a few questions from newbie

[tiapan]

I am currently setting up a 75 gallon reef here is the link to the picture.
http://userweb.suscom.net/~johnkenyon/lr.jpg

The first question I have Is it a necessity to have a top covering the water? ie. A versatop

In my haste of buying merchandise without being informed I bought a CPR wet/dry filter with included skimmers built in. From what I have been reading on the board, I wish I would of bought just a sump. My question is if I run this should I take out the biomedia?

What is this coming out of the live rock?
http://userweb.suscom.net/~johnkenyon/gs.jpg

Finally, I am extremely happy that I have found this forum I just wish I would of found it about a month ago before I started shelling out the money

 

[loganj]

IThe first question I have Is it a necessity to have a top covering the water? ie. A versatop

No, it's actually better to run the tank open top if you can. Some fish are dedicated carpet surfers and have to have a top though. By running the tank open, you will maximize gas exchange at the surface and help keep the temp down. Most reef lighting systems produce a lot of heat and the top will trap the heat in the tank.

In my haste of buying merchandise without being informed I bought a CPR wet/dry filter with included skimmers built in. From what I have been reading on the board, I wish I would of bought just a sump. My question is if I run this should I take out the biomedia?

Can you return it? If not, take the biomedia out. It will be a nitrate factory. You can run it to increase flow in the tank. The skimmer should help a lot too.

What is this coming out of the live rock?

Looks like feather dusters to me. A type of worm that lives in a calcerous tube and is a filter feeder...they feed on tiny particles from the water.

Finally, I am extremely happy that I have found this forum I just wish I would of found it about a month ago before I started shelling out the money

We're glad to have you and encourage you to post any questions you might have. There is a search link on the home page which may prove useful for getting info from old posts. There is, also on the home page, a link to articles which you may find interesting.

 

[reefrunner69]

to AquariumAdvice.com!!

I agree with everything Logan said...except...the search link should be in the nav bar on every page of the site

 

[BrianH]

It is hard to tell from the picture, but you may have some type of anenome on the rock. Try to post a clearer picture and mabye we can identify it for you.

Brian

 

[tiapan]

Thanks for the quick replys.

I can return the wet/dry filter however, the shipping to me and back is money that I would have to swallow. Considering I am already over budget and my wife is on me about costs I will have to use this and take out the media.

From other pictures I have seen on the net I think it is a feather duster but, I will post a clearer picture in the identification forum.

Once I get everything up and running, I will post the an update with all the stats.

Thank you again