Have I set up my tank right ?

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perryaviation

AC Members
Mar 18, 2005
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Have I set up my tank right ? (new added pics !)

Ok, First of all I'm so glad I found this site ! It looks like it can help alot.


Here is what I have done so far. (I started this process before I found you guys, and all I had to go on is the local shops)

My wife and I wanted to get a SW tank to have a couple of clownfish and maybe a few others. I have had a few freshwater aquariums before, but we are divers and have always loved saltwater species, so we deceided to make the jump to saltwater.

We bought the Marineland Instant Ocean 29gal kit. (eclipse3, and Bio-wheel)

We layered play sand (from Lowes) about 1.5" thick, set temp to 79 and added instant ocean salt, and after mixing, we treated with AMM-EX.

Let run for 2 days. Then today added Bio-Spira and ran another hour.

Then added 5 lbs of live kaileni rock and 2 lbs of live Tonga fancy branch rock.

(I have 11lbs of base rock that's curing and will add tomorrow)

Then added 2 blue and green chromis.

after three hours feed them a little brine shrimp (which they ate with great gusto)

The local shop said to run it this way for a week, then add crabs and snails, run another week and then add the 2 clowns.
They said if the Bio-Spira was a good batch plus the live rock and biowheel, we should have no problems.

Does this all sound right ? Anything else we should/should not do ?

What about water changes, how much/how often ?

How often should I be checking the amm/nitr levels ?

Thanks SOO much in advance !

John
 
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that is alot of fish for that size tank! you would be ok with the clowns and nothing else, but the two green chromis sound a bit too much. Have you got any live rock?? if not, get a few kilograms, it is worth it. It is probebly better to go with a fishless cycle as the ammonia and nitrite will get very high, and this is torture to the fish. But after the cycle if complete, get rid of the two green chromis and only have 2 clown fish. Other wise it will result in you having to change alot of water all the time.
 
I would suggest some more (about 15 lbs.) live rock and a hang on the back protein skimmer (CPR or Aqua C). I know they are expensive, but they will help greatly down the line. So far it sounds like you have done a pretty good job. What are your tests showing? That really is the best way to tell if you are moving in the right direction. As far as the chromis and clownfish I am curious myself how hard they will be on the bio-load. Good luck and welcome to AC!
 
How often and how much should I be doing a water change ? and then after it's stable how how much ?


How should I get a seprate heater and preheat the water before adding ?

Could I go with two clowns and a dwarf angel ?

Or a clown and what other fish would you recommend for a 29 ?
thanks !
 
ok after the fish and LR and Bio-Spira has been in for 18 hrs now fish have eaten twice, and my amm/nit is at ZERO, Does this mean the bio-spira could have worked and I'm cycled or has it just not had time to spike yet ?
 
It hasn't had time to spike yet. In my experience, the cycle is measured in weeks and not hours. Step back, take a deep breath, and wait.

I second the suggestion for a skimmer.

I like weekly 20% water changes, but at least every two weeks. I mix up the salt and water in a bucket with a heater and powerhead for at least several hours, preferably a day, before adding it to the tank.

Have you read Bob Fenner's COnscientious Marine Aquarist yet? It's a very worthwhile investment, probably the best book for helping people start with marine tanks.
 
Cool (about the lr), I am still anxious to see others response to the bio-load. I don't think 4 smaller fish in a 29 gallon would be a problem, but I would like to hear more opinions. I have a 29 with 2 clowns myself and I was wondering about adding chromis... I think due to them both being damsels they may have problems. Does anyone have experience with this set up? Oh yeah, as far as testing, test everyday at least for the first few weeks to make sure your your nitrogen cycle is going well, as well as ph. As far as water changes once your nitrites are gone do weekly 25 to 50% water changes weekly until your nitrates are down to under 10. If you have a protein skimmer the changes will pretty much be personal preference once the nitrates are down below 10. I have heard of people not having to do changes once their number stabilize, but of course you would want to keep it clean and well maintained.
 
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I think that the two clowns and two chromis is a little much. It may not be a problem if you are paying very close attention to your water parameters, but if you're not, problems can happen faster than you think (personal experience).

Matt
 
Newb Saltwater but current successful Malawi Fresh hobbyist

I am glad to have registered in this forum. I am a fan of all your advice.

I have a 55G Topfin tank setup kit with a Whisper 60 powerfilter, heater, hood and light. I bought a Prism skimmer.

I placed a 1/4" layer of washed crushed coral. Then I filled it up with water 5G at a time. I just mixed 5G of water in a 5G bucket, added 2 1/2 cup of instant ocean and mixed it with my arm for 5-7 minutes. It took me forever to fill it up half way.

I placed 20 lbs of aragonite (about 3/8" layer). Filed up the tank again with the same process as above.

I have the filter on without the filter element, then had a dual output air pump to aerate the tank (while I wait for my powerhead in the mail). I had the skimmer going to.

The next day, I added 40lbs of live sand (ouch in my pocket). I registered in this forum a tad bit too late.

I know that I should have "marinated" the water in instant ocean for a few hours. But at that time, I can't do it 5 gallons at a time and finish in four hours. It's impossible. I wish I knew a better way. Please forgive the newb.

My question is: When can I add a cycling live creature and what (and how many)would be a good cycling fish for my setup?

How come I have these white streaks of powder-looking stain on the tank? (straight lines). It's unattractive. I would like to clean it. How? What caused it?

20lbs of live rock coming soon from Florida.

Thank you for reading along. I appreciate your patience with me.
 
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