New to Reef's - Need advice

[Chloes Granny]

Hi Everyone,

I have signed on to learn how to switch my system over to a reef system instead of a fish only system. Can you guys suggest places to go to learn about what to buy for a starting reef? I want to build it slow so it is healthy at the same time.

Do you know of a place to buy some clams that are inexpensive and are they good to place in a new system?

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thank you,

Kim

 

[DonW]

As a beginner I'd say stay away from clams. James Fatherees clam book is good reading and will lead you in the right direction as far as clams go. I guess I'd take a look at your existing equipment and see if it is suitable for a reef. Second I'd get a real good grasp on water chemistry.

Don

 

[Chloes Granny]

Thanks for info

Everything I have set up initially is for reefs. We are moving from a 55g fish only to a 120g reef and fish. I have been using Barrier Reef for a lot of my questions and guidence but I don't want to take advantage of their time either. We have 140lbs of live rock and 70lbs of live sand that has been through a cycle. I am using T-5 lights but think I might need more than 2 and go to a 4 light setup. I don't have a refusium. Will wait a little bit to set that up. The chemistry is good from what I have read how ot needs to be. What do you guys recommend to start out with if clams are a no go?

Kim

 

[DonW]

Your sig line says "Wet/Dry" is that still a wet dry? Are the lights HO? Are you testing CA, alk and mg?

Don

 

[Chloes Granny]

yes to wet dry and no on HO I'm assuming you mean halides and we are testing those chemicals I could not give you the reading because my husband does the chemical part of the tank and I tell him what I want.

 

[DonW]

yes to wet dry and no on HO I'm assuming you mean halides and we are testing those chemicals I could not give you the reading because my husband does the chemical part of the tank and I tell him what I want.

HO meaning high output t-5's vs standard. If not then you will not have enough light. You will need to know your nitrate levels to tell wether or not the wet/dry is producing excess nitrates. Chances are pretty good that will have to be replaced or the bioballs removed.

Don

 

[Chloes Granny]

I have the high output and I use live rock not bioballs and Nitrates are at between 0-5.

Thank you for the info.

Kim