more Q's... and more to learn :)!!!!!!!!!(ready to start?!?)

[mike3epanda]

Do you guys think I'm ready to start my aquarium and put water in it to start the cycle?.... I got this so far:

75 gal tank w/ DIY stand
Fluval Filter
Some filter that I bought that acts as a powerhead for currents
Florida Crushed Coral
Amquel Dechlorinator
Sea Salt Instant Ocean
Deep Six Hydrometer
Test Kit pH High Range
Seachem Test Kits Nitrite/Nitrate
SeaClone Protein Skimmer SCPS 150 (up to 150 gallons)

am I ready to drop some wate in my tank? what u guys think... what else do I need...( BTW I'm going to add the live rocks later because I want to wait and not kill any critters during the cycle) thank you in ADVANCE!!!!

[Sadielynn]

Do you guys think I'm ready to start my aquarium and put water in it to start the cycle?.... I got this so far:

75 gal tank w/ DIY stand

Fluval Filter

Some filter that I bought that acts as a powerhead for currents

Florida Crushed Coral Return this if you can it will trap ditris and cause high phosphates and nitrAtes , this will cause algea problems that likely will not be easy to get under control .

Amquel Dechlorinator If you use RO/DI or distlled water you wont need this if you are planning on using tap dont there are more things in there than chlorine , heavy metals to start with , you will probably have algea issues and high phosphates

Sea Salt Instant Ocean that is fine

Deep Six Hydrometer Not accurite spend the money and get a refracometer refractometer link click here

Test Kit pH High Range

Seachem Test Kits Nitrite/Nitrate good but you will need a full test kit ammonia , nitrAte, nitrIte, PH , and phosphate as well as others later on when and if you go reef
SeaClone Protein Skimmer SCPS 150 (up to 150 gallons)

am I ready to drop some wate in my tank? what u guys think... Nope you still have alot of reading to do yet you are a bit of ways off IMHHO what else do I need...( BTW I'm going to add the live rocks later because I want to wait and not kill any critters during the cycle) thank you in ADVANCE!!!! It is impossible to cycle with out the LR and even if you did it and you added it there would still be die off and another cycle , some things that come on our live rock is quite resilient you will be surprised at what will make it , but by limmiting the exposure to air and buying cured lr you should have some die off not huge .

[lando]

Sounds like a good start...just keep reading and researching. I will offer a few comments...

Fluval Filter

If you intend to use a cansiter filter, I suggest removing the biological media and using it for added flow, aplace to run chemical filtration and for mechanical filtration if you desire. Canisters require very regular cleaning to keep NO3 down.

Some filter that I bought that acts as a powerhead for currents

Actual powerheads will be much better for your tank. I suggest three maxi-jet 1200s.

Florida Crushed Coral

CC will work, but it require much more maintanace then LS. My suggestion is to return it and go with LS, I think you will be much happier in the long-run.

Deep Six Hydrometer

This will work for now, but certainly go to the LFS and have it tested against a refracto so you know how much it is off. I highly suggest getting a refracto down the road.

SeaClone Protein Skimmer SCPS 150 (up to 150 gallons)

This will be a bit under-powered for your tank. The SeaClone is not the best skimmer out there by any means but I have used it with great success on SMALLER tanks. There are some better suited models out there for your tank.

...( BTW I'm going to add the live rocks later because I want to wait and not kill any critters during the cycle)

If you are ordering LR online, I would order it and add it now. It will help your tank cycle. If you intend to purchase it locally, I would at least add a small amount now to help out with the cycle and build your biological filter up a bit.

[macman7010]

I agree with Lando on just about every point. That Seaclone is a real issue especially with an aquarium the size of yours. I would recommend either returning it, not getting it if you have not already and just going skimmer less.

[saywill]

I have florida crushed coral in my set up and I am taking it all out this weekend. I have to replace it with sand. It is a pain vacuuming the crushed coral every personal water change. I also have a high nitrate count because of the crushed coral.

[roka64]

I agree on the CC, I had it in my tank and had to remove due to it being a pain to clean. You can cycle with LR. This is suggested especially if you order it online, this rock will have a lot of dieoff and can cause another cycle in your tank. I agree with the fluvial, I only run purigen and the ceramic rings in it. I took out all the sponges as well. Go for the power heads, you will be baly to direct flow better than just using a filter. I like the Hydors, for wide spread, gentle flow. MJs are great for a powerful stream. Definitely get the refractometer, much more accurate and easy to read.

[mike3epanda]

thanks guys... know i got more reading to do... I've done nothing but read about SW's for a week online and it seems that I still have a longway to go..... About the powerheads...the one that im going use will be fine because they are actually pretty strong and i will use 2 of them... I've already bought all those stuff so i can't return it... especially the CC... I've opened it and the LFS saidthat they wont take it bak.. I will go with live sand later tho (once the hassle starts)... how much is the minimum LR should I get?... I'm in serious budget rightnow so i'm just going for minimum and I will add more LR later... Also I've read and read about the skimmer and have heard that this is the best bang for the buck (better than jebo at least).... thanks guys, keep replying and telliing me more to help... I will post pics later of it...

[Lance M.]

I would suggest that since you seem to be very limited on budget to wait and save up so you can start it off right instead of just the minimums and below par equipment. In the meant time you can read up and learn more. If you start off with just the minimums you are going to have lots of problems and your going to spend lots of time trying to correct them and not enjoying the hobby. Do it right the first time.

[melosu58]

It is usually recommended that 1.5-2 lbs per gallon of LR. If you are able to get some porus and light weight LR you might be able to get by with it. Even though you have CC I would get rid of it and take the loss and purchase some sand. Sand is not that expensive. I also agree with what the others said about if you dont have the money to properly start right then take the time to wait till you do. You`ll find out if you get in a big hurry and try to cut and scrimp on the necessary things you`ll have big problems.

[Kurt_Nelson]

Originally Posted by mike3epanda

...Also I've read and read about the skimmer and have heard that this is the best bang for the buck (better than jebo at least).... thanks guys, keep replying and telliing me more to help...

Folks are telling you a bunch, but from all the previous posts I've seen it looks like you're not too interested in accepting the help! Folks have told you over and over that the Seaclone is probably not a good purchase, but yet you got it anyway. Not sure where you heard it's a good "bang for the buck", but I don't think it was here.

Like the others, I'll just add one thing. S-L-O-O-O-W D-O-O-O-W-N. I'm pretty sure no one is threatening you with bodily harm if you don't set up your tank within 36 hours. If you can't sit on your hands for a month while you learn more (more than just surfing this site for a few days) and even better, save up money, then you're in for a world of hurt when you actually get things in your tank. The only thing that comes easy and quick in this hobby are bad results. Guaranteed.