Never Started from scratch before

jpshwayze · 09/27/2015, 02:47 PM

Hey I had a healthy tank running for a couple years before i had to part most of it out. But i bought that tank to start with and i have never actually started a reef tank from scratch before let alone one this big, I have a 125 4ft that is hooked up to my old 900gph but and just running tap water through the tank for now.

i was hoping someone could give me some advise. i am constantly reading stickies but please feel free to point out any that would be essential.

thanks
JP

gone fishin · 09/27/2015, 03:14 PM

What kind of rock are you using? dry dead rock or live rock.

I would pull the tap water out make up some RO/DI and mix some salt in and fill the tank about half way to 3/4 full. Place your rock in the way you want add the sand then finish filling the tank.

Once full and circulating add your ammonia source, pure ammonia, deli shrimp or some fish food. I like to let the ammonia get to about 2-3 ppm, then let the tank cycle.

The setting up sticky at the top of the forum is a good source. Good luck just my 2 cents.

Sk8r · 09/27/2015, 03:20 PM

Go to our SETTING UP sticky and print off certain pages for reference.

I've never added magic potions: a pinch of flake food, about 1 flake per 10 gallons, daily, until you spike ammonia, then continue for a week until food cannot provoke ammonia, and that's it.

Rock first, then sand, wash the sand, and use ro/di from the start. Do not do a water change until you are finished cycling, but DO topoff with fresh water to keep salinity steady.

jpshwayze · 09/27/2015, 06:47 PM

What if i have to move the tank in about 3 months? my house is being built hence me starting to get my old tank cleaned. should i still cycle and try to setting up a system in my current location then move the tank?

gone fishin · 09/27/2015, 06:50 PM

IMO moving a tank is a PITA. I would wait until the move is complete then setup.

jpshwayze · 09/27/2015, 07:16 PM

okay thats what i figured but what can i be doing in the meantime? i am building a new stand for it now, and i am starting to get my sump together.

mitchb · 09/28/2015, 12:56 AM

What can you do in the meantime? Carefully plan your system and buy all the equipment you are going to need. I have set up six reef tanks over the past 20 years and always found the planning a big part of the fun. There is so much equipment these days and different set up options; decide on the type of corals you want to keep, do LOTS of research, plan your set up, and then empty your wallet:

chefbill · 09/28/2015, 05:50 AM

And you can start cycling your rock in a new plastic garbage can or Rubbermaid tote. And get a jump start on your cycle at least not as much hassle is moving a set up tank

Duke4life · 09/28/2015, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefbill

And you can start cycling your rock in a new plastic garbage can or Rubbermaid tote. And get a jump start on your cycle at least not as much hassle is moving a set up tank

+1 cycling the rock is what I'd be doing. Another option would be if you are going to quarintine set this up now and get it cycling. You could have your planning done, rock cycled, and a fish or 2 ready to go into DT within the 3 months you have.

Shawn O · 09/28/2015, 01:49 PM

Spend the time researching the livestock you want and their compatibility with each other. Sometimes there are little conflicts you never hear much about. Search RC for Starry Blenny. There's a particular an issue with this blenny and murders being committed in the tank. Anyway, It's a good idea to research and choose your fish wisely, then build your tank around them. Create an environment that meets the needs of all of the fish you intend to keep. Same goes for corals, design the aquascape with ways to keep the ones who don't 'play well together' apart.

oldbones · 09/28/2015, 01:54 PM

Wha??? My Starry Blenny is destined to become a murderer???

Crap, off to do some more reading!

jpshwayze · 09/29/2015, 04:22 PM

thanks so much guys that is exactly what i was looking for. I would like to avoid moving like 130+ gallons of water so i like the idea of cycling in a tank. I have 50 and 30 gallon drum barrels, i guess would that work? I will look for stickies but if there are any that you all particularly like please let know know. i have never started from scratch so i have never cycled dead rocks before

gone fishin · 09/29/2015, 05:03 PM

Basically put your rock in the drum add some saltwater, heater if needed and a powerhead for movement. Add your ammonia source and let nature work its magic. Add some topoff water when needed.

jpshwayze · 09/29/2015, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

Basically put your rock in the drum add some saltwater, heater if needed and a powerhead for movement. Add your ammonia source and let nature work its magic. Add some topoff water when needed.

would i do this now? what happens when they are "done?" do i need to time it to be done when i am ready to set the real tank up? or can they sit in the tank indefinitely?

Also, other people on here have said that it is better to wait and cycle the rocks with the real tank. what are the pros and cons? i am okay with taking my time and not taking shortcuts, so i'm like is actually "beneficial" to have the rocks already cycled beforehand or would it be better to wait.

and if i wait and cycle the rocks in the main tank, do i do it with the live sand that i will be purchasing? (i dont know what brand yet, still researching that as well)

stingeragent · 09/29/2015, 07:08 PM

Depending on the sand you plan to use, you could also throw that in a tub so it can start leaching silicates now. I would absolutely not set up a tank knowing it would have to move in 3 months. Is just not worth the hassle. By the time you cycle it , and some CUC and a fish, it will be time to tear it down. I'd get all your equipment in, and you could even run a test setup with tap water water and let it run for a few days. See what tweaks you need to make to plumbing, etc, and then empty it. Then when the move is done, you can just go and put everything in with no surprises.

gone fishin · 09/29/2015, 07:19 PM

Once the rock is cycled you can add a bit of flake food occasionally. The bacteria can last awhile. Whether you cycle the rock in your DT or the drum the end result is the same.

The downside if you cycle now or a month before you move then you will need to transport the rocks in water to keep them live. The upside is once your tank has some water in it you can move the rock over add your sand and your basically ready to go.

The downside if you wait to cycle the rock is once you set your tank up then the cycle starts and you need to wait. The upside it easier to move dry rocks.

Personally I would just wait till you have moved in. Moving is stressful enough and trying to get the house set up never goes smoothly, at least for me anyway. When I moved from Connecticut to Wisconsin, I sold my livestock packed up my rock and equipment and moved it. Three months later after all was unboxed and sorted out, I started setting up the tank again without my wife shooting me daggers.

My honest opinion, live sand is a waste of money. Dry sand will become live. Good luck

jpshwayze · 09/29/2015, 07:52 PM

thank you both, i am probably just going to wait and get everything and test first and set up in the new house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

My honest opinion, live sand is a waste of money. Dry sand will become live. Good luck

This is interesting. i have always heard you are supposed to rinse the live sand, wouldnt that rinse away anything living on it?

Dkuhlmann · 09/30/2015, 02:43 AM

Another vote for dry sand, the live sand isn't worth double the money as the dry will become live quickly enough.

chefbill · 09/30/2015, 12:35 PM

How much "life" could there be in a sealed bag of sand with no water movement, no temperature control, no light, no food source? Just go with dry, does need to be friends or else you'll be dealing with cloudy water settling out forever

chefbill · 09/30/2015, 12:36 PM

Rinsed, not friends. Stupid autocorrect

oldbones · 09/30/2015, 01:41 PM

If you can find Reef Flakes, it's a great sand, SUPER clean.

09/27/2015, 02:47 PM	#1
jpshwayze Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 27	Never Started from scratch before Hey I had a healthy tank running for a couple years before i had to part most of it out. But i bought that tank to start with and i have never actually started a reef tank from scratch before let alone one this big, I have a 125 4ft that is hooked up to my old 900gph but and just running tap water through the tank for now. i was hoping someone could give me some advise. i am constantly reading stickies but please feel free to point out any that would be essential. thanks JP

09/27/2015, 03:14 PM	#2
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	What kind of rock are you using? dry dead rock or live rock. I would pull the tap water out make up some RO/DI and mix some salt in and fill the tank about half way to 3/4 full. Place your rock in the way you want add the sand then finish filling the tank. Once full and circulating add your ammonia source, pure ammonia, deli shrimp or some fish food. I like to let the ammonia get to about 2-3 ppm, then let the tank cycle. The setting up sticky at the top of the forum is a good source. Good luck just my 2 cents. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

09/27/2015, 03:20 PM	#3
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Go to our SETTING UP sticky and print off certain pages for reference. I've never added magic potions: a pinch of flake food, about 1 flake per 10 gallons, daily, until you spike ammonia, then continue for a week until food cannot provoke ammonia, and that's it. Rock first, then sand, wash the sand, and use ro/di from the start. Do not do a water change until you are finished cycling, but DO topoff with fresh water to keep salinity steady. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

09/27/2015, 06:50 PM	#5
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	IMO moving a tank is a PITA. I would wait until the move is complete then setup. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

09/28/2015, 12:56 AM	#7
mitchb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 55	What can you do in the meantime? Carefully plan your system and buy all the equipment you are going to need. I have set up six reef tanks over the past 20 years and always found the planning a big part of the fun. There is so much equipment these days and different set up options; decide on the type of corals you want to keep, do LOTS of research, plan your set up, and then empty your wallet: __________________ I guess I am an old-timer now. Recently back in the hobby. May 1998 Aquarium Frontiers TOTM for 240g SPS. One of Steve Tyree's original Reef Farmers. Volunteer Aquarist at Birch Aquarium at Scripps

09/27/2015, 06:47 PM	#4
jpshwayze Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 27	What if i have to move the tank in about 3 months? my house is being built hence me starting to get my old tank cleaned. should i still cycle and try to setting up a system in my current location then move the tank?

09/27/2015, 07:16 PM	#6
jpshwayze Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 27	okay thats what i figured but what can i be doing in the meantime? i am building a new stand for it now, and i am starting to get my sump together.

09/28/2015, 05:50 AM	#8
chefbill Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 530	And you can start cycling your rock in a new plastic garbage can or Rubbermaid tote. And get a jump start on your cycle at least not as much hassle is moving a set up tank

09/28/2015, 01:49 PM	#10
Shawn O Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: People's Communist Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 1,474	Spend the time researching the livestock you want and their compatibility with each other. Sometimes there are little conflicts you never hear much about. Search RC for Starry Blenny. There's a particular an issue with this blenny and murders being committed in the tank. Anyway, It's a good idea to research and choose your fish wisely, then build your tank around them. Create an environment that meets the needs of all of the fish you intend to keep. Same goes for corals, design the aquascape with ways to keep the ones who don't 'play well together' apart. __________________ "55gal glass box full of water, rocks and some not-so-amused little fishes" 2x Occellaris, 1 Pajama, 1 Neon Dottyback. Current Tank Info: 55gal tank, sumpless, ReefOctopus Classic 90, Twin bulb T5.

09/28/2015, 01:54 PM	#11
oldbones Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 940	Wha??? My Starry Blenny is destined to become a murderer??? Crap, off to do some more reading!

09/29/2015, 04:22 PM	#12
jpshwayze Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 27	thanks so much guys that is exactly what i was looking for. I would like to avoid moving like 130+ gallons of water so i like the idea of cycling in a tank. I have 50 and 30 gallon drum barrels, i guess would that work? I will look for stickies but if there are any that you all particularly like please let know know. i have never started from scratch so i have never cycled dead rocks before

09/29/2015, 05:03 PM	#13
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Basically put your rock in the drum add some saltwater, heater if needed and a powerhead for movement. Add your ammonia source and let nature work its magic. Add some topoff water when needed. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

09/29/2015, 07:08 PM	#15
stingeragent Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 1,032	Depending on the sand you plan to use, you could also throw that in a tub so it can start leaching silicates now. I would absolutely not set up a tank knowing it would have to move in 3 months. Is just not worth the hassle. By the time you cycle it , and some CUC and a fish, it will be time to tear it down. I'd get all your equipment in, and you could even run a test setup with tap water water and let it run for a few days. See what tweaks you need to make to plumbing, etc, and then empty it. Then when the move is done, you can just go and put everything in with no surprises.

09/29/2015, 07:19 PM	#16
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Once the rock is cycled you can add a bit of flake food occasionally. The bacteria can last awhile. Whether you cycle the rock in your DT or the drum the end result is the same. The downside if you cycle now or a month before you move then you will need to transport the rocks in water to keep them live. The upside is once your tank has some water in it you can move the rock over add your sand and your basically ready to go. The downside if you wait to cycle the rock is once you set your tank up then the cycle starts and you need to wait. The upside it easier to move dry rocks. Personally I would just wait till you have moved in. Moving is stressful enough and trying to get the house set up never goes smoothly, at least for me anyway. When I moved from Connecticut to Wisconsin, I sold my livestock packed up my rock and equipment and moved it. Three months later after all was unboxed and sorted out, I started setting up the tank again without my wife shooting me daggers. My honest opinion, live sand is a waste of money. Dry sand will become live. Good luck __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

09/30/2015, 02:43 AM	#18
Dkuhlmann Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 8,823	Another vote for dry sand, the live sand isn't worth double the money as the dry will become live quickly enough. __________________ Previous tanks: 200 gal fowlr 9" Emperor Angel and many different butterfly fish 4" maroon clown and several other fish, 50 gal sump, 40 gal mixed reef/fish mostly softies and LPS. Current Tank Info: 40b 750 gph 45 lbs lr, 2"-3" sand, 165w full spectrum dimable LED, 20 gal sump/refugium 30 lbs lr, Bak Pak 2 skimmer, 4" sock temp 79-80, sg 1.026, NH3 0, NO2 0, NO3 <10, ph 8.2, calc 400, mag 1300

09/30/2015, 12:35 PM	#19
chefbill Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 530	How much "life" could there be in a sealed bag of sand with no water movement, no temperature control, no light, no food source? Just go with dry, does need to be friends or else you'll be dealing with cloudy water settling out forever

09/30/2015, 12:36 PM	#20
chefbill Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 530	Rinsed, not friends. Stupid autocorrect

09/30/2015, 01:41 PM	#21
oldbones Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 940	If you can find Reef Flakes, it's a great sand, SUPER clean.