what do you need for a good reef tank

[reef monster96]

i have some leds on my tank a skimmer and a 9 mag and 1 flow maker what els do i need to put on my tank to keep lps healthy and monties and zoos and mushrooms all healthy

 

[LiquidCache]

Good water chemistry.

 

[Richocet83]

Good water chemistry.

+1, and regular, routine maintenance!

 

[robthorn]

People think I am a jerk but I am good with that. First you need to read several decent books. Not articles on the net which are helpful but how does one know what to look up when not in a crisis? If you are open to really learning and reading a book or two I would be happy to make a few suggestions.

 

[snake1]

Money��
patience
Water changes
Clean filter socks
Good flow
Good skimmer
Cal. Alk. Mag
0 TDS rodi water

 

[rogergolf66]

People think I am a jerk but I am good with that. First you need to read several decent books. Not articles on the net which are helpful but how does one know what to look up when not in a crisis? If you are open to really learning and reading a book or two I would be happy to make a few suggestions.

Reading yes and a lot of it, but I have never read a single book on reef keeping just a lot on the net, I think I have done ok so i think u can read online but not everything u read will be correct online. I am interested in your book suggestions though.

Well so far everyone has missed what I think is most important. Consistent stress on consistent water parameters. Stable temp between 78-82 if u do weekly water changes of 10% with a good salt u don't need to worry much about alkalinity, calcium, or magnesium, iron, ect as the salt will keep levels up of depleted minerals. Come up with a way to make water changes easier to do so u keep up with them. ( just a tip not requirement)

Good lighting. LEDs are the hardest to keep corals under.
random flow. amount depends on types of corals u r keeping.

Lots of surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow on live rock of bio pure media blocks work well too.

You need a good way or ways to remove nutrients that accumulate from feeding. This is near the top of the list of importantly so the tank doesn't become over taken by algae. There are many ways including but not limited
good skimmer, ask people on here to help u choose one. Lots of good used ones out there save some cash,
refugium,
algae turf scrubber,
filter socks, (needs to be changed every 24-48 hours or can become more of a problem then helpful)
water changes
Deep sand beds 6 inches
Bare bottom tank (no sand)
Chemical (GFO, Carbon )

To name a few I can think of right now. You don't have to use all of these but u will need to use more then 1 method most of the time to keep up with removal.

There is not 1 way to maintain a reef but many.

The last thing I will say that's needed for a good reef tank is GO SLOW. Anything that happens fast in a reef is never good.

Lots a good people on this forum ask questions reed a lot and decide what is right for your tank.

Good luck.

I tried to keep it short and to the point.

Roger

 

[robthorn]

Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullock

The New marine Aquarium by Mike Palleta

Aquarium Corals by Erik Borneman

Several books by Scott Michael

You can go back to some of the pioneer's like Martin Moe and Albert Theil.

This is a start to some of them that I have read over the years. My memory is bad and will try to think of some more. Some of the techniques are outdated but can still lead to a more complete understanding of what is going on inside your aquarium.

Oh yeah Julian Sprung The Reef Aquarium Vol 1,2,3.

Roger I do know that the internet is a great place for knowledge and I use it everyday. Just seems weird to me to be new in the hobby on the forums going help I have green stuff on my glass. Or i.d. this clownfish.

Reminded me of another book there. Clownfishes by Joyce Wilkerson.
and another by Gregory Skomal.

 

[rogergolf66]

I don't disagree. I'm sure the books are great but u have to buy them. Lots of good free read in online. I was to cheep to buy books when I started 10 years ago now. I read everything online.

 

[robthorn]

You know about the library right? They don't have them all but some. I personally don't have a problem compensating people for their work. Main reason I don't rip off music.

 

[rogergolf66]

Who's talking about ripping anyone off? U r taking this thread a bit side ways. Thanks for the list of books will look into it.

There are alot of great article for free to read on in reef keeper magazine. Also advanced Aquarius

 

[MJNTWise]

Best read and its free..

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/author/rhf.php

 

[robthorn]

Not saying anyone here does. Just that I don't.

I read reefkeeping and advanced as well.

 

[tigger2577]

I think one of the items that has not been stated is patients and don't get discouraged if something goes wrong, things can normal be fixed

 

[reef monster96]

my tank has been running for 3 years