Help with FOWLR/live rock/water source

[wesdjohn]

I'm back into the hobby after a long hiatus (children). I'd like to set-up a small FOWLR-like tank with a pair of clownfish and a dottyback (mostly for my kids to get involved). I'm very committed to aqucultured and tank-bred specimens.

So, right now I'm going to us NO fluorescent lighting - 40W total on a 29G tank (one actinic and one 50/50). My thought here is it's just for fish.

I'm sure I could get away with just a small hang-on-the back unit with bio-media, carbon, phosban and conscientious water changes.

But, I'd like to have some nice decor and I'm considering some aquacultured live rock.

Questions:

(1) Is this lower light level going to be a problem with the live rock (will it just become a rock with tons of green algae), or will the coralline algae adapt and grow some?

(2) I have an old RO/DI unit but hasn't been used in 5+ years - I suspect the membrane and the other cartridges would have to be replaced. Therefore, at this point I want to use tap water - is this a disaster waiting to happen? Any suggested pre-treatment for chlorine/chloramine?

(3) Any other thought for aquascaping? Marco-rocks seem popular - are these environmentally responsible?

(4) What are the best cources for aquacultured live rock? Tampa Bay? Fosters and Smith has some "Fiji cultured" rock for a reasonable price - anyone seen this product?

TIA -
WDJ

 

[Fish_wiz2]

1. No, and green algae is normal for newly set-up tanks then it will become coralline (in time) but make sure you maintain good calcium levels for good coralline growth.
2. Yes so replace the membrane and other stuff to use it because you won't see the disaster in the beginning but later (in time).
3. Yes but buy used liverock because you don't have to harvest anymore from the ocean.
4. Those places are ok but try your local craigslist to buy used liverock (this is from people who want to quit or reaquascape and have extra).

 

[Avi]

Re: Help with FOWLR/live rock/water source

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11588655#post11588655 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wesdjohn
Questions:

(1) Is this lower light level going to be a problem with the live rock (will it just become a rock with tons of green algae), or will the coralline algae adapt and grow some?

The live rock will be fine with even that lower-than-reef level of light. Coraline will definitely adapt to even low levels of light which, in turn, would discourage the nuisance green micro algae from growing.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11588655#post11588655 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wesdjohn
(2) I have an old RO/DI unit but hasn't been used in 5+ years - I suspect the membrane and the other cartridges would have to be replaced. Therefore, at this point I want to use tap water - is this a disaster waiting to happen? Any suggested pre-treatment for chlorine/chloramine?

It's difficult to say what problems you'd run into or the seriousness of the water quality issues you might have by using tap water because every such water-source is different. It's safe to say that to one extent or another, you're much better off sprucing up your RO/DI unit and using that, especially in a small tank without a protein skimmer, etc.