Newbie

[34mvp]

Just got a 55 gallon glass aquarium tank with a 75W heater, White flourescent and blue fl. lights, Millenium 3000 filter. I bought some dechlorinator, hydrometer, salt mix, & 40 lbs live sand.

I read this forum throughout but so much of it is beyond me at this point that I forget what is relevent and what isnt. Anyways, heres my plans:
1. Rinse out tank and check for leaks.
2. Pour tap water into tank and mix dechlorinator.
3. Mix saltwater into water.
4. Run equipment
5. Buy Live rock (how many lbs? ratio live rock/base rock?)
6. Put Rock in tank and put in Live sand.
7. Let it cycle?

Looking forward to all the suggestions. Thanks in advance.

[Denbf58]

first off do not use tap water you are just asking for trouble at the very least buy a di unit better off ro/di if not maybe buy ro/di water from lfs

[reefworm]

34mvp - WELCOME ON BOARD RC!

agreed that tap water to be avoided. rule of thumb on liverock is roughly 1+ lbs per gallon, but it's really more a matter of how porous it is - greater surface area means more bio-filtration. the ratio of base to other is really up to you. you could post a question about aquascaping and possibly get some good ideas, esp. if folks post pictures.

Live sand is good, but not necessary as the sand will become populated with life from the rock.

The cycle will ensue from any die-off from the rock. If there's not a lot, the cycle may not be very pronounced since the bacteria populations are already established.

After that, take it slow and research every step like you have been. All the best and looking forward to seeing your progress.

[RickD63]

To dive into it I think that is ok, however I would not recommend to mix saltwater into your main tank for future reference.

If you get LR make sure you cure it first or use the tank to cure it while cycling.

Also consider picking up a "dummies" book, as a base reference. Suggestions are we are typically good, but you have to sort through the opinions which is not easy to do without alot of experience.

[reefworm]

If you've not already - make liberal use of the stickies at the top of the forum

[34mvp]

So are the steps in order? Also, will the equipment suffice?
At this point, All I'm looking forward to are 2 clown fish, some 3rd fish, hermits crabs, snails, & shrimp.

Will the cycling process be shorter if I buy Live rock from a LFs down the street?

[crysis]

It depends on how the LR was handled and how it was transferred, as well as how long you leave it out of water. The less die off, the less of a cycle. I would certainly look into an RO/DI unit or at least buying RO water to start. Tap leads to nothing but problems. I bought LR from a couple of LFS, and used live sand and my cycle was quick and not very pronounced. And as was mentioned, wouldnt get in the habit of mixing salt in tank, you will need some container to mix in the future for water changes, might as well handle that now. Otherwise, sounds ok.

[RickD63]

I would cycle with the live rock, but it doesn't guarantee a shorter cycle time. It will help in the bio filtration process.

[fireman676]

alot of good advise. the only other suggestion i have is to go SLOW. dont rush the cycle. i know its no fun to stare at a tank of LR but if you start adding things too fast or too soon it will lead to heartache.

[reefworm]

Looked over your list again:
no dechlorinator necessary if you're' using RO/DI as there is no chlorine in it. Purchase of an RO/DI unit is well worth the expense and pays for itself in the long run.

Millenium filter not needed as your rock and sand [i.e. bacteria populations in them] will provide your filtration. You can increase filtration more effectively through protein skimming and growing macro algae for nutrient transport

also recommend rinsing sand first so that you reduce the cloudiness you'll get when it first goes in. In fact, I'd recommend you put the sand in first and let it settle before adding your liverock. You may still get some sand blowing around but after awhile it will get a bit of a crust on it and not be a problem

[crysis]

Cloudiness from the sand depends on how fine your sand is. Also, if you plan on getting any livestock that burrows or digs in the sand, you probably wanna lay the rock down first and then add sand. When adding water, use a plastic bag over the sand or pour slowly over SECURE live rock to keep the sand from clouding up the tank too much.

[34mvp]

I got 40lbs. Ocean Direct Caribbean Live Sand argonite. I was thinking of getting another 10-15lbs of a coarser sand that had the small shells bc I liked the look of it and top it off with that.

[crysis]

I like the look too, just be careful with the shells...they tend to darken up a little and algae grows on them pretty easily. Ive got some of that going on right now. Good sand though, should help speed up the cycle a little. Remember, just got slowly. Easier said than done, we've all been through the rushing things phase, but you will be happier later if you have patience now.

[tims28gnano]

34mvp


To Reef Central

stick with live sand, not crushed coral!

the most important thing to do i to read as much as you can!

i know it is tough to watch an "empty" tank, but you will be amazed at what happens in that "empty" tank. take lots of pics and pay CLOSE attention to whats going on.

good luck to you

[34mvp]

DO I really need powerheads? My friend suggested that the Millenium 3000 filter would provide enough water movement for what I'm gonna have.

[leilani]

well if you are going to have a deep sand bed, i would suggest placing your rocks on the glass, then putting in the sand, and then adding the water.
your tank will be foggy for about a day.

the reason i say this is because you will be getting animals that sift through the sand, and if your rock is not sitting on the glass, there is potential for rockslides or crushing one of your inhabitants in the sand

also you dont necessarily have to use all live rock, especially if you dont like the idea of covering your $10 rock in sand, you can use some base rock. it's basically live rock that is "dead" and dry, costs less, but comes back to live and is indistinguishable over time.

good luck with everthing

[reefworm]

from what I've researched, DSBs really aren't that effective in tanks of less than 75 gal, and that's marginal. Dr. Shimek recommended that I use sand just as a home for benthic life, and recharge each year with a seeding of live sand and/or some worms