Beginner Stocking Question

Hi there:

This is my first post, so please be gentle.

I'm planning a first reef tank. First SW too. Long experience with FW. It's going to be a big tank (by my standards) about 200 gal.

I'm not sure yet what I want to specialize in, so my question is can I set up the tank, sump, and refugium, cycle the LR, use a seeded DSB, and basically have everything running and *not* put anything in it for a while, while I make up my mind? Do I risk some kind of terrible fate, being overrun by copepods etc. if I don't populate it (intentionally) right away other than hitchhikers?

Thanks very much,

 

This is the ideal to start a new tank, IMO. There are a lot of other things that can happen when keeping reef tanks, so an overactive copepod population should be the least of your concern. I would go on and use a colony in the refugium as soon as everythings up and running to start the population also, that way there is a natural food source for some of the wildest looking fish in the hobby.

 

Welcome to 3reef Sea Witch,

We are a pretty nice group here, so ask any questions.

To answer your question, yes you can leave the tank fallow (without fish or inverts) for as long as you like or need.

When you do decide to stock the tank just go slowly to allow the biological filter to catch up before each new addition.

Good luck

 

The more pods the better in my opinion.. They don't have long life cycles.. So you'll be alright. I just had my tank fishless for like a month, and everything is fine. Really the longer you wait to put your fish in, the better.. As your tank will be more established, and your parameters will be more stable. Take your time, you have nothing to worry about!

 

+1 to all above! welcome! Corailline is right everyone here seems to be more than willing to help so don't worry.

I kept mine for 3 weeks with no life. I added LR and two clowns and some snails. You'll have brown algae (diatom bloom) don't worry it goes away. the toughest part is TAKING YOUR TIME!!! patience is key with this hobby 5 months will fly by and you'll be pleased with the stability of your tank. I speak only on my opinion and the help fellow reefers here have given.

P.S do lots of research when buying corals. Placement, aggressiveness, lighting, and hardiness is very important

 

agree with everyone take your time not need to rush. In this hobby rushing leads to a hole in your wallet (purse). Take your time do your research and by all means let the copepods bloom get your self a mandarin and enjoy them awesome and stunning fish best of luck to you.

 

Welcome to 3reef

That is the best way to go