new newbie

charo · 08/30/2010, 10:48 PM

First of all, very nice forums.
I've just started my very first 46 bowfront SW tank.
17lbs of fiji live rock (this weekend will add 20-25 lbs of indo live rock, its ok to mix right?)
fluval 305( will be adding a sump as soon as payday hit)
no skimmer, but was reading the forums and the psk75h looks like a good choice.
The lights, also upgrading, currently running what i like to call stock. im thinking bout t-5 fixture.
here's what i have so far, i know im a long way but im so looking foward to it.

Mavrk · 08/30/2010, 10:56 PM

Mixing rock is fine. Just realize that everytime you add rock, you will most likely start a cycle. So once you have livestock in there, you have to be careful to cure the rock first.

Sounds like you have a good plan.

To Reef Central

charo · 08/30/2010, 11:45 PM

im a bit confused bout adding livestock, i was reading and it said that you should add rock, corals, fish.
can you add more coral even after you have fish?

joeychitwood · 08/31/2010, 01:36 AM

I'd recommend some research before you get too much further. You'll probably save a ton of money by not buying equipment that winds up in a closet. Check out Reefkeeping 101 in the stickie at the top of this forum.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1696795

AaronM · 08/31/2010, 07:53 AM

Yes, if your cycle has finished, i.e your ammonia and nirite = zero. I reckon you can add fish then coral, coral then fish, whatever. Just make sure your cycles finished...

Nice looking tank btw. Yeah go T5s if ya want ya corals to actually grow out...

charo · 08/31/2010, 01:31 PM

thanks, ima catch up on my reading on reefkeping 101, lots to know...
good thing im patient

theatrus · 08/31/2010, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charo

im a bit confused bout adding livestock, i was reading and it said that you should add rock, corals, fish.
can you add more coral even after you have fish?

Once your tank is cycled and stable, you can add appropriate (type and quantity) livestock of any variety at any time.

As for adding live rock - you need more rock, but be aware if the rock has been exposed to the air for an extended period of time it may initiate a cycle again, therefore if you have livestock in the tank be careful about adding rock.

I would add a small collection of a cleanup crew after you are reading zero ammonia and nitrites. A handful of snails and hermits is always a good choice - avoid anything more exotic (starfish, cucumbers, other crabs, etc).

DeepSeaBeauti · 08/31/2010, 02:51 PM

Welcome to RC, Defininatly take the time and read, ask, and talk about everything. This place is a wealth of knowledge and it will save you so much money!!

thebkramer · 08/31/2010, 03:52 PM

WELCOME TO RC AND THE ADDICTION!!!

You are off to a great start!!

All you need is patience and lots of research! Ask as many questions as needed.. we are here to help

Its nice to see someone posted RK 101.. here is another really good thread to have on hand.. it has a mix of things to know

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1786183

Can't wait to see more!! Remember.. HAVE FUN!!

Dustin1300 · 08/31/2010, 04:02 PM

Read. Read. READ!

This will save you lots of money. Based on what you've stated thus far you have enough rock for that sized aquarium but you should try to add all at the same time as it will most likely start another cycle.

Also, coral can be added about any time after your cycle ends. Id ensure you get beginner corals first and that your lighting is enough for the corals. Halides will be able to support everything and T5s will depend on your wattage and number of bulbs. In regards to growth I get great growth with metal halides and great coloration.

A quick note on fish is to come up with a complete list of what you plan on stocking. Then add some of the easier fish at first and try to add the more aggressive fish later.

GOOD LUCK!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

charo · 08/31/2010, 04:30 PM

thanks for the all the info, and yea i guess even thou you think you read everything your wrong.
I guess since I am adding more rock, i will start the cycle again but that's OK, gives me more practice on monitoring my parameters, and will give me some time to research more on sump/refugiums.

08/31/2010, 02:51 PM	#8
DeepSeaBeauti Will Fielitz Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Patchogue , long Island Posts: 1,151	Welcome to RC, Defininatly take the time and read, ask, and talk about everything. This place is a wealth of knowledge and it will save you so much money!! __________________ I can never figure out why my wallet is empty. But my tank sure is awsome looking. Current Tank Info: 300G DD reef tank, 100g sump 40g breeder set up as a refugium, C-skim skimmer, , 2 165w LED and t5 setup, BRS reactor for carbon and GFO. Fish: lawnmower blenny, 12clowns, Watchmen golby, FoxFace, Yellow angle, 6line wrase.

08/31/2010, 03:52 PM	#9
thebkramer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Clifton Park, NY Posts: 3,198	WELCOME TO RC AND THE ADDICTION!!! You are off to a great start!! All you need is patience and lots of research! Ask as many questions as needed.. we are here to help Its nice to see someone posted RK 101.. here is another really good thread to have on hand.. it has a mix of things to know http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1786183 Can't wait to see more!! Remember.. HAVE FUN!! __________________ Rhonda There is NO such things as Dumb Questions!! There are However.. Dumb Answers!!! ;) ____________ Current Tank Info: 55g reef....Current Orbit SunPaq Lights, HOB Eshopps, HOB AquaClear 110, 2-1400 Koralia Powerheads & 1 Nano Koralia, 40+ lbs LR, 2" LS

08/31/2010, 04:02 PM	#10
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	Read. Read. READ! This will save you lots of money. Based on what you've stated thus far you have enough rock for that sized aquarium but you should try to add all at the same time as it will most likely start another cycle. Also, coral can be added about any time after your cycle ends. Id ensure you get beginner corals first and that your lighting is enough for the corals. Halides will be able to support everything and T5s will depend on your wattage and number of bulbs. In regards to growth I get great growth with metal halides and great coloration. A quick note on fish is to come up with a complete list of what you plan on stocking. Then add some of the easier fish at first and try to add the more aggressive fish later. GOOD LUCK! Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

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08/30/2010, 10:56 PM	#2
Mavrk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: California - South Bay Area Posts: 2,775	Mixing rock is fine. Just realize that everytime you add rock, you will most likely start a cycle. So once you have livestock in there, you have to be careful to cure the rock first. Sounds like you have a good plan. *To Reef Central*

08/30/2010, 11:45 PM	#3
charo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: san diego Posts: 100	im a bit confused bout adding livestock, i was reading and it said that you should add rock, corals, fish. can you add more coral even after you have fish?

08/31/2010, 01:36 AM	#4
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	I'd recommend some research before you get too much further. You'll probably save a ton of money by not buying equipment that winds up in a closet. Check out Reefkeeping 101 in the stickie at the top of this forum. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1696795

08/31/2010, 07:53 AM	#5
AaronM Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 480	Yes, if your cycle has finished, i.e your ammonia and nirite = zero. I reckon you can add fish then coral, coral then fish, whatever. Just make sure your cycles finished... Nice looking tank btw. Yeah go T5s if ya want ya corals to actually grow out...

08/31/2010, 01:31 PM	#6
charo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: san diego Posts: 100	thanks, ima catch up on my reading on reefkeping 101, lots to know... good thing im patient

08/31/2010, 04:30 PM	#11
charo Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: san diego Posts: 100	thanks for the all the info, and yea i guess even thou you think you read everything your wrong. I guess since I am adding more rock, i will start the cycle again but that's OK, gives me more practice on monitoring my parameters, and will give me some time to research more on sump/refugiums.