T
triciag
Guest
~~I started my 29 Gallon tank a little less then a week ago. My plan is to have two Hippocampus Erectus only with fake corral and just a clean up crew. I purchased a Filstar XP Canister filter. Purchased a no brand name Protein Skimmer on Ebay that is going back tomorrow and I am planning on replacing it with AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer. The tank is running between 76 -78 degrees so I don't think I need a heater at this time. I did purchase an inline Hydor Heater for external canister filters, but it didn't fit my lines so I am going to look for something else. Anyway, one step at a time. I have a couple of questions: I thought I understand everything before I started my cycling of my tank, but I must have missed an important step. I bought the RO water and I used Instant Ocean Reef Crystal Reef salt. I purchased dry live rock (didn't want any hitch hikers) and bought live sand. I think what I messed up on is I didn't realize that I wasn't suppose to use the cheme stars and my activated carbon in my canister filter during this time. Did I just mess up real bad? I was trying to be so careful. I also started the tank with a uncooked shrimp. All my levels have not changed since I started the tank is that because I am using the filter? If I haven't messed everything up, should I leave them in or take them out? Also, can I save them or should I throw them away? The other question is about the Protein Skimmer. I have read different opinions on when that should or could be put on the tank. I went ahead in put my no brand name on yesterday when it arrived, but had a major problems with the micro bubbles. I understant those can be bad if you get to many. I have researched the Remora prior to buying this one, but it was a bit more then what I wanted to spend since I had to buy everything else new. Anyway, the no brand name is going back and I will be purchasing the Remora. I understand that they all can start out with many micro bubbles for the first week or two. My question is if I don't start it now while I dont have the seahorses wont it be bad to have the protein skimmer go through its cycling process with all the micro bubbles while the seahorses are in there? Also, do I need to get the Remora with the maxijet or will it work alright with the pump that comes with it I need it for a 29 gallon tank. I am not getting the nano (to small) and the Pro(to large) I need the one for a 29 gallon. I am also worried about the current in the tank being to strong.