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squibege
10-05-2015, 09:31 PM
Figured I would start this in the Tank Journal section so I can look back and see the progress from the very beginning. First a bit about me…

I have a LOT of interest but pretty much zero experience with anything aquarium related. Hubby sent me to Petsmart for cat food and I came back with a Betta three years ago :biggrin: With him and some goldfish I got for my fourth birthday… you now know my total experience with fish! So setting up a reef tank will be a quantum leap for me to say the least. That being said, I am a detail oriented Lab Tech with a love for biology and chemistry, plus a girl who loves pretty colourful things; so Im sure I can learn my way through this :cool: Hubby and I are people who like to do things right the first time- if it means lots of research and waiting for the $$ to get the proper set up going so be it. I want my tank to be a happy and healthy ecosystem that we can see flourish and enjoy for years to come!

The current household debate is whether we wait until we move to a new place to set up a tank, or to set up a tank in this house, knowing we will be moving it in two(ish) years. Since we are starting as complete newbies I would like to set up a (relatively) small tank so if we accidently do something stupid and nuke our tank, at least it’s a minimal investment down the drain. Then in the new house set up a big tank and go all out with the dream tank basically built and plumbed in from scratch. “Old” tank would then be used as a QT tank/ frag tank/ whatever we can upcycle it to. Hubby doesn’t think he will get much enjoyment out of a smaller tank since it can’t hold “real sized” fish (like tangs, not just clownfish) especially since corals aren’t really his thing. It would be too much of a pain to move, and why put $$ into something that isn’t final. I think I’m right but some justification from strangers on the internet would be great lol.


My ideal plan is to start to gather equipment from kijiji, Black Friday, Boxing Day sales… and then get the tank starting to cycle by mid-February when winter is reaaaaaly starting to suck. Then slowly add in livestock as finances+ bioload allow. The locations I have in mind can have a tank that’s max 3ft long. Eventually I would like to stock: CUC, pom-pom crab, Zoas, mushrooms, toadstool, torch/ hammer coral, pair of Ocellaris Clownfish, and maybe another few fish depending on the size of the tank.


Specific questions:
First tank= fear of failure= not wanting to waste a bunch of $$. Buy equipment new? Or be choosy about second hand stuff?

Keeping with the 3ft length, how many gallons should I aim for? I like the idea of a ‘nano’ tank around 30g… is that too small for a newbie to try for?

Thinking of running this quite simple- Could I be totally fine with just a HOB skimmer, heater, and a powerhead? Or is it going to be much easier in the long run with a sump setup? There is so much conflicting info I’ve been reading about what a tank “needs” [insert OCD breakdown here] Algae scrubbers, canister filters, carbon is great, carbon is bad, skimmers aren’t necessary, get a skimmer rated for twice your tank size! WTF internet? I know it depends on personal preference and your setup, but I’m starting from ground zero here so any advice on equipment/ filtration is welcome!:microwav:

Reef-ready system or piece together my own?


^^All my research is making me second guess everything. I’ll stop rambling now and just see what comments come in. TIA!!

IanWR
10-05-2015, 10:21 PM
I think it all depends on your available time and money. If you are short on either, a smaller tank may be in order. If I had to pick a tank for someone to start with (not considering future use as QT), I'd pick the IM Nuvo 10. You can get a tank + light for about $350. Add a heater and you are gtg. It's so small if you do regular water changes there's no need for a skimmer. Without a skimmer, reactor, or powerheads, it's as quiet as can be. Easily moved, easily cleaned, and easy to find your small things like Pom Pom crabs. You also get to see if dealing with making and storing rodi water and saltwater is a bother of not. If it turns out it's not for you, you aren't out much. If you do want more, you will have had the time to get used to things and be more familiar with the hobby to make a good choice for your next tank.

Just my 2 cents.

shiftline
10-05-2015, 11:06 PM
I started with a 12g. Then a 30g. Now planking a 90-120 future tank. It can be addicting.

Smaller all in ones are a great way to get your feet wet :)

F.H
10-05-2015, 11:19 PM
I'm of the same belief, that no amount of research is enough =), and I've learned one thing in this hobby so far: There will be exceptions for literally everything. Try to figure out the "average" of the answers to your questions. You can literally ask any ridiculous question, and someone, somewhere will say otherwise and make you second guess everything you've researched. I would say to err on the side of caution, and although there may be exceptions to the case, if *most* people say that, for example, an angelfish is not reef safe, then it's safe to assume that it's not reef safe, regardless of the exceptions. It is then up to you to decide whether you want to risk it, and if you do, which do you like more, the fish or the corals that may potentially become dinner.

What I've gathered about pom pom crabs is that they can possibly harm corals, because their "pom poms" are actually tiny anemones, which can sting corals. A similar, and even more interesting crab, in my opinion, is the porcelain crab. Comparable to the pom pom crab, except there isn't the risk of them burning a coral because they don't carry any "pom poms", instead, they have fans as hands, and wave them around in the water to filter it. I love watching them do that. Just a suggestion.

The one thing to remember is that the smaller the tank, the easier it is for parameters to fluctuate. The evaporation in a 10 gallon tank will raise the salinity much quicker, because there is less water to work with, etc. I would opt for the biggest tank that is feasible. Your idea of getting a smaller tank now, learning as much as you can before the move is a smart one, in my opinion. That way, when you have figured out the basics, and learned the ins and outs of reefkeeping, you will be in a much better and informed position to plan the set up of your dream tank after you move. This was the one mistake I made, and built an aquarium before I knew anything about reefkeeping. Now, I wish I had been more informed before I installed my aquarium at home, and my setup would definitely have been a lot more practical, and efficient.

You'll learn, as you research and ask questions, that one of the best aspects of this hobby is the people. Ignoring all the transparent drama, most people that you encounter in this hobby will love to answer any questions and help you where they can. So ask lots of questions. Lots (atleast I do, and those who have met me know that I can be annoying at times with all my questions :P).

Ignore most of the advice that you receive from a local fish store, keeping in mind that they are a business first. Of course, once again, there are exceptions to this, and some LFS actually do give proper advice, but that is more dependent on the individuals themselves. Always, do some quick research first before making a purchase, and try to shy away from impulse buying for your sake, and for the sake of the organisms in question.

I work with a student's budget, so I try to be as frugal as possible, where necessary. I would say all of my equipment is used, but I'm very careful when I buy used things. I test everything I buy, and ask lots of questions. If things seem too good to be true, or seem a little sketchy then don't hesitate to pass on the item.

With that said, my aquarium does not have a sump, so I can't give you any insight on the pros of having one. Of course, the absolute BASICS of a reef tank literally require a box with water, live rock, heater and power heads. I would say that a protein skimmer should also be in that list, but you CAN have an aquarium without it, I was just listing the absolute basics of what you need. From what I've gathered, it's that a sump basically makes life a lot more practical and convenient for having a reef. Although my aquarium doesn't have one, in hindsight I wish I did. With not having a sump, my main form of filtration is my live rock, and therefore I tried to cram in as much live rock as I could fit, while still having it look decent.

Another suggestion that I would make is to plan out your water change strategy, and make them as easy as possible. If water changes are too annoying or a pain in the ass, then you'll be less inclined to do them, which will be the biggest reason why your tank might suffer. Water changes are one of the most important aspects of reefkeeping. Make them easy to do.

Don't use a canister filter. They can become nitrate factories. They're a freshwater thing. Usually people suggest to divide the "suggested gallon rating" by half. If you have a 40 gallon tank, then buying a skimmer rated for around 80 gallons would be ideal.

Good luck, keep reading, and ask questions. Remember, literally nothing good happens quickly in reefkeeping. You need patience, with everything. Lots, and lots of patience.

squibege
10-06-2015, 12:04 AM
I think it all depends on your available time and money. If you are short on either, a smaller tank may be in order. If I had to pick a tank for someone to start with (not considering future use as QT), I'd pick the IM Nuvo 10. You can get a tank + light for about $350. Add a heater and you are gtg. It's so small if you do regular water changes there's no need for a skimmer. Without a skimmer, reactor, or powerheads, it's as quiet as can be. Easily moved, easily cleaned, and easy to find your small things like Pom Pom crabs. You also get to see if dealing with making and storing rodi water and saltwater is a bother of not. If it turns out it's not for you, you aren't out much. If you do want more, you will have had the time to get used to things and be more familiar with the hobby to make a good choice for your next tank.

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks! That’s one of my main concerns- what if this isn’t really for me/ doesn’t fit into the lifestyle I want to have. We have a cat because dogs tie you down too much, I don’t want to be scared to go on vacation because of a tank. That being said my dad is a fish guy (who decided all the maintenance he had to do with childhood chores in the 60s/70s was bad enough not to ever get a tank as a grown up) so he would probably be okay with taking care of things short term for a couple weeks.

squibege
10-06-2015, 12:05 AM
I started with a 12g. Then a 30g. Now planking a 90-120 future tank. It can be addicting.

Smaller all in ones are a great way to get your feet wet :)

I can almost guarantee I will get addicted. After reading all these tank journals Im dreaming of a giant tank with a fancy ‘bar’ area around it so people can sit and stare at it for hours… and a fancy fish room with custom plumbing… water changes that require turning a few simple valves… a well laid out spacious sump… a gloriously aquascaped DT… one day haha. One step at a time for now :lol:

squibege
10-06-2015, 12:11 AM
I'm of the same belief, that no amount of research is enough =), and I've learned one thing in this hobby so far: There will be exceptions for literally everything. Try to figure out the "average" of the answers to your questions. You can literally ask any ridiculous question, and someone, somewhere will say otherwise and make you second guess everything you've researched. I would say to err on the side of caution, and although there may be exceptions to the case, if *most* people say that, for example, an angelfish is not reef safe, then it's safe to assume that it's not reef safe, regardless of the exceptions. It is then up to you to decide whether you want to risk it, and if you do, which do you like more, the fish or the corals that may potentially become dinner.

What I've gathered about pom pom crabs is that they can possibly harm corals, because their "pom poms" are actually tiny anemones, which can sting corals. A similar, and even more interesting crab, in my opinion, is the porcelain crab. Comparable to the pom pom crab, except there isn't the risk of them burning a coral because they don't carry any "pom poms", instead, they have fans as hands, and wave them around in the water to filter it. I love watching them do that. Just a suggestion.

The one thing to remember is that the smaller the tank, the easier it is for parameters to fluctuate. The evaporation in a 10 gallon tank will raise the salinity much quicker, because there is less water to work with, etc. I would opt for the biggest tank that is feasible. Your idea of getting a smaller tank now, learning as much as you can before the move is a smart one, in my opinion. That way, when you have figured out the basics, and learned the ins and outs of reefkeeping, you will be in a much better and informed position to plan the set up of your dream tank after you move. This was the one mistake I made, and built an aquarium before I knew anything about reefkeeping. Now, I wish I had been more informed before I installed my aquarium at home, and my setup would definitely have been a lot more practical, and efficient.

You'll learn, as you research and ask questions, that one of the best aspects of this hobby is the people. Ignoring all the transparent drama, most people that you encounter in this hobby will love to answer any questions and help you where they can. So ask lots of questions. Lots (atleast I do, and those who have met me know that I can be annoying at times with all my questions :P).

Ignore most of the advice that you receive from a local fish store, keeping in mind that they are a business first. Of course, once again, there are exceptions to this, and some LFS actually do give proper advice, but that is more dependent on the individuals themselves. Always, do some quick research first before making a purchase, and try to shy away from impulse buying for your sake, and for the sake of the organisms in question.

I work with a student's budget, so I try to be as frugal as possible, where necessary. I would say all of my equipment is used, but I'm very careful when I buy used things. I test everything I buy, and ask lots of questions. If things seem too good to be true, or seem a little sketchy then don't hesitate to pass on the item.

With that said, my aquarium does not have a sump, so I can't give you any insight on the pros of having one. Of course, the absolute BASICS of a reef tank literally require a box with water, live rock, heater and power heads. I would say that a protein skimmer should also be in that list, but you CAN have an aquarium without it, I was just listing the absolute basics of what you need. From what I've gathered, it's that a sump basically makes life a lot more practical and convenient for having a reef. Although my aquarium doesn't have one, in hindsight I wish I did. With not having a sump, my main form of filtration is my live rock, and therefore I tried to cram in as much live rock as I could fit, while still having it look decent.

Another suggestion that I would make is to plan out your water change strategy, and make them as easy as possible. If water changes are too annoying or a pain in the ass, then you'll be less inclined to do them, which will be the biggest reason why your tank might suffer. Water changes are one of the most important aspects of reefkeeping. Make them easy to do.

Don't use a canister filter. They can become nitrate factories. They're a freshwater thing. Usually people suggest to divide the "suggested gallon rating" by half. If you have a 40 gallon tank, then buying a skimmer rated for around 80 gallons would be ideal.

Good luck, keep reading, and ask questions. Remember, literally nothing good happens quickly in reefkeeping. You need patience, with everything. Lots, and lots of patience.

I cannot seem to figure out how to quote sections of your reply :sad:

I looked up porcelain crabs- they do look pretty cool! Thanks for the suggestion :biggrin: I read about the nems stinging corals but they seem so tiny they would be unlikely to cause real damage. Maybe worth getting a porcelain crab first and seeing if I still want a pom pom that badly lol. Goes with what you said above about averaging everyone’s opinions and deciding if its ‘worth the risk’.
I hope to meet some people through all this. Ive dragged people to the LFS and they are ‘done’ in a half hour whereas I could stay all day. It would be nice to have people to talk to about this stuff who are as excited about it as I am. Hence joining this forum
Water changes are something that I need to figure out a decent system for. I currently foresee carrying pails of water up and down the stairs. Not much storage space for equipment in our living room unfortunately.

Myka
10-06-2015, 02:58 PM
I think it's a great idea to start with a small tank now so that you learn some of the ropes before you jump into a big tank. The thing with big tanks is that mistakes are bigger and more expensive. Plus, if you can look after a nano tank, a big tank will be a breeze!

I also like the Innovative Marine Nuvo tanks, but I think the 10-gallon one is too small, plus I don't like the LED lights it comes with (they aren't blue enough). There is a Nuvo 40-gallon one that I really like. I think the tank and stand are just under $1000 new, and then you can buy lights and a heater and you're golden. Say $1100-1200 all in brand new. Or find a used one maybe?

I highly recommend buying T5 lights because they are EASY. The IM 40-gallon is 24" long so T5s are an easy fit. I run an aquarium maintenance business, and I can't tell you how many times I've gone to consult for people and their biggest issue is their LED settings. For this reason, I don't like LEDs for newbies. FWIW, I run T5s over my own tank too.

I have a display tank that I run for advertising purposes at a local dive shop here. It's a Nuvo 40 with a 2-bulb T5 fixture on it with two ATI Blue Plus bulbs. The tank is so easy, and colorful! All the corals do great with the lights. I'll be seeing it tomorrow and if I remember I'll take a pic and upload it so you can check it out.

squibege
10-07-2015, 03:28 PM
I think it's a great idea to start with a small tank now so that you learn some of the ropes before you jump into a big tank. The thing with big tanks is that mistakes are bigger and more expensive. Plus, if you can look after a nano tank, a big tank will be a breeze!

I also like the Innovative Marine Nuvo tanks, but I think the 10-gallon one is too small, plus I don't like the LED lights it comes with (they aren't blue enough). There is a Nuvo 40-gallon one that I really like. I think the tank and stand are just under $1000 new, and then you can buy lights and a heater and you're golden. Say $1100-1200 all in brand new. Or find a used one maybe?

I highly recommend buying T5 lights because they are EASY. The IM 40-gallon is 24" long so T5s are an easy fit. I run an aquarium maintenance business, and I can't tell you how many times I've gone to consult for people and their biggest issue is their LED settings. For this reason, I don't like LEDs for newbies. FWIW, I run T5s over my own tank too.

I have a display tank that I run for advertising purposes at a local dive shop here. It's a Nuvo 40 with a 2-bulb T5 fixture on it with two ATI Blue Plus bulbs. The tank is so easy, and colorful! All the corals do great with the lights. I'll be seeing it tomorrow and if I remember I'll take a pic and upload it so you can check it out.

Ya I like the idea of T5s much better than LED since you get the full spectrum- seems less artificial and finicky. Just don't like the idea of buying a kit to immediately replace a major aspect of it.

Looks like the biggest thing to do is to start saving up!

Myka
10-07-2015, 07:29 PM
Here's an example of what you can do with the Nuvo 40. These are just cell phone pics and the tank is still young - only 5 months old.

146031460414605

squibege
10-08-2015, 01:04 AM
Looks awesome! I like how its aquascaped to feel like it has a lot of space. That's something I'm worried about with getting a smaller tank- it being too squishy. But these pics and knowing its 24in gives a good idea of what the possibilities are. How many fish would you want in a tank like this?

Myka
10-08-2015, 03:07 AM
Looks awesome! I like how its aquascaped to feel like it has a lot of space. That's something I'm worried about with getting a smaller tank- it being too squishy. But these pics and knowing its 24in gives a good idea of what the possibilities are. How many fish would you want in a tank like this?

The open rockwork helps with flow so detritus doesn't settle. It also has the effect of making it look bigger like you say. It does limit space for corals though.

This tank has 3 Yellowstripe Cardinals, 1 Chalk Bass, 1 Redhead Goby, 1 female Emerald crab, and a Cleaner Shrimp. It has room for a few more tiny fish or a couple small fish. I'm thinking probably a Pearly Jawfish and maybe a Yellowtail Damsel because they are eye-catching. I'll add a Blood Shrimp as soon as I find one, and either a Pom Pom or Porcelain Crab. There's room for a few more good-sized corals too - I want to add a couple photosynthetic gorgonians.

squibege
01-02-2016, 07:08 PM
Well, I've gone and done it now...

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/800684ae4ade517cff3893322b1af531.jpg

As you can see this is not exactly the "small" tank I was talking about. Santa was very nice to me so I decided to nab a pre-drilled 90g with stand, skimmer (bubble Magnus curve 5), and return pump (fluval). Bought a 30g long to use as a sump, grabbed some man made rock for $2/lb. Have salt, test kits, refractometer, heaters, power head.... I think I'm ready to get going on the plumbing!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/be9f9d1a9b5cf6f11ae6d55faaea7b72.jpg

This is my plan for a sump. First section is for the drain (Herbie), not planning on running filter socks full time but may throw a sponge or something at the bottom to collect detritus. Skimmer, etc section next followed by a fuge. Bubble trap baffles into the return pump section.

Main question-
How big should the return pump section be? Planning on one sqft for skimmer, one sqft for fuge, and the other sqft between the drain and return.

Myka
01-02-2016, 08:48 PM
Wow look at you go! :D

If you aren't going to buy an auto top off, you will need a bigger return chamber or you will have to top it up everyday. The bigger the return chamber the longer it can go. If you get an auto top off (it's on of those things that once you do it, you never go back lol) then you can make the return chamber smaller. I use an auto top off and I like to incorporate a top off chamber into sump which holds the RO water for the auto top off to use.

I don't like to use a fuge, so I use that saved space for the above mentioned RO tank.

SeaHorse_Fanatic
01-02-2016, 10:28 PM
When you plumb your tank, dry-plumb everything first to make sure it all fits. Better to get it right before messing with the PVC glue. Then use a marker to draw a line between pieces so you can line everything up the same way when you are ready to add the PVC glue and bond it permanently. That way you don't have to guess if its going to all fit or be in the right place. Always buy extra joints and PVC pieces than you think you need cause it really sucks to have to stop in the middle of plumbing your tank cause you're missing that one "elbow". All the plumbing places like RONA around here allow you to return extra pieces with a receipt.

squibege
01-13-2016, 01:20 AM
Posted in the DIY section....

Not sure how to go about plumping my return line-

Single outlet return with single powerhead supplying all the flow to the tank?

Single outlet return with two powerheads supplying flow? put on wavemaker type devie?

Dual outlet return with single powerhead? Put some kind of gadget on the return to randomize the flow?

Other option? I want to get this thing plumbed and up and running but Im stuck on this! Wanting mostly LPS and a few nems. Too many choices...:drinking:

squibege
01-15-2016, 10:49 PM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160115/6a1e1d26b4675a2ed112eaf5acc9832c.jpg
It's getting real

squibege
01-19-2016, 02:34 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160119/8993f07e67050063fa8eed062bcdbb5b.jpg

Thanks hubby!

Myka
01-19-2016, 01:26 PM
Not sure how to go about plumping my return line-

Wanting mostly LPS and a few nems.

For a tank this size, I'd just keep it simple so you have more room under the tank. I'd do one return line with one outlet. Use powerheads in the tank for the waves. Your return should not have enough flow through it to contribute much to the flow. Too much flow through the sump will sweep microbubbles from the skimmer into your display which will make the water look hazy and may even irritate the corals. 5x the system volume is a good number for the return pump.

squibege
01-19-2016, 05:34 PM
Thanks for the info!!

squibege
01-19-2016, 09:33 PM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160119/5bc0ae044398ed74625c5fc19a27835f.jpg

Round 1 of aquascaping! REALLY like how the left structure looks, hence why it's labeled. The right is still up for debate. Thinking of busting up one of the pieces on the right to make some rubble and seeing how that goes? Highest part is the far left around12-13inches. Water height is probably about going to be around 20.

Opinions, constructive criticism welcome!

squibege
01-19-2016, 09:35 PM
Eggcrate will not be covering the entire bottom. Current plan is to prop small pieces of it as a base under the rocks on pvc columns so I can zip-tie the bottom rocks down securely, and the nooks and crannies at the bottom aren't completely hidden by the sand bed

Myka
01-19-2016, 10:16 PM
I think the structure on the right would be good if you just take off the top rock. :) Fwiw, I wouldn't use eggcrate at all. Fish/flow will expose it, and you'll be hating it.

squibege
01-21-2016, 02:38 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160121/9aab8191da3e1ae3996fbcf343927df0.jpg

Pray for no phosphates! It's man made rock so I have no idea what it will do

squibege
02-01-2016, 05:00 PM
Would like opinions on my stocking list for my 90G (48lx18dx24t). It's my first reef tank. Wanting a mixed reef with mostly LPS and lots of fish which I know will be a large bioload. Currently have a Bubble Magnus 5 skimmer which I plan to upgrade as my bioload increases.

I put stars by the fish I'm least willing to give up on having (the anthias have stars because I know I want some, just not 100% sure which/how many). I've separated into chunks of additions I think will work best. PLEASE correct me if anything seems 'iffy'!

CUC will go first (obv)

*Yellow watchman goby
*Yellow clown goby
Purple Firefish

First corals, softies and lps.

*Clownfish (typical ocellaris)
*Banggai Cardinal (more than one?)

Bicolour Benny
*Chromis (want more than one but apparently that's not the best idea)

Yellowtail damsel
*Coral beauty dwarf angel

*Yellow tang

*Bartlett anthias x2
*Sunburst anthias

TIA!!

squibege
02-01-2016, 11:48 PM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160202/f4ae22458291413dac4885727ba3b327.jpg
Water test went well! My silicone job in the sump isn't 100% watertight but I was expecting that. Defiantly going to buy one next time. It's not worth the hassle lol. Herbie is more or less dialed in.

Just tap water for now to test/ flush out any crud from the build stage. Letting this go overnight then it's time for RO. So far so good!

squibege
02-08-2016, 11:15 PM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160208/a641872bdcacc37d3227cfdc3c476fe3.jpg

Tank went salty on Feb 4th! Temp was set around 79 and SG was around 1.025. I dosed some tank safe ammonia to about 1.0ppm and added "StartSmart complete" for saltwater that "instantly cycles aquariums" (add fish at recommended population and tank will be cycled in 24h). Yea at 24h I still had 1.0ppm of ammonia and ZERO nitrite. I knew it wouldn't really be 24h but I was at least looking for a dent...

Went out and got some LR the next day. Fed some coral food to make sure the bacteria has something to munch on. So far I have found a few snails and one feather duster on my LR and odd bits of stuff that's alive but I sure can't start to identify. I know 'nothing good happens fast' but I REALLY want to get the cycle going so I can start intentionally adding critters!


Dry rock was more or less 'scaped but then I just plunked the LR on top for now. I know I should get more LR and I plan to do so and add it to the sump. Should I get my sand (dry and live) in sooner rather than later? It's not in yet because I wanted to at least sort of finalize the rock structure before adding substrate.

squibege
02-08-2016, 11:16 PM
Bubbler was added just to ensure the tank has enough O2 to not stall the cycle since I don't have my skimmer going yet.

squibege
02-21-2016, 02:55 AM
Decided to add sand to the tank. Not the greatest of ideas to do after its full of water... http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160221/f6bae4e4f067390e0b484afe065c774c.jpg

Still leftover dust on the power heads, scuz at the top of the tank and sump. Got some cleaning to do (ugh)

After adding sand (mix of live and dry) my ammonia and nitrite both showed zero so I decided to go ahead and grab a few scarlet hermits and some nassarius snails. Fed them later that night- WAY too much- and was worried what the water parameters would be, but when I tested about 10h later there was still no ammonia or nitrite. Nitrates are between 5-10. Will continue to feed (smaller amounts) every few days and hopefully pick up the first fish to get into QT soon!

squibege
02-21-2016, 02:58 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160221/31d84717d726f18edd1def9f29d3ef62.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160221/b3528984e500bfafcfbb17316f5315d9.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160221/730ab9e6b9fbaa676d1af6c61707bf80.jpg

^current inhabitants. Also one apastia and some other questionable nems/ polyps. Those will be going away soon