New jbj 29 gallon led nano reef

[Kalimist71]

Looking for tips and points to get started.
Plus a few pics or my freshwater and garage/man cave
So far I've picked up 2 power heads
30 pounds of live rock
And my rodi unit

 

[Phranque]

Looking good so far, but that must be some pretty dense rock..... I've got just a little over 30lbs of RealReef in mine, it's filled up quite a bit more than that, and I thought that stuff was heavy.

You doing a fishless cycle?? If so, get those lights off.........

And the hydrometer is OK in a pinch, but they're notoriously inaccurate. Spend the few $$ and get yourself a refractometer...... much more accurate & dependable.

 

[Kalimist71]

Hey yah I am new so I need a few better tools
I am adding a damsel ATM. It's 26 pounds actually and I don't kno what kind it is. The
Fish store guy was raveing about it. Under my
Blue LEDs it glows ember.

 

[Convict2161]

Like the scape. Can't wait to see this tank in a year. Which power heads did you go with. Also I agree fish less cycle you don't need lights on.

 

[Kalimist71]

I figured I'd go with 2 nano 265 gph

See attached pictures. Lights are off now thanks for the tips. I'm going to my lfs after family day tomorrow to get a proper refractometer

Also attached a picture of my baby fahaka puffer live caught from the Nile river. Only a one inch fish in a 98 gallon high tech planted

 

[Phranque]

If you're adding a damsel to do your cycle, I'd advise against it. First, do a fishless cycle..... that way you're not putting a fish through the stress of cycling. Second, damsels are extremely aggressive fish & difficult to catch..... if you plan on adding additional fish later, there will likely be aggression issues, and you will have a heck of a time getting the damsel out without tearing the tank apart.
If you haven't put the powerheads in the tank yet, don't use them (return them)..... 2 x 265gph sounds like a lot, but it's really not. I had 2 Koralia 240's in my tank, and they hardly did anything. Wound up going with a pair of 425's, and later added another pair on top of that for my SPS.
As far as the refractometer, check online before heading to the LFS..... There's a few different brands on Amazon for around $30. I'm all for supporting the local brick & mortar stores, but for accessory items like this, they tend to really hike up the prices.