SHARPiE
Aquarium Advice Freak
Hi all,
I'm relatively new to the marine game. I have done lots of research online, at marine fish stores and using books. I have a well established 10g FO percula clown tank. But I have a few questions specific to my new project.
I just bought a 42g AquaOne AquaStye AR-850 Tank (above tank open filtration bed, wet + dry trickle system with spraybar, carbon, cotton, sintered glass and power head)
Filter Flow Rate: 528g/hr
Light Wattage: 2 x 30in 25W 1 x 23.5in 20W
I have an inch of aragonite coral sand at the bottom.
Six months down the track when I can afford a protein skimmer and better lighting, I want corals and anemones. But for now I think I'll go FO with fake coral, that is, unless LR (or even dead rock) can survive without a protein skimmer and extra lighting.
Questions:
1 - Will the current filter & light be able to cope with live or even dead rock?
2 - In the interim, is it worth going for fake coral if the filter & light can't cope with live/dead rock?
3 - What is the difference between cycling FO vs FOWLR (any links?) I have successfully cycled fish only marine and tropical tanks before.
4 - Should I add more sand if I go LR?
5 - What are the best starter reef fish?
6 - Are these suitable for a fish only tank which will be converted to coral?
Thanks in advance for your input and help.
I will post progress photos if I am able.
I'm relatively new to the marine game. I have done lots of research online, at marine fish stores and using books. I have a well established 10g FO percula clown tank. But I have a few questions specific to my new project.
I just bought a 42g AquaOne AquaStye AR-850 Tank (above tank open filtration bed, wet + dry trickle system with spraybar, carbon, cotton, sintered glass and power head)
Filter Flow Rate: 528g/hr
Light Wattage: 2 x 30in 25W 1 x 23.5in 20W
I have an inch of aragonite coral sand at the bottom.
Six months down the track when I can afford a protein skimmer and better lighting, I want corals and anemones. But for now I think I'll go FO with fake coral, that is, unless LR (or even dead rock) can survive without a protein skimmer and extra lighting.
Questions:
1 - Will the current filter & light be able to cope with live or even dead rock?
2 - In the interim, is it worth going for fake coral if the filter & light can't cope with live/dead rock?
3 - What is the difference between cycling FO vs FOWLR (any links?) I have successfully cycled fish only marine and tropical tanks before.
4 - Should I add more sand if I go LR?
5 - What are the best starter reef fish?
6 - Are these suitable for a fish only tank which will be converted to coral?
Thanks in advance for your input and help.
I will post progress photos if I am able.