clownfish24
Non-member
Hi,
My name is Mary (aka "clownfish24"). I live in Merrimack, NH. I'm just getting back in the hobby after 10+ years. A lot has changed! Back then I had 55 & 20 gallon saltwater tanks that I considered successful (little fish loss). But I used tap water, oyster shell substrate, real coral skeletons, basic fluorescent lighting, and a canister filter. Now it's all about live rock, live sand, sophisticated lighting, sumps and a bunch of other gadgets I never heard of! But I think it's great because it means we can all keep more exotic creatures, and they will thrive instead of just survive. But I still have a large learning curve ahead of me that I hope you experts can help me with!
I decided to start slow, so I bought a Biocube 29. I have not set it up yet, as I want to first purchase an RO/DI unit, and also a better protein skimmer and filter solution. I plan to try some corals, which I never had before, and of course 1 or 2 clownfish (my favorite!).
I have a few basic questions...
- Does live sand and live rock ever die, and if so, how would I know? (I don't want to be the naive one paying $5/lb for rocks from someone's backyard!)
- Any recommendations on what types of clownfish and anemones (or perhaps coral) will bond together and do well in a BC 29?
- Your opinions on the "must have" mods for the BC 29? I do have the upgraded model with a higher fish saver wall, cutout between chambers 2&3, window on back side to light a refugium, and improved hood that will turn off the ballasts when the bulbs start dying.
Thanks BRS! Looking forward to reefing with you all...
Mary
My name is Mary (aka "clownfish24"). I live in Merrimack, NH. I'm just getting back in the hobby after 10+ years. A lot has changed! Back then I had 55 & 20 gallon saltwater tanks that I considered successful (little fish loss). But I used tap water, oyster shell substrate, real coral skeletons, basic fluorescent lighting, and a canister filter. Now it's all about live rock, live sand, sophisticated lighting, sumps and a bunch of other gadgets I never heard of! But I think it's great because it means we can all keep more exotic creatures, and they will thrive instead of just survive. But I still have a large learning curve ahead of me that I hope you experts can help me with!
I decided to start slow, so I bought a Biocube 29. I have not set it up yet, as I want to first purchase an RO/DI unit, and also a better protein skimmer and filter solution. I plan to try some corals, which I never had before, and of course 1 or 2 clownfish (my favorite!).
I have a few basic questions...
- Does live sand and live rock ever die, and if so, how would I know? (I don't want to be the naive one paying $5/lb for rocks from someone's backyard!)
- Any recommendations on what types of clownfish and anemones (or perhaps coral) will bond together and do well in a BC 29?
- Your opinions on the "must have" mods for the BC 29? I do have the upgraded model with a higher fish saver wall, cutout between chambers 2&3, window on back side to light a refugium, and improved hood that will turn off the ballasts when the bulbs start dying.
Thanks BRS! Looking forward to reefing with you all...
Mary
