NEWBIE by Brut force from Santa!

Welcome. "by brut force"......thats too funny. Luna

 

Welcome to 3Reef. I would recommend using a refractometer, from everything I read those plastic things don't always read correctly even if all the air bubbles are out.

Marine Depot Aquarium Refractometer

From the reviews this on is a decent one and you can't beat the price its only 40 bucks.

Have you thought about lighting since you do seem interested in doing coral.

Well have fun with it, take it slow, and in the end you will enjoy it.

 

The salt I am using is instant ocean, I have a protien skimmer Seaclone 100. I was told to start the cycle with a clown fish. I am really not sure how to get the cycle started?

this is great thanks for all the information from everyone here!

 

I personally wouldn't use a clown to start your cycle at that I wouldn't use any fish. That is kind of cruel. From what I have read I would suggest that you use a small amount of fish food or place a few pieces of live rock and the die off would also start your cycle.

 

I only used Santa as an excuse! My wife wanted a freshwater tank for my son in my living room, I wanted something to catch they eye. I am also alittle retentive which makes me and the tank one.

 

I already have 20 plus pounds of LR.

 

Great choice in salt, I like instant ocean best myself. Last time they were out and had to settle for red sea coral pro, IO is better balanced IMO. My opinion for the cycle (I have a lot of opinions) is too cut up 2 cocktail shrimp into some small pieces. Throw those in the tank, turn off the protein skimmer (you want THIS bad stuff in the tank to cycle the aquarium, you wouldn't want the skimmer pulling any of this). Once the shrimp starts to rot you you will see the spike of ammonia start, eventually it will reach its peak and start dropping down. Once ammonia is now longer detected, the cycle is usually over. Then time to start adding fish, slowly of course. After each addition continue to monitor ammonia, if you see a spike again that means your tank is probably going through another mini cycle, be sure and not add any more fish until ammonia is no longer detected. There are many other ways to cycle a tank but IMO this way is very effective. BTW, once the first cycle is over you can turn the skimmer back on. Now for the most important part of becoming a 3reef member, SHOW US SOME PICTURES !

 

Welcome to 3reef!
I see you have a sea clone 100 thought you might want to check this out.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/how-mod-sea-clone-55998.html

 

I fully agree. Even if the fish survive, they're in distress for the duration of the cycle.

 

I've never heard anyone suggest that anyone should try to have a reef without a skimmer. On another note, you'll soon be addicted to this hobby. Good luck, ask questions, and post pictures. You could make your own tank thread as you'll see around the site.