New to saltwater tanks

[geeteedan]

Originally Posted by aquaguy24
http:///forum/post/3088227
sounds like u have an aquapod 24g. I have the same tank. I'm using a karalia #2 with stock return pump and I feel flow Is perfect. I would also replace the MH bulb. An old bulb can give u algae problems.
here is what the link said tat i bought it from
We have a used, great condition fish tank for sale. This tank is a 24 gallon Nano cube with its own stand that has a built in storage area. It will also come with a 70watt MH Sunpod with 8 built in moon lights. Also comes with perfect size heater. The tank has no top due to removal for sunpod lighting system. As a added bonus, we will include a 6 gallon Nano cube with heater, no top due to previous lighting system. Normal retail price for all included: $775 before tax and shipping. Asking $225 FIRM

 

[aquaguy24]

Originally Posted by Extinct 1ne
http:///forum/post/3088226
I recommend you add the rock first, it makes life easier, and you don't put your hands in the water. Then add the salt & sand.
Agreed

 

[extinct 1ne]

You will still have to mix the salt in a bucket with a power head then put it in the tank with the water.

 

[geeteedan]

Originally Posted by Extinct 1ne
http:///forum/post/3088236
You will still have to mix the salt in a bucket with a power head then put it in the tank with the water.
ok, i think i got this down pat
gonna get a tub large enought to hold atleast 20g's and mix it that way. Let it mix for 24hrs and then add to the tank
in the mean while, get my live rock set up like i want it

 

[extinct 1ne]

Sounds like a plan. Also, good luck, this hobby is the best in the world!

In the future I want to see some pics of your tank coming along. See ya!

 

[geeteedan]

Originally Posted by Extinct 1ne
http:///forum/post/3088247
Sounds like a plan. Also, good luck, this hobby is the best in the world!

In the future I want to see some pics of your tank coming along. See ya!
Will do, i have always wanted a LARGE salt tank but was afriad of killing everything in it. THis small 24g tank should help me and set me up for large tanks later

 

[aquaguy24]

Originally Posted by geeteedan
http:///forum/post/3088250
Will do, i have always wanted a LARGE salt tank but was afriad of killing everything in it. THis small 24g tank should help me and set me up for large tanks later
That's how I started. The 24g gave me an understanding of how things works. Wat to do and wat not to do so when it came time to upgrading everything went smooth. I now 90g mixed reef and I turned my 24g into a scorpion tank.

 

[geeteedan]

Originally Posted by aquaguy24
http:///forum/post/3088312
That's how I started. The 24g gave me an understanding of how things works. Wat to do and wat not to do so when it came time to upgrading everything went smooth. I now 90g mixed reef and I turned my 24g into a scorpion tank.

after i get this going for a while, whats the most fsh i can SAFELY keep in there along with the corral 3-4? Also, how long should the water set up before i put the live rock and sand in there?

 

[aquaguy24]

Depending on filtration and fish choice, u can keep 3-4 small fishies. U can add live rock and sand as soon u got ur water mixed and ready to go. I first time I filled my tank I mixed the water in the tank and threw in the rock and sand right after. I didnt wait for it to stablize or anything. Since u don't have any livestock in there yet it's okay to do that. For future water changes I recommend premix 24 hrs before adding to tank.

 

[geeteedan]

ok, called the local salt water store and got a price for rock. ~20 lbs of CURED Fiji rock will run me $159.91
That price ok?
Might try to browse craiglist or something and try to find if someone is selling some locally

 

[aquaguy24]

Price depends on where u live. In my area lr sells for $5/lb. So $159 for 20 lb. Is a little on the high side. U can prolly find better deals online. I would recommend 15lb. Of dead rock and seed it with 5lbs. Of live rock. And get all dead sand. U'll save lots of money that way.

 

[geeteedan]

Originally Posted by aquaguy24
http:///forum/post/3089611
Price depends on where u live. In my area lr sells for $5/lb. So $159 for 20 lb. Is a little on the high side. U can prolly find better deals online. I would recommend 15lb. Of dead rock and seed it with 5lbs. Of live rock. And get all dead sand. U'll save lots of money that way.
ok, im lost again

 

[rdub62]

Basically you can buy a "dead rock" which use to be "live rock" somewhere but it has all dried up now for example.
so you would buy 5 lbs of live rock and put it in the tank with the 15 pounds of dead rock. and after while it will have "seeded off" and the 15 pounds of dead becomes live.
it is much easier to just buy the live rock if you can afford it in my opinion...but rock at my LFS is priced like this...base = $5.99/lb, branch $7.99/lb, a next level grade up of the branch is $11.99/lb, and then a final level is $14.99/lb...the different levels are determined by how porous the rock is...so $ 5.99 doesn't seem so bad to me....but i would always shop around sometimes LFS or online have bulk and can do various sales.

 

[geeteedan]

Originally Posted by Rdub62
http:///forum/post/3089664
Basically you can buy a "dead rock" which use to be "live rock" somewhere but it has all dried up now for example.
so you would buy 5 lbs of live rock and put it in the tank with the 15 pounds of dead rock. and after while it will have "seeded off" and the 15 pounds of dead becomes live.
it is much easier to just buy the live rock if you can afford it in my opinion...but rock at my LFS is priced like this...base = $5.99/lb, branch $7.99/lb, a next level grade up of the branch is $11.99/lb, and then a final level is $14.99/lb...the different levels are determined by how porous the rock is...so $ 5.99 doesn't seem so bad to me....but i would always shop around sometimes LFS or online have bulk and can do various sales.
any good deals you know of down there in charlotte? I dont mind a drive to save some $. Ive been e-mailing a guy in raleigh today also and i might have 20-25 lbs of fiji rock out of his tank thats hes had for 4 years. He's just selling some stuff outta 1 tank and said i can have some for $2 a lb

 

[geeteedan]

ok, fun starts tomorrow and i have a few questions
I am picking the tank up tomorrow and wanted to know if the 24g nano cube came with 1 power head or two?
I also got a tub and am meeting a guy that i scored 20lbs of fiji live rock that has been in his tank for almost 4 years for $40. Hes going to fill the tub with his water and the rock so it can make the hour and 1/2 trip back to my house.
ok, now with all the questions.
I am going to get ~10-12lbs of live sand tomorrow and the instant ocean salt along with trying to find RO water since i dont think my local walmart carries it ( i might just be missing it ). Can i put some water in the tank, then the rocks and sand then the rest of the water and then the salt and have the power head mix it all up for a few days while i let everything get worked out?
If i cant put the rocks and sand in right away can i keep them in the tub and i'll just pick up an extra power head while im at the salt store tomorrow to keep the water flowing over them till its ok?
Other than the instant ocean, what other chems do i need RIGHT NOW?
Sorry for all the questions and im sure they have been asked a thousand times already. Just trying to get as much ready so i can be prepaired and try not to have alot of things go bad tomorrow.
Thanks
Dan