Biotope Reef

[Random Aquarist]

Hey, I'm want to set up a biotope tank, but I'm not quite sure what biotope to do. When I say "biotope", I'm refering to a specific island or islands(Indonesia, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, etc.) and a specific depth. So, for example, a biotope could be Fiji at 20 meters depth. What I'm looking for is a biotope that has a good range of corals that are fairly easy to care for. Can you please help me?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

There are lots available. Honestly though, I would look a little more into an area and a geographical formation such as lagoon, mud flat, reef drop off, etc. You will still have quite a large variety of stuff to choose from, but the animals would be more appropriate for them. Red Sea and Hawaii are beautiful areas, but the forementioned can be a little expensive.

 

[Random Aquarist]

Well, I'm kinda thinking of a Fiji LPS tank. What geographic formation could that fit into?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Probably quite a few. You might want to look in an atlas to see if their is any unique geography like atolls. You might be able to use Google's map for a great, interactive view.

 

[Random Aquarist]

Can I just have LPS on live rock with Fiji-native fish and inverts? The biotope will be "semi-deep Fiji reef". Like it?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

That would work fine. I would do a little research on the corals as well to make sure to keep it as a true biotope. It shouldn't be hard though, many of our corals here in the US come from that area.

 

[Agu]

You might want to go to the library and check out some of the big coffee table books with actual reef pics. Pick a biotope from the pics and build from there.............

 

[Random Aquarist]

Hmmm.....I've been thinking about how real reefs are with their huge coral specimens. Maybe I could do just torch coral or just frogspawn coral. I like the look of those corals, kinda grass-like and very green. Also, my clowns could use it like an anemone.

 

[Random Aquarist]

Another idea, can I do a Monti. Solomon Islands biotope?

 

[Random Aquarist]

(bump)

 

[Random Aquarist]

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