my new baby... AKA The Café

[BeltedCoyote]

Check the one @BeltedCoyote was talking about to

actually yeah, it’s only $20 I believe and is pretty “smart”. It requires the same maintenance as any that uses something other than float valves but so far reviews seem pretty positive

 

[James_O]

Check the one @BeltedCoyote was talking about to

This one?

Hydros ATO Kit

The HYDROS ATO Kit comes with everything you need to add and manage automatic top-off through your HYDROS Controller. Using a HYDROS aquarium controller for your auto top-off system is not only a reliable solution but it also helps clear wire clutter in and around your aquarium. While this ATO...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[BeltedCoyote]

This one?

Hydros ATO Kit

The HYDROS ATO Kit comes with everything you need to add and manage automatic top-off through your HYDROS Controller. Using a HYDROS aquarium controller for your auto top-off system is not only a reliable solution but it also helps clear wire clutter in and around your aquarium. While this ATO...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

yup

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Well I forgot I got mine on sale lol. Not $20 normally

 

[James_O]

Well I forgot I got mine on sale lol. Not $20 normally

Lol, I was about to say.... ;Facepalm;Nailbiting

—-

Which would be better in the long run? The Tunze? Or the Coralvue?

 

[F i s h y]

Lol, I was about to say.... ;Facepalm;Nailbiting

—-

Which would be better in the long run? The Tunze? Or the Coralvue?

I love my tunze.... just saying...

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Lol, I was about to say.... ;Facepalm;Nailbiting

—-

Which would be better in the long run? The Tunze? Or the Coralvue?

I can’t say. Tunze has a reputation for lasting. Coralvue’s stuff really smart, user friendly, and packed with good redundancy. I went coralvue because I’ll be running hydros

 

[BeltedCoyote]

But there really isn’t anything wrong with the tunze. If I wasn’t going hydros I would have gone with the tunze

 

[James_O]

Grrr.... tough decision!! ;Facepalm ;Rage

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Grrr.... tough decision!! ;Facepalm ;Rage

this is one of those things where it’s okay to spend a little more. As long as what you’re choosing has a known good track record. I mean, you’re making sure your tank doesn’t loose so much water it messes with filtration and salinity.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

I mean... I have never fed my shrooms for all the time I’ve had them, and they are doing great.

In this case, it somehow managed to catch it and eat it.

I guess you could try like maybe once a week? @LRT could probably answer better. ;Blackeye;Facepalm

So should I be feeding my mushrooms? I randomly do when I feed the other corals. Sometimes I eat sometimes they don’t

Yes. They should be in the feeding Rotation. Just as your corals don't need to be fed, but it helps, mushrooms will benefit from direct feeding in growth and vigor. I direct feed about once a week. Some power feed, but I ain't got time for that.

 

[Reefing_addiction]

Yes. They should be in the feeding Rotation. Just as your corals don't need to be fed, but it helps, mushrooms will benefit from direct feeding in growth and vigor. I direct feed about once a week. Some power feed, but I ain't got time for that.

So do they have a preference on food? I usually feed corals after lights out with the exception of my Goni/alves (and when I feed those the entire tank gets dried rotifers)

 

[James_O]

this is one of those things where it’s okay to spend a little more. As long as what you’re choosing has a known good track record. I mean, you’re making sure your tank doesn’t loose so much water it messes with filtration and salinity.

Gotcha.

Which would be better for this week? The ATO? Or an autofeeder? (I can only get one)

 

[shadow_k]

Any suggestions on a cheapis use ATO guys?

I have been using the JBJ since January haven’t failed me yet when I do weekly water changes I also my return pump and the auto top off just make sure it’s running correct also when you buy an ATO you also need to buy a return pump

 

[James_O]

I have been using the JBJ since January haven’t failed me yet when I do weekly water changes I also my return pump and the auto top off just make sure it’s running correct also when you buy an ATO you also need to buy a return pump

I'm pretty sure the two I was looking at had return pumps.

I also already have a 1.5g cube ready for the RO water.

 

[BeltedCoyote]

Gotcha.

Which would be better for this week? The ATO? Or an autofeeder? (I can only get one)

depends on how much water you lose to evaporation. I’ve gone a week without feeding my fish. Wouldn’t recommend it but they survived. I’ve had to top up my FO 40b every four days when evaporation is bad.

if your tank is like mine, I’d go with the ATO. You said you had someone who could look at things while you’re gone. At the very least they could throw a pinch of food in when they check up on things. I’d trust an uninitiated individual to feed a pinch of food before I’d trust them to understand topping off.

why? Most people who don’t keep aquariums (FW or SW) don’t understand why tap water is a no go. But they can understand a pinch of food

 

[danieyella]

Also, question for the more experienced of ya’ll.

I’m more interested in species names for corals or at least genus (ie acropora) rather than fancy names and common names.

what are “war corals”, “moon corals”, and “meat corals”. As far as the meats go I know acans are sometimes grouped under that name but yeah.

I really just want to know what corals I end up having. Fancy names are only for when I’m trying to find a specific strain

Yes has someone else said, war corals and moon corals I believe typically are favia. Scoly, acanthophyllia, and cynarina typically fall into meat as well as a few others.

I recommend visiting live aquaria they typically have species and trade names listed.

This! I rarely buy corals from live aquaria, but I reference their website all the time for other names and random requirements.

yeah I know. But I’m a naive newbie who likes them. Good thing I’ve got a massive sump I guess… figure I may get some true peppermints, keep them in my sump and bring them to the DT if needed

I’ve browsed them before. I actually do think I’ll order some from them for the reason you mentioned. Other than that it’s corals.com and tidal gardens for me. And Jason fox for a few that I’ve been drooling over. Beyond that it’s you, Frank, and


that’s kinda what I thought but wasn’t sure. Thanks my friend!!!

Edit: and the guys @fishguy242 and @F i s h y know. Don’t know why that was cut off

 

[shadow_k]

depends on how much water you lose to evaporation. I’ve gone a week without feeding my fish. Wouldn’t recommend it but they survived. I’ve had to top up my FO 40b every four days when evaporation is bad.

if your tank is like mine, I’d go with the ATO. You said you had someone who could look at things while you’re gone. At the very least they could throw a pinch of food in when they check up on things. I’d trust an uninitiated individual to feed a pinch of food before I’d trust them to understand topping off.

why? Most people who don’t keep aquariums (FW or SW) don’t understand why tap water is a no go. But they can understand a pinch of food

Yes !!! On my fresh water tank my evaporation got bad and the water line went below the filter my wife poured 2 gallons of tap water in my tank

 

[James_O]

depends on how much water you lose to evaporation. I’ve gone a week without feeding my fish. Wouldn’t recommend it but they survived. I’ve had to top up my FO 40b every four days when evaporation is bad.

if your tank is like mine, I’d go with the ATO. You said you had someone who could look at things while you’re gone. At the very least they could throw a pinch of food in when they check up on things. I’d trust an uninitiated individual to feed a pinch of food before I’d trust them to understand topping off.

why? Most people who don’t keep aquariums (FW or SW) don’t understand why tap water is a no go. But they can understand a pinch of food

They aren't coming over. Really, I just don't trust her, giving her inexperience with fish and terrible track record with other animals.

I really want to get both, but I simply can't afford it.

My FW fish have gone a week at a time without food. What makes saltwater fish different? (Just curious)

 

[James_O]

Yes !!! On my fresh water tank my evaporation got bad and the water line went below the filter my wife poured 2 gallons of tap water in my tank

My overall tank evap isn't THAT bad. I would say maybe... 13/16 inch - 1 inch every week?