Stauchistory's 55g budget build

yes its unfortunate that this has happened but atleast its early on. Probably now you can see why I went into so much detail on your other thread "adding live rock".

Anyway just take it slow, and dont visit any lfs' for a few weeks

 

Well the drama is over after losing 2 fish today after I added 100# of formerly live rock, thus causing my cycle to start over again. The Turbo Snail is still hanging on in a plastic bin with the excess water from yesterday's rock addition. I added a small power filter (without the insert) to circulate the water for him. If he's still alive and kicking tomorrow I think he may be OK in the long run.

The water in my tank is very cloudy now, and smells awful, which I believe is part of the cycle. About all I did today was cover some of the plastic egg crate (light diffuser) with sand, as there was some still exposed after adding it and the rock yesterday. There are a few tight spaces where the crate is still exposed, so I'm not sure how to get sand into those places to cover it up. Ideas are appreciated.

I'm also looking at water flow in the tank since I added the rock. I believe there will be a dead zone between my rocks and the back of the tank where detritus may settle. I need a way to get some water flowing behind those rocks. I'm not sure what may be the best option for this, so suggestions are welcome. I'll also post pictures of this space when the water clears up a bit more.

 

If money permits the Vortech are awesome. If not you should be about to pick up a couple of Koralia 3 or 4s relatively cheap and will provide good flow. It does in mine which is a bit bigger to yours.

 

Just a quick update for those interested. I checked the ammonia in the tank to see how the "2nd" cycle is progressing. It was 3.0, which was down from 4.0 where it was last weekend. It looks like that is starting to come down, while my other levels will go up as the cycle continues to process.

I'm planning on adding a powerhead temporarily to the side opposite of my canister filter to get more water flowing on that side. I may point it behind my rocks for the time being.
Also planning on working on a DIY power filter fuge as well, since I have one I only use for water flow and have no cartridges for. Seano Hermano and I are both going to try this as shown in his thread: http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/make-shift-hob-refugium-94868.html.

Also think I need a little more sand in the tank. Since I added the rock and egg crate material it's looking a little thin in places. There is also egg crate sticking out in hard to reach places, so not sure how to get sand in there to hide the crate.

More pics this weekend, since I had to rearrange my rocks!!! ;D

 

Another quick update. I checked my levels today and they are looked really good.

Salinity: 1.025
PH: 8.0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 20

I also finished a DIY HOB power filter fuge that is documented at this thread: http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-hob-power-filter-fuge-95354.html

It looks like I'm about ready to add a fish. My overall plans are for some sort of clown fish or 2, and I know we would like to have an anemone for them, but I am not sure how soon we can get one. I also need to get a CuC from Reefcleaners too. We are not sure what other types of fish to get in the near future so suggestions are appreciated.

I really like Arrowhead Crabs, and was wondering if there are any issues having them.

 

Giving this a little bump to get suggestions for a first fish. I'm planing on getting one today or tomorrow, but not sure what type yet.

Damsel?
Clownfish?
Other?

 

Get what suits you. It's your tank do some research on liveaquaria or some other website similar, see the conditions for each fish,recommended tank size, compatibility, feeding habits, maximum size of fish when mature, etc. and see if you like it. Then ask your LFS if they have it in stock, or order it online if you chose to, I'd rather go to a store IMO, that way you can see it swim, eat, how it reacts to other fish, etc. and you can ask them for their opinions on the fish, because after all that is what they are gettin' paid to do.

 

I like Damsel's to start, but I'm afraid they will become territorial if I add them first. Time to do some research!!!

 

I'm on the same boat you are, I got a yt damsel for my first fish, well see what happeneds when i add another later on.