keimaxbode
New Member
Hello,
I'm new to saltwater and after reading through forum have realized that I've already made quite a few mistakes by listening to my LFS. I purchased my 29 g used and am on a limited budget, which indicates my first mistake, thinking I could do this on a limited budget.
I set up my tank, based on LFS advice, with:
20lbs of live sand (was very fine and took days for water to clear)
added 15 lbs of the coarser type (not live) to help settle the fine stuff
11.5 lbs of live rock purchased initially for set-up - was told could add the rest of the 30lbs along the way (with base rock which is not as expensive and would become "live".
30 gal Aqua Clear filter (sounds like that should have been a 60 gal)
28 gal of pre-mixed RO saltwater from LFS
2 gal of RO freshwater for top-offs from LFS
Aqueon 150 Heater
Magnetic plastic thermometer (not the stick on kind)
Tank came with standard light fixture and stand.
End of 1st week, was advised to add:
Cleaner Shrimp
pair of Clowns
Hermit Crabs (only got 4)
End of 2nd week, was advised could add 3 fish and more CUC:
pair of Banggai Cardinals
Coral Beauty Angel
5 Bumble Bee Snails (that's what LFS called them)
4 Sand Sifting Snails
Sounds like I need more CUC but not sure what combination or how much more is needed
. Was wondering if the recharge reef pkg being offered here would be enough to go with what I already have?
End of 4th week added:
Raccoon Butterfly - mistake for my tank size
was not told I shouldn't purchase and information posted on tanks did not indicate for what size tank, only indicated hardiness and compatibility unless I wasn't reading correctly so am sure I'm overstocked now and Butterfly will be unhappy and probably unhealthy living in my tank.
Did 20% water change with premixed RO saltwater from LFS
Replaced carbon in filter with Chemi-Pure unit (advised by LFS and is crammed in my filter so am concerned about the fit as well since it says the bag cannot be split - looks like I should have purchased the 1/2 unit but this was what LFS said I needed and said it was for 5-55 g tank so it made sense until I opened it and tried to fit it in my filter - LFS also knew what filter I had).
LFS has been testing my water weekly and making the above recs based on the results of those tests - I know I need to buy my own test kits asap (Seachem seems to be the most recommended here I think).
So far, everything is still alive and everyone is getting along fine, which is probably a miracle considering all of the mistakes I've made. Need advice on where to go from here other than not listening to anyone at LFS.
LFS does not take returns so not sure what to do about the Butterfly.
Limited budget so also need advice on what priority should be:
Additional CUC
Additional Rock
Another filter or power head to increase water flow.
Water test kits (but can continue to have LFS test if other items should take priority right now)
QT
Sump
Skimmer
I can only afford to spend about $50 right now so I need to determine where best to spend the money at this point.
I would be extremely grateful for any feedback so I can hopefully avoid making further mistakes. I'm so glad there are so many here willing to share their expertise!
I'm new to saltwater and after reading through forum have realized that I've already made quite a few mistakes by listening to my LFS. I purchased my 29 g used and am on a limited budget, which indicates my first mistake, thinking I could do this on a limited budget.
I set up my tank, based on LFS advice, with:
20lbs of live sand (was very fine and took days for water to clear)
added 15 lbs of the coarser type (not live) to help settle the fine stuff
11.5 lbs of live rock purchased initially for set-up - was told could add the rest of the 30lbs along the way (with base rock which is not as expensive and would become "live".
30 gal Aqua Clear filter (sounds like that should have been a 60 gal)
28 gal of pre-mixed RO saltwater from LFS
2 gal of RO freshwater for top-offs from LFS
Aqueon 150 Heater
Magnetic plastic thermometer (not the stick on kind)
Tank came with standard light fixture and stand.
End of 1st week, was advised to add:
Cleaner Shrimp
pair of Clowns
Hermit Crabs (only got 4)
End of 2nd week, was advised could add 3 fish and more CUC:
pair of Banggai Cardinals
Coral Beauty Angel
5 Bumble Bee Snails (that's what LFS called them)
4 Sand Sifting Snails
Sounds like I need more CUC but not sure what combination or how much more is needed
End of 4th week added:
Raccoon Butterfly - mistake for my tank size
Did 20% water change with premixed RO saltwater from LFS
Replaced carbon in filter with Chemi-Pure unit (advised by LFS and is crammed in my filter so am concerned about the fit as well since it says the bag cannot be split - looks like I should have purchased the 1/2 unit but this was what LFS said I needed and said it was for 5-55 g tank so it made sense until I opened it and tried to fit it in my filter - LFS also knew what filter I had).
LFS has been testing my water weekly and making the above recs based on the results of those tests - I know I need to buy my own test kits asap (Seachem seems to be the most recommended here I think).
So far, everything is still alive and everyone is getting along fine, which is probably a miracle considering all of the mistakes I've made. Need advice on where to go from here other than not listening to anyone at LFS.
LFS does not take returns so not sure what to do about the Butterfly.
Limited budget so also need advice on what priority should be:
Additional CUC
Additional Rock
Another filter or power head to increase water flow.
Water test kits (but can continue to have LFS test if other items should take priority right now)
QT
Sump
Skimmer
I can only afford to spend about $50 right now so I need to determine where best to spend the money at this point.
I would be extremely grateful for any feedback so I can hopefully avoid making further mistakes. I'm so glad there are so many here willing to share their expertise!
first of all get rid of the butterfly and the coral beauty....they need bigger and more established tanks
