New tank - some Qs

[carriej]

Hi Folks.

Recently set up a new tank. Ignore the HOBs, they were just there to help settle the milkshake the sand created.



It's been cycling for two weeks, and I have some questions. I did add live rock after this picture was taken, and I am finding lots of interesting things in my tank, featherdusters, etc.

I am thinking of getting a big drum to store water in as 5 gallon jugs are not very practical. What is the best way of getting water out of said drum? I don't really want to spend a whole lot on another pump as the $3k I spent getting this tank set up has kinda depleted my fishy funds for now. How do you all store your water?


How often do you all replace your DI on your RO/DI machines? Mine has already began to change color.

When should I be expecting the algae to hit? As of this morning, my levels are ammonia - 0, nitrite - 0, nitrates >5 .. Hard to tell really the exact number. Refractometer reading 1.025

Salinity. So far it's been good. However I am looking for problems - per usual. If it goes up (or down) do I slowly bring it back up? IE: top up with salt instead of fresh?

Clean up crew? I have found two red legged hermits and a trochus snail in there. However I am assuming I will have to add some more things. What are good things to add? My LFS recommended some type of crab but they seem huge to me and not at all what I want.

Help appreciated!

[ryeguyy84]

Originally Posted by carriej

Hi Folks.

Recently set up a new tank. Ignore the HOBs, they were just there to help settle the milkshake the sand created.



It's been cycling for two weeks, and I have some questions. I did add live rock after this picture was taken, and I am finding lots of interesting things in my tank, featherdusters, etc.

I am thinking of getting a big drum to store water in as 5 gallon jugs are not very practical. What is the best way of getting water out of said drum? I don't really want to spend a whole lot on another pump as the $3k I spent getting this tank set up has kinda depleted my fishy funds for now. How do you all store your water?

I store mine in a steriite 15G storage bin, then I use a 5G pail to transport the water to the tank. I only do 5G water changes so that works for me.


How often do you all replace your DI on your RO/DI machines? Mine has already began to change color.

mine lasts 6-8 months, but it's going to depend on your input water. it should start to change from the bottom up but you change it when the TDS meter says anything but 0.

When should I be expecting the algae to hit? As of this morning, my levels are ammonia - 0, nitrite - 0, nitrates >5 .. Hard to tell really the exact number. Refractometer reading 1.025


Salinity. So far it's been good. However I am looking for problems - per usual. If it goes up (or down) do I slowly bring it back up? IE: top up with salt instead of fresh?

your salinity would only go up if you didn't top off with fresh water. just remember water evaporates, salt doesn't.


Clean up crew? I have found two red legged hermits and a trochus snail in there. However I am assuming I will have to add some more things. What are good things to add? My LFS recommended some type of crab but they seem huge to me and not at all what I want.

Check out reef cleaners dot com. it's a lot cheaper that your LFS.

Help appreciated!

Welcome and good luck, also I like your rock work. Big fan of the island look

[carriej]

Thank you for your input.

I too like the island look. I did change a few rocks around to accommodate the pieces of live rock I added, but I think it looks better now and still with the same basic shape.

Unfortunately, I am in Canada and it does not look like that company ships ...

I am also in the middle of nowhere in general.. lol, I am used to paying elevated prices unfortunately for most aquarium related things.

[Mcluett]

Hey Carrie, nice to see a fellow ARRG member here.

Tank looks great, I am a big fan of separate islands in a tank

[ryeguyy84]

Originally Posted by carriej

Thank you for your input.

I too like the island look. I did change a few rocks around to accommodate the pieces of live rock I added, but I think it looks better now and still with the same basic shape.

Unfortunately, I am in Canada and it does not look like that company ships ...

I am also in the middle of nowhere in general.. lol, I am used to paying elevated prices unfortunately for most aquarium related things.

but you're a lot closer to a Tim Horton's. . . mmmm

[Mcluett]

HAha, I cant drive for more then 10 minutes without going past a Tim Hortons.

[sponger0]

Nice looking tank. Did your tank milkshake bring all the boys to the yard? lmao

[carriej]

LOL, I actually live right beside a Tim Hortons so that was a little creepy - haha

We won't speak of that milkshake. I never thought it was going to clear.. Thought for sure I was going to have to drain the tank ha ha

[chrisfont23]

Originally Posted by carriej

Hi Folks.
I am thinking of getting a big drum to store water in as 5 gallon jugs are not very practical. What is the best way of getting water out of said drum? I don't really want to spend a whole lot on another pump as the $3k I spent getting this tank set up has kinda depleted my fishy funds for now. How do you all store your water?

I use a 32 gallon Brute Garbage can.
Hasn't failed me yet. A small pump or 1 gallon jug cut at the top helps me scoop the water out.

How often do you all replace your DI on your RO/DI machines? Mine has already began to change color.

Google "inline TDS Meter" - you will have to determine when they change color if you don't have one.

When should I be expecting the algae to hit? As of this morning, my levels are ammonia - 0, nitrite - 0, nitrates >5 .. Hard to tell really the exact number. Refractometer reading 1.025

I would say a week or so after NO3 readings show up

Salinity. So far it's been good. However I am looking for problems - per usual. If it goes up (or down) do I slowly bring it back up? IE: top up with salt instead of fresh?

Yes. Conversely, top off with RODI. An ATO is one of the most essential pieces in my tank.

Clean up crew? I have found two red legged hermits and a trochus snail in there. However I am assuming I will have to add some more things. What are good things to add? My LFS recommended some type of crab but they seem huge to me and not at all what I want.

I hate crabs and only feel they are good for murdering snails. That's just me. I am a big fan of nassarius snails and margarita snails. Nassarius burrow and keep the sand bed clean and the margaritas are good scavengers. Avoid any snail that cannot right itself, especially if you have crabs in the tank. Also - while not recommended for a non mature tank (< 1 yr) I would recommend a tiger tail sea cucumber. They are incredible scavengers. I have had my tank up for 2 yrs though, so caution when adding and caution w. your rock work.

[carriej]

Thank you for your input! I just called about the barrels and the local supply shop wants $40! I think I will go pick up a garbage can. They have 98L ones on sale at Canadian Tire for 18.99... Might as well get two of those. They seem sturdy and are rubbermaid, doesn't really matter if one explodes as they will be sitting right by the drain in the basement where my RO/DI is.

Curious, why caution with the rockwork with the cucumber? I don't know if I would get one (ready some horror stories) but just curious.

[aoeBombcat]

Very nice looking tank!!!

You dont have to worry until the DI change color all the way to the top. Startmto order new DI if you have 25% left. The filters you can replace once every 6 months.

How often do you all replace your DI on your RO/DI machines? Mine has already began to change color.

I have snails and blue leg hermit crabs.

[chrisfont23]

Originally Posted by carriej

Thank you for your input! I just called about the barrels and the local supply shop wants $40! I think I will go pick up a garbage can. They have 98L ones on sale at Canadian Tire for 18.99... Might as well get two of those. They seem sturdy and are rubbermaid, doesn't really matter if one explodes as they will be sitting right by the drain in the basement where my RO/DI is.

Curious, why caution with the rockwork with the cucumber? I don't know if I would get one (ready some horror stories) but just curious.

The tend to burrow in the rock and can disturb it as they do so. I mean an earthquake can do this too - or a running child - so its obviously just a caution

[carriej]

Luckily the tank is on a concrete slab in the basement (hubby wouldn't let me have it otherwise.. lol.. He said anything more than 60 gallons goes downstairs) so things can romp and shake and jump around and nothing rattles. Mind you... An earthquake might do it.

The rock went down before sand and it's pretty sturdy.. i hope.. lol

[Portsie]

Nice to see a fellow ECAS member here Carrie, looking good!

[Denzil]

Great looking tank setup! My girlfriend and I use a 32 gallon Brute trash can and it works great for mixing water. We'll probably get another one for storing our RO/DI water.