Robfowlr
Aquarium Advice Newbie
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2012
- Messages
- 2
So I am pretty new to the hobby and just looking for some advice/best practice.
I have a 45G tank with:
80lbs of live sand
10lbs base rock
40lbs good cured live rock
Aquaclear 70 Powerfilter W/2 sponges and 1 carbon pack in the basket
Fluval 200w Heater
(2) maxijet 600's (circulator config)
Full top with 24" 50/50 lighting
My tank Cycled very quickly I had the Rock and sand in for about 3 days then added 2 clownfish. The Ammo and Nitite levels were at zero after the first 8 days. The nitrate level have fluxuated between 5ppm and 15ppm.
I had my LFS test my water and they said that it looked good. I was worried because most of what I have read said that the cycle would take 6-8 weeks. I have received mixed advice about buying a skimmer some say its not needed with my size tank,but would be useful, others say its a waste. I am going to wait a few weeks and if my levels are stable go with out if they move ill get either a bak pak or an Aqua C ramora.
I waited 2 weeks with the clowns in the tank with 5 blue leg hermits 4 white snails and 4 turbos and the levels were good. I added a 2" blue tang and a 3 1/2" pink spotted goby/with pistol shrimp buddy. All levels are good I have done 2 10g water changes and have gone easy on the food. I am using mysis shrimp, pellets, and seaweed strips all soaked in garlic solution. Everyone is eating well and not leaving to much mess.
Compared to what I have read about starting a FOWLR this seems very rushed I know but I havnt had any harsh spikes in levels, aggression, or much negative progress so far. My next move is to wait 2 more weeks and add a flame angel. I am thinking that may be all the fish I will add to the tank just to keep the bioload reasonable and everyone happy. Mayabe a cleaner shrimp too!
Any advice or comments you have would be appreciated as I am getting most of my info from reading and my LFS. I will post some pics of the aquascaping and the tank residents soon!
Rob
I have a 45G tank with:
80lbs of live sand
10lbs base rock
40lbs good cured live rock
Aquaclear 70 Powerfilter W/2 sponges and 1 carbon pack in the basket
Fluval 200w Heater
(2) maxijet 600's (circulator config)
Full top with 24" 50/50 lighting
My tank Cycled very quickly I had the Rock and sand in for about 3 days then added 2 clownfish. The Ammo and Nitite levels were at zero after the first 8 days. The nitrate level have fluxuated between 5ppm and 15ppm.
I had my LFS test my water and they said that it looked good. I was worried because most of what I have read said that the cycle would take 6-8 weeks. I have received mixed advice about buying a skimmer some say its not needed with my size tank,but would be useful, others say its a waste. I am going to wait a few weeks and if my levels are stable go with out if they move ill get either a bak pak or an Aqua C ramora.
I waited 2 weeks with the clowns in the tank with 5 blue leg hermits 4 white snails and 4 turbos and the levels were good. I added a 2" blue tang and a 3 1/2" pink spotted goby/with pistol shrimp buddy. All levels are good I have done 2 10g water changes and have gone easy on the food. I am using mysis shrimp, pellets, and seaweed strips all soaked in garlic solution. Everyone is eating well and not leaving to much mess.
Compared to what I have read about starting a FOWLR this seems very rushed I know but I havnt had any harsh spikes in levels, aggression, or much negative progress so far. My next move is to wait 2 more weeks and add a flame angel. I am thinking that may be all the fish I will add to the tank just to keep the bioload reasonable and everyone happy. Mayabe a cleaner shrimp too!
Any advice or comments you have would be appreciated as I am getting most of my info from reading and my LFS. I will post some pics of the aquascaping and the tank residents soon!
Rob