Hi,
I just wanted to introduce myself as this my first post at this site and I have just started my first SW tank.
Here is a breakdown of what I have and what I have done to date:
Tank: Tenecor 50g flat back hex
Filtration: Tenecor's Simplicity Plus (see attached dia.)
Protein Skimmer: Red Sea Berlin Air Lift 60
Lighting: Coralite Dual 65 watt
Power Head
Sump Pump
On Saturday I rinsed my tank and added 3" of sand & crushed rock/gravel. Then I added 10lbs of porous (non L/r). Then I mixed 1 cup of salt per 2g as the directions stated. I have the mechanical filter (sponge) and ph buffer - crushed coral in place, but I have left the carbon out and plan to do so until the tank is cycled. I have been adding 1/8tsp of Aquarium Products Biozyme on Sat, Sun and tonight when I get home. I'll continue to do this for 4 more days as directed (unless anyone has a better idea).
Now here is where I need some advise. I have been told by my LFS to add 4 damsels to cycle the tank and add LR later. Conversely I have been reading that it's best to put the LR in now as opposed to later. I have not installed the Protein Skimmer yet. The water temp is 78 and the hydrometer is reading a little below 1.020.
My next move is going to be to raise the level of salt to approx 1.022. At this point should I remove some water from the tank or try to mix in a little more salt. If I can add it directly to the tank, how much should I add at a time and how long does it generally take for the salt to disapate?
Once I have the right amount of salt should I test perform the standard tests or should I add the LR. Would 25lbs be a good starting point? Also, when should I introduce the Protein Skimmer.
I just wanted to introduce myself as this my first post at this site and I have just started my first SW tank.
Here is a breakdown of what I have and what I have done to date:
Tank: Tenecor 50g flat back hex
Filtration: Tenecor's Simplicity Plus (see attached dia.)
Protein Skimmer: Red Sea Berlin Air Lift 60
Lighting: Coralite Dual 65 watt
Power Head
Sump Pump
On Saturday I rinsed my tank and added 3" of sand & crushed rock/gravel. Then I added 10lbs of porous (non L/r). Then I mixed 1 cup of salt per 2g as the directions stated. I have the mechanical filter (sponge) and ph buffer - crushed coral in place, but I have left the carbon out and plan to do so until the tank is cycled. I have been adding 1/8tsp of Aquarium Products Biozyme on Sat, Sun and tonight when I get home. I'll continue to do this for 4 more days as directed (unless anyone has a better idea).
Now here is where I need some advise. I have been told by my LFS to add 4 damsels to cycle the tank and add LR later. Conversely I have been reading that it's best to put the LR in now as opposed to later. I have not installed the Protein Skimmer yet. The water temp is 78 and the hydrometer is reading a little below 1.020.
My next move is going to be to raise the level of salt to approx 1.022. At this point should I remove some water from the tank or try to mix in a little more salt. If I can add it directly to the tank, how much should I add at a time and how long does it generally take for the salt to disapate?
Once I have the right amount of salt should I test perform the standard tests or should I add the LR. Would 25lbs be a good starting point? Also, when should I introduce the Protein Skimmer.