Tropical Fish Forums

[Caton]

I might be getting a new 30g (fingers crossed) and now that I see lighting has gotten cheaper I would like to try my hand at a saltwater tank. I know I am not ready for a reef tank (after a few years maybe I might be...) but was thinking if a planted tank would be better since it would stabilized the tank and if it die's than it won't be lots of $ and it is only a plant.


Suggestions? Tips? Anything would be great
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[FloridaBoy]

Yes, it can be done; although vascular (true) plants are kind of sparse in marine applications, usually limited to just a few grasses and mangroves. I have seen some interesting systems built to mimic Turtle Grass ecosystems; to me they are not really all that attractive (sea weed) but they can be interesting. Here are a few better examples:
http://www.live-plants.com/customergallery.htm

Although it was very popular years ago, Caulerpa is usually avoided these days due to the fact that it is prone to sudden die-off, when it can release dangerous toxins into your system. Certainly it can work for nutrient export, but it can be highly invasive and if not aggressively maintained the results can be bad. Aquarists have seen some livestock losses due to this problem.

More colorful and useful for nutrient export are various macro algae forms like Red Gracilaria, Chaetomorpha, Halimeda, etc. All of these are readily available and commonly used in special tanks called planted refugiums; which can provide many benefits to marine aquariums.

If you are doing it just to save money you might be surprised that even small clumps of this cultured material can average $15.00 - 35.00, so my advice would be to seek out a local marine aquarium club in your area for some free starter stock; here are some links:
http://www.aquacon.com/vip.html
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=490
http://www.reefcorner.com/SpecimenSheets/caulerpa.htm
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[Caton]

Thank you, those link's really help'd. I think I might stick with a fowlr for now.
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