Dustyboy316's 10 gallon build

[dustyboy316]

Hey, I'm starting this now to keep track of my progress. I'm going to tell you my little story before, so skip this if you just want pics.
Anyways I bought an aquapod on ---- for about 150. I figured I wouldn't have to worry about as much, since it was all built in. Well it broke in shipping, and I now finally get a refund! I have to send the lights back though, which I am doin in a few days. Anyways so I went out bought a 10 gallon tank, a heater, power filter, power head, and a hydrometer and I've started my build.
I have the SG at 1.024 or so right now,and temp is 80 and I added some LR yesterday. Quick question, should I have scraped the algae and stuff off of the LR before putting it in? The water got pretty dirty, but the filter did a good job, so the water looks fairly clean again.
Anyways here's what she looks like: (the powerhead is propped up against the colourful ornament, it will be gone as soon as I get a new one)
No sand yet, will do that soon.

There's my dogs .
Anyways, should I turn off the filter and powerhead when the sand is settling?

 

[patrick8929]

congrats on the new tank!!!
welcome to the forums

looks like your off to a great start!
i would leave them on because it will clear up faster that way and you want flow all the time.

 

[dustyboy316]

Ok I wasn't sure if sand would hurt the impellers or anything.
Got the LR for $3 a pound, but it isn't the best stuff. I'll prob go get some when I get my clean up crew, but I have to drive 45 mins out of town...
It sucks my city has like 75 000 people and one pet store, that has no salt water anything. If I drive 45 mins theres a town with maybe 15 000 and they have one... Or if I go an hour away that city has like 20 haha.

 

[patrick8929]

haha sounds like my town. but if you do get the rock from 45 minutes away make sure it satys wet so the stuff on it doesnt die.

 

[dustyboy316]

Originally Posted by patrick8929
http:///forum/post/2864292
haha sounds like my town. but if you do get the rock from 45 minutes away make sure it satys wet so the stuff on it doesnt die.
Yup, I'm going to bring a cooler. That's what I did when I picked it up in town.

 

[dustyboy316]

So I'm just curious about this. I have some coralline on a few of my rocks. Will it die off right now, because I won't have a light until christmas time.
Thanks.

 

[nissan577]

it will die but not cause the lights. cause the calcium levels wont be were they need to be. which is 400-450ppm

 

[nano-newb1983]

So get your new light yet? How is this bad boy comin?

 

[dustyboy316]

Sorry for no updates. I lost the cord for my camera and lost the thread haha.
Anyways I am currently using an actnic light for day time. I am going to be upgrading to a power compact, I just don't have the funds right now.
If Actnic is a bad idea I have another light.
I now have 2 clowns, 2 Emerald Crabs and 3 Turbo Snails.

 

[nissan577]

its coming along great! what do you mean the actinics are a bad idea?

 

[dustyboy316]

Originally Posted by nissan577
http:///forum/post/2940598
its coming along great! what do you mean the actinics are a bad idea?

I use them in the day. I read somewhere it was fine.
I'm sure it is fine though and since I've been using them I've seen a bit more plant/algae growth. I didn't know if actnic was just for night or not.

 

[nissan577]

if you have the daylight only your tank gets a yellowish look. thats why the actinic gives it a whiter look.

 

[dustyboy316]

so should I mix the 2. They're 2 seperate fixtures.

 

[redsea]

awesome tnak, good work!

 

[dustyboy316]

So I just found a local saltwater fish store in my town. I am so shocked, I thought there were none hgere. I don't have to drive 40 minutes anymore for anything, wooo!
So I bought a fluorescent hood to mix with my actnic lighting and hopefully grow some zoo's. Is this enough lighting?
And I bought some "chestnut snails" but they don't look like the pics on the net. Can anyone id them?