Water prep for corals

[Dtorre125]

I've had my 54 gallon corner tank running for a little over a month. There are currently two clowns, roughly 15 snails and hermits, and a starry blenny. I've been trying to stay patient and am currently gaining the knowledge I need to grow and maintain healthy corals. I've dosed the tank once with reef code A and B. I plan to do again after a 2 week wait. In addition I bought a eshopp 100 protein skimmer I plan to start using a little b4 I introduce my first coral. I am seeking advice on what calcium and alkalinity levels I should be looking for with my tank perimeters and if I should be testing for anything else beside the more basic nitrogen cycle elements. Also, What would be a good soft coral to introduce first? (Im trying to stay away from mushrooms and Xenia). Any information on the best way to prep the water would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

All you need for corals is a reef grade salt mix. You do not need to be dosing, any reef salt will keep your params in check until you have a large stony coral bio-load. As for soft corals, my favorites are ricordea and zoas/palys.

 

[Dtorre125]

I thought this may be the case. I actually did my first water change yesterday and it went great. Would a 20% weekly water change be sufficient?

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Yeah, what salt are you using?

 

[Dtorre125]

Instant ocean reef crystals.

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Then yeah 20% will do great for you.

 

[Dtorre125]

From my understanding its not the highest grade stuff but gets job done just fine, correct?

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Oh yeah, tons of people use it

 

[Dtorre125]

Also is the protein skimmer over kill at this point or should get it running?

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

No skimmers are great, an asset to pretty much any system.

 

[Dtorre125]

Awesome dude, thanks for the help.