Looking for thoughts, comments and suggestions!

spammie5

spammie5

Member
Hi! I have a new 55 gal that my husband just bought me for xmas so that's what brings me here. I'm not really a new hobbyist, but it's been almost 7 years since I have had a tank. I had a 55 gal FW and a 65 gal FOWLR with semi-success - just what IS your definition of success?? lol...anyway, after much lurking and researching around here I figured it was time to jump in!
I also worked in pet/fish stores and really enjoyed the hobby. I had lost those 2 tanks in a move back in 2002 and so my hubby gave me this tank and setup for xmas...heme that he did this because he knows how much joy it all brings me and he loved to see that. Aaawww, cool huh? Yessss...
So anyway, all that being said, it's been almost 7 years and when you're not involved everyday you forget some things and things also change. So I'd love advice and to be a part of y'alls community.....
Here's what I have with my black 55 gal on black wood stand:
• Marineland C360 Canister Filter at 360 gph
• A dual light strip with a 32w standard flourescent bulb and,
48w MarineGlo bulb
• 60 lbs of Aragonite Select - I'm not sure whether this is ended up being a good thing or bad thing based on different stuff I've read around here...and is this just substrate (my guess) or actual live sand?
• One 200 watt heater
• Thermometer
• Instant Ocean salt
I also have an NH4 test and and PH test.
The LFS guy also sold me Instant Ocean Bio-Spira...with LIVE nitrifying bacteria!

So, I have rinsed all my Aragonite and then added wtih RO water. The tank was filled with 50/50 RO and well water. I premixed my salt and added in with well water. Hooked up filter, put in heater, added thermometer, added lids and lights and came to the computer to start doing more research!
I guess I'd like some timeline opinions of helping tank cycle, adding things and some help with the initial group of inhabitants I'm interested in...just general stuff!
So, thanks in advance for the advice and hospitality!
Pamela
 
U

usirchchris

Guest
My personal method for the initial cycle. Pop in some kind of food...Many choose a piece of shrimp (in order to create ammonia). Then wait a month. Do testing during the 1 month to evaluate where in the cycle you are. At the end of the 4 weeks do a 25% water change, and add a clean up crew...well depending on what type of tank you are doing. Welcome and Good Luck
.
 
spammie5

spammie5

Member
Well I plan on it...I wasn't sure at what point? I keep reading conflicting things that say today/in a week/after a month....so I hadn't yet...like I said in my original post, I just set it up hours ago...
 
chasar

chasar

Member
Welcome back to the hobby. If you are doing Live Rock (LR), add it now, if your budget allows. Good rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 pounds per gallon. If you add LR later any die off from it can create another cycle, or amonia spike. On the LR subject, if you plan on adding any diggers or sand sifters, make sure that your LR is on the base of the tank and not sitting on the sand where the rock can fall over. Live sand is not a neccesary as your sand will soon be live, so you probably saved some money. As mentioned above some add a shrimp to help cycle, but daily feedings will also work, pretend you are feeding fish. What type of fish you will want will somewhat decide your clean up crew (CUC), which can be added after your cycle. I would wait a few weeks after adding a CUC before I add fish.
 
spammie5

spammie5

Member
Thanks Chasar - I will get LR as soon as possible. My main thoughts on fish were these:Here is a list I'm compiling of things I like and I think will be compatible...I certainly want advice here: flame hawk, Royal Gramma, Yellow Watchman Goby, Fire Fish, Purple Fire Fish Psychedelic Fish/Spotted Goby...and some kind of anemone/clown combo: maybe these?: Carnation Anemone, White Sebae Anemone, Clown Fish Occellaris.
Anyway, that's just where I've started as collecting options....not a want-all list for sure...
Thanks!
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by Spammie5
http:///forum/post/2889017
I guess my next question is do I get it for $7.99/lb at the LFS or order online?
7.99 YIKES!!! I got mine online..live base rock for like .99 per lb, and premium cured figi for $3...YES I had to pay shipping, but the price per lb difference made up for it.
 
ilovemytank

ilovemytank

Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/2889030
7.99 YIKES!!! I got mine online..live base rock for like .99 per lb, and premium cured figi for $3...YES I had to pay shipping, but the price per lb difference made up for it.
Where did you get base rock for that price ? I have bought all of my 290 lbs. on line for around $ 3.99 a pound plus shipping. I would love to buy base rock, smash it into rubble, cure it and replace my bio balls with 25-30 lbs of this. PLease guide me to that price. Thanks
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
You probably can't pm yet, I think you have to be a member for a certain amount of time 1st. what is your e-mail?
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I would personally buy from a LFS. Just because I have ordered off the internet and have found the rock to be almost completely dry before I got it. It wreaked of smells, and they were only two extremely large pieces rather then a few medium sized pieces.
At least at the store you can pick your live rock.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
You shouldn't really add any more then 50% base rock to a tank. Any more and your going to have hair algae and cyanobacteria problems.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33
http:///forum/post/2889049
I would personally buy from a LFS. Just because I have ordered off the internet and have found the rock to be almost completely dry before I got it. It wreaked of smells, and they were only two extremely large pieces rather then a few medium sized pieces.
At least at the store you can pick your live rock.
TRUE, but when you have no LFS and have to buy everything online...you have no choice. SOOOOO when you find a reputable place you pass it along.
Both shipments I received (IMO) were excellent and exactly what I expected.
You can also specify sizes.
 
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