The story so far: the lost blog

i just got my first salt water tank. i have someone who has had one many times helping me out and everything is running smoothly. i am three days into cycling the water and about to do some ammonia and nitrate testing (I am well informed in chemistry so this wont be a problem) hopefully when that is finished i will be able to put some live rock in, i have a 24 gallon tank so im putting in about 25 pounds. then i will buy some coral and im thinking 2 clownfish and a madrian dragonette, a cleaner shrimp, a cleaning crew (about 12 hermits and 10 snails) i will also put in some star fish, hopefully i will be able to keep everything running smoothly. for the dragonette i will make him a shelter and stock it every few days with pods, to keep him happy.

my system is the Solana Aquarium
it has:
-1500 liter (400 gph) pump
-Intake venturi protein skimmer
-Surface-skimming overflow
-Built-in freshwater top-off system
-Biological, mechanical and chemical filtration
-Dedicated heater section with constant level water flow



Here is a chart of it:



i changed the light to a Nova extreme pro


If i need anything else please tell me.
i have no idea what a sump is either
i will need the help!!!!


*i got all the pictures and info from
current-USA.com

 

i actually decided to not get the dragonette, yet.....

 

Sounds like you're off to a good start! I think it would be best to wait or not get the dragonette. let your aquarium build of some natural stuff 1st.

 

yea, i talked to my LFS and they said not too, so i wont, but it will be there in the back of my mind

 

Systems like that scare the living crap out of me however. Seems like so much could go wrong, granted alot could go wrong with my aquarium haha. Hopefully it never does.

 

which LFS did you go to?

 

aquatic critters

 

Surprised, they told one dude to keep a tang in a 10 gallon to help with algae. You must be near Nashville. Howdy neighbor.

 

It's actually the live rock and sand that you need to cycle. The water doesn't need to be cycled. When you add live rock there is always going to be some die off. After the die off there will be an ammonia spike giving the bacteria in the rock the nutrients it needs to start growing. The bacteria will then process the ammonia to nitrite, then to nitrate. This is when your live rock is fully cycled and you are ready to start adding fish. Every time you add a fish your bio-load will increase and your bacteria will need a couple of weeks to adjust to it. Add your fish one at a time with about two weeks between. After all your fish are in and stable start adding your coral.

This should get you on your way. Get some live rock in there and start your cycle. Oh and don't forget the pictures.

 

i am getting the live rock today, so excited!
thank you for your help