New to the hobby. Few questions

[RichKlit]

Thanks I appreciate your response. I've been reading a lot and so much mixed info?!?? I know for sure I'm in no rush, after reading some of the horror stories online I think the one thing I've learned already is go slow.

[reefmandan]

Originally Posted by RichKlit

Thanks I appreciate your response. I've been reading a lot and so much mixed info?!?? I know for sure I'm in no rush, after reading some of the horror stories online I think the one thing I've learned already is go slow.

You can definitely mix the rock, but old rock from a SW tank will tend to leach phosphates and cause unwanted algae growth. My issue is that the appearance of the two different rock styles would bug me. For the sand, throw it in a 5gal bucket, and run a garden hose into the bottom of it, let it overflow with water until it runs clear. You want to get as much crap out of the sand as possible.

I'd give the tank a really good clean, as any organics leftover could also cause unwanted algae growth as it breaks down over time. A good water/vinegar mix can be quite effective.

I've had good success with ATM Colony, it helps to cycle a tank more quickly. Once your cycle has completed (measure ammonia/nitrate), throw a hardy fish into the tank (e.g. damsel, clownfish). Then go really slow after. Too much too soon will tend to put too much of a bioload on your tank, more than it can handle.

[Coral Hoarder]

Hey, welcome to the hobby

So you can definitely mix rock I wouldn't thought tends to look off instead I would get a few pieces of established rock to put in the back compartment .
Definitely buy new sand sand is cheep.why use someone's gross old problem sand. A few extra bucks goes along way. Definitely start by adding a few snails and hermit crabs when you start getting an algea bloom i would recomend doing a fish less cycle as its kinda hard on the fish.
The best way to clean your tank would be to go to Walmart and buy 3 gallons of vinegar will cost like 6 bucks an mix it with enough water to run the tank till its clean

[DKoKoMan]

As everyone has already stated above, these are all good options. At the end of the day mild Your Tank to your personality and personal taste. If you want that natural look of a Reef you may want to ditch the fake rock or limit it. Do your thing, ask questions and most of all have fun.

[RichKlit]

Thanks guys!!! Going super slow no rush at all. Got it set up, sand in and rock in!!! Looks so good IMO. Are there any upgrades I will need down the road? I have the standard 14 gallon biocube no upgrades?

[RichKlit]

Hello everyone, I have another question for you guys I was able to get a protein skimmer for my biocube and I installed it but it's not producing any bubbles and the water isn't even drawing up to the collection cup? Is it the air pressure or does it take time before bubbles occur?

[WarDog]

Skimmers tend not to work right away on a new tank simply because there is nothing for them to skim out yet. Patience. It always takes several days to tune a skimmer. Make a small adjustment and give it several hours to see the outcome.