New Marine Setup...

[OfficerBaughman]

Hello everyone..Bryan here..I posted something in the newbie section, so if you wanna know who I am..that should help out.

Ive got some very general questions here..and they are as follows.

1. Setup my tank (55) on Nov 24.

2. Took water sample to LFS, and they said water showed nothing that would cause any concern.

3. Water still seems a bit on the cloudy side.

Ok so here are the questions..

Is it ok to add a damsel to my tank to begin the cycle of my my tank, I know that some people are against doing it that way, but at the same time..Ive heard it is the best way to do it. Second question..when I added my black sand that I bought from the LFS, they didnt bother to tell me to rinse it first, and so the water looked like milk for about 5 days. Is that normal, and if so..how long does it take for the sand to become waterlogged? Next question..I only have about 30lbs of LR in my tank at this time, if I go out and purchase like 120lbs of the stuff can I just throw it in and let it be...(I already know about cured, and uncured) Next question...my lighting is just a 10,000K and then an actinic light..will that lighting be sufficent for a LRWFO? Any info that anyone would have on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Landlocked]

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, its normal for the sand to send off a big cloud like that if you don't wash it. A lot of it is broken down into dust while its being carried, shipped, etc. The dust should be filtered out. However, it is better to rinse as much of the sand off before putting it in. Just a note for the future. . .

As for live rock, you're going to want around 1 pound per gallon. However, you can have more or less, depending on how you want your tank to look.

Do you have a test kit? If not, you should get one. That way, you can just check your water at home.

What fish are you planning on putting into this? Be sure to read up on them before going out to buy them. Never buy on impulse!

As for cycling the tank, you should try to avoid using damsels. Many still do it that way, but it does hurt the fish, and it is rather cruel, when there are other working methods out there for doing it.

What sort of filtration do you have (sump, etc.)

If you use tap water, you should consider getting a reverse osmosis filter. If not, you should at least use a dechlorinator to remove ammonia and other chemicals from the water!

LOL,

 

[Sher]

You stated that you have approx. 30 pounds of LR in the tank at this time. If that is the case you do not need to add anything to cycle the tank. The LR is already doing that for you.

 

[Great Lakes]

Welcome Officer.

Sher is correct, your live rock will establish all the bacteria colonies you desire. It is a little slower this way, but better.

I cycled my first tank for six months before adding fish. Just had snails, crabs, and some shrimp in it. It was still a fascinating thing to watch.

As far as live rock is concerned, if you have some additional type of filtration, the 30lbs should do. If you are depending on the LR for filtration, you should add more, and it should be done before you get any fish in there.

On the lighting issue. You should really have four 4ft bulbs over a 55gal. The NO flourescent will do. I would run two Actinics, and two 10,000k. I have used the 50/50's, and don't like them as far as color is concerned. If you run four bulbs, and keep your calcium levels up, you should be able to produce some nice coraline growth on your LR.


GL

 

[OfficerBaughman]

Thanks everyone! Yesterday (12/4) I purchased 85lbs of LR from Dr.FosterSmiths.com I am looking at it coming in here in about 4 days. So I ffigure I will just add the LR and let the tank sit for a few months, another officer that I work with has some MH for sale, and I am thinking about purchasing them from him..But in the mean time...Thanks again for all the help! I do appreciate it!

Bryan

 

[ostrow]

Too bad I didn't see this earlier. Expect nasties on that liverock: aiptasia, mantis shrimp, maybe even flatworms. For others reading there are other ways to get live rock that are more safe for the less adventurous. (Though perhaps officer is adventurous!)

That will be a large amount of rock in addition to your existing 30 ... may even overwhelm. I have about 80lbs in my 75G. You might want to use about half of it.

 

[Landlocked]

If you do have pests (such as bristleworms), you should consider getting a trap or two, to help catch some of them...

 

[ostrow]

Landlocked the pests I mentioned ain't gonna be caught in no traps!