New Start Up

R

rpawelka

AC Members
Dec 26, 2005
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After being out of the hobby for many years I've decided to set up a new tank for my children to enjoy.

We decided on a basic "fish only" set up as a start up.

Set up: 55 Gal., under gravel filter w/power head, outside canister filter.
Temp 78 degrees, Sal. 1.023, pH 8.4, Alk 3.4.
The tank has been up and running for a week and we're getting ready to add our first fish (3-4 damsels) to cycle the tank.

I had 2 large display tanks many years ago and had very good success keeping a wide selection of butterflies, angels, tangs, lions and trigger fish. I would expose every fish to either a 2 min. fresh water bath or formalin bath prior to quarantine in a ten gal. hospital tank for up to three weeks before transferring them to my display tanks.

Are there any new methods to reduce the threat of adding parasites to your display tank or should I proceed with my old routine?

RFP
 
Welcome to AC!

Quarantine is still the method of choice. There is debate about dips, and I tend to be on the side of not dipping unless there is a parasite present.

The setup you're describing sounds like what I would have done a few decades ago. Perfectly workable, but not the easiest in the long term. With a UG filter and canister, you're trapping waste and allowing it to break down to nutrients (nitrate, phosphate) to feed algae. My preferred system uses live rock for biological filtration, and a protein skimmer for removal of wastes. One ends up with much lower nutrient levels, and a lot easier maintenance. You might at least think of adding a skimmer for the increased aeration and export of nutrients.

The other suggestion I would make is to use a piece of rotting seafood (like a cocktail shrimp), instead of the damsels, to start the cycle. Does the same thing, but doesn't stress a fish, and you won't have to extract a damsel if you don't plan to keep it.
 
Old Dog New Tricks

Few decades ago...that's about right.
It all makes sense. Remove the Nitrates instead of having them build up and promote unwanted algae growth.
I'll cap off the UG and add a skimmer.
Live rock would require more lighting then just my current out-of-the-box 2-Aqua Glow bulb/fixtures correct?
Rotting shrimp not as much fun to look at but, point taken.
 
rpawelka said:
Live rock would require more lighting then just my current out-of-the-box 2-Aqua Glow bulb/fixtures correct?
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Live rock doesn't need any more light than that. The main work is done by bacteria, and the desirable coralline algae require remarkably little light.

Good luck with it!
 
mogurnda said:
Live rock doesn't need any more light than that. The main work is done by bacteria, and the desirable coralline algae require remarkably little light.

Good luck with it!
Click to expand...
I have crushed coral substate in the bottom of the tank right now. Would I have to remove it and use something else if I added live rock. I've looked at the live rock on the Marine Depot Live web site. In your opinion, are they a good source. Pros and cons on purchasing cured or uncured?
Thanks for your help.
 
rpawelka said:
I have crushed coral substate in the bottom of the tank right now. Would I have to remove it and use something else if I added live rock. I've looked at the live rock on the Marine Depot Live web site. In your opinion, are they a good source. Pros and cons on purchasing cured or uncured?
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
I haven't used marine depot, but they are a reputable dealer. If I were starting up a new tank, then I would buy uncured. The cured stuff will experience die-off and need re-curing anyway. Curing the rock in the tank will effectively get the cycle going without fish or rotting seafood as well.
 
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