75G Reef Build

[goisles1]

the trap should catch all the bubble from the skimmer section to the return section.

However, there is no trap from the fuge section to the return section and you are dumping water from the DT into that section too. Can you close that valve for a test to see if the micro bubbles go away?
That's all I can think of

[Dad & Matt]

I tried closing that valve, but (surprisingly) it didn't seem to help. I put a filter pad across the divider between the fuge and the return - that seemed to really help. But I still don't know why shutting off water to the fuge didn't work.

[Dad & Matt]

Getting ready to order my LR. LiveAquaria.com sells Fiji rock and Caribbean rock. The Caribbean rock is lighter and it looks like I can buy less. They recommend 0.75-1.25 lbs per gallon for Caribbean versus 1.25-1.75 lbs per gallon for Fiji rock. Does anyone have any experience with Caribbean rock, or any suggestions?

[Dad & Matt]

My LR should be here Wed or Thu next week, and I'm going to get a scoop of sand from a friend's tank. To make sure I have the steps right:

(1) Rinse the LR in SW, pick off any dead stuff. Because I have nothing in my tank except dead rock I can put the LR directly in the tank and let it cure there. I should leave the lights off but keep the skimmer and PHs running.
(2) Test water every day. Ammonia will start to rise in a couple of days, peaking in a week or so. Nitrite levels will rise as ammonia starts to drop. After a few weeks ammonia should be non-existent, nitrite should start to drop, nitrate should start to rise.
(3) Perform partial water changes every week.
(4) When ammonia and nitrite are basically zero the cycle is done.

Is all of that correct? Will I see an algae bloom when the ammonia starts to spike?

When do I add the clean-up crew? After the cycle is done?

Sorry for the long post, just trying to make sure I know what to expect.

[CaptainAhab]

Sounds like a plan. You probably won't see much algae until after the cycle, when your nitrates are in constant production. Make sure you do a nice big PWC after the cycle to get the initial nitrates down.

Don't add the clean up crew until you have something for them to clean up. The last thing you want is a clean tank and hungry critters.. You'll end up with less critters that way

[Dad & Matt]

Thanks CaptainAhab! The question is, Is it a good plan?

Another question: I just picked up a new heater to replace a really old one I've been using that wasn't doing the job. Should I put it in my sump, or put it in the tank. I'd rather put it in the sump to keep it hidden.

[Dad & Matt]

Did a water test today: SG = 1.024, pH = 8.2, Ammonia = 0.5, Nitrite & Nitrate = 0. As I expected, except the Ammonia. All I've got in the tank is dry rock and "live sand" from the LFS (so I doubt it's live).

Also, do test kits expire??? I've had this one for over 5 years. Thanks.

[mdaniel2882]

Originally Posted by Dad & Matt

Did a water test today: SG = 1.024, pH = 8.2, Ammonia = 0.5, Nitrite & Nitrate = 0. As I expected, except the Ammonia. All I've got in the tank is dry rock and "live sand" from the LFS (so I doubt it's live).

Also, do test kits expire??? I've had this one for over 5 years. Thanks.

Yes you can put your heater in your sump to hide it. and Yes test kits expire. I am SURE yours have if they are 5 years old. Time to pick up some new ones. All you really need to start are pH, amonia, no2, no2, later calcium.

[Dad & Matt]

Thanks mdaniel, that's what I was thinking. I'll get a new kit tomorrow.

[Dad & Matt]

Live rock arrived today. Rinsed it off and picked off the dead stuff. Finished the aquascaping and I think it looks good. Everything is pretty solid, either braced against a base rock embedded in the sand or braced against the back of the tank. I have 50 lbs of dead rock and 50 lbs of LR. Disappointed I didn't find any critters (yet). Comments appreciated.

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