Reef Tank Janitor

Last month, we briefly touched on the differences between a reef system and a fish-only system. I mentioned the major decision to make between the two different systems “is it more about the fish or more about building a living reef”? You may wonder why I continually ask this question. It has been my experience when dealing with end users, that when they are ready to cycle the tank, they want to purchase fish that are not reef-safe and they become discouraged and frustrated. I ask you to please research this issue before you begin so you truly understand the question.

This month we will further discuss a reef system and the joys of building a beautiful Reef Tank. Lighting was briefly discussed last month and is very important to both a Reef Tank and a fish only system. Lighting becomes extremely important in a reef-tank and you will be faced with many choices as well as a significant rang in the cost for the lighting system. Some of the lighting options available (listed in order of best to adequate) are metal halide, T-5 fluorescent, power compact fluorescent, and VHO fluorescent. An important consideration when preparing a budge for your system…. Don’t skimp on your lighting system.

A hazard to be aware of when purchasing the best lighting system is that it will generate heat, which your corals will not tolerate. To overcome this problem (rather than purchasing a lesser lighting system, add a “chiller” to your list of equipment needed. A chiller is basically a small refrigerator for your reef system and will consistently keep your ref temperature appropriate for your inhabitants to live in and thrive.

Invertebrates (inverts) need to be present in your system to combat the algae that will grow due to the high output lighting in your system. The basic rule of thumb with inverts is 1 to 2 inverts per gallon of tank water. The reef tank hobbyist as the “janitor crew” refers to inverts. The janitors consist of snails, crabs, urchins, shrimps, starfish, and many others that will constantly be foraging among the rock and sand bed, keeping it clean of algae and detritus.

As we venture further into reef keeping, we look at other important pieces of equipment needed to be successful in this beautiful and fulfilling hobby.

For more information about Salt Water Aquariums please visit http://www.aquariumcenterinc.com

Sally Jo’s day two edible algae challenge