Where should I start

I just started my first two tanks, one is 10g and the other is 30g. What do you recomend as a cleanup crew and what website do you suggest I purchase them from since the LPS is a complete joke?

I would like to know a few options and your thoughts on them


Thanks in advance
-Travis

 

reefcleaners.org

they have a form you can fill out for each tank and John over at reefcleaners will recommend a custom crew for your tanks.

 

+1 on Reefcleaners. I would start with a crew made for a 20 gallon and split it between the two tanks. He gives you extra, and you don't have much for them to live off now anyways. If needed, add more in the future. If you have a sump/fuge, get some chaeto while you are at it.

 

ReefCleaners is where to go.

 

+4

I'd be careful, though, because you said that you haven't finished your cycle, correct?

 

reefcleaners

 

I havent started yet I just bought the tank itself. what exactly does cycling the tank mean

 

You basically let the bacteria in the tank multiply enough to keep nutrients low. You need a way of feeding the bacteria throughout the entire cycle (live rock, live sand, fish food, etc.)

I would go with half live rock and half dry rock.

 

Based on this, I would answer your question in your title with researching the basics of keeping a marine aquarium. Here are some good links to get you started. You can also find many good build threads in the 3reef forums.

You should really understand the basics before setting up your tank or buying critters. It will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches in the future.


How to start a reef aquarium

SW Gen Index

 

Checkout the New to hobby section, and read all the stickies, I'd search for it too, also its a google search so 3reefs search index is allot more "generic" and matching then most other reef forums, so you should be able to find good information on here...

Defiantly got to cycle the tank first, and I wouldnt even be thinking about livestock for at least a month or two, however you can sometimes get away with a "insta-cycle" effect using liverock, although its not instant, I managed to get my tank completely cycled with a massive diatoms outbreak in just a matter of weeks; without ever seeing ammonia and/or nitrate levels rise.. Already have a small scale cleanup crew and one fish.