A boy and his cube, Wilks's 29G Biocube

wilks

wilks

Member
Well I'm finally up and running with a mini-fuge in back (filter floss, chemi-pure elite, chaeto, and LR rubble), Koralia 1, MaxJet 1200, two bags of live sand and 32 lbs of live rock (Fiji and Vanuatu). Some of the rock isn't completely cured so I'm letting that cycle my tank. Should I add a shrip as well at this point? Going to buy my test kit tomorrow, I've been up and running for seven days.
Full tank shot

Close up of the Vanuatu

Two of the "top caves" with some of the purple and bright green stuff growing on the LR

No hitchhikers that I've noticed as of yet, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled. I plan on having my water tested at the LFS tomorrow and purchasing a kit as well. I'll keep you posted.
 
wilks

wilks

Member
Excellent, thanks spanko.
I'm keeping the lights off to cut down on algae growth as well. Good idea?
 
wilks

wilks

Member
Well the first rounds of extensive tests are done (been up and running for nine days)
Ph: 8.4
Nitrate: 0
Nitrite: 0
Ammonia: Nearly 0 (not quite the shade of .25 but not quite the shade of 0)
(above are from API Saltwater Master Test Kit)
Salinity: 1.024
Temp: 79
I know some of the rock I added on day one wasn't completely cured, but I plan to test for another day or two....
What do you guys think, cycled or no?
I'm also starting to consider my stock list. I think I'll start with a goby, suggestions?
The only thing I'm definitely planning on getting is either a Blackcap Basslet or a Chalk Basslet. Also planning to keep corals.
 
mtbenino

mtbenino

Member
Are you testing everyday? I would so you will notice a spike in your parameters...then you will know when the cycle is done. Seven days is not long enough IMO. Maybe someone else will chime in as well.
 
wilks

wilks

Member
Third day of testing, parameters are unchanged. I'm considering throwing an uncooked shrimp in, just to be safe.
 
wilks

wilks

Member
Well I threw the shrimp in yesterday and when the lights kicked on this morning I discovered I have a TON of pods! Sweeeetttt!
 
wilks

wilks

Member
Update: Since my last post I've added a CUC that consisted of 10-15 assorted snails and a cleaner shrimp, then about a week and a half later I added two false percs. I'll try to post a few photos later on....hoping to add my first corals soon. I'm open to suggestions, thanks!
 
wilks

wilks

Member
FTS

The percs (haven't named them yet...)


Hott CUC action


And last but not least, Santos the cleaner shrimp
 
wilks

wilks

Member
I picked up my first small frag of zoos yesterday. I know they're photosynthetic, but do you guys supplement anything for yours?
 
wilks

wilks

Member
Sweet, thanks man! I figured that would be the case. But it seems I can never be too sure in this hobby.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top