Starting off slowly...

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by 20ducks, Dec 13, 2011.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

Page 1 of 2
  1. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    Got my 46 gallon SeaClear bowfront tank to start set up today. I decided that eventurally I'll go with a few select fish in addition to, a reef configuration. So what have I done so far? I removed the bio-balls from the system as the reef will be doing the cleansing. Added regular sand along with live sand that I got at a local shop. btw, this shop specializes in saltwater living entities. Mixed those together and put into tank. It took up about an inch to 1 1/2" of the bottom. Added 40+ gallons of store bought saltwater and turned on the power head. In a few days, I was instructed to bring in a water sample to test for something or another. If that turns out as all good, I'll be adding some live rock this weekend.
    Who knows....perhaps a fish ot 2 after the New Year?!?

    Hooray!!
     
    20ducks, Dec 13, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 13, 2011
    #1
    1 person likes this.

    2. Click Here!

  2. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    Forgot to add that I bought a 36" Coralife light:
    4 H.O. T5 Lamps Included 2 each 10,000K and Actinic
    Directional Moonlight LEDs 36" fixtures include 2 LEDs
    Separate Power Cords for Daylight lamps, Actinic lamps, and Moonlight LEDs
    Quick disconnect ballasts and cooling fan
    Adjustable mounting brackets
    Powder Coated Aluminum Housing
    Acrylic Splash Guard
     
    20ducks, Dec 13, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 13, 2011
    #2
    1 person likes this.
  3. zackscott20

    zackscott20 Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    May 17, 2011
    Messages:
    310
    Location:
    IN
    how much did that saltwater cost...? if i bought that over here it would cost around $200 i believe.. which is just stupid imo. ;D
     
    zackscott20, Dec 13, 2011
    zackscott20, Dec 13, 2011
    #3
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Welcome to 3reef.

    Sounds like you are proceeding slowly and doing it right the first time.

    Slower is always good in this hobby so karma to you. :)
     
    Corailline, Dec 14, 2011
    Corailline, Dec 14, 2011
    #4
  5. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2005
    Messages:
    1,451
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Welcome to 3Reef!

    You should be able to add your live rock this weekend as long as your salinity stays intact.

    Your light fixtrure sounds great and you should be able to keep anything up to some SPS.

    As for the timing of your first fish, take it slowly and make sure your tank is fully cycled. Depending on the live rock, you might be able to add a fish by then, but more likely you'll still be in the cycle.

    What are you going to be putting in for flow rate in the tank?
     
    rocketmandb, Dec 14, 2011
    rocketmandb, Dec 14, 2011
    #5
  6. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    The saltwater was $65 for 50 gallons.

    I'm going to set the timer up for the 3 sets of lights I can control this weekend. For now, I'm running the entire set for 5 hours per day.

    I forgot what the power head rate was...I'll have to check into that spec.
     
    20ducks, Dec 14, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 14, 2011
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    I should start thinking about fish. There are a lot to choose from. What fish should I start with? I'd rather have only a few very colorful larger fish than smaller but larger population.
     
    20ducks, Dec 14, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 14, 2011
    #7
  8. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2005
    Messages:
    1,451
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    You should go for a mixture of swimming and hiding or semi-hiding fish.

    For swimming fish that are "large" for a 46 gallon, look at:

    - Any of a number of pygmy angels - Dwarf Angelfish: Flame Angelfish and other Dwarf Angels

    - Bangai Cardinals - Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Kaudern's Cardinalfish

    - Dottybacks - Pseudochromis for Sale: Splendid Dottyback Species and other Pseudochromis

    - Reef Safe Wrasses - Wrasse Fish for Sale: Cleaner Wrasse and other Reef Safe Wrasse Species

    EDIT: To be clear, you can't put all of the above in a 46G tank. Probably two of the above four would be ok along with a couple hiding type fish like a Royal Gramma, blenny, etc.
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2011
    rocketmandb, Dec 15, 2011
    rocketmandb, Dec 15, 2011
    #8
  9. 20ducks

    20ducks Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    Messages:
    38
    The water pump is rated @350 gph through a "turbulence Manifold Return". From what my novice eyes see is that I need an additional flow pump???
     
    20ducks, Dec 16, 2011
    20ducks, Dec 16, 2011
    #9
  10. 4phish

    4phish Montipora Digitata

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2009
    Messages:
    1,055
    Location:
    Northern Ky
    Welcome! Sounds like a great start. For flow you would prob. want another powerhead. Mabey have 1 on either side of the tank aimed in opposite directions? This should give you good flow and help eliminate dead spots. What is the name brand of power head your using (just curious). Koralia makes a great powerhead for the money.
    Hydor Koralia Evolution Circulation Pump/Powerhead
     
    4phish, Dec 16, 2011
    4phish, Dec 16, 2011
    #10
Page 1 of 2