New Coral Added today!

[Cougartime]

I just added a new coral to my tank today (on the left - not sure what it is - I think they said Flower Elephant Ear Coral?) with some sea grape algae

I tried to get fish but the pygmy angel was gone and the royal gramma has got a sore on him... so I have to still wait...

The peppermint shrimp are very happy - everyone seems very happy actually...

I found out that the anemone is a Haitian Pink Tip - apparently not suited for clownfish - figures! The LFS told me it would be perfect - argh!

I still need another coral for the left side/front - there is a good size spot for something that would go well in there and would fit on the left side but was tall enough to stick up and be seen in the front view too - any ideas? Easy to care for and pretty colored would help too

 

[zukihara]

I vote a couple yumas for the front left.

 

[zukihara]

Not sure of your lighting but you might try a nice monti cap for the top left as well.

 

[Cougartime]

It's whatever 3 lights come with the AquaPod system - there's an actinic, a bright white one and an LED blue light on through the night. I have them on timers too.

I just looked up the Monti cap and think that would be awesome!!! Thanks for the suggestion - do you have a place in Lakeland to get some? I don't live too far from there and actually work there once in a while...

Thanks again!!

 

[zukihara]

I don't buy any corals in Lakeland. I'd suggest you go to one of the stores in Tampa or Orlando. Fish and Other Ichty Things in Tampa is about as good a shop for corals as you will find in the free world imho.

 

[Yedgy]

Looking good, Cougartime! Keep an eye on that grape Caulerpa--if you see small dots forming on the grapes, get it out of there, as it's about to sporulate and you'll have a milkshake on your hands.

You might want to do some research on the Montipora capricornis regarding its lighting needs. Its needs are relatively modest for an SPS coral, but whatever color you start with, it might turn brown over time because of the lack of intensity. If you like the look, take a look at the lighting upgrades at nanocustoms.com/nanotuners.com.

Good luck!

 

[Cougartime]

I think my lighting is fine - I just checked the box and it comes with (1) SunPaq 27W bright white and (1) 27W actinic as well as the LED blue neon light for night. I'm afraid I'd need a chiller (and it's too late for easy mods) if I get any stronger bulbs.

Thanks for the tip on the Fish Store - I'll be in Tampa the end of the month - will go then!

Is there another awesome coral you can suggest then if you think that's not enough light for the Monti Cap ?

By the way... do I need to add things to the water for the corals? Plankton or nutrients - anything? I add Weiss Bacter Booster once a week now...

Thanks!

 

[Yedgy]

The only thing you'll have to add is...more water! Do a 10-15% water change weekly and that will replenish all your minerals and trace elements. Once your tank is more established, you might want to add a 2-part calcium/alkalinity supplement or else top off with kalkwasser.

 

[Cougartime]

Hmmm the guys at the LFS told me no more often than 20% water change once a month - I use the live sea water when I change out. I asked about weekly water changes and they told me that would be too much change - too harsh on the tank/system.

Since the tank is new I just did one water change, I do clean it of algae weekly though - even though I have a clean up crew of blue legged hermit crabs, turbo snails and sand sifter snail and horseshoe crab - it still gets yucky full of green algae during the week.