My simple, and SLOW build

Oldcabin · 09/18/2011, 06:04 PM

Hi all,
I'm a rookie reefer just starting to set up my first SW system. It's a standard 55 gallon on an ugly stand, but its a start

I have a few years of FW experience, but otherwise I'm learning as I go. I live in a small town with no good LFS, so the majority of my purchases will be online, and I'll need to be fairly self-sufficient. I'll try to update this thread with my progress as I go. Any thoughts and advice are always welcome.

Equipment (so far):
2 - 65w PC 10,000K/6,700K daylights
2 - 65w PC 460/420 actinics
2 - Koralia Evo 1050
1 - Eheim Jager 250w heater
~ 40 lbs BRS Pacific Shelf, Tonga, & Fiji Dry Rock

On the list:
RO/DI
Reef Octopus BH1000
Course Sand
Lots of other small items (test kits, salt, etc.)

9/18 - Just finished my first attempt at aquascaping. Still a little tweaking to do, but let me know what you think. The pictures are terrible, and I don't think they do it justice -- my apologies. It'll be a few weeks until any more progress can be made.

Thanks.

InADream · 09/18/2011, 06:58 PM

Your aquascaping looks great. I would take a long time to read the stickies in this forum. There is a lot of things that you can do correctly now, and save yourself a ton of time and money down the road.

Since you do not have any LFS around you are going to need to be able to stock a few necessities. One of the biggest things you will need to keep on hand is saltwater. Take some time ask as many questions as you need and enjoy your time here...

FinancialReef · 09/18/2011, 07:19 PM

Looks good. Ask lots of questions on this forum to learn.

Bowels · 09/18/2011, 07:29 PM

Looks really good

You going FOWLR or reef? I would suggest getting a few lbs of premium live rock so you get some goodies. Watching the cool stuff that comes with good live rock keeps ya occupied while you wait until you can add fish. I would add water defiantly. <--joke. lol def update once you get it all set up

Oldcabin · 09/18/2011, 07:32 PM

Thanks!
I have been reading non-stop for weeks -- a lot to take in.
This forum has been a fantastic resource and I've already learned so much.
Everyone has such beautiful tanks -- something to strive for!
I'm excited!

Going for a reef -- mostly softies and maybe some LPS (if my antique lighting can handle it)

WILL2002 · 09/18/2011, 07:42 PM

Welcome to ReefCentral!!!!!

Looks like you're off to a good start Oldcabin.

atm1988 · 09/18/2011, 08:08 PM

Can't wait to see more.

Oldcabin · 09/27/2011, 03:06 PM

Update:

I've got my RODI installed and ordered sand, salt, and test kits. I'm chomping at the bit to add water to this thing!

A few questions:
1) I plan to add sand (dry), then water (salt mixed RODI). Then add a small amount of LR to seed the dry rock and cycle the tank. Is all this okay to do without a skimmer? The only equipment on the tank are lights, heater and powerheads.

2) I plan to buy a Reef Octopus BH1000 that states it is 3.25" deep. Is this a true statement? If I leave myself 4 " between the wall and the back of the tank, will I be okay? I'd hate to add water, then find out the skimmer won't fit when it arrives!

dunc101 · 09/27/2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldcabin

Update:

I've got my RODI installed and ordered sand, salt, and test kits. I'm chomping at the bit to add water to this thing!

A few questions:
1) I plan to add sand (dry), then water (salt mixed RODI). Then add a small amount of LR to seed the dry rock and cycle the tank. Is all this okay to do without a skimmer? The only equipment on the tank are lights, heater and powerheads.

Yes. Many people on here cycle the tanks without a skimmer. You can also turn your lights off during the cycle to help control the diatoms/algae growth.

Quote:

2) I plan to buy a Reef Octopus BH1000 that states it is 3.25" deep. Is this a true statement? If I leave myself 4 " between the wall and the back of the tank, will I be okay? I'd hate to add water, then find out the skimmer won't fit when it arrives!

I personally would wait until I had the skimmer in hand just to make sure you have enough room to do some maintenance on it. You could always start filling up a big trash can with the RO/DI and transfer the water over when you figure out if the skimmer will fit or not. That way you would have at least some water already made.

FYI. Your aquascape looks great!

harthag12 · 09/27/2011, 05:39 PM

My Ro/Di unit makes water slowly so definatly start making some as soon as you can. I like the cutting board as well

Oldcabin · 09/30/2011, 11:33 AM

Finally have water!
Still really cloudy, but all is up and running.
Going to go get some live rock from the LFS tomorrow so I can seed.
Worried I may have too much flow.....only a few positions that won't stir up the sand.

Should I run the powerheads while waiting for the water to clear, or turn them off?

You can clearly see the break between whites and blues (due to the cloudiness). Is this normal?

RODI pic for fun

g35mike · 09/30/2011, 11:37 AM

Tank is coming together nicely

dunc101 · 09/30/2011, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldcabin

Should I run the powerheads while waiting for the water to clear, or turn them off?

I turned off my power heads until all of my sand settled (my tank looked exactly like yours after filing with water btw) as it made the sand settle faster. It is just preference at this point as it looks like you don't have anything that requires flow yet in the tank. You could also use a filter sock to catch some of the debris if you wanted.

Oldcabin · 09/30/2011, 12:48 PM

A filter sock on the powerheads? Not familiar with filter socks, but I would love to get some of the larger debris out of the water -- no filters, skimmers hooked up yet.

dunc101 · 09/30/2011, 12:51 PM

Oh, sorry. I was thinking you were running a sump. A HOB filter would do the same thing for you as the media would catch the debris. The sand should settle in a couple of days on its own though.

Oldcabin · 09/30/2011, 01:16 PM

Cool. Thanks!
The hardest part will be to keep my hands out of the tank for the next few weeks/months!

scoobe421 · 09/30/2011, 02:38 PM

I would turn on everything that you plan on having on the tank except for the skimmer. when you get some fish then turn on the skimmer. this will allow for your tank to cycle ahead of time. i would also get about 10% of your aquascaping as live rock. This is the easiest way to cycle your tank.

theRook · 09/30/2011, 04:29 PM

Awesome tank!

freetareef · 09/30/2011, 05:11 PM

looks like a great start!!!

bdaniel5278 · 09/30/2011, 07:39 PM

lookin good so far, welcome to the addiction

Denbf58 · 10/01/2011, 07:21 AM

To Reef Central looks good remember take your time let the tank cycle hope you have your test kits Do Not trust the LFS YOUR TESTING

Oldcabin · 10/02/2011, 12:48 PM

Thanks all for the advice so far! Unbelievably, I'm already starting to see strange stringy things growing in the tank! It's amazing how so little can be so intriguing

Added about 10 lbs of live rock -- filled out the tank a bit.
Water is starting to clear, but have a ways to go.

Test parameters on Sep 30 (day before LR)
Salinity = 1.025
PH = 7.8
Ammonia = 0.5
Nitrite = 0
Nitrate = 0-5 (hard to read)

This sound about right for water thats only 36 hours old?
I'll be re-testing on a weekly basis to hopefully track the cycle -- I'll continue to post parameters and will probably have plenty of questions.

Also having a little trouble keeping the temps down. It keeps wanting to creep up to about 81. I'll keep playing with it and hopefully level it out.

Oldcabin · 10/08/2011, 11:30 AM

Update: 1 week
Tested water today.....Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates are all up -- I assume this means I'm cycling?! All look normal so far?
Salinity = 1.025
PH = 7.8
Ammonia = 2
Nitrate = 30
Nitrite 5

Oldcabin · 10/11/2011, 06:42 PM

Got the BH-1000 installed yesterday (thanks to the help of this forum). It seems to be breaking in nicely and producing a nasty yellow skimmate. No change in water quality however, as its still "milky". Thinking of adding an AC110 to help clear up all the floating matter.

Please tell me that green algae on the glass, and brown diatoms over everything is normal during this stage???!!! It's a daily routine to try and keep my nice new tank, looking new

subREEFed · 10/11/2011, 06:55 PM

Good looking tank algea blooms are natural, over time it will go away just part of the cycle.

09/18/2011, 06:04 PM	#1
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	My simple, and SLOW build Hi all, I'm a rookie reefer just starting to set up my first SW system. It's a standard 55 gallon on an ugly stand, but its a start I have a few years of FW experience, but otherwise I'm learning as I go. I live in a small town with no good LFS, so the majority of my purchases will be online, and I'll need to be fairly self-sufficient. I'll try to update this thread with my progress as I go. Any thoughts and advice are always welcome. Equipment (so far): 2 - 65w PC 10,000K/6,700K daylights 2 - 65w PC 460/420 actinics 2 - Koralia Evo 1050 1 - Eheim Jager 250w heater ~ 40 lbs BRS Pacific Shelf, Tonga, & Fiji Dry Rock On the list: RO/DI Reef Octopus BH1000 Course Sand Lots of other small items (test kits, salt, etc.) 9/18 - Just finished my first attempt at aquascaping. Still a little tweaking to do, but let me know what you think. The pictures are terrible, and I don't think they do it justice -- my apologies. It'll be a few weeks until any more progress can be made. Thanks.

09/18/2011, 06:58 PM	#2
InADream I'm That Guy!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 1,169	Your aquascaping looks great. I would take a long time to read the stickies in this forum. There is a lot of things that you can do correctly now, and save yourself a ton of time and money down the road. Since you do not have any LFS around you are going to need to be able to stock a few necessities. One of the biggest things you will need to keep on hand is saltwater. Take some time ask as many questions as you need and enjoy your time here... __________________ Dan Current Tank: Innovative Marine Fusion 40, Custom Built Stand, Ecotech XR15w Pro, Ecotech Vortech MP10wes, Ecotech Reef Link, Custom Built Media Caddy, IM Fuge Light, Ghost Skimmer.

09/30/2011, 02:38 PM	#17
scoobe421 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: kanehoe hawaii Posts: 23	running filtration I would turn on everything that you plan on having on the tank except for the skimmer. when you get some fish then turn on the skimmer. this will allow for your tank to cycle ahead of time. i would also get about 10% of your aquascaping as live rock. This is the easiest way to cycle your tank.

10/01/2011, 07:21 AM	#21
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	*To Reef Central* looks good remember take your time let the tank cycle hope you have your test kits Do Not trust the LFS YOUR TESTING __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

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09/18/2011, 07:19 PM	#3
FinancialReef Registered Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 50	Looks good. Ask lots of questions on this forum to learn.

09/18/2011, 07:29 PM	#4
Bowels Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 647	Looks really good You going FOWLR or reef? I would suggest getting a few lbs of premium live rock so you get some goodies. Watching the cool stuff that comes with good live rock keeps ya occupied while you wait until you can add fish. I would add water defiantly. <--joke. lol def update once you get it all set up

09/18/2011, 07:32 PM	#5
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Thanks! I have been reading non-stop for weeks -- a lot to take in. This forum has been a fantastic resource and I've already learned so much. Everyone has such beautiful tanks -- something to strive for! I'm excited! Going for a reef -- mostly softies and maybe some LPS (if my antique lighting can handle it)

09/18/2011, 07:42 PM	#6
WILL2002 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA Posts: 198	Welcome to ReefCentral!!!!! Looks like you're off to a good start Oldcabin.

09/18/2011, 08:08 PM	#7
atm1988 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2	Can't wait to see more.

09/27/2011, 03:06 PM	#8
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Update: I've got my RODI installed and ordered sand, salt, and test kits. I'm chomping at the bit to add water to this thing! A few questions: 1) I plan to add sand (dry), then water (salt mixed RODI). Then add a small amount of LR to seed the dry rock and cycle the tank. Is all this okay to do without a skimmer? The only equipment on the tank are lights, heater and powerheads. 2) I plan to buy a Reef Octopus BH1000 that states it is 3.25" deep. Is this a true statement? If I leave myself 4 " between the wall and the back of the tank, will I be okay? I'd hate to add water, then find out the skimmer won't fit when it arrives!

09/27/2011, 05:39 PM	#10
harthag12 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hamilton, NJ Posts: 118	My Ro/Di unit makes water slowly so definatly start making some as soon as you can. I like the cutting board as well

09/30/2011, 11:33 AM	#11
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Finally have water! Still really cloudy, but all is up and running. Going to go get some live rock from the LFS tomorrow so I can seed. Worried I may have too much flow.....only a few positions that won't stir up the sand. Should I run the powerheads while waiting for the water to clear, or turn them off? You can clearly see the break between whites and blues (due to the cloudiness). Is this normal? RODI pic for fun

09/30/2011, 11:37 AM	#12
g35mike Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: murfreesboro Posts: 51	Tank is coming together nicely

09/30/2011, 12:48 PM	#14
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	A filter sock on the powerheads? Not familiar with filter socks, but I would love to get some of the larger debris out of the water -- no filters, skimmers hooked up yet.

09/30/2011, 12:51 PM	#15
dunc101 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 758	Oh, sorry. I was thinking you were running a sump. A HOB filter would do the same thing for you as the media would catch the debris. The sand should settle in a couple of days on its own though.

09/30/2011, 01:16 PM	#16
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Cool. Thanks! The hardest part will be to keep my hands out of the tank for the next few weeks/months!

09/30/2011, 04:29 PM	#18
theRook Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: California Posts: 80	Awesome tank!

09/30/2011, 05:11 PM	#19
freetareef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 442	looks like a great start!!!

09/30/2011, 07:39 PM	#20
bdaniel5278 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 39	lookin good so far, welcome to the addiction

10/02/2011, 12:48 PM	#22
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Thanks all for the advice so far! Unbelievably, I'm already starting to see strange stringy things growing in the tank! It's amazing how so little can be so intriguing Added about 10 lbs of live rock -- filled out the tank a bit. Water is starting to clear, but have a ways to go. Test parameters on Sep 30 (day before LR) Salinity = 1.025 PH = 7.8 Ammonia = 0.5 Nitrite = 0 Nitrate = 0-5 (hard to read) This sound about right for water thats only 36 hours old? I'll be re-testing on a weekly basis to hopefully track the cycle -- I'll continue to post parameters and will probably have plenty of questions. Also having a little trouble keeping the temps down. It keeps wanting to creep up to about 81. I'll keep playing with it and hopefully level it out.

10/08/2011, 11:30 AM	#23
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Update: 1 week Tested water today.....Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates are all up -- I assume this means I'm cycling?! All look normal so far? Salinity = 1.025 PH = 7.8 Ammonia = 2 Nitrate = 30 Nitrite 5

10/11/2011, 06:42 PM	#24
Oldcabin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 132	Got the BH-1000 installed yesterday (thanks to the help of this forum). It seems to be breaking in nicely and producing a nasty yellow skimmate. No change in water quality however, as its still "milky". Thinking of adding an AC110 to help clear up all the floating matter. Please tell me that green algae on the glass, and brown diatoms over everything is normal during this stage???!!! It's a daily routine to try and keep my nice new tank, looking new

10/11/2011, 06:55 PM	#25
subREEFed Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CA Posts: 20	Good looking tank algea blooms are natural, over time it will go away just part of the cycle.