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Saturday 28 May 2011

How to Get Started in Reef Keeping


In the interest of giving those of you new marine aquarium hobby place to start, I've written this FAQ varieties. I'm tired to answer some basic questions that most people face when setting up your first aquarium SW. It is by no means an exhaustive list and there are many ways to set up the tank. This should serve as a starting point - that will help you begin to ask the right questions and get your feet wet. So maybe your hands .... ok, ok ... clear to his armpits. Let's get started!

Question: What basic equipment and other items I need to start a saltwater aquarium

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A:

1.The tank: Contrary to what you might think, starting with a small tank is the best option. In fact, the higher the better. You see, the greater the amount of water is less apt to be affected by sudden changes of water that are common in beginner's tank. Think of it this way: If you take a glass of water and a gallon of water and add a drop of blue food coloring to each, which will have the color change? Correct, cup. Now imagine you have a fish die in your tank while you're at work. As fish decays, it produces toxic ammonia. small amount of water, the more damaging will be the second ammonia tank inhabitants. Simply put, the larger tank is more forgiving. good size to start a 55 gal or larger.

1.The tank: Contrary to what you might think, starting with a small tank is the best option. In fact, the higher the better. You see, the greater the amount of water is less apt to be affected by sudden changes of water that are common in beginner's tank. Think of it this way: If you take a glass of water and a gallon of water and add a drop of blue food coloring to each, which will have the color change? Correct, cup. Now imagine you have a fish die in your tank while you're at work. As fish decays, it produces toxic ammonia. small amount of water, the more damaging will be the second ammonia tank inhabitants. Simply put, the larger tank is more forgiving. good size to start a 55 gal or larger.

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2 Water: If you ever had a foul tasting tap water, you know that not all water is created equal. Tap water can contain a variety of chemicals, minerals and other impurities that are not suitable for reef keeping. Tap water is likely to contain chlorine and chloramines may be, and even nitrate and phosphate. So, what kind of water do not want to use. There are lots of options, most of which is purified water reverse osmosis (RO water). In the interest of keeping this simple, and not getting over your head, let's just say that the reverse osmosis water gives you a purist. You'll find the RO water in most any supermarket - just check the label. If you go to Wal-Mart, this is the one with green cap and takes less than sixty cents per gallon at the time of this writing. There are also home RO units widely available reef keepers, if you want to clean their water.

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3 Filtration: It can be a real can of worms. There are many different options and many, many different theories about the best type of filtration for a reef tank. The most common and accepted method is to use live rock (LR) and deep sand bed with a protein skimmer. Live rock is simply a way of saying porous carbonate rocks on the basis of the host and the macro-and micro-organisms. Because of its highly porous nature of LR, it is able to support huge quantities of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Make sure to use a rock that will leech minerals in the water.

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In order to provide enough LR to be an effective biological filter, you have between 1.5 to 2 lbs of live rock per gallon of water. So, in 55 gal tank, you would like to about 82.5 to 110 lbs live rock

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In order to provide enough LR to be an effective biological filter, you have between 1.5 to 2 lbs of live rock per gallon of water. So, in 55 gal tank, you would like to about 82.5 to 110 lbs live rock

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Deep Sand Bed (DSB) is usually two to four inches deep and gives lots of surface area for beneficial bacteria. surface of the host Nitrosomonas and deeper, less oxygen layer is nitrobacters.

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Now May you be saying to yourself, surely there is no way to remove fish waste before it starts to collapse and becomes a problem at the microscopic level. Guess what, you're right!

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This only covers the basics of filtration. Please read the more information you can find on this topic. better understand how this process works, the more success you will have.

4 Lights: type of lighting you provide will depend directly on what you choose to get into your tank. If you want to keep fish (FOR) tank, then you can get for just a standard fluorescent lighting. If you want to keep corals and anemones, you will need a stronger light. rule of thumb is 3-5 watts per gallon - as technology advances to the rule of thumb is less accurate. Many factors such as type of lighting, depth of the container, placing corals will be important as well.

You have many options to choose from, but most are a combination of three technologies: Power Compact fluorescents (PC), high output (VHO) or Metal Halide (MH.).

Power compacts will allow you to keep a variety of corals, including all soft corals, and a limited selection of hard coral -. mostly large polyps stonies (LPS)

VHO , while not as intense as PC lights, available in several wattages and afford a similar selection of corals to be kept. However, the VHO is often used in conjunction with Metal Halides.

Metal Halides offers the largest range of options allows for reef keepers to satisfy the most demanding lighting requirements, and corals, including small polyps stonies (SPS). lack of MH lighting is a relatively high cost, and intense heat to be disposed of. Special precautions for cooling must be taken to maintain the water temperature when using MH lighting. At least, you'll have one or more cooling fans of light and water. Another, more expensive cooling option is to use a chiller.

Another less common option that is gaining popularity is the use of T-5 Lighting . T-5-type of high output fluorescent lighting (HO), but which are of smaller diameter and greater intensity than other types of fluorescents. Proponents say the T-5's will one day replace the MH, but others argue that they have the ability to penetrate deeper and should only be used for shallow tanks no deeper than 18 ".

As noted, these are generalizations. Many reef keepers have had success keeping all types of marine life using any of these types of lighting.

5 Edition: the goal of every reef keeper should repeat the natural ocean conditions as much as possible. In this way, you have the greatest chance to create friendly environment for your fish, corals, and invertebrates. Circulation is usually given the power heads, which are small pump placed in the water, which draw water and then wash it off at a higher pressure. rule here is ten times the amount of water per hour. If we use our hypothetical 55 gal tank, that would mean that we would like at least 550 GPH flow. The power of the head should be positioned so as to simulate ocean currents and the creation of flow in all parts of the tank and to avoid "dead spots ". Dead spots, areas of the tank with low circulation, may allow waste to settle out of the water column where it can fall apart and raise the level of harmful ammonia.

Question: What are the nitrate nitrogen cycle ()?

Question: What are the nitrate nitrogen cycle ()?

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A: As mentioned earlier, the decline of fish to produce ammonia. In fact live fish produce ammonia as a product of respiration. It also produces the fish waste and uneaten food decompose (DOC-a.) If allowed to exist in any significant quantity, the ammonia will wreak havoc on your tank inhabitants and can cause death. This is where the bacteria enter the picture. bacteria, which use ammonia in their own metabolic process, called Nitrosomonas. Nitrosomonas thrive in a highly oxygenated environment and consume ammonia in a process called aerobic nitrification. As these bacteria multiply, they used up the ammonia and nitrite produced as a by-product. Unfortunately Nitrites are also toxic marine environment. Fortunately, this is not the end of the cycle and there are bacteria that consume nitrates. These bacteria thrive in low oxygen environments and are called nitrobacteria. They consume nitrite in a process called anaerobic (or anoxic) denitrification. nitrobacteria convert nitrites to nitrates. Nitrates are the end of the line in this process. nitrates are less harmful to aquatic life than ammonia or nitrites, but should not be in any significant quantities. Nitrates are removed by frequent, small changes in the water - typically 10-20% per week. Some people choose to make larger, less frequent water changes. There are some other options for reducing nitrate, but it is a topic for another day.

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Question: How do I set my fill

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Note: Before adding water to your tank, make sure that the tank and the stand level. After the tank that is not level can lead to cracking your tank!

the next decision you need to do is if you want to use sand or crushed coral as a substrate (bottom layer). Some people choose to have a bare bottom tank for aesthetic reasons, but most use one of these two substrates.

for biological filtration, deep sand bed is the most recommended substrate. sand must be clean sand argon. Silica based sand can be harmful for some sand sifting creatures May you decide to keep. Another possibility is still chosen by many people is crushed coral. Crushed coral will not be as effective in hosting anoxic bacteria such as the DSB, but is easily accessible and many like her appearance on the sand. After laying your substrate, you are ready for water.

for biological filtration, deep sand bed is the most recommended substrate. sand must be clean sand argon. Silica based sand can be harmful for some sand sifting creatures May you decide to keep. Another possibility is still chosen by many people is crushed coral. Crushed coral will not be as effective in hosting anoxic bacteria such as the DSB, but is easily accessible and many like her appearance on the sand. After laying your substrate, you are ready for water.

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As explained earlier, you'll want to start with water purified through reverse osmosis. When filling the tank for the first time, it's OK to mix water and salt in a container. Once you have livestock in your tank, you'll want to mix saltwater in a bucket or hose, and then add it to the mailbox. There are several salt mixes out there, all of which have their fans and detractors. No matter what you decide you want to mix the salinity between 1.022 to 1.025. For most salt mixes, you get close to the desired salinity by adding salt to mix at a rate of ½ cup per gallon of water. For default settings, do not fill the container all the way down. Remember that you will move water from a large quantity of rock. Also, if you want to leave enough room in the tank to adjust your salinity. If your salinity is too high, you will add more RO water, if too low, you will add a bit more concentrated sea water. Most reef keepers use a simple swing arm hydrometer to measure salinity, but eventually you May want to consider a more accurate device such as a refractometer. Once the water in the tank, you will want to place and plug in your power head.

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The next step is to add your live rock. Live Rock comes in two ways, cured or uncured. When live rock is removed from the ocean is full of marine life. The future of transportation, some of this marine life will start to die off. The process of drying of solid rock that fail to complete the process before you add it to your tank. Adding uncured LR in your tank can cause a spike in ammonia. Usually, such a class is desirable, but when starting a new tank, it can help in cycling tank - More on "cycling" in the moment

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You can use any live rock or, if you want to save money, you can use 20% live rock and 80% of the base rock. The base rock is porous carbonate rocks on the basis of which is or is not in the ocean or the reef tank, or but has since been removed. If you go this route, just remember that it will take time for your base rock will become home to the macro-and micro-organisms commonly found in solid rock. After a period of time, the base rock and live rock will be different.

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After the live rock in place, your tank will begin to cycle. Cycling is the process by which bacteria are found in your tank. If you add sufficient amounts of live rock, your tank is essentially already passed, but if you add live rock or just add a small amount, you will need the assistance process. In any case, you need to provide a food source for bacteria - namely ammonia. If you are using LR rock cycle your tank, you can add a few hardy fish to provide a source of ammonia. People often use damsels to the task, but please keep in mind that the maids can be very aggressive towards other fish and are also extremely difficult to remove from the tank with lots of rockwork.

After the live rock in place, your tank will begin to cycle. Cycling is the process by which bacteria are found in your tank. If you add sufficient amounts of live rock, your tank is essentially already passed, but if you add live rock or just add a small amount, you will need the assistance process. In any case, you need to provide a food source for bacteria - namely ammonia. If you are using LR rock cycle your tank, you can add a few hardy fish to provide a source of ammonia. People often use damsels to the task, but please keep in mind that the maids can be very aggressive towards other fish and are also extremely difficult to remove from the tank with lots of rockwork.

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Question: What do I do now (Am I ready to add fish )?

A: before you can add any fish, corals, or invertebrates in your tank, be sure to thoroughly investigate your options to purchase before bringing him home. You will find that many creatures are not compatible with each other or May you find beautiful fish only to discover that the voracious eating coral. Many reef keepers find helpful compiled a list of compatible fish and coral - the ones that will live in harmony with each other, are well suited to your tank size and lighting. Make sure to list with you whenever you go to a local fish store (LFS), so it will not be tempted to be inappropriate at the time of purchase. Also remember that you add more fish to go at the last territorial and less aggressive fish can establish the category.

When looking for advice on the various LFS should be aware that just because someone working in a pet store or fish, does not mean that they know what they are talking about . It seems to be especially true of large retail chains. Unfortunately there are those out there that will allow you to make smart purchase just so they can make a sale.

Although the topic is not covered here, I strongly encourage you to do some research on setting up quarantine tank . quarantine tank is used to monitor your new stock for a few weeks to make sure they are disease-free before adding to your main tank. It is much easier to treat the disease in quarantine tank than the one full of corals and other vulnerable animals. One final tip that is especially true in this hobby, "Patience is a virtue." Take your time and make sure you make informed decisions from the very beginning, and this will help avoid unnecessary loss of livestock, as well as cost savings

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I hope you find this information useful and have a better grasp on exactly what is included in this wonderful hobby.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Disney's Epcot Center?


Translating ...

Quick-service

Quick-service

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France Pavilion is home to the boulangerie patisserie offering assorted sandwiches, gourmet quiches, decadent French pastries and a choice of beverages. If you prefer a Mexican, you can venture into La Cantina de San Angel, which serves food such as Southwestern nachos, tacos, burritos and tortillas. You can even order a frozen margarita, if you want. For beer-lovers, Kringle Bakeri Og Kafe in Norway offers Norweigian influence of fast food, including smoked salmon sandwiches. You can also order a beer here. Beer drinkers will love the Sommerfest in the German Pavilion. Here you can snack on Bratwurst, hot dogs and, of course, beer. Yakitori House in Japan pavilion is modeled after the 16th century Japanese tea house and offers traditional dishes like beef sukiyaki, sushi, teriyaki chicken and curry rice. Lotus Blossom Cafe serves classic Chinese takeout favorites such as orange chicken, fried rice and egg rolls. For guests who want to experience American culture, visit the Liberty Inn, where you can chow down on chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers and salads. Choose from either indoor or outdoor patio furniture.

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German Biergarten Restaurant is like Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the year where you can catch some fun and indulge in weinkraut, schnitzel, sauerkraut and more. Tutto Italia Ristorante in the Italy pavilion serves handmade Italian cuisine in an elegant fine dining atmosphere. A Tokyo Dining offers lunch and dinner in a modern Tokyo-themed restaurant that features items such as sushi, tempura and grilled steaks and chicken.

A unique and themed dining

A unique and themed dining

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dining characters

Guests traveling with children will want to check out the Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or the Garden Grill restaurant, where your favorite Disney characters will greet you at your desk. You'll get a chance to meet and greet with the Disney princesses and Chip 'n Dale while indulge in tasty food.

No matter what your culinary preferences, Walt Disney World Resort offers something please any palate. And best of all, you can eat every meal of the day in another country to get full of worldly experience.

Thursday 26 May 2011

How To Set Up A Calcium Reactor In Your Aquarium


This is why calcium reactors are so important that it is used in aquariums. These reactors can produce calcium calcium in the tank continuously for the required level of precision so that the optimal conditions maintained. Calcium reactors will use carbon dioxide that is given off as a waste product into the tank and generate calcium, which can be useful in several ways for the inhabitants of the aquarium.

the following two important ways in which calcium reactors have become essential for the aquarium.

    the most prominent advantage of using a calcium reactor is that they maintain the pH value of water. pH value of water must be maintained in a neutral state, but if the level changes, then the water can become too acidic or too alkaline for the inhabitants of the tank. When calcium is released into the water, calcium reactors, it helps to stabilize the pH value and maintain it at optimal levels. algae that live in aquariums play an important role in the ecosystem of the closed container. They are useful for food of organisms in your reef tank. For example, some of these algae can help corals in your tank with your diet, creating mutual benefit relationship with them. However, algae, particularly algae that grow on corals, require calcium to survive. Calcium reactors to help meet this need.
Setting up the aquarium calcium reactor is very simple, and you can do it yourself referring to the DIY guide. Calcium reactors are set to assemble several components. Here is a list of the different components that must be made​​: -

    Carbon dioxide cylinder - Carbon dioxide is available in pressurized cylinders. It is present in refillable bottles. It is attached sheets for the aquarium, so you do not accidentally fall. Calcium carbonate medium - the medium is kept within the calcium reactor and it gets dissolved in the tank. dissolution is controlled by pH values ​​that are placed inside reactors. These calcium carbonate media are different compounds that contain CaCO-3 in them, such as calcite, for example. They slowly allowed to dissolve in a mailbox. solenoid valve - electromagnetic valve as a switch that is used to allow carbon dioxide flux in a reactor. It is usually connected between the cylinder of carbon dioxide and the main reactor. Another way the merger is to attach it to the pH controller, and then put the probe into a reactor. pumps - will have to pump water into the reactor feed. attaching the pump will depend on the type, but the pump connection must be such that proper circulation of water takes place in reactor.

The Different Types of Saltwater Aquariums


marine fish tanks will almost always be less dense than their colleagues because saltwater freshwater species tend to be larger and more sensitive to space limitations. Most marine fish are caught from their natural habitat in the wild, they are bred tank will be easier to maintain. Wild fish tend to be more stressed Because they introduce a new, different environment. The new fish will have a hard time eating. It is good practice to buy your fish from reputable sources to make sure that you are getting high quality copies of which were treated properly.

the simplest form of saltwater aquarium fish only tank. There are two different kinds of fish, tropical and cold water. These species are not compatible in the same tank, because they require different water temperatures. Tropical fish are well known and are usually more attractive due to its more colorful. Most people can recognize Angel fish and clown fish.

Some choose to keep the aquarium consists exclusively of invertebrates. This will include shrimp, crabs, starfish and other invertebrates. You can also combine both fish and invertebrates. The combination of two types of animals makes it harder to maintain than two separate species. type you select must be compatible with each other, because some fish can feed on some invertebrates, and vice versa. The research is the best way to prevent such occurrences. treatment and prevention of disease is also becoming increasingly troublesome in the fish-invertebrate aquarium.

Some choose to keep the aquarium consists exclusively of invertebrates. This will include shrimp, crabs, starfish and other invertebrates. You can also combine both fish and invertebrates. The combination of two types of animals makes it harder to maintain than two separate species. type you select must be compatible with each other, because some fish can feed on some invertebrates, and vice versa. The research is the best way to prevent such occurrences. treatment and prevention of disease is also becoming increasingly troublesome in the fish-invertebrate aquarium.

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Wednesday 25 May 2011

A St. Croix Vacation


Part of the Caribbean jewel that is the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix makes a tropical adventure unlike anywhere else you can imagine. With its world-class recreational activities and beautiful beaches, all seeking a place to unwind and relax and enjoy the boundless beauty you will find a home in St. Croix was just what they need. Make your way to St. Croix for your next vacation getaway and soak in warm weather and abundant indoor and outdoor activities this beautiful island has to offer.

As the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix certainly has a lot of terrain to explore and experience. Dense forests make up a large part of the land, and although most vibrant rainforests are privately owned, you can head over to the west side of the island to enter a couple of acres of public land. Soak in the air that wafts the aroma of fruit with a light, listening to the sounds of the mountain doves overhead, and stroll along the trials as you see Tibet and mahogany trees. Before you are ready to move on, however, be sure to keep the sculpture from one of the local artists who work with trees so you can have a unique and thoughtful souvenir.

tour the whole island is a great way to start your holiday, so you can get a feel for the background and rich history that surrounds you. You can find the standing sugar mills, with their massive towers and factory chimneys, which are sugar and rum history that shaped the life and land on the island since the arrival of Christopher Columbus. To learn more about the history, head over to St. George Village Botanical Garden, which contains the ruins of a rum distillery, sugarcane plant, and buildings that were used to accommodate workers. Many plantation estates, especially in the west end of the island remained in the shadow of these sugar mills, so be sure to stop Plantation Estate whim to see one of greathouses defined by St. Croix's image.

For a memorable outdoor adventure, make your way to the island of Buck Reef National Monument is located just north of St. Croix. As the only underwater national park in the United States, visitors can enjoy a vibrant and stunning Elkhorn coral barrier reef for snorkeling or scuba diving booking a trip with one of the companies that do business with Christiansted. In the waters of Buck Island, you can swim in clean water in search of endangered species such as Least Terns and sea turtles make their way through the underwater marked trail near the eastern tip.

There are basically two cities on the island, Christiansted and Frederiksted, and each has a cultural heritage that simply can not miss for any visitor. Walk through Christiansted, visitors may be struck by the old world charm that emanates from the 18 century buildings of its Danish settlers. The European heritage is alive and well with red tile roofs, pastel colors, a cobblestone walkway that can be viewed on walking tours that take visitors past the waterfront. Frederiksted is located at the western end of the island and moves at a much slower pace than the more lively Christiansted. Here, visitors will find the Victorian architecture, fine restaurants and historic churches that remain from the days when he was a prominent shipping port.

For those who enjoy the white sand, warm tropical breezes, and clear ocean water, shelter, which sits directly on the beach are just what you need to rest in the Caribbean. There are many, not only with stunning views of the ocean, but also easy access to all the fun and excitement of beach has to offer. Whether you want to take a stroll at sunset on the beach or soak in the hot sun St. Croix, all you need to do is take a few steps outside the backdoor and there waiting for any possible boardwalk adventure. For the ultimate in amenities and beautiful surroundings, consider St. Croix oceanfront rental experience truly unforgettable holiday island.

Maintaining A Reef Aquarium's Size And Its Inhabitants


saltwater aquarium purchase should depend on several key factors. One of the key factors to a large extent depends on how well you maintain an aquarium without going over budget, and how well you can keep up with tank water chemistry and maintenance. Another key factor is dependent on what the residents really want to keep in an aquarium. If you decide to keep fish in a saltwater aquarium should research the fish you want to keep before you purchase an aquarium to house them in.

Having regard to the marine aquarium hobby is the most expensive, so proper planning can save a lot of time and money. Deciding what size aquarium you want to buy should be based on whether or not you want to keep a large fish or large invertebrates. The higher the larger aquarium maintenance fees will be.

the first crucial factor depends if you're on a tight budget. You have to take into consideration that you will need an aquarium, skimmer, lights, pumps, test, salt and solid rock. The larger the aquarium the more money you spend on the above items. initial purchase and setup will be costly and time consuming, but remember that the constant maintenance of the aquarium will be costly as well. You have to factor into your monthly expenses run your tank when you do your research for your aquarium. These monthly costs should include electricity, food, water and salt accounts. larger tank have more salt and water you will need to do weekly water changes.

Another key factor when planning your saltwater aquarium is the size of the population want to keep. If you want to keep several kinds of tangs, then you will need to have a tank that is at least one hundred liters. If you are planning a reef tank then you need to think about the corals and anemones are likely. Several species of anemones, such as carpet anemones need a lot of space. You can plan on a smaller tank to save on maintenance fees and have some nice fish, such as clown fish, gobies and blennies. These smaller fish do not require much space to swim, but if you are in a small aquarium should be located with plenty of other fish and several species of blennies and gobies will live together in peace. smaller aquarium can house many types of coral, but be sure to research your purchases as well as some types of coral can and will use chemical warfare on the other corals. Large polyp stony coral has sweeper tentacles that can harm nearby coral, coral Galaxy is a good example of aggressive LPS.

research plays a key role in initiating and planning a saltwater aquarium. Many fish need to be introduced at certain times during the beginning of a saltwater aquarium to avoid the dominance hierarchy and to prevent overloading and a mini-cycle. Fish should not be introduced at once, unless you introduce mated pair. Make sure you follow the water chemistry in the introduction of the introduction of new aquarium inhabitants.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

A Guide For Setting Up Saltwater Aquariums (Parts II & III)


What equipment is needed?

Now that we are comfortable with the basic factors of a saltwater aquarium, let's look at what it takes to run a successful tank. components needed to run a successful saltwater tank depends a lot on who you talk to. You should never act only under the advice of one person. For example, many people advocate using under gravel filters for biological filtration. This, however, must be imbued with wisdom. salt water tank running under gravel filter (UGF) with minimal circulation will be much more work than than the system running the wet / dry filter and a pair of power head. Wet / Dry filters tend to require less maintenance, as UGF's tend to become clogged over time.

not too buried in details, the basic components of saltwater tank are as follows:

Tank Decorations filtration (including protein skimming), lighting the water test kits

Container size

One of the most important decisions in starting a saltwater aquarium will be the size of the container. basic rule is the higher the better. larger tank will be easier to control and gives a little more freedom for error (which is inevitable). The smallest tank for beginners should not be less than 20 liters, 55 liters is even better. For someone versed in the fish line (ie, converting from fresh saline), 10 or 15 gallon tank will work, but it is not suggested. Generally, fish like long, wide tanks. more surface area a tank has a better exchange of gas will be the happier the fish will be.

Fish Density

before finalizing on a tank size, remember that fish densities were significantly lower than sea water. That is, you can not put more fish in the saltwater tank as you can in a freshwater tank. Putting more than 2 saltwater fish in 10 gallon tank is asking for trouble. A general rule of thumb is 4 "(10cm) of small and medium fish per 10 liters, or 2" (5cm) larger / fast growing fish per 10 liters. This is only a rough estimate of the number of fish. There is no exact number, because the density of the findings must take into account the filtration, maintenance, feeding schedule, etc.

after the number of fish you want to keep, the tank size will also affect your filtration and lighting choices, both in price and design. Containers that are 48 inches (122 cm) long are usually cheaper to light because the lamps are available. However, a larger tank, more light, you will need to give your residents. Moreover, the larger the container has an effective filtering system that would be successful. good size tank is around 55 liters. As a note, consider carefully the hood. Many of them are designed for 48 "tanks, but require two 24" lamps rather than one 48 "lamp. (24" lamps are usually more expensive than 48 "lamps .)

<] P] Avoid direct sun exposure


Once you have decided on a tank, be sure to have a place to put it. tank may not be in direct sunlight or in a space that is very drafty. Also, make very certain the stand will be able to hold the weight of the tank, plus substrate, plus rocks, plus water. In total, 55 gallon tank will probably weigh over 800 pounds.

selection

substrate

After selecting the tank, consideration must be given to the foundation. It is best to use a limestone base, such as crushed coral or dolomite. These primers will, initially at least, help buffer the water by adding ions to buffer the system. Generally the substrate should not be so small as to be sucked into the filter or pump, and not as big as the tank unsightly. Also, some fish (eg, Gobies) like the smaller classes of substrate over larger ones. Something about 2-5mm department seems average. Live sand is one substrate that has recently received a fair amount of publicity. This technology is really in its infancy and is not recommended for beginners. You can find more information in the archive.

Filtration System

Once you select a background, consider a filtration system to use. Your choice in filtration rate may affect the amount that you need a foundation. UGF or RUGF filter should have about 2-3 "(5cm), medium grade (2-3mm) substrate covering the filter plate. You do not need substrate when you use non-UGF filters (for example, hang-on-the-back power filters), but most people use between 1 / 2 "to 1"for such tanks. It is interesting to note that too much substrate in a non-UGF system might lead to deadlocks, which can kill your inhabitants (a plug for regular gravel cleaning).

Decorating Then, consider the decorations, one of which is a cornucopia of choice. Dead coral, lava rock, tufa rock, live rock, and much more. Coral pieces are the most popular, but also some of the most expensive. Lava and tufa rock are inexpensive and can be stacked to make interesting reef looking tanks. Live rock is one of those buzz words that people like to throw around and one that gets a lot of hype. Live rock is simply rock taken from the reef system, which was inhabited by many different organisms.