Newbie and I need help!

Hi!!

So I just bought a 55 gallon tank and the whole set up. I have the water in the tank, the filter running, the temperature is 77 and the salinity is 0.021-22. I think I am doing ok with that. I have sand in the bottom. How long does it take before the sand is dust free (if I move it around it wont create a sandstorm -- I want to get a goby)

My second dilemma is I really want to start to put live rock in. I have heard that you can get away with getting half life rock, half "dead rock" for the sake of saving money. Does that work? What are the most ideal layouts for rocks (aquascapes). I want to grow coral so I am trying to create the best layout that will allow for optimum water flow around the rocks. HELP! Any ideas? Pictures? Thoughts?

Let me know! Thanks!

 

The sand will clear in a couple of days. It just takes time. Before you add any fish you need to allow the tank to cycle first though. It's true you can add some live rock and some dry rock. The live rock will help seed the dry rock.

You need to get all your rock in there then wait for the cycle to finish. when you put the rock in be sure to push it down through the sand so it is sitting on the bottom glass. This helps prevent rock slides.

 

What do you recommend I attach the rocks together with. I have read about the epoxy glue, and I have read about pvc piping with zip ties. What is the best approach? tie them together and then put the whole thing in at once? How long does it typically take for the tank to cycle through.

haha sorry I am VERY new to this. Do you have a step by step approach? Once I put the live rock in, what do I need to do in order for it to begin to grow? I know I brush off the dead stuff and just make sure the ph is right, but do I need to do anything special to the dead rock?

d

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-1-a-54477.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-2-a-54476.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-aq...three-steps-reef-aquarium-step-3-a-54475.html

these 3 articles should interest you

Steve

 

Personally I like the epoxy.

That will depend on the condition of your live rock. It usually takes from 4-6 weeks.

After you get all your live rock, dry rock and sand in the tank put in a dead table shrimp to help get the cycle going. Wait about a week to begin testing. You will first notice an ammonia spike as the shrimp decomposes in the water. Keep testing about once per week. Next you will notice a nitrite spike as the bacteria grows and begins to process the ammonia into nitrite. when your ammonia and nitrite levels finally drop off to zero your nitrate will spike up. This means your cycle is done. Do a water change to get your tank fresh again and add your CUC. Give your CUC a week to clean the tank up some and then start adding fish one at a time with about two weeks in between.

Just add a table shrimp and it will do the rest on it's own.

The dry rock will become live on it's own. Just takes some time.

Don't worry able asking newb questions. I wish I had asked more questions when I got started. I believe it's becoming our moto at 3reef. "The only dumb question is the one you don't ask"

Good luck with your start and get some pictures posted for us.

 

wow thank you so so so so so much!!!!

I am going to read those articles and put in the table shrimp after I add my rocks. Ill use the epoxy too!

Once I have my rock set up, ill post a picture so you guys can see!

I am so excited! What is CUC? haha

Thank you again, and I will be sure to keep you updated!

Danielle

 

oh and really quick, when you say table shrimp, do you mean the kind you buy at the grocery store?

 

Clean up crew. Snails, crabs and other cleaners. When you're ready for it visit:

reefcleaners.org

They will custom tailor a CUC for your tank and ship it out to you at a great price. Best in the biz.

 

Yes, the frozen ones work well, and you get a nice dinner from the left overs

 

haha and two more questions...

1. do I need a light for the first cycle?

2. I only have an aquaclear 110 filter right now with no protein skimmer. is that a problem?