Brand new 55gal tank...10 days into cycle

SmknReefer · 07/27/2008, 07:24 PM

Okay, I'm really trying not to kill anything thats my main goal. With this in mind, I have a 55gal tank with 6 damsel and about 35 lbs of live rock. I also splurged on the expensive live sand which is about 3 inches deep or so. I have SeaClone Protein Skimmer SCPS 150 running but for the last day so I haven't really had the chance to double check it working before that was a cheesy $30 one. I have a regular penguin filter running just to help me out with keeping it extra cleaning temporarily. Other than that I have 2 motorheads.

From here it seems like I am missing something, or that I could get a little bit of extra help. I have the two hood lights that came with the aquarium since I don't really NEED the extra awesome lights. So am I looking for advice or suggestions... on just keeping it all going. Currently I just added the last layer of live sand today so my tank is all cloudy... but I'm thinking thats harmless. THANKS!

mattpenn · 07/27/2008, 07:28 PM

welcome to rc patience is all you can do for now

AquamanE · 07/27/2008, 07:29 PM

It all depends on wht you intent to keep.

Do lots of reading, ask a lot of questions, learn learn learn..........

Kiel'thalin · 07/27/2008, 07:38 PM

Oh boy, before you are destroyed:
1. Take the fish back to the fish store (they could die very easily, just keeping them in an uncycled tank can do permanent damage)
2. Did you mix the saltwater correctly? Do you have a Hydrometer/Refractormeter? Is your Water Source Properly Filtered, i.e. RO (Reversed Osmosis).
3. The skimmer is probably the most costly pieced of equipment, you should not skimp on that purchase, a inexpensive skimmer for your tank would be something like a MSX 160.
4. Lighting would be another key purchase for you to be able to keep Corals. I would just suggest a Tek 4 bulb T-5 fixture.

Good luck, there is a lot I am leaving out, but just trying to help

tanker · 07/27/2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kiel'thalin

Good luck, there is a lot I am leaving out, but just trying to help

IMO--You do not need RO water if you going FOWLR.

If you going for SPS or some LPS--you need a lot of reading and planning!!

Water test kits--Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, PH. (I like Salifert).

Water movement--try for a total of about 500-600 gal/hour in total pumps.

And this is just the begining!!

07/27/2008, 07:24 PM	#1
SmknReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: IN Posts: 163	Brand new 55gal tank...10 days into cycle Okay, I'm really trying not to kill anything thats my main goal. With this in mind, I have a 55gal tank with 6 damsel and about 35 lbs of live rock. I also splurged on the expensive live sand which is about 3 inches deep or so. I have SeaClone Protein Skimmer SCPS 150 running but for the last day so I haven't really had the chance to double check it working before that was a cheesy $30 one. I have a regular penguin filter running just to help me out with keeping it extra cleaning temporarily. Other than that I have 2 motorheads. From here it seems like I am missing something, or that I could get a little bit of extra help. I have the two hood lights that came with the aquarium since I don't really NEED the extra awesome lights. So am I looking for advice or suggestions... on just keeping it all going. Currently I just added the last layer of live sand today so my tank is all cloudy... but I'm thinking thats harmless. THANKS!

07/27/2008, 07:29 PM	#3
AquamanE Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 6,544	It all depends on wht you intent to keep. Do lots of reading, ask a lot of questions, learn learn learn.......... __________________ Eddie Soler FMAS BOD Member MACNA 2013 Chairman "I'd rather die living than live to die" Current Tank Info: 200G mixed reef with 60G sump, Radion LED’s , Bubble King skimmer, blah blah blah.

07/27/2008, 07:38 PM	#4
Kiel'thalin Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Albany, Georgia Posts: 575	Oh boy, before you are destroyed: 1. Take the fish back to the fish store (they could die very easily, just keeping them in an uncycled tank can do permanent damage) 2. Did you mix the saltwater correctly? Do you have a Hydrometer/Refractormeter? Is your Water Source Properly Filtered, i.e. RO (Reversed Osmosis). 3. The skimmer is probably the most costly pieced of equipment, you should not skimp on that purchase, a inexpensive skimmer for your tank would be something like a MSX 160. 4. Lighting would be another key purchase for you to be able to keep Corals. I would just suggest a Tek 4 bulb T-5 fixture. Good luck, there is a lot I am leaving out, but just trying to help Last edited by Kiel'thalin; 07/27/2008 at 07:44 PM.

07/27/2008, 07:28 PM	#2
mattpenn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: j'ville,florida Posts: 66	welcome to rc patience is all you can do for now