Marine Tank Picture Diary

[Stonker]

Ok, it's begun
I'll update this thread as I add to the tank. Basically it's a 36x18x12", and I'm going to use it for my first marine setup.
As you can see below, I've started to add the sand, and base rock. I will be using live rock on top of this.

The "Ocean Rock" was purchased from the LFS, and has some nice cave-like holes etc..

Next up is the live rock, water, heater, powerheads and lighting. I will post add to this thread as soon as they are in

 

[Sky042]

Did you use Live sand?

 

[Stonker]

No, only standard marine grade sand.

 

[glolite]

Oh goody, I like watching new tank set-ups. Nearly as good as starting one myself!!

 

[Stonker]

Well, here's a bit of aquascaping I did today
(Top pieces stuck with aquarium sealant)

It's not very visible, but there are a lot of "table" like structures there which are ready to hold the live rock.

 

[debiasir]

coming along nicely, looking forward to updates

 

[Snailguy101]

Lookin good

 

[Stonker]

Did you use Live sand?

Well waddya know! I just spoke to the guy who supplied it to me, and he said it's coral sand, and will be seedable

 

[Stonker]

Update - 26-07-05

Added the Live Rock, 2xEheim powerheads, heater, skimmer and Arcadia 2xT5 Luminnaire....

Excuse the wires! )

The heater which is bobbing around is only temporary to get the water to it's correct temperature. I'll be adding a shatterproof 300w very soon.

 

[withington]

nice tank

 

[Stonker]

Stocking has begun

There's also a couple of Green Chromis, and a Yellow-tailed Damsel in there, but they don't take good photos just yet!

 

[Jade4Mango]

Stocking the tank already? Less than a week of cycling?

Seriosuly thats a bad sign, the tank has not matured yet and your have already added corals and fish. Seriously I got a bad sign that they wont survive. I gave my tank a 3 month cycle with water and LR. You will see through the pass few weeks algae developing, and I mean lots of algae. You will also need to test your water 2-3 days apart, the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate etc will rise and fall.

IMO, I would take back the fish and the corals. The hermit is ok. I would get some Turbo snails and leave the tank just like that for a few weeks. Minimum 4-5weeks for a proper cycle. The longer the better!

Hope they are ok, because less than 1 week of cycling is a bad sign.

 

[memnon]

cool tank!!

 

[Stonker]

IMO, I would take back the fish and the corals. The hermit is ok. I would get some Turbo snails and leave the tank just like that for a few weeks. Minimum 4-5weeks for a proper cycle. The longer the better!

Thanks for your input Jade.
I'm very used to the idea of cycling, as I've had many tropical tanks.
This marine setup has a very high water turnover, which is being fed through fully-cured live rock.
I'm fully expecting a Nitrate spike in around 2-3 weeks, and I will be prepared for it.
As for Turbo snails, there is not algae in the tank, so I suspect they could become rather hungry.

You will see through the pass few weeks algae developing, and I mean lots of algae.

Well let's hope not. The water is DI only, with a zero phosphate reading.

The fish are from the same LFS as the water, and have been housed in it for some time.

I appreciate your concern and advice, but I know what to look out for

Thanks memnon

 

[Jade4Mango]

I used to work for a lfs many customers used to say the same thing.

One time a customer bought LR and all that from another store. Came to us and brought the water, it was perfect. Then I asked how long has the tank been setup for? they said a few hrs. All the staff was like..ok...gave our opinion and said "If you get livestock now they will DIE! But if you wish to purchase fish now, its not our responsibility if they die". THey said ok and bought $500 worth of fish and corals. After a week, they came in and asked how come their fish and corals are dieing? The tank is going throught the cycle and then we told em, we told u already a week ago.

You should of seem their faces...dont believe in people's advice and you will suffer. Not saying your not taking my advice, but you will see the results in a few weeks.

Goodluck