General Info (First Time)

cbdrako99

cbdrako99

Member
Hello to all! I have a couple of novice questions. I just started my 58 gallon tank a week ago. I have a fire gobie and a shrip so far. My goal is a reef tabk (when I can afford it) How long untill algea will start growing in the tank? Also since it is a fish only tank right now are there any chemical that I should be adding to the water. Next Question is when the water evaps out of the tank I think it should be replace with fresh water. Is that correct. Thank for the feed back. If there are any other tips you would like to give it would be greatly appreciated.
Cbdrako99:)
 
harlequinnut

harlequinnut

Active Member
I'll try and answer your questions as best as I can. First, it really depends on the individual tank when algae will groww(lighting, water chemistry, etc). Since it's a fish only tank, you needn't worry about adding any chemicals. As for top off, you are right about the fresh water, ro/di preferably. Just make sure you check your sg periodically. HTH
 
bsktmom

bsktmom

Member

Originally posted by cbdrako99
Hello to all! I have a couple of novice questions. I just started my 58 gallon tank a week ago. I have a fire gobie and a shrip so far. My goal is a reef tabk (when I can afford it) How long untill algea will start growing in the tank? Also since it is a fish only tank right now are there any chemical that I should be adding to the water. Next Question is when the water evaps out of the tank I think it should be replace with fresh water. Is that correct. Thank for the feed back. If there are any other tips you would like to give it would be greatly appreciated.
Cbdrako99:)
If I were you I wouldn't add anymore fish or inverts until your ammonia is 0 and nitrites are 0. Your fish and shrimp may not make it through the cycle. I hope they do though. Please do a lot of reading on this board and ask questions. Good Luck. Yes, you do use fresh water to top off.
 
chandler04

chandler04

Active Member
You shouldnt have any fish in there yet PERIOD. You should be cycling the tank with Live Rock and some small fish, damsels work well for cycling. You need to let yer bacteria produce, this stuff is very necessary. You could try also putting a piece of raw cocktail shrimp, it will decay and give food to the bacteria to eat and cause the ammonia to grow. Make sure that you have plenty of Live Rock, I recommend 50 or more pounds for your tank. Get some nice lighting, maybe Power Compact Lights or Metal Halide if your getting corals. Set up a Wet Dry system, and get a clean up crew of inverts (snails, hermit crabs, Lawnmower Blenny). I can go into moe detail for you, I have been through this all and I dont want anyone else to make the mistakes that I have made. Email me, you will need some help, and I will help you along the way.
Chandler044@aol.com
TTYL
 
belothsurf

belothsurf

Member
you want a tip?.......never believe anything that you hear, and only half of what you see...........:thinking: He-he....Welcome....drako.....my real tip would be to read and research. Go to your local bookstore and get "Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies". A great book to get you started. Or go online and get Bob Fenner's "The Conscientious marine Aquarist". And of course, ask questions here. I've learned a ton here, but get your foundation through some good books. My best piece of advice................HAVE FUN....:jumping: :jumping: :cheer: :cheer: :nervous: :nervous: :happy: :happy: :happy:
 
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