Andrews First!

[drew00c]

I figured that with all the questions I would have, Id start up a showcase thread. With updates on my progress. Its not going to be a huge masterpiece like several I have seen so far, but im going to try and put my aquascape skill to use on a smaller scale. So far I have my aquarium set up and filled with water and salt, im running two power heads, a 100 watt heater and an Ehiem canister filter. In a few days ( or whenever my work schedule allows) im going to put in approx 20 pounds live rock. I have not yet bought a protein skimmer and any online suggestions would be awesome. I also need a recommendation on a lighting system. Could I keep smaller corals in a 20 gallon tank or woul d that be impossible? Updates to come ( with lots and lots of photos )

- Andrew

[Piggy]

I see you got the korila powerheads which in my opinion are the best. I would go with T5's for lighting. You can check out Drs fosters and Smith they have good stuff. I order for them quit often. You get your stuff quite fast and shipping isn't too bad. Yes you'll be able to keep coral. Which ones will depend on the lighting.

[Ctimpson]

Yes to corals, go with either t5s or halides for lights, and definately remove the crushed coral substrate... It will cause nothing but headaches in the future... Go with something like caribsea for substrate...

[drew00c]

I was checking out their supplies earlier seems like a good choice. the Korila powerheads werehis recommendation, seems like it was a good one. Someone mentioned the crushed coral is not a good substrate as in produces phosphates. Wish knew that 2 days ago lol

[drew00c]

k got it caribsea, will the removal and addition of new substrate damage anything i have all ready done.

[Piggy]

I would go with sand. The crushed coral will look like crap after a month or so. It will cause problems.

[drew00c]

is it as basic as a a straight replacement?

[Piggy]

How much crushed coral did you put in there? Depending on if you want any sand shifting fish will decide on how deep of a sand bed to go with. Mine is between 2-3 inches.

[reeffreak]

Go with aragonite sand in whatever grain size you like best.I prefer sugar size myself.Now is a good time to change it out,while nothing is in there.It may cloud the water but no biggie.Yep,very basic,scoop out the old and place the new sand in.

[drew00c]

i put 20 pound bag in a believe, might have been way to much lol. Guess ill take it out tomarrow and get sand on wednesday. Also some live rock