Newbie Questions

[Ortho Bill]

Well I finally did it. Jumped in so to speak. Purchased a 37 gal. tank. Aqua
Clear 300 power filter with a surface skimmer attachment (should I remove the
sponge?), 2 Aqua Clear 301 powerheads, 200W heater, 35lbs of live rock and
60lbs (20 live) sand for a DSB (4'). Waiting for the Aqua C hang on Protein
Skimmer. PC lighting 4 x65w with moon light. Now the questions.....
Although the rock had a strong smell in transit, once in the tank it it no
longer smelled. The rock looks great. The water has been clear from day #2.
Today is day # 15. I have been testing my water every other day with Aquarium
Pharmaceuticals test kit (drops).
What are your thoughts on the cycle so far?
Temp is maintained at 79 degrees.
Spec. Gravity at 1.0235
3/12 Ammon.-1.0, PH - 8, Nitrite -2, Nitrate -10-20
3/14 A- .5, PH -7.9, Nitrite -2, Nitrate -10-20
3/16 A- 0, PH -8.1, Nitrite -2, Nitrate -10-20
3/18 A- .25, PH -8.2, Nitrite -5, Nitrate -20-40 (peak ?)
3/20 A- 0, PH - 8, Nitrite -.25 Nitrate -5
3/22 A- 0, PH - 8, Nitrite -<.25 Nitrate -10
3/24 A- 0, PH -7.9 Nitrite -0, Nitrate -10

I would ask if you believe it may have cycled already but I don't wish to
infer that I'm rushing things. I have every intention on waiting at least 4-6
weeks before considering livestock additions. Longer if necessary - someone
suggested waiting 8 weeks - uuuhhhhggggg...
Because my PH has fluctuated I also tested the water the last few times with
Aquarium Pharmaceutical Tabs but have routinely gotten higher readings
(8 - 8.4) with them.

My Live fish store guy advised me to not skim during the cycle. I'm not sure
if it was because he could not deliver the Aqua C (still waiting..) or because
it was appropriate advice. I've read conflicting info since. I was also told
that I should not turn on the lights during the cycle and again I've read
conflicting advice. I must admit that on a few occasions I've turned on the
actinics for a few hours though. I'm looking to set up a QT tank currently and
reviewing livestock as candidates. A very nice man at the LFS suggested a sump but unfortunately space is an issue as my cabinet presents limitations. The best I can do is a 7
gallon waste basket. I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile though. Since I
haven't received the skimmer I could always change the order to a Aqua C
urchin sump model if it was deemed worthwhile.
At what point would you suggest adding some hermit crabs and snails. How many
each? I haven't noted a great deal of algae at this time (no light???)
Lastly, I've narrowed down the livestock to:
A - 2 True Perc, 1 Fridmans dottyback, possibly a Assessor Basslet (bioload
issue?)
B- 1 or 2 Black and White Perc., 1 Flame Hawkfish, 1 Fridmans Dottyback
C- 1 Gold Striped Maroon Clownfish, Assessor Basslet possibly a Fridmans
Dottyback
Any suggestions? Order of introduction?
Well thank you for your time. I have spent many a night on the web enjoying
your site. I may have to back off a little though because if I mention the
word fishtank these days the Mrs. has those little veins on her temples
throbbing...Having a blast. Learning patience. Anxiously awaiting your feedback.
Thanks Again,
Ortho Bill

 

[Anonymous]

Wow. Lotta stuff in there. I'll let some of the more technically proficient people respond to your questions about params and water cycle.


While my tanks cycle, I turn the light on. This is for the benefit of any photosynthetic / photosensetive creatures and things living in or on the live rock. For example, I got an anemone, some mushrooms and polyps as hitchhikers. I think they would have died if I kept the light off during my cycle.

Also I skimmed during my cycle. *shrug*

Time frame to wait is less important than cycle. Watch your water params and if you feel patient give it a week or two AFTER your cycle appears completed.

Start with something easy to keep, like a mushroom coral species. Throw the hermits in at the same time. If the tank is too sterile you may need to feed them herbivore food until algae production increases.

Don't forget to post pix!

 

[ChrisRD]

Good advice from Hwarang.

Everything looks good so far. I disagree with the LFS's advice to not run the skimmer initially. If you're not running it now, I'd get it going. I think you'll be very happy with the AquaC once you've got that up and running.

I'd wait until you get an algae bloom and the pod population is well established before adding any pod predators (ie. fish). You'll eventually see the pods all over, eating the algae.

I'd wait another week or two on the clean-up critters. Personally I don't like hermits much, so I'd go with a mix of different snail species. I like Trochus (or some other Turban-type species), Margaritas, Nassarius, Ceriths and Mexican Turbos to name a few...

Your fish choices look good to me. I think I'd stock them: percs > assessor > dottyback. Not sure it will matter much though.

Good luck with your new setup and

 

[Anonymous]

why the hatin' on hermits?

 

[Anonymous]

personally i believe what minor bad things dwarf hermits do are easily overlooked on the beneficial tasks hermits perform...i dont know how many people have assessors...they seem really neat and are a definite reef safe fish..have you considered any gobies or blennies? so many reef fish, its hard to choose...

 

[Baianotang]

You are doing good 8)
its hard to wait when you are new to this hobby

 

[Ortho Bill]

It's really cool that people take the time to help a "newbie" . I hope I can return the favor someday soon. I think I am narrowing my livestock choices down. I have a few weeks to think about it some more. I turned the lights on yest. 6 hrs/day working up to 10 over the next month. Still waiting for the Protein Skimmer though..... I re-arranged my live rock last night and it had a great deal of sediment on it (die off?) It temporarily clouded the tank but everything is clear now.

 

[Anonymous]

your suggestion A sounds good for livestock...if you want inverts such as shrimp id reconsider the hawkfish...and as for the Maroon Clown, they can be a tid aggressive...from what i hear...at least to their own...the Percs will be the most passive IMO of the Amphiprion species...i dont know how many people out there have assessors...i wish my LFS had some they are from what i hear really passive and a very enjoyable fish.. HTH