First Saltwater Tank! Need Help

rachel & chris · 11/25/2008, 09:49 PM

My husband and I aquired a 55 gallon saltwater tank, it had a little live rock, live sand, and a few damsels. We now have a clown, anomone, sand sifting star, hermits.

System: We have a seacone protein skimmer rated up to 100g, we bought it brand new, my husband hooked it up and ever since, even with adjusting it, it puts bubbles in the water any suggestions would be great.

We want to start a reef tank, I know there are a few more things to get, like a water purification system, nothing big, just something that hangs on wall and attaches to a faucet, because we live in a apartment. Any suggestions on or about others would also be great.

What are some fish to watch out for, for instance we bought a cleaner shrimp 30.00 but we also had emerald crabs and when the lights went out, the crab attached the shrimp and killed it. My mistake I didn't know.

Thank You In Advance
Chris & Rachel
Gulfport, MS

sir_dudeguy · 11/25/2008, 10:02 PM

welcome to Rc

Best place to start, go through all the "sticky" threads at the top of the new to the hobby forum just to get some basic stuff down.

As for the skimmer...seaclones are crap. All skimmers take a few days of just shooting out bubbles before they really brake in, but dont be surprised if that skimmer never really does anything...maybe on a 20g tank, but not on a 55.

EllieSuz · 11/25/2008, 10:12 PM

To Reef Central

I agree, the "sticky" threads Sir Dudeguy mentions are marked by an asterisk and we call them sticky because they always stay at the top of this forum. Once you have studied those, you will be able to ask more specific questions and get better advice. You have already made a couple of Newbie mistakes, but take heart, most of us did. For instance, anemones are not recommended for new tanks and yours should mature for at least six months before you attempt to keep one. Also, sand sifting stars are ill suited for small aquariums. You will save a lot of money and heartache if you research your purchases before you buy. I'm sure you'll catch on quickly and enjoy the hobby as much as the rest of us.

noboddi · 11/25/2008, 10:30 PM

I would suggest a remora skimmer for your tank. I hate to say get a different one but seaclones are junk. Remoras are easy to get working right

I live in an apartment also and use a Kent RO unit for my water. You can get a special metal faucet head for 10-15 bucks and just tap off that. Mine is on my kitchen sink. No plumbing required.

I don't have much room, so I mix my water changes in a 5 gallon bucket. Throw in heater and a pump and it doesn't take much room. I do a water change twice a week. Use a powerhead with a hose to get the water from the bucket to the tank.

Also, get a refractometer to test salinity. The plastic float ones are really inaccurate. Refractometers cost a little, but you will have it forever and it is so easy to use. And will save you in livestock as well.

I don't know what your budget is, so don't know what to recommend. Or more importantly, what you plan to put in the tank. Don't feel too bad about the shrimp - we all have made that particular mistake at some point.

Sand sifting star may cause problems. Nassarius snails are a better bet - maybe your LFS will swap. Research all livestock choices before purchasing. LHS people are not always right, though they talk a good game.

Welcome to the hobby.

Johnny C · 11/25/2008, 11:34 PM

You have already been given a good amount of advice... but of course I will add to it. Personally, I have had the same seaclone running on my 36G tank for about six months now, and I'm SO frusterated with it that I'm going to finally spend the money and buy a decent skimmer (Bakpak 2R+). You can find one used for around $80 on your local forum club. My seaclone's collection cup filled MAYBE 10x in the six months I had it and only caused microbubbles. Not to mention, I modified my seaclone to run a little better.

As for the fish, check out "liveaquaria.com" and check out the compatibility with the fish. If you haven't already, GET RID OF THE DAMSELS! They will eventually terrorize your other fish and only cause problems. Good luck catching them!

Lastly, no matter what you do in this hobby, always research future purchases. There is a WEALTH of information on the web and of course on RC, take advantage of it. Now, your going to get mixed opinions on some issues/topics, and with those it's best to go with your gut or seek further help.

I hope I helped you... good luck!

mavjoy · 11/26/2008, 12:21 AM

Take your time and take it slow...(sometimes it's hard not to buy something tho..LOL)

Playa-1 · 11/26/2008, 02:22 AM

Pick up a copy of "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner and read it. It's the best advice I can give you

This information will save you a ton of money and frustration and likely be the best $20 your will spend in this hobby.

Check out this link

To Reef Central

11/25/2008, 09:49 PM	#1
rachel & chris Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: gulfport, ms Posts: 2	First Saltwater Tank! Need Help My husband and I aquired a 55 gallon saltwater tank, it had a little live rock, live sand, and a few damsels. We now have a clown, anomone, sand sifting star, hermits. System: We have a seacone protein skimmer rated up to 100g, we bought it brand new, my husband hooked it up and ever since, even with adjusting it, it puts bubbles in the water any suggestions would be great. We want to start a reef tank, I know there are a few more things to get, like a water purification system, nothing big, just something that hangs on wall and attaches to a faucet, because we live in a apartment. Any suggestions on or about others would also be great. What are some fish to watch out for, for instance we bought a cleaner shrimp 30.00 but we also had emerald crabs and when the lights went out, the crab attached the shrimp and killed it. My mistake I didn't know. Thank You In Advance Chris & Rachel Gulfport, MS

11/25/2008, 10:02 PM	#2
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	welcome to Rc Best place to start, go through all the "sticky" threads at the top of the new to the hobby forum just to get some basic stuff down. As for the skimmer...seaclones are crap. All skimmers take a few days of just shooting out bubbles before they really brake in, but dont be surprised if that skimmer never really does anything...maybe on a 20g tank, but not on a 55. __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!

11/25/2008, 10:12 PM	#3
EllieSuz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 3,858	*To Reef Central* I agree, the "sticky" threads Sir Dudeguy mentions are marked by an asterisk and we call them sticky because they always stay at the top of this forum. Once you have studied those, you will be able to ask more specific questions and get better advice. You have already made a couple of Newbie mistakes, but take heart, most of us did. For instance, anemones are not recommended for new tanks and yours should mature for at least six months before you attempt to keep one. Also, sand sifting stars are ill suited for small aquariums. You will save a lot of money and heartache if you research your purchases before you buy. I'm sure you'll catch on quickly and enjoy the hobby as much as the rest of us. __________________ "You can't learn this hobby one question at a time." (Mr. Tuskfish) Eileen Current Tank Info: I'm out of the hobby, but used to have a60 gal. reef, refugium in sump, Internal Mag 9 return, SC 302 skimmer, two Maxi-Jet 1200's modded, four bulb T5 Lighting, Reefkeeper Lite Controller with three PC4's, Little Fishes GFO reactor.

11/25/2008, 10:30 PM	#4
noboddi Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 813	I would suggest a remora skimmer for your tank. I hate to say get a different one but seaclones are junk. Remoras are easy to get working right I live in an apartment also and use a Kent RO unit for my water. You can get a special metal faucet head for 10-15 bucks and just tap off that. Mine is on my kitchen sink. No plumbing required. I don't have much room, so I mix my water changes in a 5 gallon bucket. Throw in heater and a pump and it doesn't take much room. I do a water change twice a week. Use a powerhead with a hose to get the water from the bucket to the tank. Also, get a refractometer to test salinity. The plastic float ones are really inaccurate. Refractometers cost a little, but you will have it forever and it is so easy to use. And will save you in livestock as well. I don't know what your budget is, so don't know what to recommend. Or more importantly, what you plan to put in the tank. Don't feel too bad about the shrimp - we all have made that particular mistake at some point. Sand sifting star may cause problems. Nassarius snails are a better bet - maybe your LFS will swap. Research all livestock choices before purchasing. LHS people are not always right, though they talk a good game. Welcome to the hobby. __________________ Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem - William of Ockham Current Tank Info: 55 gallon (36x18x20), 40 gallon sump, 25 gallon refugium, TEK 6x39w fixture, Osmolator, Kalk Reactor, Vortech MP20, 2 Koralia 3s on controller, Acropora, Anthelia, Montipora, Starry Blenny, Yellow Watchman, Rainford Goby, Tiger Gobies

11/25/2008, 11:34 PM	#5
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	You have already been given a good amount of advice... but of course I will add to it. Personally, I have had the same seaclone running on my 36G tank for about six months now, and I'm SO frusterated with it that I'm going to finally spend the money and buy a decent skimmer (Bakpak 2R+). You can find one used for around $80 on your local forum club. My seaclone's collection cup filled MAYBE 10x in the six months I had it and only caused microbubbles. Not to mention, I modified my seaclone to run a little better. As for the fish, check out "liveaquaria.com" and check out the compatibility with the fish. If you haven't already, GET RID OF THE DAMSELS! They will eventually terrorize your other fish and only cause problems. Good luck catching them! Lastly, no matter what you do in this hobby, always research future purchases. There is a WEALTH of information on the web and of course on RC, take advantage of it. Now, your going to get mixed opinions on some issues/topics, and with those it's best to go with your gut or seek further help. I hope I helped you... good luck! __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

11/26/2008, 12:21 AM	#6
mavjoy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Northern Cali Posts: 568	Take your time and take it slow...(sometimes it's hard not to buy something tho..LOL) __________________ Mav's Elos 70 Current Tank Info: Elos 70, Maxpect Razor 160w 16k, AquaMaxx EM 200, Mp 40 & 10, Tunze Osmo, DA Reefkeeper w/ SL1, Drew's Dosing Pumps.

11/26/2008, 02:22 AM	#7
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Pick up a copy of "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner and read it. It's the best advice I can give you This information will save you a ton of money and frustration and likely be the best $20 your will spend in this hobby. Check out this link To Reef Central