ksatterf

Hoping to do this right and in the correct forum; 1st post

Have 29 biocube started sep 2008. Relatively successful and ready to move on.

Have pre-drilled 180 in the basement waiting on stand. Metal halide light, megaflow 4 sump. Installed RO system.

2 Questions.

How much live rock should I use? I'm think about 100 lbs but will see what looks right.

I would like to start with some good schooling fish. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Mike

Cool - welcome to FishLore.

How much live rock depends on what you like and what your goal is. 100 pounds of base rock (thicker and heavier) is going to look like a lot less rock than 100 pounds of the premium rock that is really porous and lighter in weight. With a 180 you could make a really cool aquascape using PVC and drilling holes through the rock (use eye protection). You could make some cool cliffs, caves, overhangs, etc with the pvc and you wouldn't need to use as much rock since it all won't just be stacked together. Don't forget to pre-drill holes for future coral frags in various places. Sketch out a plan for how you want it to look along with the corals you're interested in keeping. Also be sure to leave enough space between the rock work and the tank walls for glass cleaning.

Chromis look great in schools as do anthias, but anthias need to be fed more often and they're more expensive than chromis.

au01st

cardinalfish (pajama or bangii)

dartfish (barred or scissortail gobies)

anthias (bartletts, sunburst, or squareback are my favorites)

Of course Chromis are always a favorite.

ksatterf

Great suggestions. Thanks

I like the PVC idea. Hadn't thought of that, but it would make it easy to create some cliffs and caves. Planning on premium rock. Already have a few pieces collected in my quarantine tank. So I should drill holes to attach the corals as well. I was thinking some kind of adhesive. Guess that means I need to plan ahead. I will check out the aquascape link for more ideas.

I will do some research on the fish suggestions. I've seen some chromis and anthias, but had not considered the cardinalfins or dartfish. Also, not a clue on the different varieties. Maybe I can do half dozen of a couple kinds.

au01st

I wouldn't bother trying to plan where you're going to put corals. It's one thing in a nano where you have to be really selective about your corals, but in a 180, you've got plenty of space for tons of corals. Some Aquamend and some superglue and you can put any coral pretty much anywhere, and the coral will cover the aquamend if coraline doesn't first.

With as much rock as you're going to need, I'd look into some dry/dead rock as it's usually much cheaper, around $1-$2 a pound and it will eventually be live.

I do concur with the PVC idea, should let you get pretty creative, and all you need is a good drill, a masonry bit, and some time.

ksatterf

Thanks. I thought about the dry rock, but wasn't sure how that would affect the overall system. I think I will get a pretty good deal on the rock because of some delays in getting in my light fixture. Will the dry rock affect cycle time.