Personally, I would add a skimmer but I've seen plenty of similar setups
(including those with fish) that don't use one, so it's not necessary for
what you want to do.
I agree that just watching live rock develop is the most amazing thing. You
won't believe the flora and fauna that comes to life! (although some you'd
rather not have, i.e. aiptasia and mantis shrimps are common undesirables).
You have to be strong though. Many find that they see a few desirable things
develop - various soft corals or other inverts - and think, 'if only I had a
bt more lighting and a skimmer I could develop this into something better'.
It probably happens to us all! It is massively fascinating.
If you are planning on using plenty of live rock (say 1 to 1.5 pounds per
gallon) and adding suitable lighting (T5's or Metal Halides) and a skimmer
there is no reason why the system couldn't be developed into a reef if you
felt so disposed (the skimmer and lighting could be added later if you
decided to go that way).
I don't know if you've seen it, but try a google search on 'wetwebmedia'.
There is a vast amount of information and knowledge there.
Regards
Mark
Posted by Martin on April 29, 2005, 10:10 am
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Thanks ever so much for your help, one more question, the tank I'm going to
use has a metal hood, now I've heard salt water and metal are a definate
no-no, is that the same for the hood ? What if I have a plastic
condensation tray between the water and hood ? Should I replace ?
Posted by on April 30, 2005, 5:59 am
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Ideally, I would replace it. Most of the metal hoods are aluminium which
will corode quite badly in the salt laden environment. I shouldn't imagine
that the corrosion would be very good for the inhabitants if it gets mixed
with the water. You can probably get by for a while if you keep the hood as
dry and clean as possible, but I would certainly aim to replace it as soon
as you can.
Regards
Mark
Posted by on April 29, 2005, 10:00 pm
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I just sat up my tank about three months ago. We have a few corals,
but I would say that the shrimp are by far my favorites so far. Each
type has its on personality. Great fun to watch.
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