LFS Advice

[term_paint]

I was at the local store getting information prior to sitting up my 55 bowfront. Some of their tanks do not have live rock in them. I asked some questions and was told that i could start mine that way and then add rock...Additionally they told me that i really should use a wet dry filter with bio balls. I am not sure that this information is correct. They really seemed very confused. Additionally they said to start out with Diatom?? Gravel?? Any advice would be helpful......

 

[veni vidi vici]

Originally Posted by term_paint http:///forum/post/2742072
I was at the local store getting information prior to sitting up my 55 bowfront. Some of their tanks do not have live rock in them. I asked some questions and was told that i could start mine that way and then add rock...Additionally they told me that i really should use a wet dry filter with bio balls. I am not sure that this information is correct. They really seemed very confused. Additionally they said to start out with Diatom?? Gravel?? Any advice would be helpful......
Welcome to SWF.com

They have givin you some LFS advice.You could do what they suggest or not and you will get diatoms regardless,i think pretty much all new tanks do.
I would do some more research https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/301033/101-tips-to-beginning-and-maintaining-a-saltwater-aquarium
I built my own sump/refugium as opposed to buying a expensive wet dry.I use liverock and sand instead of bio balls.
And i removed all the crushed coral gravel from my tank shortly after filling it up because it has more draw backs than sand and sand looks nicer in my opinion.
I would advise asking questions here and reading before you let the LFS talk you into buying something or giving you uninformed advice.
Good luck and welcome again.

 

[nordy]

Welcome to the Boards!
You have come to the right place for advice for sure. As for starting a tank without LR, sure you can do that as long as you have a decent wet/dry filter of some type. I have a sump w/bioballs and it has worked well for me over the years in my 55 gal tank, but others have well, other opinions on what type of wet/dry filter system to get.
A tank w/o LR is a "Fish Only" tank, a tank w/LR is a FOWLR (fish with Live Rock), so you can go either way. Do you have any plans for livestock in your tank once you get it cycled? Planning ahead is very important so that you don't end up having to upgrade things like lighting a couple of times as your desired livestock plans change-that can get expensive fast!
A couple of thoughts on your equipment, if you haven't gotten anything yet-get a decent skimmer, a refractometer, and a good test kit. These items will really help you get your tank up and running and sucessfully cycled. Oh, and one other thing-patience, patience, patience! Don't hurry the cycle, and don't add too much livestock too soon. It can take a long time to cycle and establish your SW tank and not rushing things will really pay off in the long run!
Let the questions begin!

 

[kwpgrooming]

Welcome. Never take the word of the LFS. Do your own research. I am having all kinds of issues with algae because I listened to mine. When I went today the owner of mine advised me to put a sailfin tang in my 75 gal. to eat the algae. When I told him my research said a 75 gal was way to small, he told me not to worry it would take 5 years to start getting to large for my tank. I think I will pass. I already have a kole tang. This message board will give you plenty of good advice.

 

[nordy]

+1

On the comments above about LFS advice. My LFS did me right when I switched my 55 gal from FW to SW years ago, but not all of them do that plus, while they may be helpful and knowledgeable, they are in the business to sell you stuff, stuff that they have in stock, so always keep this in mind when dealing with your LFS. It doesn't mean they are doing you wrong when they sell you something, but the more educated you are when you go in there, the better off you will be in the long run.
Definately go for sand when you get your tank setup-CC can get really nasty and while my tank did fine w/CC for years, when I changed out to sand, it was a big mess to deal with. Glad I did it-the sand is much nicer to look at and easier to maintain IMHO.