the rocks

[buckeye]

O.K., after the last thread I posted about anemonies, I decided that it is indeed not worth the risk! Therefore, my new idea is to have this first tank be a reef fish only tank. I am still planning on the 29g tank. What are the suggestions out there for the rock in the tank? How about the substrate and depth? Overflow with sump, or is a good hang-on filter sufficant since no coral?

I'm all ears (eyes since on computer!) Thanks as always!

[Bifferwine]

Reef fish only? Do you mean fish only? The type of rock doesn't really matter, some types look better than others, but it's all a matter of personal preference. Just aim for 1 to 2 lbs per gallon. For substrate, go with aragonite sand. The depth is up to you. In my tank I have 3 to 4 inches. But the more sand you have, the less space for animals and water. A sump is always a good way to go, but not always do-able. If you can swing it, by all means add a sump. It adds to the total water volume of the tank and gives you a place to hide your equipment. If you don't want to do a sump, get a good protein skimmer.

[Doc]

Please don't get scared out of doing a reef just cuz you caught some heat about the BTA. IMO reefs are easier to care for than fish only. There is a benefit to fish having the corals in the tank, it is more like their natural habitat. unless you are going for a shark tank or something like that. Just be patient with the process and you will do just fine.

-Dr Marco

[Alexander]

as biff said it never hurts to go with a sump... you could get away with a hob filter but if you can do sump definately do it. and either way you go for sure a good protien skimmer. can i suggest against the prism.... just dont buy it. i have nothing but bad things to say about the one i unfortunately have on one of my tanks