just got tanked... getting your tank started.

[just_got_tanked]

I am hoping to get a topic started that could benefit anybody starting out a new tank. This topic would be on how other people set up there tanks. In some cases the examples used may not be correct. In order for this topic to work people need to update there post everytime something changes in there tank. For example buying new fish, adding of rock or live sand, or death in the tank. If a person starting up a tank can weigh the pros and cons of other peoples mistakes maybe it can help them make the right choices.

 

[just_got_tanked]

First day~ Added: 40# cc, RO water mixed with instant ocean salt, 30# LR.
week later: added 20# lr
week later: checked water, believed to be cycled, added a percula clown and a condi hatian anenome.
so far so good. To early to tell if everything is alright. Already starting to think that the anenome was a mistake. Lets hope not.

 

[mr . salty]

The CC could be your first BIG mistake.Most people(including me)that started with CC have switched to a deep sand bed.Live sand is a much better substrate.It requires no vaccuming,,and actually removes nitrates.CC contributes to high nitrates by trapping excess food and fish waste.....I also agree that the anemone is a mistake.They should only be kept in a well mature tank...Your not even sure if your tank has cycled yet...

 

[just_got_tanked]

when I setup my tank the fish store I was at had no live sand. I think it is hard to get here in colorado. The cc that I have I really dont want to take out. I would have to take out all of my LR and really mess up my tank. The only time that I would even concider switching to live rock Is when I move. By then the CC would be alive itself.
I wanted people to tell me how they setup there tanks though give some examples.

 

[bhav_88]

I have CC, but already have plans to switch to DSB after christmas. You will want to, beleive me, when you have to change water every week and vaccum it. It gets to be a pain.

 

[ssnake]

I had the same idea of posting how everyone set up their tanks, and put it on the tail of your last topic. Wanted to share the book I read when I firt started my tank. It is called the Marne Reef Aquarium Handbook by Dr. Robert J. Goldstien. In it there is the process that I used and also has many other topics on how to maintain it. I have found my own way of doing things since, but it is a good guide to follow.

 

[just_got_tanked]

ssnake~
I have the same book that you mentioned. This is a good book. I've been reading it sinse the day I got the tank.