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HELP with aquarium setup

post #1 of 3
3/7/11 at 3:38pm
Thread Starter 

I currently have a 48 gallon Bow Tank.  I have had it setup with salt water aquarium for the past 4-5 years.  I am looking to upgrade a bit but want to make sure I do it right.  I have only fish, snails, crabs in my tank I am wanting to add live rock, mushrooms, etc.  Our local pet store has live rock already cured so I can buy and place in the tank.  I also want to change my filter system TOO LOUD, I hate it.  I have a Whisper brand that hangs on the back of the tank.  I would like to add a few more fish as well.  I have 2 clownfish and would link to add a few tangs.  

So  1)  how much rock do I put in and what do the water conditions need to be

      2)  what type of filter system can I buy to upgrade

      3)  can I make all these changes at once, add rock- change filter system - add a few fish all at once. 

Thanks for your time in helping me.

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post #2 of 3
3/7/11 at 4:00pm

1. the post needs to be moved somewhere else

 

2. 48 gallon tank calls for between 48 and 96 pounds of live rock.  It depends on your tastes and the type of rock you get.

 

3. If you want to stay mechanical and not go with a sump, Fluvals are the best rated canisters out there.  Not sure how quiet they are, but everyone likes them.  Lots of space for media.

 

4. I would add the rock first and keep your current filter going.  The current filter is where the good bacteria is that is cycling the ammonia and nitrite out.  Once the rock has been in there, keep an eye for ammonia and nitrite during the first few days, then you can swap out the filters after about 2 weeks or so.  I would move what filter pads you have in the old filter into the new filter somewhere so that you minimize the loss of bacteria for the nitrification process.  Once you have gone a few weeks with no ammonia or nitrite spikes, then you can add a few fish.  Try to keep it to 1 at a time.  Sure, there are some fish that do better when added by pairs, but its best to go slowly.

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post #3 of 3
3/7/11 at 5:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scolewtn View Post

I currently have a 48 gallon Bow Tank.  I have had it setup with salt water aquarium for the past 4-5 years.  I am looking to upgrade a bit but want to make sure I do it right.  I have only fish, snails, crabs in my tank I am wanting to add live rock, mushrooms, etc.  Our local pet store has live rock already cured so I can buy and place in the tank.  I also want to change my filter system TOO LOUD, I hate it.  I have a Whisper brand that hangs on the back of the tank.  I would like to add a few more fish as well.  I have 2 clownfish and would link to add a few tangs.  

So  1)  how much rock do I put in and what do the water conditions need to be

      2)  what type of filter system can I buy to upgrade

      3)  can I make all these changes at once, add rock- change filter system - add a few fish all at once. 

Thanks for your time in helping me.



 

I would not trust that the rock you buy is cured. I would prove the rock you buy is cured, lest you have dead clownfish...

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