New 46 Gallon Bowfront

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balthazar32

Guest
Hey everyone, so I set up my tank 2 days ago and used some dechlorinator that said it had the bacteria in it (yeah yeah I know probably dead) but I inherited the tank and equipment from my uncle so I just used what he had (the bottle was still sealed).
Anyways, the tank is a 46 gallon bowfront and as far I know there is an 8watt gama uv sterilizer, a rena filstar xp1 filter, an aqua clear 70 power head, a 200 watt heater and a tunze reef pro filter and skimmer but I cannot get the skimmer to work without boosting the motor every time I turn it on. I was a Little low on lighting fund so I have a coralife 50/50 fluorescent bulb and I have two like desk little bulbs with 60 watt bulbs in them. From what I could see on the coralife bulb (that came with the tank) it looked like 39ish watts.
I put 50lbs live sand in it yesterday with 57 pounds of live rock and when I bought the rock a lot of it had a bunch of coral growing on it, so I got it thinking, sweet free coral. And the rock was only $4.50 a lb so yeah. Anyways, I was hoping you guys could help me id the coral and tell me best how to keep it alive as far as if any feeding needs to be done and how long to keep the lights on. Thanks!
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balthazar32

Guest

I'd like to try and keep the corals alive
As far as level, the ph is about 8.3 ammonia is about .25ppm nitrites are 0ppm and nitrates 20-40ppm. Which I think is weird because it seems like the tank is cycled but it's only been two days..
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
Hi,

Do water changes, it's called a soft cycle, every time you see an ammonia spike, do another water change.

The coral looks like Xenia, which is really hardy and tough to kill, if even a snot blotch remains, it will grow again. Most folks who can't keep Xenia is because their tanks are too clean, Xenia likes a little nitrates to be happy, they also require really good lighting. 50/50 won't be enough unless the coral is at the very top of the tank, and then it's a big maybe on it being enough light, they are very light needy corals.
 
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balthazar32

Guest
So I will need to upgrade the light? Even with the two desk light (ghetto, I know) at 60watts each?
And did you know anything about the yellow stuff on the rocks or the tree looking coral?
I will be sure to do water changes, thanks
 
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balthazar32

Guest
So when my tank is done cycling, I was planning on getting an eel but I don't know if I should get a snowflake or a golden dwarf eel, the thing being my lfs has golden eels but I don't know if they are dwarf eels and I couldn't find anything online saying that there are two separate species. But aside from the eel I also wanted 2 clownfish, with either a coral or anemone to host them (if anemone probably a carpet) and then one other fish and I was leaning towards a dwarf angelfish! I was just wondering what the best order to put everything in would be. And I had also read that if I put a cleaner shrimp in before the eel they might get along especially if the shrimp is of reasonable size.
Any input is appreciated, however I am dead set on the eel and at least one clownfish and am aware the possibility of fatalities. Thanks!
 
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