Starting new 60 gal tank

msskydiver64

msskydiver64

New Member
I have had my 60 gal tank for 2 weeks now, put the LR in with LS waited until it cycled and then added 6 small damsels and two tank raised clowns. I am currently buying a cleaning crew of 10 hermits, 20 snails, 1 cleaner shrimp, and a brittle star. I thought I would add some Agar algea also. Can I add some sponges also? or do I have to wait? When can I add an anemone?
I know patience is a virtue, but so anxious.. any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Well...first let me say WELCOME to SWF
SEcond...SLOOOOWWWWW DOWN...LOL...Your tank has been up 2 weeks???/ANd you are already adding all those fish....Are you sure you completed your begininning cycle? Did you get your first algae blooms yet???
Anemones should not be in a tank under 6 months old...what type of lighting do you have?
 
msskydiver64

msskydiver64

New Member
I have gotten algea blooms. The fish seem to be remarkably well. I dont want to add any more fish right now, eventually want to get an anemone. I know I do need to get more live rock, only have 12 lbs right now. Plan on getting some more tomorrow from the local aquarium shop. Was just wondering about the sponges since they are supposed to be good for the tank and is it ok to add the cleaner crew now? or do I need to wait on those too?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
...What are your water tests showing? Lighting?????
I would say yeah on adding the cuc since most people add them before the fish...BUT only if your water tests are godd....
 
gio28

gio28

Active Member
i think your clean up crew is good as long as you have some algae in your tank. but make sure your cycle is done cause the CUC will die probably. and i have an anemone i put in my tank when it was only 2 months old..my clown helps take care of it by feeding it. i might have been lucky or something and got a hardy sebae anemone but it does need adequate light so tell me how much you have. as for sponges i have no idea about them...but slow down and put the nem and sponges in your tank when it is established. patience is key when it comes to saltwater tanks.
feel free to ask any more questions you have..but im new to the hobby too (4-5 months) but ill try and answer.
btw unless your into damsels....id get rid of them for a few reasons...they are aggressive tankmates and they lose their nice coloration when they age. plus they are impossible to catch so id make short work of them now before you have too much rock and other stuff in your tank where it will be impossible to catch them.
 
msskydiver64

msskydiver64

New Member
I am not sure what lighting I have. It came with the whole tank as a kit. I know I need strong lighting for the anemone and will get that when the time comes. I need to get rid of my damsels????
Is there anything I can add to speed up the algea? or do I need to just wait a few more weeks and just stick with the rock for now. I guess before I add anything else I will scap the damsels? what do I do with them? My water tests are good. Nitrates are at 0, salinity is 1.024 and pH is 8.5. I havent tested all the other parameters yet. let me know, want to do the right thing.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
what about ammonia and nitrites? those are the most important to test for with a new tank.
You just need to take your time....what kind of damsels are they?
 
msskydiver64

msskydiver64

New Member
OK, I will slow down. I will wait a little longer before getting the cuc just to make sure I have plenty of algae. I will get more live rock now though. The damsels I have are small bright blue with yellow tails. not sure of the correct name. I will check the ammonia and nitrites tomorrow as well and make sure all levels are where they are supposed to be. Thanks for the advice.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Yeah you probably want to get rid of them...especially 6...maybe keep one..LOL...I have one and it is fine.
I think they are called yellow tail damsels....(MAYBE)LOL
 
gio28

gio28

Active Member
sorry to tell you that its best to get rid of your damsels...your lfs will take them back. i used some to help cycle my tank...they are total bullies and will harass any other fish you have. they are good for a new tank just starting out cause they are hardy but in the long run you will be happy if you decide to get rid of them. with all of the fish you could have in a 60 gallon...they would just be harassed like crazy by six damsels. but one like meowzer said will be good probably.
 
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