Moving from fowlr to reef

Apocrathia · 03/11/2013, 07:56 PM

I've kept aquariums my entire life, but I've always had freshwater. Well, throughout college I was unable to keep a tank, so after I graduated and moved, I made sure to setup a saltwater tank as one of the first things I did. I've had a fowlr system up and running for about 4 months now, but I'm ready to get into hosting more than just the few fish I've had. What are your suggestions for beginner corals and invertebrates? I've got a 55g tank right now. Should be plenty of room to start with.

EllieSuz · 03/11/2013, 08:19 PM

What fish do you currently have in the 55? We'll need to assess whether they are "reef safe". About how many pounds of live rock is in there? Figure you'll need one to one and a half lbs. per gallon. There are a number of corals suitable for beginners, but let's figure out whether they would be compatible with your existing fish first. It's the same story with invertebrates. If you don't have any fish that like to dine on snails and crabs, we'll give you some ideas for a CUC (clean-up crew).

jfill2143 · 03/11/2013, 09:40 PM

Awesome- I have the same question!

Tank Specs:

65 gallon tank 36"width x 24"height
about 70 lbs of live rock
2" sand bottom
4lamp T5-HO AquaticLife Fixture
1 Saddle Valentini Toby
1 Bi-Color Angel Fish
2 True Percula Clownfish
3 Acres Midget Chromis
1 Horned Blenny
I have a cleaner pack of mixed crabs and snails

I hope this gives you an idea of the tank, what might work together and i noted the light because I assume that might dictate what I can get, IDK, i might be wrong- I am a noob.

All of my fish get along great and knock on wood I have not had any problems with the tank in 2-3/4 years. I have slowly improved the tank parts and have slowly added inhabitants because this is my first marine tank and really my first real tank(i had a small tank when I was a kid).

Any Suggestions would be great!

Thanks in advance

EllieSuz · 03/12/2013, 05:41 AM

You have two fish on your list that may pose some real problems in a reef tank. The Toby can be very aggressive and also snack on invertebrates. The Angel is frequently a coral nipper, particularly soft corals of the family of corals called Euphyllia, such as Torches and Hammers. Bi-Color Angels are also known to eat invertebrates and pick at clam mantles. Of course, you can add some corals and see if these two fish are exceptions to the rule. Or, you can search for new homes for them and start over on your fish list.

jfill2143 · 03/29/2013, 02:34 PM

That's what I read but at one pet store they said "oh you will be fine" but i didnt trust them amd i went to my favorite store and they threw up the red flag on the angel and Toby. I really like both fish...especially the Toby. I will have to do a test coral next week and see how they behave. Thank you for the response... my internet was down at home so I'm just reading this now!

SloppyWhenWet · 03/29/2013, 02:42 PM

Difference in talking to a "salesmen or lady" to a technician. When in doubt make the sale:P

MrTuskfish · 03/29/2013, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfill2143

Awesome- I have the same question!

Tank Specs:

65 gallon tank 36"width x 24"height
about 70 lbs of live rock
2" sand bottom
4lamp T5-HO AquaticLife Fixture
1 Saddle Valentini Toby
1 Bi-Color Angel Fish
2 True Percula Clownfish
3 Acres Midget Chromis
1 Horned Blenny
I have a cleaner pack of mixed crabs and snails

I hope this gives you an idea of the tank, what might work together and i noted the light because I assume that might dictate what I can get, IDK, i might be wrong- I am a noob.

All of my fish get along great and knock on wood I have not had any problems with the tank in 2-3/4 years. I have slowly improved the tank parts and have slowly added inhabitants because this is my first marine tank and really my first real tank(i had a small tank when I was a kid).

Any Suggestions would be great!

Thanks in advance

Please start your own thread. Dealing with two threads with basically the same questions will drive everyone nuts. Plus, neither post will get the help and attention you need. I'd post the thread and then ask a mod to delete the post in this thread, or whatever they need to do. Thanks!

03/11/2013, 07:56 PM	#1
Apocrathia Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 30	Moving from fowlr to reef I've kept aquariums my entire life, but I've always had freshwater. Well, throughout college I was unable to keep a tank, so after I graduated and moved, I made sure to setup a saltwater tank as one of the first things I did. I've had a fowlr system up and running for about 4 months now, but I'm ready to get into hosting more than just the few fish I've had. What are your suggestions for beginner corals and invertebrates? I've got a 55g tank right now. Should be plenty of room to start with.

03/11/2013, 08:19 PM	#2
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	What fish do you currently have in the 55? We'll need to assess whether they are "reef safe". About how many pounds of live rock is in there? Figure you'll need one to one and a half lbs. per gallon. There are a number of corals suitable for beginners, but let's figure out whether they would be compatible with your existing fish first. It's the same story with invertebrates. If you don't have any fish that like to dine on snails and crabs, we'll give you some ideas for a CUC (clean-up crew). __________________ "You can't learn this hobby one question at a time." (Mr. Tuskfish) Eileen Current Tank Info: I'm out of the hobby, but used to have a60 gal. reef, refugium in sump, Internal Mag 9 return, SC 302 skimmer, two Maxi-Jet 1200's modded, four bulb T5 Lighting, Reefkeeper Lite Controller with three PC4's, Little Fishes GFO reactor.

03/12/2013, 05:41 AM	#4
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	You have two fish on your list that may pose some real problems in a reef tank. The Toby can be very aggressive and also snack on invertebrates. The Angel is frequently a coral nipper, particularly soft corals of the family of corals called Euphyllia, such as Torches and Hammers. Bi-Color Angels are also known to eat invertebrates and pick at clam mantles. Of course, you can add some corals and see if these two fish are exceptions to the rule. Or, you can search for new homes for them and start over on your fish list. __________________ "You can't learn this hobby one question at a time." (Mr. Tuskfish) Eileen Current Tank Info: I'm out of the hobby, but used to have a60 gal. reef, refugium in sump, Internal Mag 9 return, SC 302 skimmer, two Maxi-Jet 1200's modded, four bulb T5 Lighting, Reefkeeper Lite Controller with three PC4's, Little Fishes GFO reactor.

03/29/2013, 02:34 PM	#5
jfill2143 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 7	That's what I read but at one pet store they said "oh you will be fine" but i didnt trust them amd i went to my favorite store and they threw up the red flag on the angel and Toby. I really like both fish...especially the Toby. I will have to do a test coral next week and see how they behave. Thank you for the response... my internet was down at home so I'm just reading this now! __________________ Stop waiting for it to fall into your lap. Stop searching for a shortcut. Get up, Get out, get going and get to work Current Tank Info: fish only right now with live rock and sand

03/11/2013, 09:40 PM	#3
jfill2143 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 7	Awesome- I have the same question! Tank Specs: 65 gallon tank 36"width x 24"height about 70 lbs of live rock 2" sand bottom 4lamp T5-HO AquaticLife Fixture 1 Saddle Valentini Toby 1 Bi-Color Angel Fish 2 True Percula Clownfish 3 Acres Midget Chromis 1 Horned Blenny I have a cleaner pack of mixed crabs and snails I hope this gives you an idea of the tank, what might work together and i noted the light because I assume that might dictate what I can get, IDK, i might be wrong- I am a noob. All of my fish get along great and knock on wood I have not had any problems with the tank in 2-3/4 years. I have slowly improved the tank parts and have slowly added inhabitants because this is my first marine tank and really my first real tank(i had a small tank when I was a kid). Any Suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance

03/29/2013, 02:42 PM	#6
SloppyWhenWet Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 166	Difference in talking to a "salesmen or lady" to a technician. When in doubt make the sale:P