Some new pics of the tank (week 4 of cycling)

For what it's worth, I added Perculas to my tank first... model citizens.

 

I thought his tank was smaller than it is, but still good to add them later if possible.

I would stay away from a Mystery Wrasse. Leopards are beautiful, but are not for novices. Instead, look into Fairy and/or Flasher Wrasses. Plenty of great options with a tank your size!

 

I added mine to a Biocube (29). I have a 90 now, but I was specifically referencing the 29. I've nothing but good to say about Perculas.

 

Thanks guys, I'm debating between the 2 clowns (depending if my LFS has some Black Ice) or maybe the One Spot Foxface as the first fish...

And yeah, I figured I shouldn't have any problems adding the clowns first if I get them esp since its a 72 gallon tank...

Why stay away from the Mystery wrasse? Just curious...

 

Oh and also was thinking of adding a Whitetail Bristletooth Tang in later as well..

 

Clowns would probably be best to start, since they are "hardier" fish and are not herbivores. The Foxface would not have much of anything in the tank to eat, so you would be providing it all of its food. They are also known to nip at soft and LPS corals, in case you did not know.

And Mystery Wrasse (and really any fish in the Pseudocheilinus family) do not get along with other wrasses, so you would be limiting yourself to just the one. The Mystery in particular has been known to bully other tank mates as well, even to the point of preventing them from eating. Here is some more info on reef safe wrasses: http://www.3reef.com/forums/tropical-fish/all-about-reef-safe-wrasses-122261.html

Hope this helps!

 

sorry if you felt as though anything was uncalled for, but I have been in the hobby for a very long time. Why would I say not to use something if I wasn't completely aware of what that thing was??

By telling me to "do my research before suggesting", you imply that I don't know what I'm talking about...so I called you a smart-ass because that is what smart asses do. The fact is the complete opposite; I study Marine Biology at URI and have a successful reefing business...

As to the point, there is nothing wrong with the natural method (especially for this tank). I'm sure you read both threads on the system and realize a lighting cycle JUST began under 48 hours ago and this tank is full of 100% baserock (I believe the OP said he would add LR today thankfully). The addition of LR to create a 60:40 ratio would be ideal not only for providing denitrifying bacteria, but providing the type of anoxic areas needed for any type of denitrification. LR can also help provide a stable pH, salinity, Ca, and other parameters in constant check.

Bottom line is we are all entitled to our opinion so pump your brakes next time before you go telling people to do "research" and tell them about what they "imply".

 

I have a great idea for both of you. How about respecting each other's opinion and not cluttering up a guys build thread with this juvenile nonsense? Seriously! There is more than one way to do this. With this being said, I have used the "bacteria" in the form of bio-spira and it worked really well for me. This was with rock that had been sitting in freshwater for about 18 months so there would have been no sign of saltwater benefiting bacteria at all. Within a week, I was showing nitrates with no ammonia or nitrite. I started stocking. Nitrate fell to 0 and that's where it sits today. I never saw more than .25 PPM ammonia so to blatantly tell someone not to add this stuff is not 100% accurate information. Unless you have done it or tested it yourself, I wouldn't be advisor against or for it. The only reason I even speak on this topic is that I have done it and have seen that it actually works.

 

Bold 1, you are not the judge and jurry, people are allowed to discuss and disagree. We were not off topic by any means

Bold 2, I know plenty of people who used denitrifying additives. Some have had complete success, while others have had many bouts of new tank syndrome. I can speak to this point as much as either of you because I have built/run many tanks that all were started using LR, Live Sand, and absolutely no additives. The page I run has almost 4,000 members and some of my Pro-members would laugh at the idea of using any additives to speed up the process. They know the benefits of fully cycling a tank with just LR and Live Sand, and trust me their reefs are amazing.

Personally, all the tanks I have set up over the past 3 years don't even need water changes. Just nice clean top offs. I bet no one who used any denitfrying bacteria can say that? The cycle is THE MOST important part of any reef IMO. You should let it be loonnngg and allow your rock to really build up an insane amount of life to help break down larger detritus and provide the anxious areas where natural denitfrication occurs.

That's is all from me. I refuse to even waste time talking about this anymore

 

Thanks Daniel for the support!

Vizzle and Jimmy you guys are a great help and couldnt thank you both enough for all the amazing information.

Marshall Thanks for the link to the wrasse thread, I will def read up on it!

As for today: I will make it out to the LFS later and hopefully find a pair of clowns that I like.. Giong to Aquatic Obsessions in Avenel NJ since it it the closest...

P.S. checked Amonia / Nitrites are at 0 as of this morning...