Greetings from Northern Virginia

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by anoush, Sep 23, 2009.

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  1. anoush

    anoush Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2009
    Messages:
    40
    Location:
    Northern Virginia
    Hi everyone,

    I am new to the salt water fish tank hobby. I used to have fresh water tanks in the past. I have been reading a lot and there does not seem to be a shortage of information and/or methods for setting up the tank.

    Mine is a 47 G upright tank with the following dimensions: 30"X18"X20". I have about 60 Lbs cured live rock in it which has been there for about 10 days. I also put in 5 snails and 5 hermit crabs about a week ago. My ammonia and nitrite levels have always been 0 (is that normal, I mean I had no spikes) and my nitrate has been a little over 5 ppm. I am waiting for my PH to stabilize at 8.3 to start adding fish.

    I will be posting my questions shortly in the appropriate forums. In the mean time, any advice is appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Anoush
     
    anoush, Sep 23, 2009
    anoush, Sep 23, 2009
    #1

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  2. Geoff

    Geoff Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2009
    Messages:
    808
    Location:
    Jasper,Al
    Hello and welcome to 3reef.
    Sounds like your cycle hasn't taken off yet.You don't have much in there creating ammonia to kick the cycle off.There are many ways to start the cycle,adding a hardy fish such as a damsel or placing a piece of raw shrimp tied to a piece of string in there for a couple of days are a couple of ways but it's up to you which method you want to use.Cycle times also vary per tank,yours could cycle in a few days or it could take weeks.One thing that is stressed on the forum is patience,this hobby will try your patience from the start,the key is learning when you can give in :).
     
    Geoff, Sep 23, 2009
    Geoff, Sep 23, 2009
    #2
  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2009
    Messages:
    11,284
    Location:
    shenzhen Guangdong PRC
    welcome to 3 reef anoush

    the longer you take about stocking your tank, the more sucess you will enjoy with it

    Steve
     
    steve wright, Sep 23, 2009
    steve wright, Sep 23, 2009
    #3
  4. Viper3166

    Viper3166 Feather Duster

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2006
    Messages:
    241
    Location:
    NorthEast PA
    Welcome!! Just as others have said take it slow.

    Steve
     
    Viper3166, Sep 23, 2009
    Viper3166, Sep 23, 2009
    #4
  5. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2009
    Messages:
    2,059
    Location:
    Sparks, Nv
    Welcome 2 3reef. :)
     
    pgoodsell, Sep 23, 2009
    pgoodsell, Sep 23, 2009
    #5
  6. Puffer Chick

    Puffer Chick Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2009
    Messages:
    9,144
    Location:
    The OC, California
    welcome
     
    Puffer Chick, Sep 23, 2009
    Puffer Chick, Sep 23, 2009
    #6

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  7. homegrowncorals

    homegrowncorals Ribbon Eel

    Joined:
    May 31, 2008
    Messages:
    2,434
    Location:
    north carolina..obx
    Hello and welcome to 3reef
     
    homegrowncorals, Sep 23, 2009
    homegrowncorals, Sep 23, 2009
    #7
  8. whippy

    whippy Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2009
    Messages:
    1,724
    Location:
    Etown, KY
    Welcome!!! Where in NoVA? I'm in Woodbridge if you ever need a hand :)

    -Whippy
     
    whippy, Sep 23, 2009
    whippy, Sep 23, 2009
    #8
  9. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    Messages:
    2,390
    Location:
    Ft Washington, MD
    welcome to 3Reef!
    Like Whippy i'm local, I work in Springfield and live just over the wilson bridge in Ft. Washington :drive:
     
    Telgar, Sep 23, 2009
    Telgar, Sep 23, 2009
    #9
  10. whippy

    whippy Sailfin Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2009
    Messages:
    1,724
    Location:
    Etown, KY
    And I work in Alexandria....What fun :shifty:
     
    whippy, Sep 23, 2009
    whippy, Sep 23, 2009
    #10
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