SW Setup & Scratches?

[Mettle]

I've read somewhere that when a SW setup has some scratches in the tank that they show up 100 times more than they do with FW. I'm guessing this is in large part due to the more intense lighting.

Any validity to this?

Thanks.

[Julie]

I would say unfortunately so due to the intensity of light.(corals need very bright intense light for growth and survival)
Would it be possible to buy a newer tank and put the contents in?
This would still probably be more cost efficient.

Julie

[gvv]

Would not tell you why, but they are very visible...
Problem with new tank is that you will disturb all the life inside your tank while moving everything into new one, something could die  and as a result you may get into partial cycling with algae, etc.
If you are plannign to buy  a full setup with scratched tank, buy a new show one before. IMPO in this case it will be more reasonable.
Regards

[Julie]

Mettle, probably some good sales coming up soon and after Christmas on new tanks at ba's and pet smart.....Same dimension as the one you are interested in - you'd already have the light which is the biggest expense.

Julie

[Mettle]

:lol:

Which one is it I'm interested in, Julie? Haha.

I'm thinking about a 20 gallon long. But was checking in terms of the scratches. Because my 38 gallon has some along the front. Otherwise I might've just have used it. But not if those scratches are going to show a ton.

I'm not in any type of a hurry.

[Jim]

Are there any scratches on the back?

Just turn it arround!

[gvv]

Are there any scratches on the back?

Just turn it arround!

:lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[Mettle]

Are there any scratches on the back?

Just turn it arround!

I was thinking about this. I'll have to wait til its empty and check it out.

But I think I might be going for a brand new 20 gallon long tank - ala Julie.    Seems like a good size and adequate dimensions. Besides, I think my Dad wants to buy my 38 off of me.

[Julie]

That's exactly what I bought from ba's - good thinking.  :wink:
I knew you had the bug.  It's hard to get rid off isn't it?

Julie

[Mettle]

How much lighting do you have over your sw Julie?

[Julie]

Dual satellite which I believe is 130w power compact with fans, it gets surprisingly hot.

Julie

[Nelson]

It's my understanding that there are many minute SW algaes that will anchor to the smallest scratches, making them more visible.  That's OK for the scratches on the sides and back of the tank but a problem with the ones in the front.

[Mettle]

That's really interesting, Nelson. I had never heard that or even thought about it before.

Is the intense lighting really necessary from the 'get go'? Isn't it only needed when doing corals? Couldn't I cycle a tank with liverock and some cf lighting first? Upgrade the lights later?

[Julie]

It must be the coralline algae, the only way to get it off is with a razor or the magnets - it would really embed itself into scratches.

My lights are power compact(not metal halide which is too hot for my enclosed area).  I have sps in there and so far so good.

Julie

[Shouganai]

Seriously Mettle, shouldn't you think more about how to provide for your current animals before even THINKING about jumping into something like SW? From what I've seen/heard, you're having issues now, both with husbandry and financial aspect of things. Getting involved with a SW setup will just make things worse.

Just my two cents.. I've seen this kind of thing before with people new into the trade working in pet stores.

[Mettle]

That's why I got a piranha. Anything I get bored of - instant solution! :lol:

I'm not planning on setting up a sw tank right now. But thanks for your concern. :roll:

[squeeker]

That's why I got a piranha. Anything I get bored of - instant solution!

I REALLY hope that was meant to be sarcastic.

[Shouganai]

I don't think your piranha who won't eat is an instant (or humane) solution for your beardie or your local turtles.. and surely more than one person here would object to you feeding those 11 discus to it...  :lol:

I know its overwhelming, working in a pet store and all, but take a deep breath and give it a few months.. THEN see if you are still so keen on buying so many animals and having to look after them all properly.

I've been there.. anyone who has worked in a pet store has, no doubt.. just take it slow.

[Insane79]

Is the intense lighting really necessary from the 'get go'? Isn't it only needed when doing corals? Couldn't I cycle a tank with liverock and some cf lighting first? Upgrade the lights later?

Yup, that's what I did.  The more intense lighting comes into play when you are ready for corals (even then I was able to keep a few with cf lighting).  I cycled with fish, and when I left good and comfortable with what I was doing (care wise) Santa brought me some nice pc lights and then I really started with the corals.  Totally doable!

[FishPassion]

I started both my 50 gallon reef tanks with dual tube 40 watt no fluoresents for mths. I kept clowns inverts etc. Once i started into corals I purchased the PC lights as everyone else normally does, mistake on my part and most others that usually always convert to metal halides which I also did. Depending on what you are keeping and where you place corals alot of them do well with pcs, but expect them to explode under metal halides. Corals love light even mushrooms that I kept under 192 watt pcs doubled and tripled in size under halides.
Just my two cents worth......