Kirklanp's Micro Tank Thread!!!

Kirklanp's Reef Build

Hey guys, its that time to start moving towards my first saltwater tank. I have read and read and asked many questions. This place is great! To start off with its a 5.5 gallon tank with 5 lbs of reef safe sand substrate, 4 lbs of base rock, hang on filter, air stone behind base rock, and a thermometer. Everything is going great! I rinsed the base rock and scrubbed with old tooth brush. After that started to mix the salt water in small increments of 1 gallon to the parameter of 1.022 to 1.024. By this time, VERY EXCITED!!! I mixed the water 7 days ago. Checked it everyday and it stayed at a consistent 1.022. Temp stays in between 77 and 78. I just added the first set of tank mates last night. 6 small snails. Everything is very good. I have added a few pics and will will keep you guys more coming!!! I am just very much wondering what to do now and what you guys think I should do. What are my next steps? when do I need to add live rock? Any help or PMs will be great!!!

 

you need to start checking pH and ammonia, nitrites and nitrates, when the ammonia and nitrites are 0 you can start adding stuff. you really shouldn't have added a cleaner crew right yet. there's nothing for them to clean. you should throw a chunk of raw/peeled shimp in there and leave your lights off for the month. it helps reduce algae. just let your filter system turn the water over and it'll do it's thing. good luck and keep us posted!

oh and you might want to add more live rock too before the cycle gets too far in and you end up prolonging it.

 

For all those wondering about texas holey rock. There it is. Beautiful isn't it?

 

Thanks, I am waiting to add any more little buddies the lady jsut gave them too me. LOL.... But... thanks!

Paid 3.49 per lb for it and i love it. These two rocks just gaught my eye and i fell in love. I want to put a couple of lbs of live rock in soon but im just trying to find out where to get some lol... Besides petcos stuff... But thanks;D;D;D

 

Sweet deal, what you plan on keeping?

 

My plans so far is to buy a small pair of percs, A small anemone and one cleaner shrimp. I hope everything goes well just still needing some advice... lol;D;D;D

 

Well id wait a while for that anemone... Water parameters need to be stable, and on such a small tank they can fluctuate quite a bit... Once its been running for a while, make sure to check clown compatibility with the anemone...

 

Hey guys, and Luna, Heres some new pics. Everythings great. I added new light fixture with a not so great bulb but i am on my way on getting another one but here they are.

P.S. This rock is AMAZING!!! i know my little inverts are going to love these holes and crevices of the rock. Plus We have one cave for some little lucky fella. Just waiting to by live rock...

 

Hey guys bought 8 lbs of live rock for 20 dollars. Not a bad deal in my book! everything is fine and running great. Although i have run into my first problem. I am losing little by little salt. You can see is crystsalizes on the tank lid. Not enough is lost to hurt I dont think. But what would tou guys think I need to do?

 

My goodness, that rock is amazing!! Where can I get some curvy pieces? Do they all come in those fantastic shapes and swirls??


Edit: Found a website for it!!