Rookie SW Tank

[spocko]

Hey ladies and gents. Just started my first SW tank and I'm sure I'm going to need a lot of help along the way. I've been doing a lot of reading and watching videos on youtube and still know very little. Here is a picture of my 44gallon tank. 1 day old.

 

[jay0705]

What r u looking to keep?

 

[spocko]

My kids want a finding Nemo tank so that is what I am shooting for. Clown fish etc. I think I'm addicted now. Find myself going the the fish store everyday.

 

[bond300]

Hello There! Welcome so saltwater! First I would checkout the fish tank doc on youtube for some goooooood!!!!!! info and it will save you money!!!!$$$$$ If you aren't are going to upgrade!! We all do once we get a taste! I would start off with a cleaning crew first before I add any fish!!!! Complete the cycle!

 

[bond300]

That is a good fish to start with once your tank has completed it cycle! I would say add some live rock wait I week! Add cleaning crew the next or just purchase Dr. Tim's bacteria booster! I was good in five days! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[jay0705]

Looks like u have lr in the tank. But yes def want it to cycle then add a few fish slowly. If you want clowns add them together. I have luck w pairs.

 

[silverado61]

You can't post websites that sell products here. I would edit your post before a moderator sees it

 

[spocko]

That is LR and LS in there. I got them both fit free from a guy on kijiji that was shutting down his tank. I have no idea what to expect from this. I will be waiting a long time before adding fish just to make sure all is good.

 

[jay0705]

If you have fully cured rock. The wait shouldnt be too long. Do u have a water test kit?

 

[spocko]

Not yet. Figured I would wait a couple weeks before needing it

 

[silverado61]

You really should start testing from day one to keep track of your levels as you go through the cycle.

 

[jay0705]

Agreed. Once your tank cycles your good. Its best to know that it has. Even if u just test for the ammonia to spike then wait.

 

[spocko]

Ok I will get one tonight. Do I need a protuen skimmer right away? Been reading mixed reviews.
Thanks

 

[jay0705]

U dont need one at all. Its really more of a personal choice and what u wish to keep. I dont have any in my tanks, but I dont keep corals

 

[spocko]

That's saves me some $$$$. Thanks. Just going to be LR and fish for a while.

 

[jay0705]

Iam a big believer of lr. I usually have more than I prob need and the bio filtration it offers is excellent. Once u do your tests u should see ammonia, if not try a bit of ghost feeding

 

[spocko]

I have about 20 more pounds of LR left over. Should I cram it all in there or leave a lot of open space for the fish?

 

[spocko]

Well it's only been a couple days and I come home from work and there at least 50 small tubular things with white tips sticking out of the LR and I found this guy peeking out of a snail shell.

 

[jay0705]

Good good. The extra rock is up to u. Smaller fish would be fine w lots of rock

 

[silverado61]

If you have extra rock, are you keeping it in salt water with a power head? If not, its no longer live and will have die off. If you put it in your tank now your cycle will go back to square one