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.

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:

 

[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!