Zane's Aquarium Project (ZAP) - Phase 1: Kickoff & Procurement Planning
darknes
Active Member
It's good to hear the LFS you talked to weren't out there just to take your money and make you buy the powerhead and such.
However, the whole reason we told you to put a dead shrimp in was to start your cycle process, because it will decompose, and help the bacteria in the system build up. When a tank cycles, the ammonia and nitrate levels will rise to toxic levels. If you put a fish in there, you are going to stress the thing out, putting it through harsh conditions for no reason. This is why hobbyists on this site highly recommend not cycling with a live fish. There is also a good chance that the clownfish will die, and you will have lost that investment. A single cocktail shrimp is much cheaper and you can probably get one for free from a grocery store if you ask for just one.
However, the whole reason we told you to put a dead shrimp in was to start your cycle process, because it will decompose, and help the bacteria in the system build up. When a tank cycles, the ammonia and nitrate levels will rise to toxic levels. If you put a fish in there, you are going to stress the thing out, putting it through harsh conditions for no reason. This is why hobbyists on this site highly recommend not cycling with a live fish. There is also a good chance that the clownfish will die, and you will have lost that investment. A single cocktail shrimp is much cheaper and you can probably get one for free from a grocery store if you ask for just one.
Z
zaneperry
Guest
I have posted images of the inside of the cabinet on my project page. It seems to be holding strong. There is a bar in the middle adding support (the bar that separates the cabinet from the drawers.
jcarroll
Member
try to not let the lfs talk you into putting anymore chemicals into the tank before the cycle is complete. You will see various things that may happen: for sure your levels will spike, the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrates. You may or may not see a diatom bloom, this is a brown algae outbreak, usually caused by using tap water, but even without using tap water, it showed up in mine for about a week. Green algae, which can be controlled by a proper cleanup crew after the cycle is complete. A low or high pH, which usually will fix itself once the cycle is undergone or near its end. Some people use all sorts of chemicals in their tank, but chemicals only mask the problem temporarily. Naturally letting your tank run its course is in my opinion the best thing for the longevity of the tank. Keep your eye on the pH, because since you buffed it to get it higher and it's not even in its cycle yet, you may find that once it levels itself out it may be too high because of the buffer. Trial and error a lot of times in this hobby, that's why it's important to hear what's happened to other hobbyists.
jcarroll
Member
By the way, lfs tell people all the time to use live fish to cycle their tank, but what they don't tell you is that a piece of shrimp does the same thing as fish, only you don't have to take all of your live rock out to get it out when the cycle is over. Most fish that are recommended to cycle a tank with are aggressive and usually are taken out before other fish are added. I used them for my first tank's cycle and literally had to empty the tank to get the suckers out except for the water and sand of course. My next tank I went with the easy to take out shrimp.....
mryoung7
Member
if you just really want to start it off with a live fish, you should wait much longer than 48 hours. i put a couple of ocellaris in after two weeks and they did fine.
it most certainly extended the duration of the cycling but if you're patient, that's an option.
good idea with this project. the people on these boards, myself not included, really know what they're talking about. you'll usually get much better information on here than you will at any lfs. many heads are better than one
it most certainly extended the duration of the cycling but if you're patient, that's an option.
good idea with this project. the people on these boards, myself not included, really know what they're talking about. you'll usually get much better information on here than you will at any lfs. many heads are better than one
Z
zaneperry
Guest
Small Emergency!
I returned the new light to purchase the same one online that I found for $100 cheaper. Anyway, I have no light now and the plant life on the new Live Rock (that I spent quite allot on) is dieing. Anyway, I just bought a 250 WATT halogen light to light the aquarium while I wait 5 days for the other light to get here. IS THAT OK? I am not sure about the characteristics of light and aquariums to determine of this will work. Also, if it does work do I have to point it at the top or can (useful) light pass thru the side glass?
Your response is appreciated. Me and my Live rock appreciate any advice you can give!
I returned the new light to purchase the same one online that I found for $100 cheaper. Anyway, I have no light now and the plant life on the new Live Rock (that I spent quite allot on) is dieing. Anyway, I just bought a 250 WATT halogen light to light the aquarium while I wait 5 days for the other light to get here. IS THAT OK? I am not sure about the characteristics of light and aquariums to determine of this will work. Also, if it does work do I have to point it at the top or can (useful) light pass thru the side glass?
Your response is appreciated. Me and my Live rock appreciate any advice you can give!
jcarroll
Member
Don't you have the fluorescents that it came with? Or maybe it didn't come with any, can't remember. As far as I know, the live rock doesn't need lights since I've been told that you do not have to run your lights while your tank is cycling. This is said while knowing there is live rock in the tank. When you think about it though, sometimes it can take 2 or 3 days to ship live rock and that whole time it gets no light. I'd say it will fine, I wouldn't worry.
Z
zaneperry
Guest
The liverock I have has quite a bit of life on it. Take a look at my site to see what I am talking about. You can see my jerryrig light too :thinking:
p.s. if you ever want to check out my page it is located at *link violation No links to other competitor websites can be on the linked page *
p.s. if you ever want to check out my page it is located at *link violation No links to other competitor websites can be on the linked page *
nudilove
Member
That is some VERY interesting liverock, when everything gets going you'll be trimming all that lovely algae back like crazy, personally I like the Halimeda and Caulerpa I see growing in there.
If there is one thing I STRONGLY suggest, Get a Refractometer, this site sells a great one for around $50, hydrometers are notoriously off and usually calibrated at completely different temperatures. Save yourself the hassle and go for the refrac.
Congrats on starting the most addicting hobby of your life!
If there is one thing I STRONGLY suggest, Get a Refractometer, this site sells a great one for around $50, hydrometers are notoriously off and usually calibrated at completely different temperatures. Save yourself the hassle and go for the refrac.
Congrats on starting the most addicting hobby of your life!
darknes
Active Member
Well, it looks like the tank is coming out nicely. That is some healthy live rock you got!
As for the stand, looking at the inside pics, it should hold fine. I was thinking it was a cheap particle board cabinet with tiny screws holding it together.
Also looks like your water tests are coming out fine.
As for the light, you cannot use that metal halide you bought from HD. People have asked this before, and I believe they're no good because of the Kelvin rating on them. If you do a search on lights and K scales, you'll get more info. As JCaroll said, I don't think having no lights for a few days is going to be a problem. If the temporary light makes you feel better, I don't see much problem with that either. Just make sure it doesn't fall in! :scared: And it might cause some algae to start growing, but not too much since it will only be a few days.
As for the stand, looking at the inside pics, it should hold fine. I was thinking it was a cheap particle board cabinet with tiny screws holding it together.
Also looks like your water tests are coming out fine.
As for the light, you cannot use that metal halide you bought from HD. People have asked this before, and I believe they're no good because of the Kelvin rating on them. If you do a search on lights and K scales, you'll get more info. As JCaroll said, I don't think having no lights for a few days is going to be a problem. If the temporary light makes you feel better, I don't see much problem with that either. Just make sure it doesn't fall in! :scared: And it might cause some algae to start growing, but not too much since it will only be a few days.
Z
zaneperry
Guest
Cryptex removed and my new light arrived! Looks like i just need to get a skimmer and maybe a powerhead now.
Z
zaneperry
Guest
What is the difference between the "Amiracle Mini Quad Venturi Protein Skimmer" and the "Coralife Super Skimmer 65".
The Coralife Super Skimmer has the following,
Dual Application System: Hang-on Tank Mount or Sump Hook-up
Easy-twist Collection Cup
Water-level Adjustment Dial
Bubble-production Diffuser
High-grade Acrylic Construction with Custom Components
Patented Needle-wheel System with Aspirating Venturi
Includes Needle-Wheel Water Pump with Air Inlet Silencer.
The Amiricle mini quad venturi protine skimmer had the following "The Amiracle Mini Quad Venturi Skimmer allows you to benefit from true venturi action using a number of readily available submersible pumps. Aquarium water is injected with air as it passes through the venturi valve creating the reaction where protein and other dissolved organics are removed while oxygenating you aquarium water. Its quad design creates more usable contact time and therefore the skimming effectiveness of a protein skimmer many times its size. Hang-on model designed to hang on the back of your aquarium - no fancy plumbing required. Model 'P' includes pump and all accessories needed to get started. "
If you recommend the Amiricle skimmer I would need the one with the pump right?
The Coralife Super Skimmer has the following,
Dual Application System: Hang-on Tank Mount or Sump Hook-up
Easy-twist Collection Cup
Water-level Adjustment Dial
Bubble-production Diffuser
High-grade Acrylic Construction with Custom Components
Patented Needle-wheel System with Aspirating Venturi
Includes Needle-Wheel Water Pump with Air Inlet Silencer.
The Amiricle mini quad venturi protine skimmer had the following "The Amiracle Mini Quad Venturi Skimmer allows you to benefit from true venturi action using a number of readily available submersible pumps. Aquarium water is injected with air as it passes through the venturi valve creating the reaction where protein and other dissolved organics are removed while oxygenating you aquarium water. Its quad design creates more usable contact time and therefore the skimming effectiveness of a protein skimmer many times its size. Hang-on model designed to hang on the back of your aquarium - no fancy plumbing required. Model 'P' includes pump and all accessories needed to get started. "
If you recommend the Amiricle skimmer I would need the one with the pump right?
Z
zaneperry
Guest
Also, what do you guys use to scrub the sides of your tank?
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zaneperry
Guest
Just bought a Refractometer and a Mag-float from saltwaterfish.com.
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zaneperry
Guest
I must say, I am a fan of this forum, but saltwaterfish.com has had my order in pending status since the 30th
:help: . Anyone know a phone number I can call to complain?
Z
zaneperry
Guest
Jcarroll - There is a layer of brown forming on my liverock and sand. Is this the brown alge you mentioned? Is there something I should do to clean it? Is it time for cleaners (Snails)?