Zechenia's 28 Gallon Bowfront Beginner Reef [UPDATED]

Update: Ammonia holding steady.

I am going to order my skimmer soon, so I took off my little filter that I had on back (without the filter in).

I also decided that I would ALWAYS be worried if I had the glass cover, so I bought some eggcrate and cut a top for it. Painting it tomorrow. BTW, I cut half it with a saw, and was pretty sloppy. Then I discovered the holy grail of egg crate cutters: Wirecutters. Wish I woulda thought of it sooner!

Here's a picture!

 

I am still in my cycling process. I have a liquid test kit for ammonia (still showing around 1). I committed the sin of using fresh/saltwater test strips for nitrate/nitrite. So I am throwing those results out (liquid tests are scheduled for delivery, with my skimmer, tomorrow )

I am having a bit of algae start to appear. A decent amount on my rocks, but not too much on the sand or anything. I think the hermit crabs are keeping the amount down good.

Of my 4 hitchhiker hermits, 3 are doing great. There was however a hermit-acide from the looks of it. I found a deceased hermit without a shell. I assume one of the others killed him and took it. Def adding hermit shells to my CuC order when that time comes!

I'm getting antsy for my first fish! Hope my levels fall back to zero soon!

Also, when should I turn my skimmer on during the cycle? Should I wait for everything to complete... or since I have ammonia, can I start it up without messing up my cycle?

 

I am of the school of thought that you can run a skimmer towards the end of the cycle. A lot of people say no, but it allows the skimmer to break in before you add any fish or other inverts.

Hermits are vicious little guys, but you may have been looking at a molt as well. Looks just like a dead hermit.

Image looks good, I think overall you will be happier with the egg crate rather than the glass.

Your getting much closer the being able to stock, congratulations.

 

Michaels craft store has shells too if you need them sooner, I got a whole huge bag for $6

 

Good point, i didnt even think of that. The most I've seen at a time since then is 3. However, generally I am lucky to find even one, since they like to explore all the cracks in my rock!

Btw (and sorry for so many double posts, I used to moderate a large forum like this, and I'd hate me right now! gah!) my plans for the skimmer is to start it if I measure any Nitrates and Nitrites when I get my liquid tests tomorrow. Sound reasonable?

Last night I saw all 4 crabs, so it was indeed just a molt. Shocked me! I didnt think they'd do that without the conditions being really good, lol.

I am hoping to have updated (and more complete ) test results to post tonight. Possibly with a picture of how things are looking, if I can get a good one!
If it looks like they are being aggressive before I get my CuC I might go the Michaels route. Thanks for the advice

 

So, I finally have a liquid test kit for everything (well, everything basic) other than Ammonia.

Here are the results:

Temp 77
SG 1.025
PH 8
Ammonia .25-.5 (hard to tell)
Nitrite 1
Nitrate 0

Will post pictures in a bit. Setting skimmer up

 

So far so good

 

Ok, here are the pics! Yes, I know the glass is smeared. It's cycling so I am not worried about it! haha







Also, does anyone know the size of hose needed for the drain on a Remora Skimmer so I dont need to take the collection cup in with me to the hardware store?

 

Sweeeettttt! Congrats on the tank and all.

 

Excellent choice of reading material "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". You're off to a good start if you are reading that. Tank and scape look good BTW.