didnt make their own pump and sell it as one unit, but I guess they're not in the pump business.

Anyway, I did my shopping around once again, and found it at $163.00 at Marine Depot with free shipping! I can't complain at that price.

Hopefully, I can recoupe come lost funds in the Seaclone to offset the cost here.

Once I get it up and running, I will be sure to give a complete review.

...stay tuned

deleted

Scooter65 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:14:36 GMT

deleted

anyone using stray voltage ground probe

smelly — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:25:51 GMT

do they work,should i have them on my tanks,would you know if you need them

Magnum Filter.....Ripped and constucted...made own filter

SloppyRob — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:31:45 GMT

I bought a 72 gallon Aquarium off of craigslist. It came with a Magnum 350 Filter. I Dont know much about this filter. On my other aquariums, I have Fluvals. I went to a couple of Fish Stores around my area, And they didnt recommend this filter because it doesnt have much room for Media. So....I ripped apart the filter and reconstructed it. I made it to resemble a Ehiem plus series filter http://www.petsolutions.com/images/200/20622052.jpg. I put a circle foam pad on bottom, Carbon and biomax on top of the pad, and then a fluval fx 5 fine filter pad on that. Is this a good idea or no. Or any suggestions?

10 Gallon Nano-reef

Dertotschlager — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:47:38 GMT

I am thinking about starting a 10gallon saltwater tank, just wondering what equipment I should use(skimmer, filter etc...)

AquaRay AquaBeam 500

Zeven — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:34:43 GMT

So I was going threw stuff on one of the distributors websites for my LFS and they had a newer product. AquaRay AquaBeam 500

AquaBeam on Quality Marines Website

I was wondering what some of you long time keepers think of a solid state light. Seems like a neat concept with the shimmering concept. Do any of you have this or talked to someone who has tried it.

Phosphates

Gunner — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:39:29 GMT

I am trying to get away from buying my water from my local fish store. It is just too expensive, $8.50 per each 5 gallon jug. I have a 55 gal and a 24 nanocube. THis will eventually kill me. I tested my tapwater and the phospates are a little high. 0.5 ppm. Obviously I could but a RO unit but I don't have the money for one. If I were to add chemicals to my water would it lower phospates enough to make my aquariums healthy? Is this phospate count high enough to act on it?

AquaC Remora skimmer w/ Drain Fitting and Maxi Jet 1200

Shaunac686 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:24:01 GMT

Hey,

I don't have anything in my tank yet, I just set up my protein skimmer to make sure it was running okay before I add the live rock in a few days. I wasn't expecting it produce any foam for a few days, but within 24 hours it's putting out A LOT of white wet foam. I have it draining into a gallon jug and it fills it within an hour or so with, what looks like, clean water. If I keep the collection cup on the highest setting foam escapes back into the tank and no foam comes out where it should, it doesn't really matter now because I dont have anything in the tank, but once I get the live rock in there I dont want this problem. Has anyone else experienced this?

I sent an email to the guys at AquaC and I hope to hear back from them tomorrow. I just was wondering if anyone else had some advice.

Thanks

problems with siphon on over flow

Arman — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:30:39 GMT

i have an eshopps wet/dry filter with an over flow box. the problem that i am having is that the u-tube siphon that takes the water from the inner overflow box to the outer is constantly filling up with air bubbles, which breaks the siphon. wat i am currently doing is taking an airline and sticking it into the the u-tube when this happens, and sucking out the air. but this is a huge hassle as i have to do it nearly every day. does anyone know how to prevent the air from building up, or an easier way of removing the air?

converting

justin30 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:40:07 GMT

Im converting from fresh water to salt in the next few weeks, I would like to know some things about the lighting.

1. I would like to keep a reef tank, I feel t5 lights are the right choice for me and my budget, do I go 4 or 6 lights. ( I have a 55gal)

2. where can I find a good deal online.

3. I hear bad things about aquatraders and there budget friendly t5's any feed back is cool.

thanks justin

New 55 Gallon Tank....need some help

Shaunac686 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:20:42 GMT

So a few months ago I was given a 55 gallon tank. It's in great condtion and I want to switch it to a saltwater tank. I think I want to start with a Eheim ECCO Cansiter filter and Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer. I've already got a heater that works well. Does anyone have other suggestions?

I'm also a bit confused about geting an RO/DI system. I don't want to spend a ton of money and they all seem to be kind of expensive. Any suggestions there as well.

Thanks!

seaclone 100 protein skimmer

Tigerpaw33 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:41:13 GMT

I was wondering if any one has them and was wondering if your supposed to have micro bubbles in the tank from the protein skimmer.

I didnt have micro bubbles in my tank until i clean out the protein skimmer and know i have micro bubbles

any help on this product would be appreciated

protien skimmer

libralynn — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:18:24 GMT

Skilter 400
is this thing even worth keeping?

bio balls

leobayr — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:07:24 GMT

How important are bioballs in a reef system? Are the nessesary or can you do without. I have always used a hang on filter system with a hang on skimmer for a 50gal tank. Now i'm building a sump for a 135 are bio balls important for a reef system. Any info will be a great help