trying to get set up.

just got a 55 gal. going salt. where i am now:

cloudy water, with proper salt solution mixed.

been running with filter for 2 days (emperor 400)

crushed c?oral added.

LFS said to add damsels thus they are added.

where to now? or where have i gone wrong already?

 

Where are you going with this-- FO, FOWLR, or Reef?

The cloudiness is probably from the crushed coral... did you rinse it with RODI before you added it?

Just remember, patience is the key. Take it slow and don't rush anything.
Welcome to the forum and the hobby...

 

i would not use the crushed coral it tends to make a nitrate factory in the pockets of coral, i would use sand or BB. better to get it out now rather than later.

 

From experience with crushed coral, I say +1 to removing it asap. always had nitrate issues with it. (wasnt the only cause of nitrate though) IMO the look and usefulness of DSB is more benefit than CC.

 

Yeah, take your LFS's advice and let it go in one ear and out the other. The crushed coral is not in your best interest and neither are the two Damsels. They must be some real old schoolers there. Also, are you using RODI water? If not you might as well dump the whole tank and start again while its still easy. Good luck.

 

Give us the details of your situation and we can help you out.
Do you have any live rock?
What kind of lights?
What type fish/corals are you planning?
And pics are always nice - even if its of a cloudy tank!

 

No live rock yet, and wasnt really planning on it. could that be something that is added farther down the road if i was to go FO now.

Lighting is nothing special. just normal lighting which came with the tank. general flourescent 17 watt bulbs 18".

Havent really gotten specific with the fish selecction as i am worried first of the "solution" my fish are entering.

Like i said very new and dont know to much.

i didnt use RODI water. was told that i could use softened tap adding a dechlorinater. (Dr.Tims Aquatics- Aqua clense)

 

CJ, first off welcome to 3reef
Matt has put together an excellent 3 step guide
Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's - 3reef Forums
Its a good read, I would recommend start there. A lot matters on what type of system you plan to run when it comes to equipment, FO, FOWLR, Reef.... Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Adding live rock later would most likely cause a full or mini cycle. You will be able to add dry base rock though, which will seed and turn into live rock with a little time.

You can use tap water, but there are some consequences you should be aware of.

If you plan on adding inverts later tap water can contain some copper which will be very bad for them.

Excess nutrients usual exist within tap water that can lead to high nitrate and phosphate problems. This could lead to algae problems.


As far as the crushed coral, I don't completely agree with it being a bad thing for you. It does have great buffering capabilities, and if you are planning a FO or FOWLR tank the nitrites it MAY cause will not be as big an issue as if you were planning a reef tank. I personally have crushed coral in my tank and don't have any problems with it.

My biggest advice would not only be to take it slow, but come up with a plan and start implementing it now. You don't want to make mistakes now that you have to put money into fixing later.

Ask away, and we will help you out with every decision you need to make to get your tank running right.

 

If you ever do want to add live rock in the future, you would have to make sure it is fully cured and add a little at a time so as not to start another cycle. if it were me I would do the live rock now, take the damsels back,and use the live rock to cycle the tank. (you could throw a table shrimp in there to boost the cycle). In the long run you will be glad you have live rock as it is probably the best filtration there is for a saltwater tank. Also I agree, take out the crushed coral.

Dan