A few random questions

[martygreene]

Ok, a few random questions which don't really fit together, but eh.

1. Sea slugs- they can't be kept in reef tanks correct? (pity- there are some sexy black and white ones out there)

2. What aneomones do clowns prefer? Particularly black and white Percula clowns.

3. Live rock- it's kinda a grab-bag see what shows up situation right? If something shows up with a location/color/what-have-you that I don't like, is there a way to remove it from the rock?

Ah, the things that happen when you are formulating a reef that is trying NOT to emulate the real thing, visually.

 

[plumber_bob]

1. Usually Sea Slugs aren't seen in the reef environment. Some like the Sea Lettuce need tons of algae to eat. Others like the purple's need lots of sponges. Most of the Sea Slugs are sponge eators. Also, these guys like to get sucked up into anything. Powerheads, overflow boxes, etc...

2. I've found in the years that once I added a Rose Anemone into the tank, those clownfish got more aggressive then I've ever seen. I know most people prefer the Rose Anemones because.
A. They have great color.
B. Clownfish have always proven to be happy in them.

3. I like live rock with lots of caves and crevases. The two types that come to mind right away are Vavua, some also refer to this as Deep Water Tonga and Marshall Island. There are a couple others. IMO I prefer Marshall Island, it provides more surface area then any other rock; therefore, also making it extremely light. So, you can get away with 1lbs/gallon.

Some individuals will buy uncured rock because.
A. They are usually the best looking peices because they haven't been sitting around the local fish store for awhile.
B. You can leave the rock out of water and try to find, little rock crabs and what not without having to worry about killing the rock.

Yes, this process does take a little longer, but you are getting the better looking rock and you are able to spend time with the rock out of water, trying to clean it from hitch-hikers.

Bobby

 

[NaH2O]

Ah, the things that happen when you are formulating a reef that is trying NOT to emulate the real thing, visually.

This is so true. You are posing a challenge for me, as this is something I've never considered. I was thinking about how you are trying to create a black, white and crimson tank. Have you thought about how you are going to control the purple coralline algae from growing on your live rock? Perhaps the color of the live rock doesn't bother you. I'm not trying to be a pain, but I wanted you to think about it so you can plan and not get frustrated. You should be able to get your live rock locally or online for better pricing (except the shipping cost). Hitchhikers that you don't want you can remove and trade to other hobbyists or turn into the LFS for store credit.

Hope this helps?

 

[martygreene]

Heh, hopefully it's a welcome challenge!

I was trying to think of what to do about the coralline algae- I can probably keep up with it on the glass and apparatus, but the rock does pose an odd problem. I thought about getting some sort of red sponge to allow to grow on the rocks, and a few people mentioned having black sponges. I wonder if there is white coralline algae, and if it can be encouraged to grow... things to think about.

 

[NaH2O]

Challenges are always good. Keeps my wheels turning

Coralline algae will turn white when exposed to air for an extended period, however, this would also kill any sponge you are growing. Also, I know that you are interested in the black and white clownfish. I didn't know if you were aware of other b&w fish available. Three striped Damsels is one, although many don't have affection towards the damsel because it can tend to be aggressive - despite its size.

Science and Math are my strong suits.....art certainly is not, so I get a mental block when my brain switches to the other side. Have you considered any fake corals? (I hope that doesn't sound offensive) I thought maybe that would be a good way to get the look you are after. I had a friend mention there are even fake anemones that move, but I have yet to look into it. You would be able to have low light, which would keep the coralline from going crazy, corals and fish of the color that satisfy what you are looking for, there are also scarlet hermits (not sure if that is the right color (like I said...my brain turns off when it comes to this kind of thing). You could also do a white starboard bottom to the tank.

Anyway, just expressing some thoughts I had.

 

[martygreene]

I really like the domino spotted damselfish, and I was bemoaning the non-reef safe status of some lovely black and white sea slugs that I've found.

I have thought about false corals and such, I would far prefer to have the real thing.

I googled a bit and found that there is maroon coralline algae- I wonder if that could be encouraged to grow and the purple discouraged?

 

[plumber_bob]

You can always try to find a black tuxedo urchin and possible he would do the trick on that purple corralin algae.

 

[NaH2O]

hmmm....good thought plumber bob.

 

[martygreene]

Would the urchin not cause problems with corals and such?

I've been looking around- seems most of the tuxedo urchins are black and blue... I could deal with that I think.

 

[mattseattle]

since switching to XM 10k's I have a ton of maroon and lavendar coralline algae. the purple and all doesn't seem to be growing like it was when i was running 6.5k bulbs.

the maroon is quite nice in the tank and glad that it's finally starting to grow.

 

[martygreene]

Hrm... interesting...

is it possible to buy coralline algaes?

 

[Alice]

Oh I'm sure you could find someone to sell or give you some...the trick would be if that species of coralline would like the conditions in your tank.

 

[Doug1]

if you are into B&W how bout a Penquin tank with unsheilded 400 watt HQI

 

[plumber_bob]

Those tuxedo urchins usually don't arm corals. They are strictly out to eat corralin algae off the rock. However, I did have one that ate my acrylic and left little divets on the sides. They must have some pretty strong teeth to do that .
Bobby

 

[martygreene]

hrm, I'll have to keep that in mind and keep an eye on the little guy if I go that route.