New to The Reef Tank and Saltwater Tanks

[gally]

Hello

I teach science to Kg-8th graders at Gallaudet School for the Deaf in St. Louis, MO. I found your site through another Discussion Forum and thought this might be a good place to seek advise.

In our lab we currently have a 20 inch Sudan Plated Lizard, a 12 inch Giant African Millipede, a fw tank with guppies, tetras, a fiddler crab and ghost shrimp (this tank is planted), a hermit crab (about 4 inches across when fully extended), 2 fire belly toads, 3 long tailed grass lizards, a house gecko, a trantula, a green anole and 3 African Clawed froglets (they still have tiny tails).

We just had two 10 gallon and one 30 gallon tanks donated to the lab. I am looking to start a saltwater tank. My students and I have done a lot of research both in books and on the internet. I know the 10 gallons are too small, but I am hoping that the 30 gallon might be big enough to start a fish only saltwater tank.

Any advise???? I'd like to start the cycling process in the fall so my 8th graders can do the testing and record the data.

Gally

[wharyat]

Welcome to TRT Gally!!

That sounds like a cool idea with letting them do the testing and stuff.

10 gallon would be too small for a fish only, but not too small for a reef, our nano forum here has lots of 20 and smaller tanks that you can get some ideas from.

Really the only advice that I can offer is to read through the archives and other posts here, a lot of good info.

Cycling will only come into play if you plan to keep a fowlr, fish only with live rock, where you will need to cycle the rock for a month or so; before adding any inhabitants. You can keep some nice fish in a 30, clowns, dwarf angels, many others; prolly a maximum of 3-4 fish.

If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to ask

[tims]

yup Vince has covered most of it.
Sound like a great idea for the kids. Don't forget to take some pics of them doing it too!
IF you add some Live rock to the 30 gallon, then later on if you want ot switch it to a reef tank it will be a bit easier.

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT and that sounds like a great thing! .Defently post pics!

[pnkpanther]

JUST an fyi


many LFS give discounts if your doing it for educational purposes

NOT all, but doesnt hurt to ask.

[VWD]

WELCOME!

[gally]

I will post pictures of the tank (s) when we get started. I can't post pics of the kids because of privacy policy at school.

The kids love working with the animals that we have now. Their favorite is one of the grass lizards. It only has 3 legs (a rescue from the pet store). They say it's like them.

I have a wonderful relationship with a local reptile/fish store. I've been a customer there the past 10 years. They give me a discount and I don't have to pay taxes on anything I buy for my classroom. This is a huge help as all the animals and their care are paid for by my personal funds. The manager of the fish department has over 5 tanks at home (fw and sw).

BTW, I forgot to include the two male, black hooded rats that also belong to my zoo.

I will definately have tons of questions about equipment. We (my classes and I) have read everything we can get our hands on. My main problem is balancing buying the best equipment and supplies with the fact that I will not be reimbursed for any of my expenses.

Thanks for all your help Gally

[Twitterbait]

sent you a pm

[autochek]

Welcome to TRT. The kids will love the project.
I woul use the 30 as a main tank. Let the water drop down and use the 2 10 gallon tanks also. One as a refugium and the other as a sump with a return pump. The kids would get as much fun learning about all the life in a refugium also.
A local glass company might drill them pro bono for the school.
Tom

[Ms. K]

Feel free to check out my website if you'd like. It has some details about our Animal Care TEchnician program and the animals in our classroom. http://www.greene.k12.ga.us/localuse...r%20Corner.htm
As far as fish go, clownfish are always a favorite, and I'd really recommend a yellow or green clown goby. And you should definitely get a skunk cleaner shrimp. They're WAY cool! Good luck and have fun. I wish I had the variety in my classroom that you have in yours, but it all comes out of my pocket or from donations. Maybe one day

[gally]

It all comes out of my pocket too as well as donations. Most of the animals are rescued from people who bought them for their children or themselves and didn't understand what caring for the animal entailed.

I spend a lot of time at flea markets and garage sales. That's where I get most of my tanks. Otherwise, food, vet bills, housing, ect. come out of my paycheck. I've often thought I should take a part time job at the pet store I frequent. They wouldn't have to pay me money they could pay me in crickets, fruit flies and mealworms.

Gally