Ton o' Questions...Opinions Wanted

[kalamity]

1. Can you cycle a tank just by letting it circulate with some live sand and base rock?
2. If you have algae, does that mean that your tank has cycled?
3. Is there anything you can do to tap water to make it suitable for the SW tank? Besides use a dechlorinator like Prime?
4. How many blue legged hermit crabs (and/or other cleaners...snails, crabs, etc.) for a 50 gallon? Can you add them right after the tank has cycled (no live rock on this tank) or do you need to wait for some type of growth?
5. What and how many fish would you recommend for a 50 gallon?
6. Has anyone had any success in making base rock into live rock using one chunk of LR in a tank full of base rock?
7. Do you need to have LR in order to add shrimp?
8. What do you think of a Penguin 350 filter with a Priszm Skimmer? I know it's like the poor man's filtration, but it's what I've got at the moment.
BTW--Hi, I'm new here. I'm setting up my first SW tank, and I prefer to do all of my research by asking questions from actual aquarists, not books. I always appreciate any and all opinions! --Amanda

 

[ray28576]

1. Yes
2. No
3. Yes, Buffer, and RODI unit.
4. Rule of thumb, 1 per gallon. As long as water quality is good.
5. Rule of thumb, 1inch of fish for 5 gallons.
6. Probably, but it would take forever.
7. Hmmm? Doubt it, but not sure.
8. Fine, IMO water changes are the most important. Don't get me wrong, you do need good filtration.
Welcome, You'll love the hobby.

 

[alyssia]

Prizm skimmers suck. They have a very bad rep.

 

[vanquish]

I agree with Ray. I would say yes to the LR and shrimp though.

 

[moby]

Prizm skimmers suck. They have a very bad rep.
I agree, just another gimmick type device that does not deliver. I have never had one but my fish buddy tried it and it was a joke.
Moby