New and ready to learn...

opus18

opus18

Member
I've always run freshwater tanks in the past and throught I'd like to see how a SW tank would go... I just purchased a 46Gal All-glass bow-front tank. Only accessories purchased are a H20 test kit and a jug-o-salt-water mix.
I'm wanting to build a reef tank (I think) with some live rocks, shrimp, a few hermit crabs, a star-fish, some clowns, etc...
From what I've read thus far, my first step will be the filling of the tank and addition of "Live Sand." But I need to gather a few other things I think... Pump, thermometer, etc.
Recommendations? :help:
 
teen

teen

Active Member
research a sump, refugium, or just a plain filter. then decide which one you want (i suggest a refugium)
whatever you decide on that will determine what type of pump, overflow, or other equipment you will need.
you will need a protein skimmer.
aim for at least 50 lbs of live rock. if you want a reef.
do the test kits include ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and ph? imo, those are all you need for now. also invest in a refractometer for saltwater.
your going to need a heater.
dont worry about lights just yet, that will depend on if you want corals or anemones, and which types you want.
i dont have one, but people always say invest in a good book on saltwater aquariums.
for a substrate, id go with aragonite sand with about 5 lbs of live sand added on top.
keep researching before you jump into anything, and keep on asking questions before youjump into anything. itll help in the long run
 
ryanhayes9

ryanhayes9

Active Member
did you think that with the aquarium, salt and a test kit you could get started? for my 29 gallon i have invested over 200 dollars and am planning on spending atleast 200 more
 
glowplug

glowplug

Member
Originally Posted by ryanhayes9
did you think that with the aquarium, salt and a test kit you could get started? for my 29 gallon i have invested over 200 dollars and am planning on spending atleast 200 more
start when you have all your equipment and lr etc.etc. I wouldnt get rockin till you have made all your major purchases
 
moby

moby

Member
Easy on the new guy, he has to start somewhere.
Starting with questions is always the way to go. Keep reading and doing your research.
I think most folks here are more than happy to share their knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask. :thinking:
Teen's list is a good place to start. Look up some of the stuff he listed and come back with your questions, welcome to the addiction! :happyfish
Moby
 
W

winstew

Guest
I agree with Moby. You don't need to wait for answers either. THere are hundreds of people that have asked the same questions that you will have. The search feature is very effective on this board.
 
opus18

opus18

Member
Originally Posted by ryanhayes9
did you think that with the aquarium, salt and a test kit you could get started? for my 29 gallon i have invested over 200 dollars and am planning on spending atleast 200 more
Okay, maybe I should have a been a touch more specific... For those who have replied with actual help... thanks. Those who didn't... Go mix a drink or something... Life's too short...
I just purchased a book from one of the many lfs in our area and plan to read it cover to cover...
As far as sand... I have two options locally, sand or gravel... Both are "for salt water" but I'm guessing are going to do different things... I will be adding live sand atop whatever the base is as well as several lbs of live rock... From what I've gathered, letting that sit for some time is the best bet...
Will ask more as more questions come up...
 
ryanhayes9

ryanhayes9

Active Member
you know what, i wasint being serious, you take it way too seriuosly just chill and check the ready to learn thread
 
opus18

opus18

Member
Originally Posted by ryanhayes9
you know what, i wasint being serious, you take it way too seriuosly just chill and check the ready to learn thread
Without the smily icon, humor and sarcasm can quickly be lost... Hoever, I'm taking my own advice and mixing a drink... Right after I finish the lawn <sigh>
And this was an easy thread... you should see the communication mistakes between me and my wife...

Hasta!
 
teen

teen

Active Member
your best bet would be to got to your local pet store and buy a small 10- 15 gallon tank. then buy an overflow along with a pump, and all the hosing to go along with it. once you have this, you can then add the water and salt, and have the tank running with the water flowing from the 46 tank down to the 10 gallon (via the over flow) and then the pump pumping the water from the 10 gallon back to the 46. this will give you some circulation. at this time i would also recomend having a heater and the water at 79 degress, give or take a degree or two. now, this water isnt ready to support life, so you will now have to buy some live rock( for its natural filtering ability) and i would also add the dead sand at this time. i would also throw in two raw cocktail shrimp so your cycle starts. in a few days, start testing the water, and you should see the ammonia spike. in a few more days add a power head or two, and you could also add the live sand. this process should take a few weeks, so keep on reading the boards and if you have questions keep asking.
 
opus18

opus18

Member
Since my initial posting here's the damage (mostly to my wallet) I've done...
bought a drywell (filter media, bio-balls)
overflow box (and its plumbing)
MPS 75 skimmer,
2 100W heaters
and a return sump pump.
Got all that tested and running... Let it run for about a week.
Bought 46.5lbs of LR as well as 40 lbs of LS.
Arranged the rock in sort of an attol formation with some great swim-through areas for the smaller guys. Kinda poured in the sand and moved it about once the water cleared.
Did a water test and added 4 green chromis. The fish were added 1 week ago, one has done the porcelain swan dive (smallest of the 4.) The others are very active and happy.
Numbers look good on my water tests... Amonia is low... nitrites are trace and nitrates are at 10. Also bought a refractometer rather than a hydrometer after seeing first hand the accuracy of each.
Only item that made me nervous was a growth on the sand and some of the rock that is goldish brown in color... From what I've read... Diatoms.... And should go away in about a month or so...
We've come a long way from the $220 tank... Nearing $2K thus far... I think getting hooked on crack would have been cheaper... :notsure:
 
petjunkie

petjunkie

Active Member
Sounds good, at least you could afford to buy everything you need at the beginning. I'm just now getting a skimmer and I've been into this for over a year. Did it on about $30-$60 a month at first. Only thing I would say is don't add more than one or two fish at a time to let bacteria catch up to the bioload but chromis are pretty little guys. Good luck with your tank, you'll have to post some pics!
 
teen

teen

Active Member
you should have added the cocktail shrimp like i said rather than the chromis. the spikes in ammonia during the cycle will burn the fishes gill basically scarring the fish for life. hopefully you dont loose anymore chromis.
 
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