Ideas? (1 Viewer)

[Bakapuma]

I am setting up a simple ten gallon fish only tank in my highschool classroom. It will have live sand and crushed coral for the SB and 10 lbs of tongan live rock. What would be a good fish(s) for this set up. Remember, these kids would like something cool.

 

[pernelf]

Go for a dwarf lion or angler, I bet they would love to watch it eat.

 

[Guest]

I would go with angler or leaf fish. in a 10 you could have 2 maybe more leaf fish if you have a good filter. when i had mine they would only stay in a small area or they would group together.

 

[Bakapuma]

I like the idea for a dwarf lion. Any other suggestions? Inverts?

 

[Bakapuma]

Colorful fish? I will be running a lot of filtration on this set up so amount will not really be a problem. If the fish are reef safe, they can be moved to my 75gal if they get to big.

 

[incysor]

I'd skip both of those. They lay around and don't do anything. I can't think they'd be all that interesting for HS students.

I've had a dwarf lion, and currently have an angler. If a friend gets to see them eat, they think it's fun, but as soon as feeding time is over and the fish is sitting on the rockwork again the fun/interest is over.

I'd throw a 70w MH over the tank and make it a dedicated clown/anemone tank, or go with a couple small fish, and include a pistol shimp/goby pair int the mix. That way comensal relationships are illustrated. At least the kids might be interested enough to learn something new.

B

 

[Guest]

I think Lion fish would be a bad idea since children might put their hand in the tank and could be deadly.

 

[DonnieKim]

I second Incysor's idea. That way you could explain symbiotic relationships and such! Also the anemone would be good to learn about how it relates to light etc.

 

[Bakapuma]

The MH 70watt sounds like good idea. The symbiosis idea is awesome. The problem is cost. I have to do this on the cheap. Can anybody help out with this? Everything I am using is off the shelf stuff.

 

[Bakapuma]

If I have to break down and buy a light, I am thinking of a 96 watt 50/50 PC. Would this work for an anemone? How low can I go on watts and what range K should I use?

 

[SeanB]

Maybe this one with a 50/50 or a 10K.
http://www.innovativelights.com/ret-pc-diy-196q.html - plus a 5% MARSH discount.

 

[incysor]

You could probalby get away with a BTA under a 96w PC, as long as you had the bulb pretty close to the water. Personally I think the MH is a better option, cause the replacement bulbs for the PC aren't cheap, and you'll need to replace them earlier than the MH, since you'll be riding on the edge of the light requirements. Changing the bulb every 7-8 months is gonna get pricey.

Here's a 70w retro for $150.

http://cgi.ebay.com/70-Watt-Electro...ryZ46314QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

B

 

[Guest]

so your saying almost 10 watts per gallon is not enough to keep an anemone? how's that? bc it's not mh's?

 

[Guest]

so your saying almost 10 watts per gallon is not enough to keep an anemone? how's that? bc it's not mh's?

The "watts per gallon" rule is not a a great guideline to go by. It depends on the penetration of the light, which depending on the depth of the tank will depend on the type of light needed. Depending on the light used, a PC could be sufficient for an anemone, especially in a 10-gallon. A VHO and MH light would overheat the tank, unless suspended high over the tank.

 

[Bakapuma]

This is why I am a Marsh member. Donniekim has donated a 20gallon system to my classroom. This is a most generous act. The students are really excited about having this set up in the classroom. They will get to see how it all works. From set up to maintance. Thank you Donniekim and your wife for making this possible. When things are up and running I will post picts "Alvin High Seas"

 

[ShaneV]

You got a light yet,

Ill donate a Coralife EZ Bllast thats capable of running 1 55 watt CF light.

 

[Bakapuma]

I think Doniekim said he has a light coming with it. I will know for sure tomorrow. Thanks for the offer. This is totally awesome. I am so happy that everyone has an interest in these young people.

 

[incysor]

so your saying almost 10 watts per gallon is not enough to keep an anemone? how's that? bc it's not mh's?

Watts per gallon is a nearly useless rule. As is fish-inch per gallon.

Trying to keep anemones or clowns under PC lights isn't really recommended. They require high light, and while PC lamps may put out enough light at the beginning of their lifespan, the level of useful light they put off starts to drop off around the six month mark. Since they're already on the low side for these organisms that means that the bulbs have to be changed more frequently than if you were just keeping lower light corals and fish. Most people would prefer to get twelve months of use out of these bulbs not six to eight. With a MH bulb you're more likely to get a full year of effective output. Especially when it's over a small tank.

Here's a comparison of the prices for replacement bulbs.

http://www.innovativelights.com/ush-69090.html
http://hellolights.com/96watquad100.html

B

 

[Bakapuma]

My biggest fear with going with MH is the temp. Last thing I need is a burnt kid. The safety factor is why I need to go down the PC route. I know MH are better than PC for anemones, my RBTA loves my MH. I have kept BTAs under PC. My question is do I go with a 50/50 type bulb set up or a 6700K range? In other words, is 10,000K light with actinic supplementation adaquate just short of Ideal? Is 96-110 watts on a 20 gallon sufficient? :?

 

[Guest]

50/50 should be fine. if you want more light minus the heat why not DIY a T-5 setup? you can get a ballast for about $30. or even vhos. with 4 vhos over my 20 my temp never goes over 80 degrees. i have fans built into the hood but i dont run them.