Doratus' 40G - updated 4/29/2012

looks pretty good! I'd let the fish and inverts be in the back; let them come out when they want and if you just got fish let them get accustomed to the tank and sooner or later they'll come back. Just dont get a purple lobster or reef lobster; from what I've heard, there very pretty but practically NEVER come out!

 

Okay so here are the first actual photos I've taken of the tank. (not from a cell phone)

Enjoy.

 

Everythings looking great!! I can't wait until my cycling is complete. Here fishy fishy fishy

 

NICE! looking good so far, and nice rock too

 

I would put a gap between the two whiter base rocks in the center so that your critters can move from front to back. You'll probably rearrange it a bunch of times, anyway. Looking good so far. Go slow! ;D

 

Well I saw this post about a 40g reef tank and I think my new mission is to pretty much emulate this setup. I'll have the added benefit of a protein skimmer, although I'm not too sure still how I will provide the coral with nutrients. My first ever koralia is coming in the mail tomorrow, with 2 more coming shortly after. That will give me about 1600gph+ turnover with the filter and skimmer. I also have my eye on a 4x39w fixture which should be enough, and if not then I can just add the 2x39w that's already on the tank.

Should I wait a while for the tank to mature before adding any coral or feather dusters or anything like that?

Also, thanks.

 

No advice?

 

If you have shrimp in the tank and they are doing fine corals such as leathers, colt, other softies should be fine as well. IMO a shrimp is more senstive than most soft corals.


Tanks looks nice BTW.

 

I read this earlier and was thinking about it. You should start a log for your tank. Nothing fancy or too detailed, but general comments, like when you add a fish, or do a water change. I started one a while ago, and it helps me keep things in perspective. I keep a note on my phone, and I can also refer back to it if I see a problem.

 

Corailline, yea the shrimp is fine. He is eating and not moving all over the tank which tells me at least he isn't starving to death. A local guy is selling corals but it has been about a week since I first contacted him so who knows. We have tentative plans for tonight but it's already 8pm and no word yet.

Barb, I actually do keep a log just on a basic note pad. I have other freshwater tanks and in a past life I had a 45g bow-front FOWLR. Keeping a log is a must! +K for that.