Of course nitrate isn't good for them but that doesn't mean that the use of the bio-wheel = nitrates high enough to kill the fish.
The bus station across the highway from me doesn't give off enough carbon monoxide to kill me, but it certainly is unpleasant; and who knows...it may shorten my life. Why not give these animals the best environment we possibly can, since we've removed them from their natural environment?
regular water changes (which are necessary under any circumstances) will help to control the levels of nitrate in your system, but will not keep it at zero, where it should be for fish and inverts. With all due respect, I don't buy the line that it's okay as long as it doesn't kill them. How about 'it's okay if it doesn't stress them'?
The gentlemen was asking what he needed to run the tank with what he has already purchased.
I'm sorry, I didn't read anything from the gentleman (or lady?) asking about what he or she had already purchased; that person questioned, "What else will i need to do to get this started?"
I am simply informing this person in my opinion (note:
IMO) of what should be considered in setting up a responsible, successful, and low-maintenance sw aquarium, as per the theory that I practice. I have nothing against the eclipse system, but
IMO it's suited more for fresh water than salt, ie: bio-wheel, no space for skimmer. Of course someone can run a very successful aquarium with an Eclipse hood and filter.
This advice I don't understand. I know that no two reefers or sw fish keepers agree 100%, but I didn't think this point, in 2003, would be a bone of contention! Live rock has been proven again and again to provide a healthier ecosystem for the fish we keep. Telling a newbie who wants to break into this hobby, that
LR is not necessary, is sending them back to the 60s, when this hobby was much more difficult and specimens had shorter life spans in our 'care.'