New to saltwater??

crystalz · #1 06-05-2007, 03:12 AM

The more people in saltwater the better. I also started with a 30 not that long ago and still remember the big wait... I think the biggest thing is to make sure your water perameters are actually good. I had 30lbs of live rock and let it cycle for 4 weeks... needless to say when my tank finally did cycle(and it will) everything in my tank paid for it. I had to do continous water changes and I still lost my first fish.(two clowns). It really upset me to lose them. I spent so many hours with that tank. One thing I learned is that a saltwater tank becomes a long term relationship and if you can hold off longer it's better for everything. It's hard to wait but if you consider the fact that you will probabally have this tank a long time, an extra couple weeks is really nothing in the whole equation(I'm sure that most will agree). With that being said if the live rock you purchased was well cured(been in a tank for a couple years) you will probablly have very little 'die off' and you may be able to start sooner. With a smaller tank you will find it is tougher to keep water conditions pristine and there will be more fluctuation which can sometimes mean more stress on its inhabitants. It's not impossible just more work to start with a small tank. One of the hardest things I had to, and you may have to deal with is just leaving it alone and let it do its thing. That aside...If you have any questions there's always canreef, with loads of knowledge from so many people. I've learned so much from the people on this site. Good luck and I hope you get as much out of this whole saltwater thing as I have.

strezman · #2 06-05-2007, 05:25 AM

thanks for the imput. im leaning towards waiting it out.

Salmon King · #3 06-05-2007, 06:00 AM

Was your liverock cured before you bought it.If so it should be no problem.

strezman · #4 06-05-2007, 04:49 PM

ya, i bought the liverock cured, not sure how long its was cured for, but it was definately cured. i've had hermits in there for a while now, althought i know they are more hardy then a fish, they seem to be doing great. still don't know what to do here?

Salmon King · #5 06-05-2007, 06:33 PM

I have given people a canister filter off my big tank to hook up to there tank witch lets them fully stock there tank right away.Cured live rock is like running a filter .I have 2 large angels in a tote right now with a live rock .They have been in there almost 3 weeks.If your water tests good I wouldnt worry put a fish in.

wickedfrags · #6 06-05-2007, 06:42 PM

Did you use tap water when you filled your tank? Just curious if "all accessories" included an RODI unit, or if you alrady had one. Water quality is the number one thing to concern yourself with when you are just starting out, big tank or small. All your future occupants will thank you if you used RODI water.

What type of fish are you thinking about adding?

strezman · #7 06-05-2007, 07:12 PM

sorry, im really new to this, what is RODI?? i used tap water with water conditioner of course.. i've had my water tested numerous times until my levels were correct? thinking about a 6 line wrasse but might want something a bit more hardy..

christyf5 · #8 06-05-2007, 09:57 PM

I agree with Marie. Give it some time to build up a good population of copepods and other critters in the tank that could provide food for any fish you get that don't take to eating prepared foods right away. This will also give your parameters time to stabilize (even though they seem to be fine so far you could still see a spike at some point).

Patience in this hobby is utmost. If you can make it through this part you should be on your way to a successful reef@