lightcs4
Loving to learn
I have read article after article on reef tanks, but still have some questions. I successfully kept a 10 gal tank for a couple of years without any problems. I have been itching to get a larger tank and finally purchased a 46 gal bow-front tank. I have about 50 lbs of rock (mix of well established live rock and "dry rock" from Marco Rocks, of which I have been rather impressed). I added the dry rock slowly to keep levels low (I currently have ammonia and nitrites at 0, nitrates at .5). I have a ruby headed wrasse (my favorite), a false perc (clown), a Singapore angel, two fire shrimp, a few hermits and a few snails. I do *not* have a protein skimmer, proper lights, or fuge (hopeful future additions). I am also running a canister filter with media, although I am considering removing the media and going with just carbon and macro filtering.
OK, finally to my question ...
1. Should I leave the media in the canister filter or remove it and add live rock down the road (or not). I would like to remove it and just use carbon every few months (I've read it isn't necessary to use it all the time).
2. I will not add corals until I get a proper lighting system. Is a T5HO lighting system good for a 46 gal system for most corals? I really want a closed brain I saw at the LFS (neon green favia and looked great).
3. How important is a protein skimmer for coral? Yes, I know I am probably showing my newness to this hobby, but I would rather ask now than introduce coral and not treat them right. I would rather wait a few months (or several since the kids always need something) that hurt the coral and fish.
Thanks for any help.
OK, finally to my question ...
1. Should I leave the media in the canister filter or remove it and add live rock down the road (or not). I would like to remove it and just use carbon every few months (I've read it isn't necessary to use it all the time).
2. I will not add corals until I get a proper lighting system. Is a T5HO lighting system good for a 46 gal system for most corals? I really want a closed brain I saw at the LFS (neon green favia and looked great).
3. How important is a protein skimmer for coral? Yes, I know I am probably showing my newness to this hobby, but I would rather ask now than introduce coral and not treat them right. I would rather wait a few months (or several since the kids always need something) that hurt the coral and fish.
Thanks for any help.