Noob! 32 Gallon Tank

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by SonyaHunt03, Jan 20, 2009.

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  1. SonyaHunt03

    SonyaHunt03 Plankton

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    Hello everyone! I love this site! Very useful, I just started a saltwater tank for the first time 32 gallons and its been up and running for 5 days. I currently have in it 40lbs of live sand, 10 lbs live rock, and some base and rubble coral pieces. The rubble coral actually came with hitch hikers a small starfish and a bumble bee snail, are these going to be ok to keep in my tank? I would like to do Coral but currently do not have the lighting equipment is there any used equipment available? I am letting my tank cycle and going to add more live rock for the next couple of weeks before adding my first fish. Any suggestions again I'm new and I've been reading a ton and really becoming obsessed! Thanks!
     
    SonyaHunt03, Jan 20, 2009
    SonyaHunt03, Jan 20, 2009
    #1

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  2. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    Welcommen!!! The best thing to do is to test your ammonia(NH4) nitrite(NO2) and nitrate(NO3) the first two are the most important as they are the most toxic but will also clue you in to how far along you are in the nitrogen cycle. Once you add more Live rock continue to monitor until the first two values are 0, then add a hardy fish or two like a tank raised clown or a royal gramma or small goby. Then of course continue to test and like Matt says go slow, let it grow!!

    As always keep the questions coming!!

    Happy reefing!
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    #2
  3. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Welcome to 3reef!!!!!!! Adding live/rock periodically during the cycle may mess with it a bit. Your tiny starfish is either a "mini brittle" or an asterina. The brittles are good and the asterinas questionable. There are mixed opinions on them. I have them in my tank and if I see one and feel like getting my arm wet it comes out. Otherwise, I leave them. Bublebee snails are fine but,there are a couple of quirks with them that you should look into. Keep on reading.
     
    missionsix, Jan 20, 2009
    missionsix, Jan 20, 2009
    #3
  4. Annie3410

    Annie3410 Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Welcome! Congrats on the tank! Sounds like your doing the right thing by reading a lot! You can find used lights... i have seen some on craigslist... BUt i would be careful with buying used.. do your research and know what you are buying. Welcome again!
     
    Annie3410, Jan 20, 2009
    Annie3410, Jan 20, 2009
    #4
  5. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    Mission, w/o getting off track bumblee bees are predatory whelks....much more questionable than asterinas!

    Sorry for the thread jack
    Happy reefing!
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    #5
  6. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I have one that started with my aquarium as a hitchiker and I've never noticed anything. My strombus snails seem to be in steady supply. Same with the collonistas that are readily available. I guess it's the un-seen damage from the bumble bee snails.
     
    missionsix, Jan 20, 2009
    missionsix, Jan 20, 2009
    #6

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  7. Dr.Fragenstein

    Dr.Fragenstein Panda Puffer

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    Or your lucky!! ;-D
    All I can say is that they are NOT the harmless detritivores online stores sell them as!

    Dont you love free strombus?!?
     
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    Dr.Fragenstein, Jan 20, 2009
    #7