(1newreefdiver) Help on new tank

[1newreefdiver]

ok so i am looking for some advice here, I have a new tank it has been up and running a week it is 55 gal with a 5 inch live sand base about 24lbs live rock some shells and dead coral from some scuba i've done it has been bleached and is good to go i have a huge filter that is a bio ball type it drains off the back and does a great job of cycling gallons of water then it pumps it back to the other side of the tank. I am thinking it is going good for now. I have a lfs that is run by hobyists that got together and started it to get what they want for thier tanks. the are truly genuine with thier concern and realy want to help. They say get a protein skimmer. will this help my cycling? or should i wait. I have a fluorescent light it is all i can afford for now but it will be upgraded in about six months. do i need any additive's will this help is there any that will speed up my cycling?

 

[BillyZ]

[mod]split into it's own topic[/mod]

 

[Sam]

For the initial cycling of the tank with just the LR in it, it is recommended that no additives are added at this point until after the cycle is complete and you are adding livestock. LR does not need it. I would keep testing your water on a regular basis to monitor the stages of the cycling testing for ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. A protein skimmer would definitely help and recommended not just for this but for when you add livestock. Lighting during the LR cycling is recommended to be minimal to prevent a serious algae bloom problem. During this process you are just allowing the die off of the LR to complete and for the microorganisms on the rock to stabilize. After the cycle is complete, it is recommended to do at least a 50% water change to get rid of all of the by-porducts and nutrients in the water. Key here is testing to be sure that your cycle is complete, which can take a couple to a few more weeks. 8)

 

[1newreefdiver]

ok thanks do i need more water motion in a 55 gal than just the trickle filter return pump it is a Rio 2500?

 

[Sam]

Rule of thumb is 5-6 times the volume of water/hour. Technically you are returning enough with the 2500 but it would not hurt and may help to put a powerhead or two in the tank. They are fairly cheap. This will help with the LR and also when you add livestock. Strong current generation is a good thing. Will also help with aeration. 8)

 

[dogofwar]

I wouldn't use a skimmer yet, it's not needed.

you just need to be patient and let the cycle complete at it's own pace.

Current is dependent on what you choose to stock your tank with. Fish don't really care but corals and such differ in their needs. You need to research what you want and what it desires for current. Those found at shallow depths usually require sparatic unorganized currents as where those deeper will be happy with a constant flow.

a PH on a patch of Coralline Algae will help it to spread.

your light for now is fine as well. That decision will also be based on personal opinion and the inhabitants.

 

[1newreefdiver]

the tank has now been up for two weeks and is doing great also it has two percula clowns. there is an algae problem big time what will work best?... also were getting a shrimp! what snails will work best for algae? which shrimp are cool? lets here it!

 

[cj10488]

2 weeks is too new in my opinion for fish or inverts.. The diatoms are a normal process of cycling and will disappear within the month.. Snails would work the best.. What are the nitrite and ammonia levels in the tank? Most tanks should be ran empty for approx 1 month or until all levels spike extremely high then bottom back out at 0...

which shrimp are cool?

I like the peppermint shrimp.. I would seriously wait at least a month before getting anything else in your tank..

2 Clowns in a 2 week old tank sounds like disaster to me.... MHO
Rember to QT your New arrival fish for 4 weeks before adding them to your main tank... Dont learn the hard way like I did...


hth,
James

 

[1newreefdiver]

Sorry i did say 2 weeks. Its been 4 weeks cycling and a week after that with fish. so five weeks in all. (that is what happens when you type and try to carry on a conversation at the same time). Also the lfs will let me buy fish and they will QT them for me in a tank. they are cool!!!!!!! like i said it is just a couple of hobbyists that opened one for thier needs we are all good friends. anyhow. I gots me two turbos snails and two margarita snails and two blue leg hermet crabs. my levels have bottomed to zero and we will slowly populate it.

 

[alrmc4]

do not keep a peppermint shrimp if you like feather dusters and other mis items that they will eat i have a skunk cleaner and a fire shrimp never see the fire shrimp but the cleaner is brave and always out.