My first Saltwater tank

I started a freshwater tank about 2 years ago and it didn't last long. I rushed it along as it was for my little girl and she wanted fish. Well a few weeks ago I setup the fresh water tank again and this time is is much smoother. I have taken her to a few of the LPSs and she keeps asking for a "Nemo". So I got a 30G tank and decided to get into the saltwater version. luckily I have a friend that has a few tanks and I have gotten some advice from him. I also have been doing alot of reading and we live quite close to a really good coral/LR farm. I have been to the farm twice in the last week and got some good advise from a few of the employees.

The first bit of advise was to drill the tank and run it with a sump. I was originally going to run everything hanging off the back. So I took the advise and got the tank drilled and added a 10G sump. The same guy also suggested getting "some" LR and seeding some dry rock. I picked up 13lbs of LR and 19lbs of dry rock. I got everything home and assembled the plumbing for the sump and started adding the water which I had premixed the day before.

So I got the premixed water into the tank and added the rock. However, I didn't have enough RO/DI water to fill everything up. I had enough to cover all the rock and then some but I wasn't able to run the sump. I moved the heater into the main tank for the time being and the pumps for circulation.

Tonight I got the water I needed and added it to the system. The sump is now running and everything seems good. I have another heater, 2 powerheads, and a filter on the way. I am looking in to a skimmer and I am leaning toward the octopus which will be housed in the sump. I am also looking into lighting, but I think I am going to hold off on that for a little while and add some fish first then later start adding some corals after the tank has been established for a few months.

here are my levels on the 2nd/3rd day

pH - 8.3
Aamonia - 0.5
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 0
Salinity 1.024 (using a hydrometer, I need to upgrade, I know)

I figure I won't see any changes for awhile. I'm taking the time to do some reading and research.

 

It's good to hear that you are doing your research first! That is a very important step in saltwater. Also, very cool to live near a LR farm. I'm a little jealous lol. Your levels look to be right on target. It could take 4 - 8 weeks for your cycle to finish completely. Sounds like you are getting some really good advice as well. I would also double tap any questions on here though as well. Not trying to say anything bad about your sources, but there are a lot of knowledgeable people on here that are always willing to help out! That is why I love this place.

Do you have any questions that we could help you out with while your tank is cycling?

And, welcome to 3reef!

 

good start watch your ammonia levels as they will swing along with the nitrates usually for the first 4-8 weeks IME other then that patience is key!

 

Welcome fellow Ohioan! I worked and lived near Pataskala for a few years. It took my tank awhile to do anything, but once I added the dead shrimp it got things rolling.

 

hey welcome to 3reef! sounds like you did your research and got some good advice from the people around you! everything's sounding good - can't wait to see it come along

 

Acronyms are my biggest issue at the moment. I work in a technical field and we use a lot of acronyms, but the saltwater people have a ton. I find myself googling acronyms everyday. Is there a sticky somewhere with common acronyms?

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aquarium-articles-how-tos/common-acronyms-abbreviations-54351.html

 

also i don't know if you noticed but most of them you can mouse-over and a pop up will tell you what it means

 

Sounds as if you have done some reading and have a really good start. The acronyms are still killing me...lol never knew there were so many! I would imagine the cycle you get will depend on how LIVE the LR is. But it does sound like you have a nice little start to the cycle now.

GL and I would love to see pics of the tank!!

 

Awesome Thanks!!