Newbie Easy Questions

[Billybatz9]

1. Live Sand or Rock in Tank First?
2. Should I clean live sand after a few months? How do i do it?
3. Will an RO System really save me money if I am going to be only having a 30 gallon tank? Its 49 cents per gallon at my fish store for ro salt water.
4. What is the average price for a sea anemone? My fish store sells them for $70 and they are kind of small?
5. What is the best food for fish, corals and sea anemones for the price?
6. Where do you buy live sand? What makes it live? I heard reefrocks sells sand, but it doesnt say live.

 

[LJA]

1. Live Sand or Rock in Tank First?
2. Should I clean live sand after a few months? How do i do it?
3. Will an RO System really save me money if I am going to be only having a 30 gallon tank? Its 49 cents per gallon at my fish store for ro salt water.
4. What is the average price for a sea anemone? My fish store sells them for $70 and they are kind of small?
5. What is the best food for fish, corals and sea anemones for the price?
6. Where do you buy live sand? What makes it live? I heard reefrocks sells sand, but it doesnt say live.

1. both, unless your going bare bottom
2. no, your CUC can accomplish much of this
3. yes, you could compute your brake even point to know how long it would take. I use water from the refrigerator (the water we drink) because it has a brita-type filter in it, though most will recommend RODI.
4. At least in my area (E. Florida), the LFS's are somewhat overpriced. Finding individual sellers (frag swaps, group meets ect) is much more economical.
5. Depends on species, each having own requirements. Always research a purchase before the purchase.
6. Online or at LFS. It is live because it is supposed to have live bacteria that aid in the nitrogen cycle.

read all of these articles: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

Seriously, the above link has answers to virtually every question the newb has (I know because I read through them all when I was starting out).

GL HF

 

[Billybatz9]

1. both, unless your going bare bottom
2. no, your CUC can accomplish much of this
3. yes, you could compute your brake even point to know how long it would take. I use water from the refrigerator (the water we drink) because it has a brita-type filter in it, though most will recommend RODI.
4. At least in my area (E. Florida), the LFS's are somewhat overpriced. Finding individual sellers (frag swaps, group meets ect) is much more economical.
5. Depends on species, each having own requirements. Always research a purchase before the purchase.
6. Online or at LFS. It is live because it is supposed to have live bacteria that aid in the nitrogen cycle.

read all of these articles: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1031074

Seriously, the above link has answers to virtually every question the newb has (I know because I read through them all when I was starting out).

GL HF

Do you run a sump/refugium with yours or hob filter?

 

[SFish]

You could look into a small hang on the back sump. Also you can pick up an RO/DI filter for around $100. Trips to the store are a pain. I buy everything online it cheaper and there is way more to choose from.

 

[thegrun]

1. Place the rock in the tank first, then the sand, but add both at the same time. Do not put the rock on top of the sand or you risk a rockslide when the sand shifts. I would also use dry sand (wash it first to remove the dust) rather than "live" sand which often contains more dead than live organics. Dry sand is also typically less expensive (you are not paying for water).
2. A good clean-up crew will keep your sand clean.
3. You want to use RO/DI water, not just RO water. With a small tank there may not be a big savings in water, but it certainly is more convenient and at least for me simply spending less time in a fish store will save me a fortune in impulse purchases!
4. Find a local hobbyist selling their livestock which will be less expensive or look here on Reef Central in your local forum for a good deal.
5. A wide variety of foods is best.
6. Any of the on-line retailers sell sand (live or dry, but as posted above I would recommend dry), or even Pet's Mart carries it.

 

[JMorris271]

I'd skip the RODI until you get a larger tank. a 20% water change a month would be 6 gal. I'm not sure that would amount to "trips" to the LFS.
You should be able you top off with other Gal. once a month. Or you could get a RODI. I have one that is suppose to do 90 GPD but can't use it because my water is too loaded with TDs.

 

[fishhuman]

There are different kinds of anemone all are not for beginners as if they die( and they will if you don't have top of the line lights) they will bomb your tank which means they will release toxins that will kill your fish. Also I am assuming you want an anemone for clownfish, but clownfish do not needs anemones in captivity and they will rarely bond with an anemone in our tanks. Some anemones will eat fish( I have seen it happen) and these are normally the tipe clownfish will bond with. The anemones your lfs are selling are probobly rose bubble tip or carpet as they usually go for that price. I would compare prices with liveaquaria. Com and if it is within 15 dollars you have made a good buy

 

[scott71]

Get the RO unit. Cost will add up and going to the fish store to get water sucks. Also go with a bigger tank if you can. You won't regret getting a 50 gallon or larger. If you upgrade later, then it will be much more.