Nebie Question

fishorbust

fishorbust

Member
Hi, I'm 19 yrs old and i have a 20 gallon fish aquarium. I viewed a Salt Water Aquarium and knew that it was the setup for me. Over the weekend I went out to view and get as much info on SWA's. I made a purchase on Saturday to start my tank out. Can someone tell me if what I bought is any good for what I'm trying to start out.
Millinium 2000 Filter
100 Watt Submersible Heat
Crushed Coral 2 10 lbs bags
Instant Ocean Salt
Conditioner
Glass viewing hood
I cleaned the crushed coral and put it into the tank, i mixed the salt and let it sit and then put it into the tank. It was really cloudy at first and now has cleared up alot. But still has like a salty film, not bad, but would like to get it off, can someone tell me a good method to do this. My current reading on the Hydrometer is between 1.021 and 1.022. I added the conditioner as prescribed. It is a FO tank right now but would like to upgrade to LR in the near future, what all would i need to do in order to get this done. My temperature is at 78 degrees. Again i'm just beginning and would love to here suggestions and tips to help me along and make this a good experience. Thank you and look forward to reading your replies.
 
fishorbust

fishorbust

Member
RazorEQX, by cycling the tank do you mean to let it filter for awhile? The guy at the fish store told me to put Damsels in it at first. Then he would buy them back from me after they cycled. How long does it have to cycle?
Thank you for you help.
 
T

thomas712

Guest
Greetings and welcome to the hobby

Might I suggest that you look up some posts about sand and crushed coral. You will find a ton of information as to why sand is a better substrate. This information will come in handy when you upgrade to larger tanks in the future.
As for your question. Is the residue that you describe on the glass or on the surface of the water column?
If on the glass then you can just wipe it off with your hand or aquarium safe sponge. Never use sponges from grocery stores.
If it is surface debris then you can just us a powerhead to help keep it broken up and your filter should eventually get it out.
Spend alot of time on this board looking things up and you will learn something new every day.
I hope you enjoy your stay here
BEWARE ADVICE FROM THE BEASLBOB - ALWAYS SEEK A SECOND OPINION.
Thomas
 
fishorbust

fishorbust

Member
Yes it is on the glass, my brother told me they have sponges with long handles to clean the glass. They gave me a backdrop for it but I don't like it at all. I've seen on here where people have said they used paint. Also i would like to add rocks and other things for the fish to swim around and hide. Can i just lower the rock into the tank or is there a certain method to doing this? As for the live sand, if i was going to buy the live sand do i need to take out the crushed coral bottom first or just add it to it? I hope to be adding a Protein skimmer whenever i come up with the money.
 
razoreqx

razoreqx

Active Member

Originally posted by FishorBust
RazorEQX, by cycling the tank do you mean to let it filter for awhile? The guy at the fish store told me to put Damsels in it at first. Then he would buy them back from me after they cycled. How long does it have to cycle?
Thank you for you help.
Well you can use a damsel if you want to sacrifice him... I did my cycle with a piece of store bought raw shrimp. Just get your filter system up and running and drop in the shrimp.. The cycle will take about 4-6 weeks. You'll need some test kits for Ammonia, NitrITES, NitrATES, and PH and SG as well..
I might also recommend either or.. a bag of Live crushed coral or live sand.. your LFS probably sells both. If you stick with Crush Coral use the live crushed coral... Add a top layer from the bag to your tank.. This mixture has bacteria and small pods which will aid in getting your cycle started.
 
T

thomas712

Guest
You should never mix crushed coral and sand together. Problem with crushed coral is that it traps fish waste and uneaten food, as it dissolves it causes nitrtes to build up. Sand has more surface area and makes for a better biological zone.
If you can find Southdown, Yardright, or Old Castle playsand from a Lowes or Home Depot then you will only need to spend a few dollars on a bag of it. Cheaper than live sand and it is arogonite based which means it has a calcium base to it which is what we want.
Those spongs on a stick would be fine for now.
Now is the time to add live rock for your cycle if you choose.
 
razoreqx

razoreqx

Active Member

Originally posted by Thomas712
You should never mix crushed coral and sand together. Problem with crushed coral is that it traps fish waste and uneaten food, as it dissolves it causes nitrtes to build up. Sand has more surface area and makes for a better biological zone.
If you can find Southdown, Yardright, or Old Castle playsand from a Lowes or Home Depot then you will only need to spend a few dollars on a bag of it. Cheaper than live sand and it is arogonite based which means it has a calcium base to it which is what we want.
Those spongs on a stick would be fine for now.
I didnt tell him to mix.. I said if he stays with CC then use Live CC.... but thanks for explaining why I recommended staying with a consistant substrate :) You are exactly correct btw.
 
fishorbust

fishorbust

Member
So no live sand ontop of crushed coral? Would i have to take the water out in order to put the sand into the tank? If i put in the live coral or sand can i then add a live rock or should i wait? Man, so much stuff, and i'm so new to it. Trying to learn as much as i can, and i thank you gladly for helping.
 
T

thomas712

Guest
I know you didn't tell him to mix.
I was only answering his question. While you posted I was typing and did not see your last post as I was in my own reply mode.
Cool?
Thomas
As for the live sand, if i was going to buy the live sand do i need to take out the crushed coral bottom first or just add it to it? I hope to be adding a Protein skimmer whenever i come up with the money.
 
razoreqx

razoreqx

Active Member

Originally posted by FishorBust
So no live sand ontop of crushed coral? Would i have to take the water out in order to put the sand into the tank? If i put in the live coral or sand can i then add a live rock or should i wait? Man, so much stuff, and i'm so new to it. Trying to learn as much as i can, and i thank you gladly for helping.
I added my live rock when I cycled my tank.. It is part of your filtration system ..
If you decide to go with live sand then I would empty out the crushed coral completely yes. You dont have to change your water though... and you'll be ready to go..
 
razoreqx

razoreqx

Active Member

Originally posted by Thomas712
I know you didn't tell him to mix.
I was only answering his question. While you posted I was typing and did not see your last post as I was in my own reply mode.
Cool?
Thomas
Cool? Yea its freezing in this office.
Yea we are good Thomas.. I just didnt want you to think i was giving out bad advice
 
fishorbust

fishorbust

Member
How do you get the crushed coral out of the tank without taking the water out? I would love to have live sand, better for the tank and in my opinion, it looks alot better.
 
razoreqx

razoreqx

Active Member

Originally posted by FishorBust
How do you get the crushed coral out of the tank without taking the water out? I would love to have live sand, better for the tank and in my opinion, it looks alot better.
Yes it does look better. As far as the substrate empty the water into a seperate container.. I have several 44g Rubbermaides that I keep around the house JUST for this type of situation.. Empty all the water into those and get rid of your old substrate then put the water back in the tank..
 
fishorbust

fishorbust

Member
Is there any special way of doing this? Cause i know how much they weigh and would love it to be as easy as possible. As far as live sand, where is the cheapest place to purchase it? And how many lbs should i get.
Also what type of lighting should i get, i currently have just a regular light from fresh water and since i will be having live sand and live rock will i need to upgrade? I also have a hinged glass that the light sits on, should i get a new hood and light? Any answers will help.
 
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