Forums

[coral reefer]

Ok, here we go...
answer to your first question, YES>I have had all three types of shrimp coincide together for over three years now.
Second question, No, I don't have a lobster...never did or will with a reef tank! They are very aggressive and will consume shrimp etc. not for a reef tank nor is a Mantis shrimp! The slipper lobster would be your safest bet in terms of the curbed aggression!
Third question, Yes and no! Certain species of shrooms will reproduce aesexually either by laceration, fission/transverse fission, and inverse budding! Shrooms can also reproduce when the mother looses a small piece of itself through injury etc. and the TOTIPOTENT tissue will grow and take on the form of the parent shroom! If conditions are favorable, these shrooms will reproduce rather quickly-also some species are quicker and easier to reproduce.
Forth question, there is not a very cut and dry concrete answer to this question as it will be dictated by the salinity level of your tank water. If you are looking to raise or lower the salinity level of your tank, you probably won't want to add the regular recommended amount to your new water. When I add water to my tank I wil add varying amounts depending on how much I have to raise the salt to reach my ideal level of 1.025. On average though I think it states to add two cups per 5 gallons of fresh water more or less...EXPERIMENT!
Question five, I don't think they are absolutely necessary! Again if you have a large Clam and Stony coral population, it may be adviseable, but if your tank features mainly Octocorals(soft coral) then , I would say it is a waste of money. Co2 reactors are not necessary either...just add acetic acid(vinegar) to your tank to increase the co2 amount or increase aeration/photosynthesis to curb excess co2.-nor are the kits!
Question six, Yes you can use RO/DI filters for water make up to add to fresh water tanks.
Question seven, Yes and no again! An air pump is not necessary as it will increase salt creep through the microbubbles rising to the surface of your water. Also, a skimmer basically does the same thing...aerate the water among other necessary benefits! If for instance, you have a power failure, then an air stone/pump could be added(batter powered) to help to restore Dissolved oxygen at a safe and stable level to reduce the chance of suffocation by fish/bacteria etc. through the removal of necessary oxygen as an end result of respiration!!!
Lighting!...always an interesting topic with no real right or wrong answer for the most part. Type of coral, size of the tank, aestetic appearance need to be addressed to properly answer this question to best suit you and your inhabitants!!!!! I would read one of the many articles on lighting to help you grasp a better understanding on the lighting concept as this post would become rather lengthy to help you to fully understand and make the best choice.
Best of luck and hope I helped ya atleast a little!