okay i have spent quite a bit so for now the tank is empty, plus i'm waiting for the qt to cycle. i put a cupful of my sand from the mt. ive got the sea hare, 2 camel shrimp (one i can't find since he's molted) 5 hermits and 5 astrea's. i'm having problems with everything right now and it's really getting me pi$$ed off and discouraged. the prism skimmer that i got last week was working fine and now it wont make the froth. i've opened it all the way and still nothing. Also the heater i bought 2 weeks ago won't shut off so tomorrow i am going back to Big Al's and exchange since they won't give refund. also have to return the lights that i bought, wrong size. they must think i'm a real idiot! I thought having a parrot was complicated but it's actually a slice of cake compared to this!
i got skimmer now what
- Thread starter new2scene
- Start date
awestruck
New member
New, first off, what do you mean the lights are the wrong size? And, did you purchase a glass heater--if so, exchange it for a better one (yes, the $ for a better one is essential because if it stays on with corals in the tank you could fry them). Next, the skimmer may be lacking froth because there probably isn't a whole lot of protein in your tank for it to skim. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and do this slowly and methodically. Some people run their tanks for months before they put anything in besides a few inverts. That's not a problem at all.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18364/si13
would this add to my lighting to make a successful reef
this is what i have currently
one 65w 10,000k daylight compact
65 actinic 03 blue CF
would this add to my lighting to make a successful reef
this is what i have currently
one 65w 10,000k daylight compact
65 actinic 03 blue CF
awestruck
New member
Hi New, glad you're back. When I first got my tank there was no way I could afford Metal Halide (MH) lights (which are the strongest you can buy). So, I began with just one set of lights (pc). It wasn't nearly enough light but it was a start--I just bought a few lower light demanding corals and put them near the top. Now I have 3 hoods over my tank: 2 pcs, each 95 watt 10,000k 1/2 daytime and 1/2 actinic. I also have 1 t5 light which also is 1/2 daylight 1/2 actinic. None of these lights provide the lighting that MHs do, but I am able to keep some very beautiful corals with this much lighting. Do you need more light for corals? Yes. But, buy it as you can afford it. Don't stress. For now, when the tank is ready, get a few nice fish which will be fun. And remember, buy reef safe fish and take your time in choosing what kind because they will all need to get along. Again back to the lights, it would be great to buy everything you need all at once, and to get the best--but sometimes that's just not possible.
