My first 65g FOWLR setup questions

[rlbergmandc]

Ok guys.. first sw tank.. first post..

Have my tank setup here with 70 lbs cured LR.. 20 lbs live sand, 40 lbs dead sand..

Couple of questions..

1. I've been told not run the protein skimmer yet (coralife SS125).. i don't see why? i thought the more the merrier..

2. Also.. being that i have so much cured LR and live sand.. should i be testing the water.. and when could i possibly add my cleanup crew ?

I know i'm not doing fish for a few weeks.. but would love to see some life in there.

My only mess up in the setup was using tap water initially (my RO unit is on order) and using Stress Coat to dechlorify the water which is now foaming up in my berlin sump..


Any thoughts or helps? Picture attached

Ronny

 

[AquatiCreations]

Hi Ronny, welcome to the forum.

Always test your water, it is perhaps the most important aspect of aquaria, have you looked at the sticky regarding fish-less cycling, if not I'd definitely read it through. You might want to test phosphates since you used tap water, this could lead to algae problems in a few weeks,if it is present. It looks like an excellent start, please, keep us posted.

 

[TropicalNorth]

You don't need a skimmer just yet because there isn't anything for it to remove (no fish, no feeding). But it is a good idea to have it up and running before you get fish so you can make sure its running smoothly and you can sort out any possible issues. Basically its up to you.