Softie Tank

silverwolf72 · 08-22-2005, 02:56 PM

Iwas looking at setting up my tank for softies and maybe some SPS.
#1 is 2 175W to much light?
#2 how much turnover is recomended?
#3 can you have a bare bottom?
#4 have a 60gal skimmer, will this be enough skimming? If not I've been looking into doing a DIY.

xtopher · 08-22-2005, 03:21 PM

#1 I would not recommend putting sps in a softie dominated tank the toxins that they release will either kill or severely stunt the growth of the sps
#2 175 watt halide is good unless you plan on really low light corals
#3 why do ou want a bare bottom? and of course you could
#4 the skimmer you have will work depending on the size of tank you are setting up which you didn't sepcify
hope this helps

Twitterbait · 08-22-2005, 04:26 PM

I agree with all points. I have a softie bare bottom. the cool thing is the bottom is covered in corraline algae so it looks awsome. My softie tank runs much better with 3 110w VHO (55 gal) and they are much cheaper. The softies will not be as bothered about dissolved organics (xenia will need some) so the skimmer will probably be ok.

wharyat · 08-22-2005, 05:32 PM

From your name I assume 72 gallon?

Ditto on not putting SPS with softies.

For softies, 3-4x110 watt VHO would be great.

Welcome to TRT!!

tdwyatt · 08-22-2005, 05:57 PM

There is the potential need for a better skimmer with this type of tank, i always suggest aw skimmer in smaller systems thawt will handle twice the tank volume (INCLUDING SUMP VOL). VHO lights are cheaper and have fewer long term issues for octocoral systems if you don't do SPS spp of corals, although you can do a few SPS spp with enough VHO lighting (4 TO 6 BULBS) down the road.

Comments about alleopathy with chemical anti-calcification terpenes will still apply, so expect an occasional sudden death in SPS specimens in such a mixed tank that occurs for no apparent reason (and stunted growth of SPS SPECIMENS.)

Plan to use carbon 24/7 in tanks of softies to keep the water clear and to drop the alleopathic interference between corals to a minimum...

HTH

silverwolf72 · 08-22-2005, 06:47 PM

Tank is 125gal, just put up my specs right before I posted.
First I was looking at sps, but it looked like I would need to add more light, now it looks if I go this way I got to much light. I like the BB idea and SPS but I really would hate to have and go buy all new ballest and lights. I've got an empty tank, so I'm trying to figure out which way I wanna go that I don't have to upgrade to much stuff. any suggestions would be appreciated.

tdwyatt · 08-22-2005, 08:07 PM

SW: best to choose a biotope you want to emulate, or to decide what ONE coral specimen is the most important for you to have (just that ONE that is more important than all the rest), then build your tank equipment, biotope, companion critters and support systems around the optimum conditions or that ONE coral to survive and thrive at its best. In that manner, you can make your decisions based on which specimen is the most improtant to you, and if conflicts arise, then your decision path is clear, and any compromises that you have to make will need to keep which specimen is the most improtant to you.

HTH

reefBoyDc · 08-22-2005, 11:39 PM

If ur new, softies only is best. SPS require the best of care.