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What is a plenum, what does it do, and is it good, bad or indifferent for a reef aquarium? for fish only?
A plenum is a form of biological substrate filtration which removes organic contaminants. They are very sensitive and easily become unbalanced. They have dubious usefulness in reef systems, but are generally not good for fish, only systems.
What is a better filtration solution for a fish-only tank - wet/dry sump or canister/power filters? For a reef tank?
We recommend a combination of wet-dry filtration as well as canister filtration. The wet-dry filter does an excellent job of breaking down organically produced ammonia and nitrite. It also drives off carbon dioxide and adds oxygen to the aquarium. In a reef only system, or in a reef with very few fish, a sump or refugium may do a better job. In such a system, a good protein skimmer should always be used. Live rock may replace the function of the bio balls used in a wet-dry system. Live rock produces less nitrates, which is the only downside of a wet-dry or trickle system. Live rock, however, does not handle the same amount of organic waste that a wet-dry filter does. For this reason, live rock alone is not suitable for a heavily stocked fish aquarium, unless the aquarium has a very strong protein skimmer. Canister filters, such as Eheims, do a far superior job of removing particulate matter than a wet-dry filter. For a fish only tank, they do an excellent job of removing waste and inorganic particulate matter. Changing the filter pads disposes of these materials. In addition, canister filters such as Eheims, provide supplemental biological filtration and circulation. In reef only tanks, the fine pad may be omitted to allow particulate matter to reach the live corals.
What sorts of corals should a beginner start with?
The easiest corals for the beginner are the soft and their close relatives. Mushrooms, Polyps, and Leathers are easy starters. Next come the large polyp corals such as brain, frogspawn, and toarch. Finally, the most sensitive corals, the colorful S.P.S. corals.
How much light should I have in my reef aquarium? In a fish only?
Light is a highly debated subject among aquarists. Many books use wattage as a simple way to judge lighting. Wattage, by itself, per gallon, is a very poor way to judge lighting. For instance, a 20W 10,000K fluorescent bulb puts out a much higher total lumen spectral distribution than a 20W actinic. With a 10,000K compact fluorescent bulb, you will get approximately 3.5 times the lumen power generated by the same wattage fluorescent bulb. You will get even more with a metal halide. For fish only tanks one to two watts per gallon are generally adequate. In a reef tank, depending on the type of corals that you intend to maintain, the lighting requirements are much higher. Anemones live in a similar symbiotic relationship with the algae in their systems. They also require a high lumen level to function. Regular fluorescent lighting is useful for a fish only tank. Compact lighting or metal halides are necessary for stony corals. Metal halide combined with fluorescent or compact fluorescents are necessary for many of the colorful S.P.S. corals to maintain their zooxanthellae and bright colors.
How much live rock should I have in my tank?
Live rock, when used as primary filtration with a strong protein skimmer, requires one to two pounds per gallon, depending on the relative dimensions of the tank and the density of the rock. We do not recommend this system for heavily populated fish tanks.
What is the best material for the tank bottom - crushed coral or sand? How deep should the substrate be?
Crushed coral, dolomite, or aragonite make an excellent substrate. When used with a good wet-dry and mechanical filter, using approximately one inch in depth is adequate. Other filtering systems may require deeper beds. Very fine sand may enter your pump heads causing severe damage or burn out your pumps.
How much flow do I need in my tank (how many times does the water need to turn over per hour)? How many times per hour does the water need to go through the filter.
When considering water flow in a marine aquarium, there are several modifying factors. A wet-dry filter with one inch feed will handle 300 G.P.H. to 500 G.P.H. depending on height and pull from the water column. A canister filter usually generates 150 G.P.H. to 500 G.P.H. A pleated cartridge filter of adequate square footage uses a pressure pump of 600 G.PH. to 1200 G.P.H. Total water flow should be 6 to 12 times the number of gallons which the tank contains. There should be a good current throughout the tank without forcing the fish to swim constantly through a strong current. Power heads can supplement the current or re-direct dead spots in the aquarium.
What kinds of fish are beneficial for a reef tank?
Reef tanks should be devoid of most butterflies, angels, triggers, parrot fish and other coral eaters. Sand sifters such as watchman gobies, invertebrates which stir the sand are helpful.
How many fish can I put in my tank?
The number offish that you can fit in your tank is determined by the size, temperament, and eating habits of your fish. The larger the tank, the more fish it will hold proportionally. A one inch fish will require three gallons of water. After one inch, allow approximately two and one half gallons per inch of fish. Remember this is a rough guideline, not a rule. For instance a 30-inch ribbon eel will take up about 20 gallons of tank space, a 30-inch shark would require about 100 gallons. Territory also affects fish tank capacity. Only one Powder Blue Tang will go in an average tank. If you wish to introduce more than one angelfish into your tank, introduce them at the same time. If you try to introduce a second angel into a tank with an already established angel, the established angel will most likely kill the newcomer. The same holds true with tangs of the same genus, as well as many other types of fish.
Is a calcium reactor necessary for keeping hard corals?
A calcium reactor is not necessary for keeping hard corals. It is however, very helpful. If you do not have a calcium reactor, check your calcium level and carbonate hardness on a very regular basis. You will have to add calcium and carbonates often.
Is a water purifier absolutely necessary for a reef tank if I have city water?
Water purifiers are often necessary for a reef tank on city water. Towns with very good water quality may not need them. The largest problem with town water is that the quality varies a great deal. Sudden variations in the form of heavy metals or minor contaminates can build up in a reef tank, especially when replacing evaporated water. When in doubt use a good R.O.D.I. system.

Freshwater Aquarium FAQ:
How long do I have to wait before adding fish to my new aquarium?
It is best to wait at least twenty-four hours before adding fish to a new tank. This time allows you to put in a chloramine remover, adjust the pH, allows possible harmful gases to be driven off, and adjust the temperature.
How much light do I need in my aquarium?
A fish tank without plants requires only enough light so that you can view the fish in a pleasant ambiance, and that they can see well enough to eat. In a shallow tank ¾ watt per gallon if enough.
How many times should the water be filtered per hour?
The tank should be filtered about six to twelve times per hour depending on the thoroughness of the filter.
What is the best type of filtration?
The best type of filtration is one that is not in the tank. Hang on filters such as the penguin or emperor bio wheel filters. Canister filters are more thorough. We carry Eheim, the best canister filter available. For very large tanks, pleated canisters with pressure pumps are excellent.
How does biological filtration work?
Biological filters work by growing bacteria, which break down fish wastes. Nitrosamonas and Nitrobacter break down ammonia, which is very toxic in alkaline water, to nitrites. Nitrites are then broken down to nitrates, which are much less toxic. Nitrates are removed by water changes.
I can't keep up with all the algae in my aquarium. What can I do to control it?
If you are getting too much algae in your tank cut down on the lighting. Algae cannot grow without light. Plecostomus, common algae eaters and otocinclus eat algae as well as several other fish and snails.
Why is my water cloudy even though the filters have been running for several days?
Cloudy water in a new tank is often a sign that you did not wash your gravel adequately. If you did, you may have a bacterial bloom. This bloom can be treated with products such as Acural F. For crystal clear water, an ultraviolet sterilizer is the best permanent cure.
Why is my water green?
Green water is caused by unicellular algae. Cut back on the light. An algaecide such as Acural E may be used. As with bacterial blooms, U.V. sterilizers are the best cure with no down side.
My fish have white fluffy patches on them, what do I do?
White fluffy patches on your fish are caused by fungi. Furazone green or an antibiotic used with an oxidizing dye often kills fungi.
Will copper-based medications ruin my tank forever?
Copper based medications may be removed from your tank with a poly-pad or various copper removing resins.