Just made the switch to SW

Gemini1022 · 08/15/2012, 06:25 PM

Hello my name is Andie and i am new to this forum but have been lurking for awhile. I have a few questions about my system, it is a 26 gallon bow with a 3-4in sugar fine sand bed with currently 8lbs of live rock. I am running an AC50 with just filter floss, one power head rated for 500gph(feeling like i need to add another for more flow in the other direction) and a heater that is keeping temp at 78 degrees. I have a HOB refugium and aqua C remora protein skimmer on order and supposed to be here next week.

My questions are that i plan on using all live rock but cant afford to get it all at once so is it okay to add some as i get it?

My lighting is going to be the Kessil A150W in ocean blue and not sure if i need 2 of them? Tank dimensions are 24"L x 15"W(widest part at the bow) x 21"H

Should i wait until i get all of the live rock in before adding any fish or inverts?

Sorry so long i am just wanting to do everything right the first time and any help is much appreciated. I have read all the suggested sticky's before posting and couldn't find the answers i needed. I am starting out with fowlr before i even attempt a reef but would like to have what i need on hand for when i make that step. I am in no hurry and wanting to take things slow.

thanks for all the help!

PS tank has been running since 7/30/2012 and has lots of critters on the live rock salinity stays between 0.024-0.026 and currently just has stock lighting there is also some algae growing on the sand bed which i am pretty sure is diatoms

LennyD4 · 08/15/2012, 06:55 PM

I was in the same boat as you when it comes to the live rock. I started with a 65 gallon though. So I needed atleast 65 lbs worth of rock and didn't want to spend $1000 on it. So I found marco dry rock. I bought his 45 pound box of rock and then only 15 lbs worth of live rock. In a few months you couldn't tell which one was which. MUCH CHEAPER!

Chaotic Reefer4u · 08/15/2012, 06:56 PM

To Reef Central Gemini you're planning is fine add the live rock
as you go you can add fish or inverts now if you'd like as long as the live rock is already cured. Before putting it in the display tank...hope this helps!

Sethjamto · 08/15/2012, 07:08 PM

Add either fully cured live rock or completely dry rock and you are fine. If any doubt on the rock being fully cured, then be careful. Or you can get a little at a time as budget permits and cure it seperately in a tub. Once it is cycled, then add it to your DT.

Gemini1022 · 08/15/2012, 08:33 PM

All the live rock i have gotten so far has been cured and it comes from a reputable lfs so i think i will take that route and continue with it. Does anyone know about the lights? I might order just one for now then if its not getting enough coverage i can add another later. Do i need moon lighting the A150 don't have an option to turn blues on and off separately, should i get a stunner strip?

thanks again for all the help

08/15/2012, 06:25 PM	#1
Gemini1022 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 6	Just made the switch to SW Hello my name is Andie and i am new to this forum but have been lurking for awhile. I have a few questions about my system, it is a 26 gallon bow with a 3-4in sugar fine sand bed with currently 8lbs of live rock. I am running an AC50 with just filter floss, one power head rated for 500gph(feeling like i need to add another for more flow in the other direction) and a heater that is keeping temp at 78 degrees. I have a HOB refugium and aqua C remora protein skimmer on order and supposed to be here next week. My questions are that i plan on using all live rock but cant afford to get it all at once so is it okay to add some as i get it? My lighting is going to be the Kessil A150W in ocean blue and not sure if i need 2 of them? Tank dimensions are 24"L x 15"W(widest part at the bow) x 21"H Should i wait until i get all of the live rock in before adding any fish or inverts? Sorry so long i am just wanting to do everything right the first time and any help is much appreciated. I have read all the suggested sticky's before posting and couldn't find the answers i needed. I am starting out with fowlr before i even attempt a reef but would like to have what i need on hand for when i make that step. I am in no hurry and wanting to take things slow. thanks for all the help! PS tank has been running since 7/30/2012 and has lots of critters on the live rock salinity stays between 0.024-0.026 and currently just has stock lighting there is also some algae growing on the sand bed which i am pretty sure is diatoms

08/15/2012, 06:56 PM	#3
Chaotic Reefer4u ♥Acropora Aficionado♥ Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hollister,Ca. Posts: 5,163	*To Reef Central* Gemini you're planning is fine add the live rock as you go you can add fish or inverts now if you'd like as long as the live rock is already cured. Before putting it in the display tank...hope this helps! __________________ Live everyday as if it was your last, take time to smell the flowers, enjoy all things living, never take anything for granted, you just never know when your number might be up... Current Tank Info: * 90g. Reef Ready TruVu tank with 30g. Platinum Filtration Series Sump SpS Acro enthusiast *

08/15/2012, 07:08 PM	#4
Sethjamto Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 845	Add either fully cured live rock or completely dry rock and you are fine. If any doubt on the rock being fully cured, then be careful. Or you can get a little at a time as budget permits and cure it seperately in a tub. Once it is cycled, then add it to your DT. __________________ 8ft 300g, Reeflo Dart Gold return, MRC 48" High-flo reef sump, MRC MR4 dual beckett Skimmer, (2) Reefbreeders Photon 48's, Reef Angel, LMIII continuous water change/ATO setup..

08/15/2012, 06:55 PM	#2
LennyD4 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 633	I was in the same boat as you when it comes to the live rock. I started with a 65 gallon though. So I needed atleast 65 lbs worth of rock and didn't want to spend $1000 on it. So I found marco dry rock. I bought his 45 pound box of rock and then only 15 lbs worth of live rock. In a few months you couldn't tell which one was which. MUCH CHEAPER!

08/15/2012, 08:33 PM	#5
Gemini1022 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 6	All the live rock i have gotten so far has been cured and it comes from a reputable lfs so i think i will take that route and continue with it. Does anyone know about the lights? I might order just one for now then if its not getting enough coverage i can add another later. Do i need moon lighting the A150 don't have an option to turn blues on and off separately, should i get a stunner strip? thanks again for all the help