WMAS Discussion Forum : My Tank Re-build

My Tank Re-build : Yeah, just go to aquatica and...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:29:51 +0000

Author: Ahanix
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 11 2010 at 1:29pm

Yeah, just go to aquatica and get one of their reef cleaner packages, pretty cheap and its worked great on my cube so far. you get 10 snails, 10 hermit crabs, an emerald crab and a starfish for $29 They have larger packages for $40 or $50 that would fit your tank better, but they have kept my tank super clean.

My Tank Re-build : I have some xenia I could frag...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:37:40 +0000

Author: CapnMorgan
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 11 2010 at 1:37am

I have some xenia I could frag for you, unfortunately that is really my only easily fragged soft coral anymore.

My Tank Re-build : I really like your rock work! ...

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:22:10 +0000

Author: Luckedout
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 11 2010 at 12:22am

I really like your rock work!

My Tank Re-build : I would gladely donate some macro...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:25:04 +0000

Author: Dion Richins
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 10 2010 at 11:25pm

I would gladely donate some macro for the sump and some starter corals like GSP, kenya ect.

I would definetly get some snails in there to start cleaning it up. Couple of crabs wouldnt hurt either.

My Tank Re-build : Update: Here are pictures from...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:58:48 +0000

Author: jpitkin
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 10 2010 at 9:58pm

Update: Here are pictures from tonight. Pretty sure the algae bloom hit it's max yesterday, no new growth today, so I tested most water params today.

Still lots of micro-bubbles on the brown algae and seeing some hair algae start on seed LR (on top).

I am planning to start stocking a couple things this weekend:
-snails (should I go for 30+ now?) & a couple crabs
-soft coral frags if I can find some affordable
-macro algae for sump
-new test kit
(all depends on how far my $50 budget will go)

Was going to bring water sample to LFS first too, but this is what I can measure now:
Ammonia: 0.0mg/l
Nitrate: <20mg/l
Nitrite: <0.2mg/l
Salinity: 1.0225
PH - I'm out of tests, but it was low (~7.5) about 1.5 weeks ago.
Temp: Ranges from 74 - almost 80 because of my lights, debating if I need to add fans to reduce the range.

I don't want to be to aggressive in stocking, but also want to start cleaning up the bloom, will wait on fish.

Thoughts/Suggestions?

Also if anyone has any of my "wants" they are willing to share this weekend I'd really appreciate that too.

Thanks -Josh

My Tank Re-build : I added a clean up crew after...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:09:49 +0000

Author: Mad Dawg
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 05 2010 at 11:09pm

I added a clean up crew after the diatom bloom (brown algea). They did a great job cleaning up the tank.

My Tank Re-build : Appreciate all the feedback. I...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:33:58 +0000

Author: jpitkin
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 05 2010 at 10:33pm

Appreciate all the feedback. I think the cycle is progressing, noticed a lot of Brown on the LR today and some on the sandbed too. I like the idea of a tiny bit of food. I will probably wait until next week to add anything. MadReefer - I might hit you up on the frags next week, thanks for the offer. I'll keep you all updated on the progress.

My Tank Re-build : http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 ...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:38:00 +0000

Author: Mad Dawg
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 05 2010 at 12:38am

http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244

My Tank Re-build : I don't like to add a test...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:22:18 +0000

Author: MadReefer
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 05 2010 at 12:22am

I don't like to add a test fish. I like to add just a touch of food as if there was a fish in there, just a tiny bit every day or two. Then when color start to show, about a week old, add some snails slowly. If they do well, add some more. Just a few at a time until the tank is done cycling. If anything dies remove it if you can and make sure it doesn't spike your ammonia/nitrite too high. After there is little to no ammonia or nitrite, you can add fish. It can help to wait a few months before any fish go in and this helps the little life grow. At any point you can add macro algae and very hardy corals and it may help speed up your cycle if you do. You might lose some corals if they are added too soon and some algae can be tough to grow early on. I have some coral that you might like. I could give you one frag of zoas and some xenia for free. Also I have more for $5.

My Tank Re-build : Looks great! Just need to get...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:49:14 +0000

Author: ksmart
Subject: 39203
Posted: March 04 2010 at 11:49pm

Looks great! Just need to get that thing cycled which I think the LR and LS will help out. You need something in there that will get the ammonia up so that the bacteria that converts it into nitrites and nitrates start to grow. You could put a piece of shrimp or something in the tank for a few days and monitor your parameters once your parameters go down you can slowly add fish. Some people add a damsel(a "hardy" fish) or something during the cycle to help the process but then they try and get the fish out after and it can be a pita. Others will tune in im sure and give their 2 cents which is always great. Good luck keep us updated!