Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
*TTRPGs General
The 3.X Aquatic Database
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Aeolius" data-source="post: 4821636" data-attributes="member: 2072"><p>Unless you are satisfied with interacting with marine life using games such as <a href="http://www.us.playstation.com/flOw/" target="_blank">flOw</a> , <a href="http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/aquaria/" target="_blank">Aquaria</a> , or <a href="http://www.endlessocean.com/main/pc/index.html" target="_blank">Endless Ocean</a> , the next step for undersea inspiration is to set up your own saltwater aquarium.</p><p></p><p> Some basic starter tips can be found <a href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general.cfm?general_pagesid=313" target="_blank">here</a> , with a focus on <a href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=39" target="_blank">How to Set Up a Reef Aquarium</a> .</p><p></p><p> First, begin with an aquarium, preferably 30 gallons or larger, as water parameters (salinity, pH, etc) are easier to manage in larger tanks, Aquariums typically require a stand and possibly a canopy. Set up the proper water pump(s) and plumbing. different types of tanks require different water currents; a species-specific aquarium like a seahorse tank requires a low flow, while a fish-only tank may require a high flow. Over time, you may require additional equipment such as protein skimmers, calcium reactors, or wave makers with additional pumps known as power heads. Next turn to lighting; a fish-only tank may only require standard high-output fluorescents, but a reef tank filled with corals will need metal halide lighting or compact fluorescents, depending on the size and depth of the tank. Some lighting systems incorporate metal halide fixtures, compact fluorescent actinic lighting (a blue hue preferred by corals), and low intensity lunar lighting for night viewing. Some include built-in timers to turn them off at night. Depending in the intensity of your lighting, you may require a chiller to cool the water. Otherwise, you may need a heater, to maintain the proper water temperature. </p><p></p><p> Second, add a bit of saltwater, either premixed from your local aquarium store or prepared from a salt mix. You’ll need a hydrometer to manage the proper salinity. This is a good time to check your plumbing; hoses, bulkheads, and fitting for leaks.</p><p></p><p> Next, you may want to add a substrate such as live sand, which is teeming with beneficial bacteria that breaks down nitrogen-based waste made by marine life, or a pre-bagged commercial blend such as Arag-Alive. Reef tanks and some fish-only tanks will benefit from the addition of <a href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=393" target="_blank">liverock</a> , chunks of rock covered in sponges that are not only attractive, but beneficial as well. Liverock provides a natural food source for some fish, aid in the breakdown of waste produced by aquarium inhabitants, and create a foundation for live corals or decorations in a fish-only aquarium. Liverock and live sand help to “cycle” the ammonia and pH in an aquarium, a crucial stage before adding livestock. Liverock will experience some die-off during harvesting and shipping. One may purchase “uncured” liverock, which will need to cure in an aquarium for several weeks before fish are added, or “pre-cured” liverock which has already undergone this step. Uncured liverock typically has more diversity in sponges and other marine life. Curing liverock will require the use of a protein skimmer and frequent water changes, typically 20% of the content of the aquarium.</p><p></p><p> Finish filling the tank with saltwater and fire up the pumps, lighting, power heads, heater/chiller, and other equipment. Enjoy your aquarium for a few weeks just as it is, watching the liverock as it changes. You may notice a bloom of brown algae, as the tank "cycles". Otherwise, take a water sample to your local fish store once a week, so they may determine when the tank has cycled. </p><p></p><p> To keep a reef tank clean, many aquarists include the addition of <a href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=420+1805" target="_blank">"clean-up critters"</a> , marine life which feeds on algae, detritus, and other less desirable aspects within the tank. Tank cleaners can include hermit crabs, snails, certain sea stars, shrimp, abalone, and more. After waiting for the tank to cycle, waiting for the liverock to cure, one also waits a bit, after adding the clean-up crew. Reef tanks require a phenomenal amount of patience.</p><p></p><p> At long last, it is time to add fish, corals, and whatever else you want to put in your tank, assuming you have checked the compatibility of species and do not overcrowd your aquarium. This is where it gets a bit frustrating. Some fish cannot be put in reef tanks, as they will eat other occupants, corals, or both. Some fish are territorial and cannot be kept with others of their own kind; angelfish, tangs, butterfly fish, and the like are often like this. Some fish require a specialized species tank. Seahorses, for example, are slow eaters and cannot be kept with more aggressive fish.</p><p></p><p> It may be best to set up several aquariums, just to be safe. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> </p><p></p><p>As I posted on #enworld, the other day:</p><p>08:07 Aeolius imagine an undersea gargoyle with a stony skin filled with nooks and crevices... <a href="http://www.liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-81793-live-rock.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-81793-live-rock.jpg</a></p><p>08:09 Aeolius The creature is host to numerous stony and soft corals, as well as invertebrates such as snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. A fair number of small reef fish will claim a liverock gargoyle as their "home" as well. </p><p>08:09 Aeolius In essence a living reef, the liverock gargoyle is neither good nor evil, instead they prefer to live in harmony with the surrounding seas. </p><p>08:10 Aeolius THAT is what I see, when I look in a reef tank filled with liverock. </p><p>08:11 Aeolius I also see the liverock as mountainous terrain. Swimming races explore each small cave and cranny, while those who prefer the ocean floor dig within the sands below.</p><p></p><p>I am currently setting up a 72 gallon and 35 gallon saltwater aquarium. Both currently have live sand as a substrate. I'll add uncured liverock to the 72, tomorrow. As things progress, I may let the players in my undersea game help pick out critters for the tanks. I may keep an online photo gallery as the tanks progress.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Aeolius, post: 4821636, member: 2072"] Unless you are satisfied with interacting with marine life using games such as [URL="http://www.us.playstation.com/flOw/"]flOw[/URL] , [URL="http://www.ambrosiasw.com/games/aquaria/"]Aquaria[/URL] , or [URL="http://www.endlessocean.com/main/pc/index.html"]Endless Ocean[/URL] , the next step for undersea inspiration is to set up your own saltwater aquarium. Some basic starter tips can be found [URL="http://www.liveaquaria.com/general/general.cfm?general_pagesid=313"]here[/URL] , with a focus on [URL="http://www.liveaquaria.com/PIC/article.cfm?aid=39"]How to Set Up a Reef Aquarium[/URL] . First, begin with an aquarium, preferably 30 gallons or larger, as water parameters (salinity, pH, etc) are easier to manage in larger tanks, Aquariums typically require a stand and possibly a canopy. Set up the proper water pump(s) and plumbing. different types of tanks require different water currents; a species-specific aquarium like a seahorse tank requires a low flow, while a fish-only tank may require a high flow. Over time, you may require additional equipment such as protein skimmers, calcium reactors, or wave makers with additional pumps known as power heads. Next turn to lighting; a fish-only tank may only require standard high-output fluorescents, but a reef tank filled with corals will need metal halide lighting or compact fluorescents, depending on the size and depth of the tank. Some lighting systems incorporate metal halide fixtures, compact fluorescent actinic lighting (a blue hue preferred by corals), and low intensity lunar lighting for night viewing. Some include built-in timers to turn them off at night. Depending in the intensity of your lighting, you may require a chiller to cool the water. Otherwise, you may need a heater, to maintain the proper water temperature. Second, add a bit of saltwater, either premixed from your local aquarium store or prepared from a salt mix. You’ll need a hydrometer to manage the proper salinity. This is a good time to check your plumbing; hoses, bulkheads, and fitting for leaks. Next, you may want to add a substrate such as live sand, which is teeming with beneficial bacteria that breaks down nitrogen-based waste made by marine life, or a pre-bagged commercial blend such as Arag-Alive. Reef tanks and some fish-only tanks will benefit from the addition of [URL="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=393"]liverock[/URL] , chunks of rock covered in sponges that are not only attractive, but beneficial as well. Liverock provides a natural food source for some fish, aid in the breakdown of waste produced by aquarium inhabitants, and create a foundation for live corals or decorations in a fish-only aquarium. Liverock and live sand help to “cycle” the ammonia and pH in an aquarium, a crucial stage before adding livestock. Liverock will experience some die-off during harvesting and shipping. One may purchase “uncured” liverock, which will need to cure in an aquarium for several weeks before fish are added, or “pre-cured” liverock which has already undergone this step. Uncured liverock typically has more diversity in sponges and other marine life. Curing liverock will require the use of a protein skimmer and frequent water changes, typically 20% of the content of the aquarium. Finish filling the tank with saltwater and fire up the pumps, lighting, power heads, heater/chiller, and other equipment. Enjoy your aquarium for a few weeks just as it is, watching the liverock as it changes. You may notice a bloom of brown algae, as the tank "cycles". Otherwise, take a water sample to your local fish store once a week, so they may determine when the tank has cycled. To keep a reef tank clean, many aquarists include the addition of [URL="http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=420+1805"]"clean-up critters"[/URL] , marine life which feeds on algae, detritus, and other less desirable aspects within the tank. Tank cleaners can include hermit crabs, snails, certain sea stars, shrimp, abalone, and more. After waiting for the tank to cycle, waiting for the liverock to cure, one also waits a bit, after adding the clean-up crew. Reef tanks require a phenomenal amount of patience. At long last, it is time to add fish, corals, and whatever else you want to put in your tank, assuming you have checked the compatibility of species and do not overcrowd your aquarium. This is where it gets a bit frustrating. Some fish cannot be put in reef tanks, as they will eat other occupants, corals, or both. Some fish are territorial and cannot be kept with others of their own kind; angelfish, tangs, butterfly fish, and the like are often like this. Some fish require a specialized species tank. Seahorses, for example, are slow eaters and cannot be kept with more aggressive fish. It may be best to set up several aquariums, just to be safe. ;) As I posted on #enworld, the other day: 08:07 Aeolius imagine an undersea gargoyle with a stony skin filled with nooks and crevices... [url]http://www.liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-81793-live-rock.jpg[/url] 08:09 Aeolius The creature is host to numerous stony and soft corals, as well as invertebrates such as snails, hermit crabs, and sea stars. A fair number of small reef fish will claim a liverock gargoyle as their "home" as well. 08:09 Aeolius In essence a living reef, the liverock gargoyle is neither good nor evil, instead they prefer to live in harmony with the surrounding seas. 08:10 Aeolius THAT is what I see, when I look in a reef tank filled with liverock. 08:11 Aeolius I also see the liverock as mountainous terrain. Swimming races explore each small cave and cranny, while those who prefer the ocean floor dig within the sands below. I am currently setting up a 72 gallon and 35 gallon saltwater aquarium. Both currently have live sand as a substrate. I'll add uncured liverock to the 72, tomorrow. As things progress, I may let the players in my undersea game help pick out critters for the tanks. I may keep an online photo gallery as the tanks progress. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
*TTRPGs General
The 3.X Aquatic Database
Top