Vegasfish 240 gallon build

I put a filter pad in the sump from my existing tank along with the live sand. I tested again today and everything was zero If i do not see any nitrates by next Monday I will put two prawns in the tank to get some nitrates.

On a side note my 5 year old boy helps me test the water and might even know more than me. He said today oh good it is all zero we can add the fish. I broke his heart when I explained we need the cycle to start first.

 

Live rock can be tricky as you might have a mini-cycle after you put them in. You may as well put them in beforehand that's what I would do. Why persipitate another cycle later?
Tank looks great I like the lagoons. I have one in the middle of mine. It gives a real natural appearance to the aquascape. Keep the pics coming.

 

Vegas fish - your signature will need updating very soon
Its looking great

what will your 1st fish be, when you get to that stage?

Steve

 

I don't know when I am going to add it but the main one I want is an achilles tang. I plan on getting some smaller schooling fish first. But before I get anymore fish I will be adding a lot of corals first.

 

Vagasfish, I'd wait until last and add your tangs then this way they don't have territorial rights. They can be very nasty to newcomers. Add them carefully. I put the African Hippo in first as he's not as tough as the others then I added the Purple and a Yellow Eye and then the Sohal much later. The Sohal is a larger fish and no one messes with him. Attached is a picture of him.

 

Marlinman you have a great selection of fish. I will take your advice thanks.

 

I have been watching the temp of the tank the last week and it is around 84 deg without lights on. I feel the high temp is from the two pumps Being located outside. If I put insulation on the inside of the container holding the pumps do you think that would help?

The temp outside here has been around 100

 

With the pumps running are they hot to the touch? Living in Vegas, I was wondering if putting equipment outside like that was a bad idea or not. If they run hot, maybe you can make exhast vents and put a fan or two inside the box the are in. Also try to find this insulation specifically designed to keep heat out. Like what they use on cars and such. I'm not sure of the name, but my friend uses it on misc. projects, and it works great.

 

Btw,are you running a chiller?? I read through the thread and I'm not sure if you mentioned it or not..

 

I don't have a chiller and was hoping to avoid one. The pumps a warm but not hot. I will insullate and if that does not do the trick then I will look into fans.