New 13G Nano Received! Need help starting step by step....

[valval1029]

Hello. I finally have my new tank and am waiting on the stand... Need some simple steps of how to start.

Add water (tap okay?), water conditioner, salt, heater??? When can I add LR and where should I get the good stuff... Also need to know what kind/how much of sand to purchase and I'll get some Live Sand, too... Should I run protein skimmer during all of this.

By the way, should I use the shrimp method and not put any rock til later.... or start with LR???

I'd like to take it ONE STEP AT A TIME, so I'd appreciate your help every few days....

SETUP is 13 gallon false back acrylic tank with 5 gallons behind back for a total of 18 gallons. Venturi Protein Skimmer. 72 watts of compact fluorescent lighting with fan and moonlight. Do I need a heater? What size?

 

[mogurnda]

Hey Val,
Glad to see you're getting started. Here are some opinions to get things going.

Overall, tap water will be ok to start with, since the tank will be full of ammonia during the cycle anyway. The only concern would be if you have significant copper or other contaminants.

Heater: yes. Keeps temperature stable. 100 watt submersible (I like Ebo-Jagers, myself) will be more than enough.

I just went to the hardware store and got regular playsand for the base. If you can get aragonite sand (e.g., Home Depot Southdown or Oldcastle) it may be a little better. I put another 1" of Florida live sand on top of that after the tank was cycled.

I like cycling a tank first, with some non-live base rock in it if you can, before adding live rock. More stuff on the live rock will survive that way. I used some sand from another tank to get the bacteria started.

I'd say don't bother skimming until you get your live rock.

 

[valval1029]

Thanks. I have a 150 watt heater from my FO tank, but that tank was treated with copper... Don't know if I should purchase a new one...

Also, how big of a bag of sand should I buy? I saw a link somewhere about how much sand is needed depending on tank, but can't find it...

I'm worried about putting base rock b/c it's a small tank--- won't that take up the room for live rock? Is there a good online place to get live rock later? Do I base the amount of live rock on the 13 gallons or the 18 total with "sump"...?

 

[mogurnda]

1. Heaters are relatively cheap, maybe just get a new one. 150 watts isn't too much, though.
2. 30-40 lbs should give you good depth. I've got to find that calculator again.
3. Either way. Half base rock should be fine, and will become live over time. On the other hand, things will settle down faster if you use all live rock, and filling a tank that size won't be too pricey. I would base it on the tank size without sump, unless you plan on putting some into the area behind. Basically, put in as much as will fit and allow you to aquascape.

 

[valval1029]

[/QUOTE] I like cycling a tank first, with some non-live base rock in it if you can, before adding live rock. More stuff on the live rock will survive that way. I used some sand from another tank to get the bacteria started.
[/QUOTE]

So, Can I just add the aragonite sand, a little base rock?, and a couple of cocktail shrimp (raw or cooked?) to get the bacteria started to cycle--- and AFTER the cycle add live rock and live sand?

I think some live rock would make it go quicker though right? If so, maybe I can do the sand a little base, a little Live rock and then add more live rock and the live sand after the cycle...

Right now the tank just has tap water in it and no heater. Should the water be heated during the cycling process? I am still fixing up the hood and assume lighting doesn't matter until I put live rock....
I'd like to finish the hood today and add salt and sand (and coctail shrimp?) to the water... I have to get test kits today too. Any suggestions? The one I have is probably old...

At 13 gallons, would 20-30 pounds live rock be good? IF the above is correct maybe I could start with 10 lbs and add more after the cycle...??? Thanks for everything!

Val PS- I tried to quote you but couldn't figure it out!

 

[mogurnda]

So, Can I just add the aragonite sand, a little base rock?, and a couple of cocktail shrimp (raw or cooked?) to get the bacteria started to cycle--- and AFTER the cycle add live rock and live sand?

Yes. Uncooked may be a little better.

I think some live rock would make it go quicker though right? If so, maybe I can do the sand a little base, a little Live rock and then add more live rock and the live sand after the cycle...

It may speed things a bit, but the life on it will have to suffer through high ammonia levels. The plan will probably be fine, though.

Should the water be heated during the cycling process?

It will make the process go faster.

I am still fixing up the hood and assume lighting doesn't matter until I put live rock....

It's fine starting out in the dark.

I have to get test kits today too. Any suggestions?

For cycling, any kit that will tell you ammonia and nitrite will probably be OK. They generally use the same chemistry. Salifert is always a favorite, and SeaChem's kit allows you to test for free vs total ammonia. Frankly, though, Doc Wellfish or Red Sea is fine for this stage. When you start to worry about nitrate and calcium, then you want better kits.

At 13 gallons, would 20-30 pounds live rock be good?

That's a decent range, depending on the density of the rock. Where are you getting it?

Val PS- I tried to quote you but couldn't figure it out!

Unless you want to do the whole post, using the quote button can be a bit of a pain. Probably better not to quote me anyway

 

[valval1029]

Thanks! Isn't there an online place that everyone says is great for live rock??? Otherwise there a couple of local LFS that have it, but I don't know how good it is... Anything special to ask for??? Fiji or something???

 

[FL Knifemaker]

Thanks! Isn't there an online place that everyone says is great for live rock??? Otherwise there a couple of local LFS that have it, but I don't know how good it is... Anything special to ask for??? Fiji or something???

http://tampabaysaltwater.com/

They have been a total pleasure to deal with and have a great rep on the forums.

 

[valval1029]

Sounds great! I read info on the site about "The Package". Below is the cost of 198. for the following... Doesn't seem bad... However, it is $100. in shipping. They ship the LS and 1/2 LR before the cycle and its $50. to pick up at airport.... and then $50 to pick up the rest of the LR and animals...

Size of tank
Pounds of Live Rock
Pounds of Live Sand
Number of Blue Leg hermit crabs
Number of Turbo Snails
Number of Tiger Tails Cucumbers
Number Serpent stars or Brittle Stars
Number of Peppermint Shrimp
Total Cost* of "The Package"

15gal
30
15
30
7
2
1
1
$ 198.00 (plus $100. shipping)

Based on the LFS prices, should I do something like this or would it be better to buy separately???

 

[valval1029]

OK, just got back from the LFS and I have sand questions...
The bags of live sand said one bag (20 lbs) per 20 gallons.

Would I still need regular sand or is that enough. How deep should the sandbed be?

Went to Home Depot and they did not have anything that said aragonite, Southdown, or Old Castle... Just "Play Sand" that looked very dark and didn't have any of the above words on the bag.

The LFS had bags of Aragonite Sand (19.99), but it looked very "gravel like" and I expected it to be smoother. They also had something from Florida called White Marine Sand that was a beautiful (natural) white and very smooth. I would like to use that if it's good. Could I mix that with the live sand, or should I stick to the Aragonite with Live sand?

Was that confusing enough??? If I get "The Package" for a 15 gallon tank from the above site it comes, with 15 lbs of live sand, but I would think I need double that...(as you said Mogurnda, 30-40 lbs. total?)

Put in the heater. What temperature should I look for? and what salinity is good for reefs? I may add salt (Instant Ocean) today...

Looking forward for your reply! Can't wait to get going!