Dwarf Fu Man Chu Lionfish with an SPS Coral Aquarium?

[Zenoah1439]

Hey Kevin,

I've been considering getting a Fu Man Chu Dwarf Lionfish for my 40g aquarium. My ultimate plan, prior to adding coral, is to add a 30g sump to up the water volume and add some macro algae and skimmers. After talking with Lee on the fish forum, he had stated that a Dwarf Lion doesn't eat on a daily basis, and it's eating habits tend to cause small spikes in nitrates as the tank deals with the recent "feeding" of the lion fish. Apparently this would limit my choices of corals.

What would having a lion fish limit my SPS coral selection to? Is there any way I can deal with the potential nitrate increases through the sump?

 

[kevinpo]

Hello,
With proper lighting on the macro algae you shouldn't have a problem with nitrates. I don't foresee water quality being a limiting factor in coral selection.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[donrando]

I would stay away from the more tempermental acros, maybe go with easy stuff like montis and birdnest, then slowly go to like a green slimer or something, ...

 

[Zenoah1439]

Hey Kevin and Don,

Sorry to bring a dead post back to life, but I've decided not to go with a Lion fish as I've read they can be difficult to get to eat prepared foods and the one i was looking at would only eat live food at the time.

I am, however, within a week or so of having my new fish tank stand complete and the sump up and running.

My question is, what type of lighting and macro algae should i put in the sump? I've seen on you tube what looks like a shop light on the refugium, but I'm assuming i need some type of grow light in order to keep the algae alive? I'll end up with a 10-15g refuge in a 30g tank, could i use a standard hood light (T8) and get some type of algae bulb for it? What would the bulb be?

Kevin,

Does you store sell some type of algae that you would recommend for a first time "sump" aquarist? I'm not too far away and could make a stop in when everything is completed, I'm just not sure what i should be asking for.

 

[estanoche]

Most any type of light will grow macro algae well If you have an old hood laying around that has a good bulb in it I say go for it!!

Also - I'm 99% sure kevin sells macro algae - just ask him when you are in the store! If he doesnt have any available put an APB out to our local club, I'm sure someone can scrape some up for you so you can start your tank off right!

 

[kevinpo]

Hello,
Chaetomorpha algae is a good choice (about $5). An aluminum bell shaped fixture with a 32W CF bulb and clamp on the end bought at Lowe's or Home Depot costs about $20 and will work fine.

Regards,
Kevin