What would you do to this tank?
- Thread starter xoparis
- Start date
OgreMkV
Father of Earth's Next Emperor
OgreMkV
Father of Earth's Next Emperor
actually, if you add that much live rock, you're going to have a major problem and recycle the tank.
Instead, what you might do (if you want to head towards a reef tank) is add about 30-40 pounds of 'dead rock'
http://reefcleaners.org/index.php?p...ategory_id=15&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=34
Wait for that rock to get a good build up of bacteria (say a week or two), then add about 10 pounds of already cured, high quality live rock.
This will take a little longer to build up coraline and critters and such, but it is (IMHO) a much safer way to move toward including live rock in your tank (regardless of if you want fish only or reef).
So, yes, put the base/dead rock in, arrange to suit. I suggest that once you get it arranged how you want it, use a good quality, aquarium safe epoxy to fuse all the pieces together and then lower the whole shebang into the tank at once. I basically made a template of the floor plan of my tank (it's an odd shape) on a piece of cardboard and arranged the rock how I wanted it, then epoxyed the heck out of it. I used the pieces and sand to stick into the epoxy before it hardened to mask the material.
If you want anything reef, I also suggest you upgrade the light... at least 96W PCs, preferably more.
Another thing is you might want to add some filtration in the form of a canister or HIB filter. I've got a sponge and a HOB on mine. The HOB is mainly for filtering big chunks of stuff and an easy way to get phosphate remover, carbon, etc into the system.
There's lots of people here who can help out. Read lots before going reef, but it can be pretty awesome. Luck
Instead, what you might do (if you want to head towards a reef tank) is add about 30-40 pounds of 'dead rock'
http://reefcleaners.org/index.php?p...ategory_id=15&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=34
Wait for that rock to get a good build up of bacteria (say a week or two), then add about 10 pounds of already cured, high quality live rock.
This will take a little longer to build up coraline and critters and such, but it is (IMHO) a much safer way to move toward including live rock in your tank (regardless of if you want fish only or reef).
So, yes, put the base/dead rock in, arrange to suit. I suggest that once you get it arranged how you want it, use a good quality, aquarium safe epoxy to fuse all the pieces together and then lower the whole shebang into the tank at once. I basically made a template of the floor plan of my tank (it's an odd shape) on a piece of cardboard and arranged the rock how I wanted it, then epoxyed the heck out of it. I used the pieces and sand to stick into the epoxy before it hardened to mask the material.
If you want anything reef, I also suggest you upgrade the light... at least 96W PCs, preferably more.
Another thing is you might want to add some filtration in the form of a canister or HIB filter. I've got a sponge and a HOB on mine. The HOB is mainly for filtering big chunks of stuff and an easy way to get phosphate remover, carbon, etc into the system.
There's lots of people here who can help out. Read lots before going reef, but it can be pretty awesome. Luck
Well, as far as aesthetic sense is concerned, start with ~10lbs of rock and add more in stages as you see fit. I would look for ~20lbs or so in that tank. The 20 lb mark would likely give you the stability you need without being too overwhelming in terms of structure, not to mention giving you more options to work with (sounds counter-intuitive, but trust me) 30-40lbs would fill the tank quite a bit if you use a more porous rock. You may or may not want that kind of look, which is why I recommend adding it in stages so that after you reach a certain point, it is optional whether or not you need to add more in terms of aesthetics.
OgreMkV
Father of Earth's Next Emperor
I'll bow to APs experience with the amount of rock.
However, I would still think hard about adding dead rock first, then very little live rock. As long as you keep the clown in there, you don't want to stress him the way a mini (or major) cycle would.
That opinion and $4.50 will get you a cup of coffee at starbucks
I don't disagree with you, which is why I should've added that small increments should be used (several lbs per time) and careful attention to water quality. I do think, however, that good, verified cured live rock can be added with more substantial quantity (say 5-10 lbs) assuming you are monitoring everything and have water on hand to do a few water changes, if necessary.
I have to watch what I type, as sometimes assume that everyone (obviously not on purpose) knows to monitor parameters, get cured rock, and have water on hand when sometimes they actually don't. It was my fault for not being more specific with my answer and I am glad you did mention what you did, as I'd feel terrible if something happened due to my omission. But then again, that's the great thing about forums. We're here to support each other to give the best info possible.
I have to watch what I type, as sometimes assume that everyone (obviously not on purpose) knows to monitor parameters, get cured rock, and have water on hand when sometimes they actually don't. It was my fault for not being more specific with my answer and I am glad you did mention what you did, as I'd feel terrible if something happened due to my omission. But then again, that's the great thing about forums. We're here to support each other to give the best info possible.
Agreed with all that has been said. Another option would be to take the fish to your LFS or to a fellow reefer and have them hold the fish until you have a chance to start over and cycle your tank. You could also cycle your rock in a seperate container.
I saw your other post about losing that angel and it sounded like you replaced it. If you don't have any fish just start fresh and cycle the tank.
I saw your other post about losing that angel and it sounded like you replaced it. If you don't have any fish just start fresh and cycle the tank.
I don't see any rock in the pic. Can you post an updated one or give use some details on what you have? It is a little overwhelming at first I know but you can/will get the hang of it. Honestly, the reason it is more difficult in this case is because you just went a little too fast with the livestock. SW is much different than FW. You really need to establish/cycle your tank before you can start adding life.
Do you have any test kits (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH). Also do you have a hydrometer/refractometer? If so can you let us know what you latest test results are and when your last water test was. If you don't have kits, take a sample to your local fish store and have it tested. Its usually free.
Do you have any test kits (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH). Also do you have a hydrometer/refractometer? If so can you let us know what you latest test results are and when your last water test was. If you don't have kits, take a sample to your local fish store and have it tested. Its usually free.