New 60 gallon tank

johnd6292 · 01/26/2016, 08:40 PM

I just started to have a saltwater tank. I've had fresh water for over 6 years now and I'm finally converting to saltwater! I'm using the same tank and water as my fresh water tank, and used instant ocean salt, live sand, 35-45 lbs of live rock, led lights ( fluval blue lights, and fluval white lights that are separate, two power heads, canister filter, protein skimmer, salinity refractometer, and a heater of course.. I've had the tank set up for about 4 weeks now and just recently started to add some fish 2 clowns and a fire fish, one anemome, some frags. Everything is going really well, the frags are growing pretty quickly, the anemome is doing really well, and the fish are all very active and eat healthy. started to grow some algae about 2 weeks ago as well. I'm just seeing if there's anything else that I need to be doing or suggestions for fish( i know I'm very limited on what fish I can add) thanks!

Scoted · 01/26/2016, 10:55 PM

I would take a step back now and concentrate on keeping you tank stable. Temp salinity, alk and calcium, flow and lighting. In a new tank things will start to creep up on you. Algae, cyano, pests from coral frags and live rock will start to become your focus for a bit. Sit back and reflect on your goals. Coral placement and coral types, fish and inverts. Take your time and find your direction. It's all part of the learning curve. Buy a magnifying glass and enjoy the process!

OrQidz · 01/27/2016, 01:15 AM

I would not add anything for a while, let things settle for a bit. You are still in the early stages, although I'm glad to hear it's going well. Did you use RO/DI water? You may be in for some algae issues if not. Canister filters can also become nitrate traps so they aren't widely used for reef tanks. I would also double check your lighting - nems need pretty good lights. Is it a bubble tip anemone?

Cancun · 01/27/2016, 11:35 PM

Hi there! +1 on what these guys said...nothing good comes from moving to quickly in the saltwater hobby...I had to learn the hard way myself. Patience wasn't one of my strong suits...until I discovered this hobby...you learn to take it slow...and like others have said enjoy it. I agree about good lighting...nems need good light to thrive. Also...avoid the temptation (as hard as it is sometimes) to add "just one more fish"....I learned that the hard way too. Understocked is way better than overstocked!! 8)

johnd6292 · 01/28/2016, 10:08 PM

I appreciate all the info! I did use tap water and used instant ocean salt. I'm not planning on adding anything else for a few more weeks. And yes it is a bubble tipped anenome. I do have some algae on my live rocks and sand( just a few small parts). I have been monitoring very closely everyday as well. I check the salinity everyday and keep it at 1.024 steadily. Like I said I won't be adding anything more for a while and just be more patient. The very few frags I have have grown quite a bit since I've had them but still I'm going to play it safe and let the cycling process just take its course. I Have a 48 watt fluval LED blue light and a separate LED white light. The only fish that I really want to have (when the times right) is a blue trigger. Is that possible for my size tank?!

Jade5051 · 01/28/2016, 11:22 PM

To Reef Central

01/26/2016, 08:40 PM	#1
johnd6292 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 6	New 60 gallon tank I just started to have a saltwater tank. I've had fresh water for over 6 years now and I'm finally converting to saltwater! I'm using the same tank and water as my fresh water tank, and used instant ocean salt, live sand, 35-45 lbs of live rock, led lights ( fluval blue lights, and fluval white lights that are separate, two power heads, canister filter, protein skimmer, salinity refractometer, and a heater of course.. I've had the tank set up for about 4 weeks now and just recently started to add some fish 2 clowns and a fire fish, one anemome, some frags. Everything is going really well, the frags are growing pretty quickly, the anemome is doing really well, and the fish are all very active and eat healthy. started to grow some algae about 2 weeks ago as well. I'm just seeing if there's anything else that I need to be doing or suggestions for fish( i know I'm very limited on what fish I can add) thanks!

01/27/2016, 11:35 PM	#4
Cancun Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Saint Louis Missouri Posts: 527	Hi there! +1 on what these guys said...nothing good comes from moving to quickly in the saltwater hobby...I had to learn the hard way myself. Patience wasn't one of my strong suits...until I discovered this hobby...you learn to take it slow...and like others have said enjoy it. I agree about good lighting...nems need good light to thrive. Also...avoid the temptation (as hard as it is sometimes) to add "just one more fish"....I learned that the hard way too. Understocked is way better than overstocked!! 8) __________________ Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL...I love wrasses....have leopards....several Coris....China Wrasse, Dejardini and purple tang... Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL

01/28/2016, 11:22 PM	#6
Jade5051 That guy... Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,218	*To Reef Central* __________________ The dream that is now a memory - http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550891

01/26/2016, 10:55 PM	#2
Scoted Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: South Jersey Posts: 126	I would take a step back now and concentrate on keeping you tank stable. Temp salinity, alk and calcium, flow and lighting. In a new tank things will start to creep up on you. Algae, cyano, pests from coral frags and live rock will start to become your focus for a bit. Sit back and reflect on your goals. Coral placement and coral types, fish and inverts. Take your time and find your direction. It's all part of the learning curve. Buy a magnifying glass and enjoy the process!

01/27/2016, 01:15 AM	#3
OrQidz Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 825	I would not add anything for a while, let things settle for a bit. You are still in the early stages, although I'm glad to hear it's going well. Did you use RO/DI water? You may be in for some algae issues if not. Canister filters can also become nitrate traps so they aren't widely used for reef tanks. I would also double check your lighting - nems need pretty good lights. Is it a bubble tip anemone?

01/28/2016, 10:08 PM	#5
johnd6292 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 6	I appreciate all the info! I did use tap water and used instant ocean salt. I'm not planning on adding anything else for a few more weeks. And yes it is a bubble tipped anenome. I do have some algae on my live rocks and sand( just a few small parts). I have been monitoring very closely everyday as well. I check the salinity everyday and keep it at 1.024 steadily. Like I said I won't be adding anything more for a while and just be more patient. The very few frags I have have grown quite a bit since I've had them but still I'm going to play it safe and let the cycling process just take its course. I Have a 48 watt fluval LED blue light and a separate LED white light. The only fish that I really want to have (when the times right) is a blue trigger. Is that possible for my size tank?!