Need help with a cleanup crew

JudyPrice · 02-21-2005, 11:57 PM

What type of cleanup crew do I need for a mini-reef or to add corals?

I have a 29 gallon tank with 22# LR. DSB 2-l/2 to 3" aragonite (3# live sand) A Maxi-Jet 1200 PH and a mini-jet for circulation, a modified Skilter 250, heater, and Orbitz for lighting. Inhabitants are two tank raised clowns, a PJ Cardinal, and a electric yellow Wrasse, four Turbo snails and five various sized hermits. I have caulpera growing on the rock, some macroalgae, and what I believe are feather dusters.

I plan on adding some corals when I feel the tank is ready. I've had the tank cycled for a long time (5 years) but have only recently added the Orbitz lighting and PH.

wanareef · 02-22-2005, 03:25 AM

Five years for cycling

I would get that caulpera out of the tank and into a fuge. What you have setup now is great for fish, but not for corals. Orbitz - I'm not familar with this brand. Is it PC's or VHO's? Whatever it is it will not be enough light except for softies, some LPS. Have you tested your water? Temp?

Clean up crew - narcisous (sp), red/blue legged hermits, fighting conch, king conch

JudyPrice · 02-22-2005, 11:30 PM

The Orbitz has two daylight and two actinic bulbs and the moonlight bulb. Have them all on timers with the two daylight 10K on for 12 hours. The temp is between 78-80. Amonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosp all 0. Ph at 8.2 and Calcium at 440. I have FOWLR. Now I am working towards corals. I still have some diatoms and switched to the r/o water. I am a real noob at the coral thing.

jagt48 · 02-22-2005, 11:46 PM

I think the Orbit he is talking about is a PC with 2 50/50 10000/6700K and 420/460 nm actinic bulbs made by Current USA. Don't they have the black rounded tops?

JudyPrice · 02-23-2005, 10:49 PM

Yes, jagt48, that is the Orbitz that I have: 2 dual daylight 10K/6700 and dual actinic 460 and the moonlight. The LFS stated this is what I needed in order to keep corals. Thanks for your assist. You did discourage me, awanareef, since I thought I was heading in the right direction re corals. The caulpera is something that I harvest A LOT but is growing out of two pieces of my rock. Since I do not have a sump, would you suggest that I scrape it off? Sure can use any help I can get! Thanks