In what order must I add things to my tank?

trinitower · 08/20/2007, 02:02 PM

This is my tank. A 29gal. It is my first Marine tank. I have a CPR Bak pak running. I have about 30# of rock...the rock has cycled and my water looks crystal clear. It is beautiful.

My Compacts arrived today. The lights look fantastic. They may not be enough to grow corals that demand intense light....but enough for the low and medium light corals.

I have done some homework and I am ready to move to the next baby steps.

What should I do next?
I would like to add some crabs, shrooms, and polyps. snails would be nice too. The last thing I would like to add is two, maybe three, beautiful fish to the system... in that order.... How do I do it?

The articles are very good in telling me how to keep these amazing creatures alive and thriving but not on the order in which I should add them.

In which order must I begin to add things to my tank?

Thank you for the help.
Eric.

der_wille_zur_macht · 08/20/2007, 02:07 PM

How long has the tank been running? What are your parameters?

If everything is stable, I'd start with some of the common "cleanup crew" inverts. If those survive OK, it's pretty much open season among the other items you listed (HARDY corals and fish). The only important rule for the type of setup you're aiming for is to move slowly - so if you add some livestock today, leave the tank alone for a week or two before you introduce anything else.

Another rule, once you get to fish, is to consider their aggressiveness. If you've got one moderately aggressive fish and one very peaceful one planned, add the peaceful fish first and let him get established. If you add an aggressive fish first, it'll bully other fish later on, since it'll think that the whole tank is it's own territory.

extexanwannabe · 08/20/2007, 02:14 PM

I would suggest this: first, did your tank cycle? In other words, did your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate run their courses? If not, you may have to "kick start" your cycle a little. You can drop a chunk of fresh, raw shrimp and that will get things rolling. I really don't like this method, but a lot of people subscribe to it.
After cycling is complete (3-4 weeks) then I added my critters: cerith snails, bumblebee snails, trochus snails, nassarius snails (about 20 total), and 10 total combination red and blue legged hermit crabs.
You won't need to have a crab per gallon or a snail for gallons, but a few are helpful. You may have to add some but you could start with say 8 snails and 5 crabs. (my tank is a 110, and I didn't need 110 snails and crabs).
You will have algae starting to grow and don't worry; we all have algae growth. You may have some diatom bloom as well; it will go away. Your critters will handle a lot of the algae and you will have to clean your glass as well. After a couple of weeks of critters, then you may begin adding your corals. I follow the line of thinking that fish should go in last, but that usually doesn't happen. Certain fish, (angels) may think you have just placed your pretty $40 sarcophyton in the tank just for them and begin to nip at it. Research what you plan to put in your tank; fish and corals to be sure that all get along happily and healthy. Take your time; every specimen you put in will cause an increased load on your biofilter and it will have to adjust to it.
Good luck and most of all, have fun!

trinitower · 08/20/2007, 02:18 PM

The rock was sold to me as "cured". To err in the side of caution I let it run without my skimmer for about two days, (saw an amonia spike there) and then turned on the skimmer.
Ammonia is at 0.
Nitrite 0.1
Nitrate 10
ph 8.0
Alk 2.9

I have no idea what my calcium is like. Need to get me a test kit. Will need to supplement.. Maybe a 2part. I dont have cash for a reactor at the moment.

I dont have any filtration on the HOB filter. Just a mesh with carbon and zolites. And a bag with some copper absorb because the tank was previously used as a hospital tank. Everything isn the tank is new though. The tank was given a throrough cleaning and the possible "copper" tainted substrate was discarded and none of the old equipment has been used.

So I should put some snails and crabs and begin feeding them and see how they do? Is this correct?

der_wille_zur_macht · 08/20/2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by trinitower

So I should put some snails and crabs and begin feeding them and see how they do? Is this correct?

That is what I would do.

Sounds like you are still on the tail of your cycle, so go slow for another week or two. Cleanup critters like snails and crabs don't require much food supplementation, maybe a tiny pinch of flake every few days. And watch what crabs you add - many of them will become aggressive.

Get anything on a copper test kit in your tank? Many people advise against re-using tanks that have had medication in them.

der_wille_zur_macht · 08/20/2007, 02:22 PM

PS - definitely get a calcium test kit, but don't resign yourself to supplementing until you know you need it. Unless you've got lots and lots of corals, it's usually very easy to keep on top of calcium and alkalinity - regular water changes might be enough.

trinitower · 08/20/2007, 02:34 PM

good to know that supplementation should not be the first thing. I will get the calcium test kit though. And as sugested I will also begin testing for copper.

Do you all think it would be a good idea to induce a cycle with the piece of shrimp just to be on the safe side? or should I just begin adding inverts slowly?

You are all being very helpful. Thank you.
Eric.

der_wille_zur_macht · 08/20/2007, 02:40 PM

The fact that you've got a tank full of live rock and aren't currently showing signs of a (strong) cycle underway basically means that you don't need one. The rock came with plenty of bacteria, and from the sounds of it, not much die-off. I would not do anything to induce one at this point.

extexanwannabe · 08/20/2007, 03:10 PM

Concerning calcium reactors, unless you have a lot of coralline algae, and lots of corals, you can supplement your calcium by doing regular water changes; weekly, at least 5%. Don't do any changes until you are satified that your tank has completed its initial cycle, as you will be removing beneficial bacteria that are aiding in completing this cycle. Then do your first water change. If possible, do a major one if you have the facitlities; like 20% at least. It will beef up your PH, and lower your nitrates. After that, 5% a week will be ok until you increase your calcium consuming specimens.
You're doing fine. I'm glad to see you're concerned about tank parameters. Many new to the hobby are not.

trinitower · 08/20/2007, 03:28 PM

Thank you all.
I will move slowly and add some hardy inverts. A cleaning crew. Probably a few blue legs and feed them sparingly every few days.

Ill continue monitoring my parameters to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

Again thank you very much.
Eric.

08/20/2007, 02:02 PM	#1
trinitower Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winter Springs Posts: 91	In what order must I add things to my tank? This is my tank. A 29gal. It is my first Marine tank. I have a CPR Bak pak running. I have about 30# of rock...the rock has cycled and my water looks crystal clear. It is beautiful. My Compacts arrived today. The lights look fantastic. They may not be enough to grow corals that demand intense light....but enough for the low and medium light corals. I have done some homework and I am ready to move to the next baby steps. What should I do next? I would like to add some crabs, shrooms, and polyps. snails would be nice too. The last thing I would like to add is two, maybe three, beautiful fish to the system... in that order.... How do I do it? The articles are very good in telling me how to keep these amazing creatures alive and thriving but not on the order in which I should add them. In which order must I begin to add things to my tank? Thank you for the help. Eric. __________________ "Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. "- His Holiness the Dalai Lama Current Tank Info: currently building a 29 gal. 2X65W PC's. 30# Live Rock. CPR BAK PAK Skimmer, 9 blue leg hermits, 10 turbo snails, 1 small colony of Mushrooms Actinodiscus.

08/20/2007, 02:07 PM	#2
der_wille_zur_macht Team RC Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 17,749	How long has the tank been running? What are your parameters? If everything is stable, I'd start with some of the common "cleanup crew" inverts. If those survive OK, it's pretty much open season among the other items you listed (HARDY corals and fish). The only important rule for the type of setup you're aiming for is to move slowly - so if you add some livestock today, leave the tank alone for a week or two before you introduce anything else. Another rule, once you get to fish, is to consider their aggressiveness. If you've got one moderately aggressive fish and one very peaceful one planned, add the peaceful fish first and let him get established. If you add an aggressive fish first, it'll bully other fish later on, since it'll think that the whole tank is it's own territory. __________________ Inconveniencing marine life since 1992 "It is my personal belief that reef aquaria should be thriving communities of biodiversity, representative of their wild counterparts, and not merely collections of pretty specimens growing on tidy clean rock shelves covered in purple coralline algae." (Eric Borneman)

08/20/2007, 02:14 PM	#3
extexanwannabe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: McAllen, Texas Posts: 7	I would suggest this: first, did your tank cycle? In other words, did your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate run their courses? If not, you may have to "kick start" your cycle a little. You can drop a chunk of fresh, raw shrimp and that will get things rolling. I really don't like this method, but a lot of people subscribe to it. After cycling is complete (3-4 weeks) then I added my critters: cerith snails, bumblebee snails, trochus snails, nassarius snails (about 20 total), and 10 total combination red and blue legged hermit crabs. You won't need to have a crab per gallon or a snail for gallons, but a few are helpful. You may have to add some but you could start with say 8 snails and 5 crabs. (my tank is a 110, and I didn't need 110 snails and crabs). You will have algae starting to grow and don't worry; we all have algae growth. You may have some diatom bloom as well; it will go away. Your critters will handle a lot of the algae and you will have to clean your glass as well. After a couple of weeks of critters, then you may begin adding your corals. I follow the line of thinking that fish should go in last, but that usually doesn't happen. Certain fish, (angels) may think you have just placed your pretty $40 sarcophyton in the tank just for them and begin to nip at it. Research what you plan to put in your tank; fish and corals to be sure that all get along happily and healthy. Take your time; every specimen you put in will cause an increased load on your biofilter and it will have to adjust to it. Good luck and most of all, have fun! __________________ Onward through the fog! Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef

08/20/2007, 02:18 PM	#4
trinitower Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winter Springs Posts: 91	The rock was sold to me as "cured". To err in the side of caution I let it run without my skimmer for about two days, (saw an amonia spike there) and then turned on the skimmer. Ammonia is at 0. Nitrite 0.1 Nitrate 10 ph 8.0 Alk 2.9 I have no idea what my calcium is like. Need to get me a test kit. Will need to supplement.. Maybe a 2part. I dont have cash for a reactor at the moment. I dont have any filtration on the HOB filter. Just a mesh with carbon and zolites. And a bag with some copper absorb because the tank was previously used as a hospital tank. Everything isn the tank is new though. The tank was given a throrough cleaning and the possible "copper" tainted substrate was discarded and none of the old equipment has been used. So I should put some snails and crabs and begin feeding them and see how they do? Is this correct? __________________ "Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. "- His Holiness the Dalai Lama Current Tank Info: currently building a 29 gal. 2X65W PC's. 30# Live Rock. CPR BAK PAK Skimmer, 9 blue leg hermits, 10 turbo snails, 1 small colony of Mushrooms Actinodiscus.

08/20/2007, 02:22 PM	#6
der_wille_zur_macht Team RC Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 17,749	PS - definitely get a calcium test kit, but don't resign yourself to supplementing until you know you need it. Unless you've got lots and lots of corals, it's usually very easy to keep on top of calcium and alkalinity - regular water changes might be enough. __________________ Inconveniencing marine life since 1992 "It is my personal belief that reef aquaria should be thriving communities of biodiversity, representative of their wild counterparts, and not merely collections of pretty specimens growing on tidy clean rock shelves covered in purple coralline algae." (Eric Borneman)

08/20/2007, 02:34 PM	#7
trinitower Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winter Springs Posts: 91	good to know that supplementation should not be the first thing. I will get the calcium test kit though. And as sugested I will also begin testing for copper. Do you all think it would be a good idea to induce a cycle with the piece of shrimp just to be on the safe side? or should I just begin adding inverts slowly? You are all being very helpful. Thank you. Eric. __________________ "Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. "- His Holiness the Dalai Lama Current Tank Info: currently building a 29 gal. 2X65W PC's. 30# Live Rock. CPR BAK PAK Skimmer, 9 blue leg hermits, 10 turbo snails, 1 small colony of Mushrooms Actinodiscus.

08/20/2007, 02:40 PM	#8
der_wille_zur_macht Team RC Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 17,749	The fact that you've got a tank full of live rock and aren't currently showing signs of a (strong) cycle underway basically means that you don't need one. The rock came with plenty of bacteria, and from the sounds of it, not much die-off. I would not do anything to induce one at this point. __________________ Inconveniencing marine life since 1992 "It is my personal belief that reef aquaria should be thriving communities of biodiversity, representative of their wild counterparts, and not merely collections of pretty specimens growing on tidy clean rock shelves covered in purple coralline algae." (Eric Borneman)

08/20/2007, 03:10 PM	#9
extexanwannabe Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: McAllen, Texas Posts: 7	Concerning calcium reactors, unless you have a lot of coralline algae, and lots of corals, you can supplement your calcium by doing regular water changes; weekly, at least 5%. Don't do any changes until you are satified that your tank has completed its initial cycle, as you will be removing beneficial bacteria that are aiding in completing this cycle. Then do your first water change. If possible, do a major one if you have the facitlities; like 20% at least. It will beef up your PH, and lower your nitrates. After that, 5% a week will be ok until you increase your calcium consuming specimens. You're doing fine. I'm glad to see you're concerned about tank parameters. Many new to the hobby are not. __________________ Onward through the fog! Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef

08/20/2007, 03:28 PM	#10
trinitower Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winter Springs Posts: 91	Thank you all. I will move slowly and add some hardy inverts. A cleaning crew. Probably a few blue legs and feed them sparingly every few days. Ill continue monitoring my parameters to make sure that everything is running smoothly. Again thank you very much. Eric. __________________ "Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. "- His Holiness the Dalai Lama Current Tank Info: currently building a 29 gal. 2X65W PC's. 30# Live Rock. CPR BAK PAK Skimmer, 9 blue leg hermits, 10 turbo snails, 1 small colony of Mushrooms Actinodiscus.