Newbie Help

[ml2feathers]

New to this hobby I have a 28 gal. tank with approx. 15 lbs . of Fiji live rock [ I know I need more but adding a little at a time ]also 3 inches of live sand, am getting a protein skimmer , has a penguin bio wheel 150 filter system has 2 hoods one with an 18 inch flourescent bulb ocen sun 10,000 k 15 watt bulb the other is an 18 inch flourescent coral sun actinic 420 15 watt bulb.Also has an adjustable heater set at 75 degrees . Was wondering if this would be an ok set up for a beginner and if so what corals would work with this system ? The live rock has been getting some growth greens ,greys,reds,purples and a small amount of black . So any and all info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[returnofsid]

I would start by removing a couple inches of your live sand. Deep sand beds require a lot of maintenance, or they can cause potential problems in the future. Next, I'd remove the bio-wheel. It will quickly become a nitrate factory, producing lots of nitrates, which you don't want. You can attain all your filtration needs with an adequate amount of live rock, good flow and a good skimmer.

From here on out, you'll need to cure your rock separately before adding it to the tank, or any die off could cause a cycle to begin again.

I'm not at all sure about your lighting. Am I understanding that you have a 10K bulb on one end and an actinic on the other? If you're able to find a light fixture that you can cover the entire tank with 10K and actinics, you'll be better off. Are your current bulbs compact fluorescents or Normal Output fluorescent? If NO, you definitely want to upgrade.

I'd also recommend bumping up the heater to about 77-78.

With some modifications to your current system, and the addition of more live rock, you'll be able to keep soft corals just fine. You'll definitely want to upgrade your lighting before attempting most LPS or any SPS.

Finally...Welcome to Reef Central!!

 

[ml2feathers]

Thanks for the info very helpful , my lights are the normal output 15 watt flourescents that both stretch the entire length of the tank they set back to back and cover the entire top. I was reading that I would need approx. 1 pound per gal of water of live rock . Another quick questions will anemones get along fine with soft corals ? Thanks again

 

[Mouse]

Anemones require more light than you currently have, T-5's and up to be safe.
Mushrooms, leathers, GSP and a few others will all be good starter corals. Dont be in to big of a rush, in this hobby good things take time, only bad things happen overnight.

 

[ml2feathers]

Thanks for your advice will check into a light upgrade.