novice seeks advice

[jdaly]

Hello,

A friend has recomended you folks as a resource. I have 35 yrs experience with fresh water tanks, predominately with african sichlids. I am venturing into the salt water realm, converting a 55 gallon tank and under the impression that lighting and filtration requirements are significantly different. Yes, coral is the issue. I am also curious about how long it takes to develop an environment that will support healthy coral, fish, etc.

Thanks

John

 

[Swarf]

John,
Welcome!
If you do your research you will find a lot of information about "cycling" your tank with live rock. It will take a few weeks, but it is a neccessary step. Only after the initial cycling is complete should you add fish, which creates a FOWLR tank (Fish Only With Live Rock). You can also add 'clean up crew' organisms during the process. I would only add corals after you are sure all your water parameters are in the right range and steady, and you have sufficient lighting for them to flourish.

You can find hearty fish that will be a lot more tolerant of water and lighting conditions, and be happy with them before attempting to keep more fragile creatures.

Cheers,
Chuck

 

[sunfish11]

Welcome to RC! Your question is to complicated to answer in one post so my suggestion is to Read this

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848

and some of the other threads that are under the first post in the new to the hobby

page http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1031074

and then come back and ask specific questions. Hope this helps it is good reading.

Good luck!

Lisa