Please Help A Beginner And Don't Laugh

[karmagl]

Ok so we have no idea what a nano reef is. We want to order a coral package off dr. fosters website the mushroom nano pack and the polyp nano pack. We do not have a nano tank we have a 125g salt water and are just starting to add coral. Is this something we can buy or only for a nano tank.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

sure you can buy it as long as you have the right lighting and compatible fish

 

[Mr Miagi]

I dont really understand the question. Are you asking whether a Nano pack can survive in your larger 125? If so, yes. The pack name only really refers to its size. BUT, this depends on the type of coral in the pack, your lighting, and sock as suggested by dorkhedeos already. Maybe link us to the pack your thinking of, and explan your set-up in more detail for us to help you out more.

 

[karmagl]

Ok here is the info that I know. We are really new at this and our fish guy just kinda tells us what we need and we buy it. I didn't know until last night that corals could be aggressive. We bought 2 pieces from him yesterday but we don't even know what they are called and are hoping they are not aggressive. I will put pics of the two corals. I will list all our info and maybe if you guys have any ideas about cool fish or coral we can have let us know. Ok to start its a 125 gallon with about 200 lbs of live rock. Our refugeum is not ready yet. We were told we needed a layer of fine sand to place over the mud, we only have crushed coral will that work? Ok we have metal halide lights I think they are 175 watts each 2 lights. We have a canister filter protien skimmer sump all that. Our fish I will try here
13 blue green reef chromis
1 6 line wrasse
1 purple fire fish
2 maroon clown fish(mated pair)
1 coral beauty
2 kauderns cardinals
3 I believe are chalk bass
1 banded coral shrimp
1 skunk shrimp
and a ton of crabs and snails
I tested the water for calcium and carbonate last night and had perfect levels. Here is a link to the coral we want to buy
http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di...cfm?pCatId=2315
http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di...cfm?pCatId=2316
http/www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Di....cfm?pCatId=517
and here are the corals we already have
ok never mind I can't figure out how to get a pic on here I think one is Colony Polyp, Orange Spot and the other looks like small yellow trees.

 

[SkiFletch]

Sounds like you've been lead in some good direction so far, although your fish load is a bit on the high side for a reef, at least you have 6' of swimming room for all those chromis . Most of those corals you selected would be fine. Some mushrooms are mildly aggressive so just keep an eye on them. Remember that the orange tube coral (aka sun coral) requires direct feedings of brine/mysis/etc at least 3 times a week since its non-photosynthetic. Can be a PITA to do longterm, so consider that before purchasing.

 

[karmagl]

Wow I am learning so much. We have a few mushrooms they are called assorted colored mushrooms and they came on the same rock as the small yellow tree things, is this a bad thing. And too many fish wow we didn't think we had enough we have 4 tangs on order because at our LFS he has tons of coral and tons of fish. I didn't know you had to direct feed any corals either. I have so much to learn.

 

[SkiFletch]

...we had enough we have 4 tangs on order because at our LFS he has tons of coral and tons of fish...

Judging from the good advice your LFS has given you so-far, I'd like to believe that they have a few more years, if not decades worth of experience in the hobby than someone just starting does. Couple that with the fact that employees are in the store and interacting with the tank way more often than a typical hobbiest with a job can be interacting with his/her own tank, and they can keep tons of fish and tons of coral. Remember, these guys know what they're doing and can be there all the time, not something most of us can do

Example: one of the display tanks at my LFS (120g) is jammed full with 22 fairy wrasses, a couple tangs, anthias, clowns, and cardinal fish. It is also home to 20-30 different species of coral. The tank is managed by one of the store owners who'se been in the hobby 15 years now... When I asked him how hard it was to get that much livestock living in the same space he replied: "15 years of hard-earned experience"

So with that in mind, take your time, sit back, and enjoy your tank. As you've allready noticed, there is a never-ending learning curve in this hobby, so research research research . And remember, beauty takes time but disaster happens quickly.

 

[bambam]

wow skifletch well put... i like it

it just goes to show you, the endless possibilities you can do with a saltwater tank as long as you do research and know what your doing.... theres really no limit

 

[chrissaysyes]

I think a whale is the limit.

 

[Musho3210]

and remember, fish in your lfs tanks are normally there short-term, sold out, there not meant to be there long term.

Unless its a special display rather than a sale tank... But still.

 

[Adrinal]

Most zoos and LFS displays go through fish faster than the sushi market.

You can do that too.


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[Musho3210]

i wouldnt put zoas in sushi if i want to live.

 

[SkiFletch]

i wouldnt put zoas in sushi if i want to live.

 

[Adrinal]

ba da dum.....kshhhhh