Coral Stocking Suggestions?

[Ram_Puppy]

hey guys,

I finally decided that I should actually PLAN what I am going to put in my tanks, coral wise, rather than just slap it together. (easier to avoid messy mistakes that way right?)

I think I would like to stick mostly with softies, but I wouldn't mind branching out into LPS or SPS. So, the tank, when it is finished (mechanically) will have a total of about 75 gallons volume. 15 in the sump, 30 in the display, 30 in the refugium. obviously with all the sand and rock it is actually less water, but you get the point.

So far, growing on the bottom of the 30 hex, I have a small frag of green star polyp, a little higher up is a colt coral, and a little higher than that, a xenia. (thanks Jack)

I would like to stick with pacific species (or at least species that can be found in the pacific.)

So far I know I want at least a few zoo's, (blue) and some ricordia. Since The tank is small, I am hoping to make every piece in it, as spectacular a piece as I can... so I will probably be very picky about what I add, in other words, not just any zoo will do.

Long story shorter (I know I write novels, sorry) Since a hex is so deep, and it will be appropriate in the bottom for softies, I am wondering about what to do up top. The lighting is 120 watts of PC 50/50 10K, and 175 watt 10K metal halide.

I have not put much thought into what would enjoy being higher up, so I am open to suggestions.

Oh, and I won't be adding any more corals until the rose bubble tip anemone goes in and picks it's spot. I think my wife has settled on black perculas as the two fish that will be in the tank.

I value your opinions, so let'em fly please!

[Ram_Puppy]

Any suggestions?

[Brett Wilson]

How deep is the tank?

[Ram_Puppy]

Brett,

The tank is about 25 and 1/2 inches tall, with a sand bed that ranges from 3 to 5 inches.

I have the xenia, star polyps, and colt in the lower 1/3rd of the tank, and all seem to be doing great.

I have not added the halide yet, (175 watt 10K) I am concerned on what to put in the upp er half of the tank when the halide comes on... I have been thinking about a maxima clam... but other than that, don't know... I am eyeballing a book on corals, and one on clams... just haven't bought yet.

[Brett Wilson]

IMO you could keep almost any SPS or LPS under that light (in the top 1/3 of the tank).
In practice I have had, and successfully grown, montipora capricornis and digitata, Acropora (various species), Pocillipora, and Millipora all of various colors and sizes under a 10K 175W MH for quite some time. (plus whatever else I can't remember at the moment.)

If you don't already have the bulb, I'd recommend the 10K XM or the 10K aqualine Busche for brightness.
If you want to lower the amount of pc actinic you have and go for a prettier bulb that gives great growth and excellent color on it's own I dont think anything beats the Iwasaki 50,000K (really like a 15k) in most peoples opinion. You'll also need a medium based socket and an electronic ballast because it's actually a 150w bulb.
I run mine on an ARO electronic ballast from hellolights

I have all of the above mentioned corals in my 37 Oceanic (21.5" tall) under the 150W MH and one 32W blue CSL actinic (will be getting something more purple soon). You, or anyone else, is welcome to see it anytime.

HTH
-Brett

[Brett Wilson]

The only clam I can vouch for under that lighting (because I have tried it) would be a squamosa.
Others may do ok but i never tried them.

[Ram_Puppy]

Thanks Brett, that really helps.

I have been planning on buying the XM bulb... I want to finish wiring my canopies fans in before I go there though... so I have been tanking my time.

Again, thanks. will start looking at those corals.

[alexwolf]

i have some awesome blue zoos, check out my gallery at the link at the bottom.

[Ram_Puppy]

Alex, those are indeed some nice blue zoos!

Well.. I was not planning on saying anythin guntil I got them in my tank to see unde rmy own light, but I am too excited not to...

one of these little fellas will be joining me soon. I really have no basis to judge on whether I spent to much on this or not, but I figure it depends on how much value it holds for you individually. Regardless, here is a pic... one of these fellas will be living at Casa Ram_Puppy soon.


http://www.aquadesignz.com/images/0405/fsoftie3_1.jpg

described by seller as a Bullseye Mushroom with metallic orange, and a blue/purple base.

we'll see if it lives up to it's photo in a few days.

[alexwolf]

oh wow, those look cool. when are they coming?

[Ram_Puppy]

Well I sent payment today, so I am expecting if he ships today, they will be here tomorrow, if he ships friday, they will be here on saturday... just depends on when he shifts...

I am pretty sure what I want to do is let the little guy settle in and recover from his ordeal, and then when the conditions are right, frag it. I am a little scared of fragging such a beauty, so, I am wondering how long it iwll take for it to reproduce naturally, that way, if I screw up, I still have one.

[alexwolf]

you bought 1 mushroom?

[Brett Wilson]

A trick to getting a mushroom to frag on it's own:
Allow it to be happily under the light then move it so that it isnt directly in the light but could move if it wants more light, it will leave little bit along the way.
Also, feeding helps for faster growth.
I'd love to trade a green ricordia for one of these if you dont already have green...

-Brett

[Ram_Puppy]

Yeah, I only bought one. The colony was fragged for sale as individuals by the owner.

Thanks for the tip brett, I don't have any ricordea at all so far, when I get it propogated, I will definately remember your offer.

[Ram_Puppy]

the shroom will ship Monday, and be here by 8:30 AM tuesday. can't knock that.