Going Reef after 3.5 years

[superscro]

Hi all, I'm new the forum here, and joined because I was looking to learn more about the aquarium hobby and help others with advice and my knowledge.

But here is a little about my tank. Established in November of 2006, its a 36 gallon bow front with about 45 pounds of live rock, skimmer, two powerheads, T5 HO lightning, and home to an Ocellaris Clown and Pygmy Angel (Cherub Angel). The first inhabitant was a firefish, but I lost him a couple months ago, not sure to what but luckily my other two guys were ago. He was big when i got him, so maybe it was old age, but anyways. Oh yea and then theres the pistol shrimp who was truly the first inhabitant when i added the live rock. I rarely see him.

But anyway, I was considering added corals to my tank in the near future, when summer rolls around and my sophmore year at college ends. There are concerns I have though.

One thing i would like to know, is how my tank would handle it after being established for about 3 and a half years now. My lightning is good enough for low-medium light corals. Its 156 watts with the reflector behind the bulbs. 2 10ks and 2 actinics 460nm i think? The water parameters have been good. I sometimes see a small amount of nitrates in the tank, but thats about it, since i only get 1 to 2 water changes a month depending on when i come home from school.

Second, i question how the angelfish will do with corals. If I were to try, i would add only a couple corals, so I don't waste a lot of money in case he is a coral eating fiend. I learned in the past that if I can keep him well feed with a variety of food, he can keep away. But all fish are different, so I won't know until i add corals.

I really plan to fix the tank up. I would like to build a refugium/sump, which would be a great to add, but the problem it would have to be under the tank, so gravity will be against me here.

So any advice is greatly appreciated, and by no means am I in a rush to do anything. I'm looking forward to spending time on the forums!

[discocarp]

You sound like you are in pretty good shape. If you haven't replaced your bulbs lately, it is definitely time to replace them before you get corals (this is important, bulbs lose intensity even if they haven't burned out). Your lighting is good (even great if the T5s have individual reflectors). The angel may or may not be a problem, as you are aware. You might want to add some extra flow too. What kind of powerheads are they?

Change the bulbs then pick up some cheap hardy corals. Toadstool leather (clown might even host in it), mushrooms, green star polyps. Lots more choices too.

[superscro]

I did replace the bulbs a few months ago so I should be good for a while. The power heads are Koralias, 400 gph I believe.

I was probably just going to add mushrooms at first, see how they do and how the angel reacts, and if it is working out I will slowly add corals over time.

[bigworm175]

You are right about the Angel. He may nip at corals but it's an individual fish issue. I had a coral beauty and he never nipped but I've heard of many a pygmy causing problems.

It sounds like you are definitely ready for some mushrooms, a colt or a toadstool.

[Rich D]

i suggest looking around locally for some easy corals to start off with. I know in my area you could find free green star polyps, xenia, mushrooms and some palys for free.

[discocarp]

You sound good to go, and mushrooms are a great first coral.