| | Photo By: Mark Ridley This is the most challenging marine biotope to simulate with success. Most of the invertebrates are very sensitive and must have optimum conditions all the time. A grate number also require light as they carry algae within their tissues to provide them with nourishment that they lack in their natural environment. In simulating a small part of the reef in the aquarium we cannot hope to copy the vast number of food chains and life cycles that make the reef what it is. What we can do is make a reef wall sloping upwards from the bottom front to the top back of the tank. Caves, crevices and overhangs can be duplicated with careful arrangement of the rock work. Sessile invertebrates can be sited in their normal location on the reef. Be very careful if adding invertebrates as any fish that is added must be compatible with them, and their waist should not pollute the water. Also the stocking level should be kept low at 2.5cm (in) of fish to lites of water (6 Gallon). Water Parameters: Ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate:0 Ph: 8.2-8.3 Specific gravity: 1.021-1.026 Calcium: 400-450ppm KH: 7 Dissolved oxygen: 7-8ppm Temperature 25-26°C (77-80°F) Décor: Substrate: Substrate material may accumulate detritus, so it’s best off leaving this out. Algae and/or sessile invertebrates can be encouraged to grow over the glass, or the rock work can be brought right to the front. But if you like the idea of having a substrate then use carol sand or coral gravel. Unlike freshwater its that animals that provide the main decoration. Corals should be placed so that supporting rock work remains largely hidden. Given the extent of the rock work required, tufa rock, being light is normally used. Algae will flourish in a tank such as this and may even prove invasive. There are many species if Caulerpa that can be introduced once the tank is established. Brain coral skeleton looks very attractive and you can get them form most marine stores. Caulerpa algae and red algae, and hermit shell look wonderful. What you will need For this type of set-up its better that you spend out on the most sophisticated equipment on the market. A tank of 120cm (48in) or more in length with a minimum volume of 190 litre (42 Gallon). Iteration: Biological filtration should consist of a trickle filter or a similar advanced system. Under gravel and other simple filters are not recommended, but propriety systems are available as complete units which are worth investigating. There must also be an efficient protein skimmer, preferably connected to ozone, and activated carbon. An ultraviolet steriliser will help protect the fish from disease, as use of copper based medications will prove highly toxic to both invertebrates and decorative algae. Calcium-dosing systems will asset hard corals Lighting: Ideally metal halide pendant spot lamps should be used. A 120cm (48in) tank will require two 150-watt lamps rated at 6,500 or 10,00 Kelvin. Setting up: The rock work should be arrange with large pieces on the bottom, close together and place smaller pieces on top and so on this must be very stable so aquarium sealant should be used to make sure it does not fall and to stick all the rocks. Most of the visible décor however will be living invertebrates, and their needs must be careful researched before adding to the tank. Together. But don’t forget your looking for a front to back end-to-end foundation. Make sure you research any fish you want to add to this set-up Fish: Surgeon fish (Acanthuridae), cardinal fish (Apogonidaen), trigger fish (Balistidae), blennies (Benniidae), butterfly fish (Chaetodonitidae), hawk fish (Cirrhitidae), grammas (Grammidae), squirrel fish (Holocentridae), damsel fish (Pomacentridae), lion fish (Scopaenidae), fire fish (Microdesmindae) angelfish (Pomacanthidae) And many more. You can also have a look at the marine index click here to go there now. Invertebrates: Sponges (Porifera), hard corals (Scleractina), gorgonians (Gorgonidae), mushroom corals (Actinodiscidae), anemones (Actinaria), star polyps (Clavulariidae), pulse corals (Xeniidae), soft corals (Sarcophyton, shrimps, crabs, lobsters and barnacles (Crustacea), clams and other bivalves (Bivalvia), sea slugs (Nudibranchia), sea urchins (Echinoidea), starfish (Astroidea) and sea squirts (Ascidiacea). And many more. |
