60 gal Setup and Log

[mackenzieam]

Hi everyone,

I am new to AC and new to this hobby, though I have always had an interest. For the past few months I have been doing my reading and trying to get it all figured out. Easier said than done. But I'm going to give it a go. It will be a FO tank, unless I can find some LR around this island. :headshake2:

This is what I have so far:

~60 Gal Hexagon Tank
~hood with two 17W lights
~Magnum 350 canister filter
~Seaclone Protein Skimmer
~air pump
~digital thermometer

I set up the tank about 3 days ago. I put in 40 lbs. of crushed coral on the bottom. It is about 4 inches thick on the bottom. Is that enough?

Yesterday I put in a dead prawn to start the cycle. So far there are no changes in the tests. Right now they read:
Ammonia: 0
Nitrates: 0
Nitrites: 0

Oh my temperature has been around 79-80 F with no heater. I may have to get a chiller. :eek:

As for stocking options - I am still figuring that out - and open for suggestions. I do know that I want a pair of clowns.

I will be sure to post lots of pictures along the way to keep you guys interested. :) Feel free to leave comments and suggestions!!!

Here it is so far with the raw shrimpie in it:
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m212/mackenzieam84/DSC01355.jpg

[Dustin83]

Welcome! All the way from Oahu.

I'm SURE you can find some live rocks around the island. :)

As far as your temperature goes, 79-80 is on the higher end of the range, but it shouldn't be too big of a problem. I wouldn't really consider a chiller unless it goes above 82 or so. That's just my personal opinion though. Maybe someone else can comment on that.

Good luck. Look forward to seeing more pictures.

[ooja3k]

Welcome to AC!!

This is a fun and very addicting hobby... Get your wallet ready...


As far as the air pump is concerned, you don't need it. Just get a small powerhead, such as a Koralia 2, to get some water circulating in there. The surface is where most oxygen absorption takes place.. Not with an airstone...

Also, you might get a serious amount of flack for using crushed coral as your substrate... Get prepared... Here is a link about it:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84113

So your going for a FO tank right?? Some people might suggest a differen't lighting option, ie more light, but for a FO i don't really think its necessary!!

Good start!! That skimmer might take some tweaking, but many people have found great success from it!!

Good luck! and keep us posted!!!!!!

[ChangDriX]

I really like that tank, good luck!