Hi I'm dan

[undercoverfarm5]

I'm just getting started. I have had my tank for about 5 days now. I have live sand, 2lb of live rock 3 hermit crabs (2blue legs and one red leg), 8 damsels (4 yellow fins, 2 yellow, 2 all blue with white belly), and some decorations for them to hide in. I'm wanting to put coral and anemone in my tank just don't know when.. please any info would help!

 

[bribo12]

What size is this tank? 8 damsels sounds like a nightmare!! What lighting do you have?

 

[undercoverfarm5]

What size is this tank? 8 damsels sounds like a nightmare!! What lighting do you have?

75 gal tank with not much lighting at all really just looking for some good lighting. Don't want to buy one then have to buy another later when I want coral and anemones

 

[undercoverfarm5]

this is a picture

 

[bribo12]

That's a sw tank? I'd definitely add a lot more live rock before even thinking about adding any corals or looking at better lighting

 

[undercoverfarm5]

That's a sw tank? I'd definitely add a lot more live rock before even thinking about adding any corals or looking at better lighting

Yes I plan on getting at least 20lb of rock and getting a good lighting set up just don't know which ones to go with.

 

[cbjfan75]

View attachment 300260 this is a picture

Is it sitting on chairs? Those legs don't look strong enough to support that kind of weight for long.

 

[undercoverfarm5]

No it's two tables. Those tables have held more weight than that before. I just haven't had time to get the right stand for it.

 

[chefbill]

You will want 60 pounds of rock, probably closer to 90. Do some research. Get a stand. There is no moving it without draining. Do some research. 8 fish in 5 days is bad in an established tank, lets alone a new one. Do some research. No anemones for at least 6 months. You will need to invest in better lighting. Do some research. Look into an ATO.
Did I mention to do some research? Do it.

 

[undercoverfarm5]

You will want 60 pounds of rock, probably closer to 90. Do some research. Get a stand. There is no moving it without draining. Do some research. 8 fish in 5 days is bad in an established tank, lets alone a new one. Do some research. No anemones for at least 6 months. You will need to invest in better lighting. Do some research. Look into an ATO.
Did I mention to do some research? Do it.

Thanks for this information! I have been doing a lot of research! Still don't understand what these abbreviations stand for. ATO? I'm new to the fish community just trying to learn something new. Question for you.. 60-90 lb that's prolly going to make up most of my tank?

 

[bribo12]

You want about a lb per gallon so 60-70 more lbs is what you want. I think I have almost 50 lbs in my 40 breeder.
ATO is auto top off unit. Like chefbill said a lot more research needs to be done on sw setup and care

 

[undercoverfarm5]

You want about a lb per gallon so 60-70 more lbs is what you want. I think I have almost 50 lbs in my 40 breeder.
ATO is auto top off unit. Like chefbill said a lot more research needs to be done on sw setup and care

Is an ATO really necessary? I check my water levels daily and tbh I don't have water supply ran to my tank. Thanks for the info on the live rock! I'll be adding a lot more in the near future! As well as a glass lid with better lighting! Just started 5 days ago my levels are good in the tank! I get it tested regularly! I know I need lots more research but hey gotta start somewhere [emoji136]?*

 

[chefbill]

Glass lids are counter productive. They limit gas exchange, cut light by their very nature and collect salt and algae, further limiting light penetration.
ATOs are nice , will keep salinity stable and provide a place to kalkwasser dose.

 

[chefbill]

Bad pic but this is 90ish pounds in a 90 gal.

 

[Mebbid]

I would HIGHLY recommend that you watch these videos from Bulk Reef Supply:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFDFAB0066A083F12

Episodes 1,2,3,4,6, and 8 would be the ones I would recommend paying attention to.

The saltwater side of aquarium keeping is a bit more complex than freshwater tanks. First and foremost you need to take it slow.

 

[undercoverfarm5]

Hey guys just an update! I ordered a new t5 light this afternoon! Prolly going to pick up my protein skimmer tomoro or next week!

 

[bribo12]

Looks like you're headed in a good direction! Do you have test kits for everything?

 

[undercoverfarm5]

Looks like you're headed in a good direction! Do you have test kits for everything?

I do have some test strips but I bring my water to get tested at the local fish store for free

 

[bribo12]

And they use liquid kits? Make sure to ask them for exact numbers when they tell you, not just good or great or bad

 

[undercoverfarm5]

And they use liquid kits? Make sure to ask them for exact numbers when they tell you, not just good or great or bad

Thanks!! I'll definitely ask next time I go