Day 11 of my 20 gallon long, I do have some Zoanthids already but I was told not to run my lights to avoid algea , will they die if I give them 5-6 hours of light a day only ? And other tips for a beginner like me?
They need 8-10 hrs of lightning for best growth. They also need Slightly dirty water so u may not find success with them in new tanks. If u r fear of algae growth then u can give them 6 hrs which can satisfy them but personally I prefer 8 hrs min.
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OP
Hi.
There are so many little details about beginning a reef tank that it's impossible to put it all in one post. My advice would be to read a few threads written by first timers. There will be many discussions about the more common issues faced in reefing. Also some of the more popular YouTube channels, such as BRS have decent set up guides and can also guide you through individual aspects of reefing.
You really should have a solid plan for the tank's evolution, from first fill to adding livestock, before you throw anything in.
What else have you done in this last eleven days? What is your filtration set up? What lights do you have and how high are they mounted above the water?
All these details help people here give advice based on what you have and what you are likely able to achieve.
There are so many little details about beginning a reef tank that it's impossible to put it all in one post. My advice would be to read a few threads written by first timers. There will be many discussions about the more common issues faced in reefing. Also some of the more popular YouTube channels, such as BRS have decent set up guides and can also guide you through individual aspects of reefing.
You really should have a solid plan for the tank's evolution, from first fill to adding livestock, before you throw anything in.
What else have you done in this last eleven days? What is your filtration set up? What lights do you have and how high are they mounted above the water?
All these details help people here give advice based on what you have and what you are likely able to achieve.
OP
OP
Hi Thank you for typing this out , i have been going thru Reef2Reef.com and watching BRS also
my current setup is a
20 long
2X Ai prime 16
fluval 307 Canister
and about 15 lbs of marco rock
and live carib sea sand
my plan for the tank is soft corals and some lps mainly just go get some color into the tank and maby 2 small fish
you can also cut back on the white spectrum and give the zoas enough blue spectrum to keep them happy and keep the algae low, but you will never avoid algae completely - as you see some be ready with a couple of trochus...
small red legged hermit(s) and nassarius fed lightly would help with nutrients
Good luck, sharp looking set up
small red legged hermit(s) and nassarius fed lightly would help with nutrients
Good luck, sharp looking set up
OP
OP
I only run my Whites at 15-19ish % just enough where its comfortale with eye , might increase the blues a little bit more
Keep a close eye on the canister filter. The first tank I started with three years ago was a 29gal with a fluval 207. Filter system works fine but as you've prob seen others mention the sponges inside collects and holds a lot of detritus. I had a hard time keeping nitrates down, just make sure you keep those sponges clean. Sharp looking tank, love the setup 
Avoiding algae and hitchhikers in a reef tank is as likely as avoiding taxes.
I've just upgraded from a canister filter setup (see my build thread.) As hoffmeyerz said, nitrates are a constant battle and without a sump changing water is the only weapon in your arsenal.
I've just upgraded from a canister filter setup (see my build thread.) As hoffmeyerz said, nitrates are a constant battle and without a sump changing water is the only weapon in your arsenal.
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As previously mentioned you are not avoiding algae the way you are doing it ( I’m not saying it is wrong) you are delaying algae. A lot of people have lights on from day one to deal with the uglies early when it’s easier with out corals and with worrying about corals being smothered.
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