New Reef Tank What A Job.

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 12:00 AM

Well the tank is up and running.
I left 6 inches from the wall. It was a job to set it up.
I first bought 58 gals of drinking water from Walmart. Then added the water with the salt to my new rubbermaid. Couldn't remember how much salt to put in. My refractometer wasn't working since I used it 3 years ago. I had to go and purchase a hydrometer. Come to find out I had added too much salt in the can. I proceeded to move water into the buckets add more drinking water. Then I found out one of the buckets was leaking on my wood floor. It was a mess. Needless to say I feel my age today. It is running now. So far I have 80 lbs of sand and 28 lbs of base rock. I will be ordering uncured rock in a few days.
Have a powerhead and outside aged filter running. My protein skimmer will arrive in two days. I also have a heater going.
Pretty cloudy in there right now. What a job.
I know it will be worth it when it is completed.
Has anybody else gone through all of that when setting up the tank.
Just Wondering.
Judy

dmbnpj · 12/03/2006, 12:23 AM

You might want to look into RO/DI water instead of drinking water.

2NDTIME AROUND · 12/03/2006, 08:09 AM

Yes it is a BIG job. It will be worth it. Just don't rush it.

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 08:12 AM

I wanted to get Ro/DI water except, I have no one to put it in under my sink. I called one company and they quoted me a price of $1200.00.
Since I am spending so much getting it started and all the equipment it needs, probably will look into it later.
Any Suggestion?
Judy

kelrn98 · 12/03/2006, 08:47 AM

RO/DI units can attack to a water hose or directly to your faucet. Be careful with the hardwood floors, just in the last 2 months I have had enough mishaps to warp several boards. Not to worry I covered them with a rug. For now I have much more money invested in my tank than my hardwood floors!!

dmbnpj · 12/03/2006, 09:06 AM

Yah, look at airwaterice.com and buy the Typhoon III from them. It is a couple hundred bucks and can attach directly to your sink. I run the water line to my trash can which I have sitting in my shower.
Well worth the money!

dmbnpj · 12/03/2006, 09:07 AM

wow, ive never seen RC do that before
I wonder if they will allow me to tell you to go to
Air Water Ice.....google it!

awestruck · 12/03/2006, 09:34 AM

Hi there newbie--welcome!

You know, you're right on the money when you say that starting can be A LOT OF WORK. But it's exciting too. Know this as you are starting: any mistake you have made, or will probably make in the future, has more than likely been made by someone else. I have been reefing for 2-1/2 years and I still do things incorrectly, and I am definitely still learning. There are lots and lots of people who will help you, so, try to take your time, really, take your time, and read and read and read and read.....

And, ask people for help--that's what RC is here for. Good luck!

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 10:29 AM

Well checked everything this morning.
Salinity was at 1.018. I added more salt in the drinking water warmed it up a bit, and added it to the tank. It is now 1.023.
P.H. is 8.2
Phosphastes 0
Nitrates 0
Nitrites 0
Temperature 78 degree.
It is starting to get clear up in the tank.
Still concerned if I should add any lights until the tank is cycled.
Remember I am getting 45 lbs of uncured live rock this week.
Protein skimmer is coming this week. Running one power head and aged outside filter along with heater.
Any Feedback On The Lights During The Cycling. Was told needed to put them on 2 to 4 hours a day for the coralline to start coloring up when I get the uncured rock. I have 28 lbs of cured base rock right now.
Could Use Some Help On This Matter.
I Appreciate All Of Your Feedback.
Thanks.
Judy

dwculp · 12/03/2006, 11:09 AM

Did you get drinking water or distilled water from Wal-Mart?

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 12:55 PM

Thanks for the feedback
I was told to purchase drinking water. That is what I got at Walmart.
Judy

seatown76 · 12/03/2006, 12:57 PM

Next time get distilled water instead.

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 01:09 PM

Thanks For The Feedback.
What is the difference between using "Distilled" instead of "Drinking Water?" I was told to use drinking water.
Appreciate Any Feedback.
Thanks.
Judy

dwculp · 12/03/2006, 01:15 PM

Distilled water is pure water similar to RO/DI but purified in a different manner. However, most distilled water vendors also run their water through some sort of RO or DI. Distilled water is generally not used for drinking as it does not tase good by itself.

Drinking water still has minerals and nutrients in it that can fuel algae blooms.

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 01:24 PM

Thanks For The Feedback.
Will next time use "Distilled"
Right now tank is full of "Drinking Water.
Do I need to keep the light out while it is cycling?
I have been told to put it on for 2 to 4 hrs a day.
Remember I am getting 45 lbs of uncured rock this week.
Already have 28 lbs of cured base.
Appreciate Any Feedback.
Thanks.
Judy

littlefoot · 12/03/2006, 01:40 PM

hi - im new too. Sometimes I say what the heck was I thinkn. But then I say why not. Really I was warned it was going to be work and I have had floods too, pocket book draining but then when I get a chance to sit back and look and enjoy, its worth it. Just have to remember to take those moments and then get ready for the next marathon. Its actually a challenge cause most of my friends who have been wantn to do this havent cause they heard it was hard, so now they are waitn to see how it goes with me so I can help them= they even have the spot picked out for their tank. P.S. I pray alot too.

dwculp · 12/03/2006, 02:01 PM

A 4 hour a day light cycle is just fine when cycling. Since you have little to nothing in the tank that requires light you do no not need to leave the lights on for long periods. A long light cycle can lead to lots of algae.

cayars · 12/03/2006, 02:04 PM

No lights needed.

Here's a tip for you. Drop a flake or two of fish food in the tank each day to start the bacteria process going while you're waiting on your live rock to arrive. You'll see your Ammonia rise and then Nitrite and then Nitrates rise. You are basically kick starting the cycle.

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 02:20 PM

Thanks For The Feedback.
Sounds Like You Have It Together "Little Foot."
Nothing wrong with trial and error. You keep learing that is what is important. Some prayers help too.
Alot of reading and asking questions.
Then you come to a decision, based on what you have heard, and what you have read. The experience helps too.
Still wondering about lighning during cycling.
Appreciate All Feedback.
Thanks.
Judy

saltwatergal2 · 12/03/2006, 02:32 PM

I got your message on lights then no lights.
I purchased a single tube strip light with one tube.
The fish store told me to use a 20 watt 18,000 k. Power-Glo in the unit. I am going to use this until the tank is cycled. I guess I will start out with 2 hrs per day.
Then I will be purchasing a Current USA sunPod 30inch, 1 x150 W. & 14000K PowerPaq HQI Lamp & Lunar Lights in a few weeks after the tank has cycled.
Trying to spread out my finances if you know what I mean.
Appreciate All Of Your Information. More Feedback Is Appreciated.
Thanks.
Judy

12/03/2006, 12:00 AM	#1
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	New Reef Tank What A Job. Well the tank is up and running. I left 6 inches from the wall. It was a job to set it up. I first bought 58 gals of drinking water from Walmart. Then added the water with the salt to my new rubbermaid. Couldn't remember how much salt to put in. My refractometer wasn't working since I used it 3 years ago. I had to go and purchase a hydrometer. Come to find out I had added too much salt in the can. I proceeded to move water into the buckets add more drinking water. Then I found out one of the buckets was leaking on my wood floor. It was a mess. Needless to say I feel my age today. It is running now. So far I have 80 lbs of sand and 28 lbs of base rock. I will be ordering uncured rock in a few days. Have a powerhead and outside aged filter running. My protein skimmer will arrive in two days. I also have a heater going. Pretty cloudy in there right now. What a job. I know it will be worth it when it is completed. Has anybody else gone through all of that when setting up the tank. Just Wondering. Judy

12/03/2006, 08:09 AM	#3
2NDTIME AROUND Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: HOMOSASSA FL. Posts: 97	Yes it is a BIG job. It will be worth it. Just don't rush it. __________________ Just another rocky shoal your ship must navigate on the sea of life. Current Tank Info: 120 galon drilled tank with 30 gal sum, refgium, nautilus te skimmer driven by mag7, mag12 return pump. 260 watts pc lighting

12/03/2006, 08:12 AM	#4
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	New Reef Tank What A Job. I wanted to get Ro/DI water except, I have no one to put it in under my sink. I called one company and they quoted me a price of $1200.00. Since I am spending so much getting it started and all the equipment it needs, probably will look into it later. Any Suggestion? Judy

12/03/2006, 08:47 AM	#5
kelrn98 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Biloxi, MS Posts: 856	RO/DI units can attack to a water hose or directly to your faucet. Be careful with the hardwood floors, just in the last 2 months I have had enough mishaps to warp several boards. Not to worry I covered them with a rug. For now I have much more money invested in my tank than my hardwood floors!! __________________ ~Kelly~ Current Tank Info: 96x24x30 -300g mixed reef: 75g sump, 35g fuge, 2x MP60, 4x Radion Pros, reef octopus X5000 skimmer, way too much LR and a few fish

12/03/2006, 09:34 AM	#8
awestruck Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,572	Hi there newbie--welcome! You know, you're right on the money when you say that starting can be A LOT OF WORK. But it's exciting too. Know this as you are starting: any mistake you have made, or will probably make in the future, has more than likely been made by someone else. I have been reefing for 2-1/2 years and I still do things incorrectly, and I am definitely still learning. There are lots and lots of people who will help you, so, try to take your time, really, take your time, and read and read and read and read..... And, ask people for help--that's what RC is here for. Good luck! __________________ I received the best gift ever today: My son told me that he loves me. Current Tank Info: 65g. w/20g. sump; Reef Octopus Skimmer; (2) x 150w. MH and (2) x 65w. pc. sump-mixed reef

12/03/2006, 12:23 AM	#2
dmbnpj Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: north carolina Posts: 1,914	You might want to look into RO/DI water instead of drinking water.

12/03/2006, 09:06 AM	#6
dmbnpj Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: north carolina Posts: 1,914	Yah, look at airwaterice.com and buy the Typhoon III from them. It is a couple hundred bucks and can attach directly to your sink. I run the water line to my trash can which I have sitting in my shower. Well worth the money!

12/03/2006, 09:07 AM	#7
dmbnpj Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: north carolina Posts: 1,914	wow, ive never seen RC do that before I wonder if they will allow me to tell you to go to Air Water Ice.....google it!

12/03/2006, 10:29 AM	#9
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	New Reef Tank Setup What A Job Well checked everything this morning. Salinity was at 1.018. I added more salt in the drinking water warmed it up a bit, and added it to the tank. It is now 1.023. P.H. is 8.2 Phosphastes 0 Nitrates 0 Nitrites 0 Temperature 78 degree. It is starting to get clear up in the tank. Still concerned if I should add any lights until the tank is cycled. Remember I am getting 45 lbs of uncured live rock this week. Protein skimmer is coming this week. Running one power head and aged outside filter along with heater. Any Feedback On The Lights During The Cycling. Was told needed to put them on 2 to 4 hours a day for the coralline to start coloring up when I get the uncured rock. I have 28 lbs of cured base rock right now. Could Use Some Help On This Matter. I Appreciate All Of Your Feedback. Thanks. Judy

12/03/2006, 11:09 AM	#10
dwculp Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 2,338	Did you get drinking water or distilled water from Wal-Mart? __________________ Remember, it will only get worse before it gets worse. Current Tank Info: 10 years - Currently have a 100 FOWLR

12/03/2006, 12:55 PM	#11
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	New Reef Tank What A Job Thanks for the feedback I was told to purchase drinking water. That is what I got at Walmart. Judy

12/03/2006, 12:57 PM	#12
seatown76 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 49	Next time get distilled water instead. __________________ I once heard two ladies going on and on about the pains of childbirth and how men don't seem to know what real pain is. I asked if either of them ever got themselves caught in a zipper. Current Tank Info: No tanks at present....too busy with kids...sad i knowzzz

12/03/2006, 01:09 PM	#13
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	Distilled Or Fresh Water? Thanks For The Feedback. What is the difference between using "Distilled" instead of "Drinking Water?" I was told to use drinking water. Appreciate Any Feedback. Thanks. Judy Last edited by saltwatergal2; 12/03/2006 at 01:19 PM.

12/03/2006, 01:15 PM	#14
dwculp Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 2,338	Distilled water is pure water similar to RO/DI but purified in a different manner. However, most distilled water vendors also run their water through some sort of RO or DI. Distilled water is generally not used for drinking as it does not tase good by itself. Drinking water still has minerals and nutrients in it that can fuel algae blooms. __________________ Remember, it will only get worse before it gets worse. Current Tank Info: 10 years - Currently have a 100 FOWLR

12/03/2006, 01:24 PM	#15
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	Distilled Or Fresh Water? Still Wondering About Lights During Cycle. Thanks For The Feedback. Will next time use "Distilled" Right now tank is full of "Drinking Water. Do I need to keep the light out while it is cycling? I have been told to put it on for 2 to 4 hrs a day. Remember I am getting 45 lbs of uncured rock this week. Already have 28 lbs of cured base. Appreciate Any Feedback. Thanks. Judy

12/03/2006, 01:40 PM	#16
littlefoot Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 316	hi - im new too. Sometimes I say what the heck was I thinkn. But then I say why not. Really I was warned it was going to be work and I have had floods too, pocket book draining but then when I get a chance to sit back and look and enjoy, its worth it. Just have to remember to take those moments and then get ready for the next marathon. Its actually a challenge cause most of my friends who have been wantn to do this havent cause they heard it was hard, so now they are waitn to see how it goes with me so I can help them= they even have the spot picked out for their tank. P.S. I pray alot too.

12/03/2006, 02:01 PM	#17
dwculp Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 2,338	A 4 hour a day light cycle is just fine when cycling. Since you have little to nothing in the tank that requires light you do no not need to leave the lights on for long periods. A long light cycle can lead to lots of algae. __________________ Remember, it will only get worse before it gets worse. Current Tank Info: 10 years - Currently have a 100 FOWLR

12/03/2006, 02:04 PM	#18
cayars Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bordentown, New Jersey Posts: 653	No lights needed. Here's a tip for you. Drop a flake or two of fish food in the tank each day to start the bacteria process going while you're waiting on your live rock to arrive. You'll see your Ammonia rise and then Nitrite and then Nitrates rise. You are basically kick starting the cycle.

12/03/2006, 02:20 PM	#19
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	New Reef Tank Setup Need Questions Answered. Lighting During Cycle? Thanks For The Feedback. Sounds Like You Have It Together "Little Foot." Nothing wrong with trial and error. You keep learing that is what is important. Some prayers help too. Alot of reading and asking questions. Then you come to a decision, based on what you have heard, and what you have read. The experience helps too. Still wondering about lighning during cycling. Appreciate All Feedback. Thanks. Judy

12/03/2006, 02:32 PM	#20
saltwatergal2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Woodstock GA. Posts: 60	Questions on lighting during cycle. I got your message on lights then no lights. I purchased a single tube strip light with one tube. The fish store told me to use a 20 watt 18,000 k. Power-Glo in the unit. I am going to use this until the tank is cycled. I guess I will start out with 2 hrs per day. Then I will be purchasing a Current USA sunPod 30inch, 1 x150 W. & 14000K PowerPaq HQI Lamp & Lunar Lights in a few weeks after the tank has cycled. Trying to spread out my finances if you know what I mean. Appreciate All Of Your Information. More Feedback Is Appreciated. Thanks. Judy