Dumb newb

:-[well i started reading through the threads and you guys are all way above my head lol... im a newb on the knowledge side but i have a 10gal tank (former fresh water tank) i set up about 5 months ago a have 10 lbs of live sand and 10 lbs of live rock in it as the tank was a freshwater kit it still has the mini filter that hangs on the tank. (now know that is way inadequate) and a SMALL air pump. for fish i have 4 damsels and a flame scallop. i only waited 3 days before adding the damsels some how they all survived! but my point of this post is to 1. inquire about cleaning 2. ask what to do different for new tank. i ordered a 24 gal current usa aquapod yesterday. how much sand should i have in it and how much LR should i have? and what should i do to clean the tank i have now? the LFS said that there is no need to clean it or change water... please HELP me not be dumb nomore lol thanks!:-[:-[:-[:-[

 

get some snails , some hermit crabs to do the cleaning.

 

To 3Reef!!! ​

Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

Sounds like you are moving up to a better system then you have now.

Get mixed water in and Live Rock, and when waiting for cycle to complete, do a whole bunch of studying to get yourself brought up to speed.

There are really no shortcuts.

Read thru old 3Reef posts, and if you need some good "How To" links, let us know.

We will be glad to help.

Good Luck.



"Om"

"Reef on"​

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00
​

​

 

Welcome to 3Reef>>> There is alot to learn in this hobby... We are all still learning everyday... I had a 12 gallon nano cube. I changed the water every 2 weeks......

 

My first tank was a 10, here is a recent full tank photo and a couple of close ups





Water changes are the key with a tank this small, I change 1 gallon every Saturday with out fail. Also
as Nemo 22 said get some Hermit crabs and Snails to help keep it clean. I have about 10 crabs and 10
snails of different varieties in my tank.

Oh and by the way ignore that green thing in the right corner everyone, I know it shouldn't be in there!
just act like it doesn't exist.... I am trying to get rid of it (what a PITA)

 

Do same with new tank.

Get at least 10 lbs of LR, enough sand to cover bottom 1/2 to 1" or so. I don't use any more then that.

Get cycled.

Keep reading. No substitue for.

Quit listening to LFS.

Ask questions here at 3Reef.

I do weekly 50% water change in my 12 gallon Nano that has no skimmer. May be overkill, but better to be on safe side. Only takes a few minutes to do.

Here are some links to help you along.






Knowing How to Set Up a Marine Aquarium, Adam Blundell M.S.

Your First Reef aquarium: How to Create a Miniature Coral Reef System at Home.
by J. Charles Delbeek B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc.

About.com - Saltwater Aquariums 101 "Getting Started" FREE Email Course

Thinking about setting up a saltwater aquarium? (melevsreef.com)

An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 1) - Associated Content (Parrothead)

An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 2) - Associated Content (Parrothead)

"Getting Started" - Mike Paletta

A List Of Good Beginner Fish

Fish To Be Avoided - I

Fish To Be Avoided - II

Your Aquarium Cleanup Crew

Corals

What They Are and How They Live​

by J. Charles Delbeek​

"They are mysterious guests from an exotic world. Unlike anything else we keep in an aquarium, they represent the essence of the coral reefs that we try to duplicate in our living rooms. Our success at this effort depends greatly on how well we understand these unusual life forms.

Unfortunately, for the average hobbyist, the increased availability of these animals is not matched by the information available concerning their biology and care. Too often, hobbyists know more about who manufactures their aquarium equipment than basic biological information, or proper identification of the animals they are striving to keep. And yet, without this information it is difficult to provide the optimum conditions that will allow them to grow and reproduce."

Answers to Everything!​

Marine Aquarium Articles and FAQ's
WebMedia.com​

Learn to Live With It
​

Adam Blundell M.S. ​

"...As surprising as it may seem your tank will look ugly at first. This happens to all new marine aquariums as they cycle through their initial filtration phase. Your tank may go brown, and then green, and then red, and then just look junky. It happens. Consequently the one coral you really want to keep may not live. You may struggle to raise the prize fish you originally intended to acquire. It's okay; just learn to love whatever is working for you. Remember, not only is this a hobby, but we are keeping living ecosystems. Special efforts should be put forth to enjoy and appreciate what we are keeping, whatever it may be. It takes time and patience to turn a glass box full of rock into a beautiful, thriving reef tank..."



;D​

 

Welcome to 3reef and ask away if you need help.

 

Not overkill if the tank its doing good, just good practice thats all.... I have had people look at me sideways when I say I do 1 gallon every week, they ask why so often! I say cause its my tank........

 

welcome to 3reef, i am fairly new myself and everyone here is super knowledgable and very friendly

 

hey thanks everyone! already went and bought a top fin 30 powerhead and picked up some more live rock