Title: My New Marine Tank
Description: Just starting up
Description: Just starting up
atnixon - November 13, 2006 10:57 AM (GMT)
Hello All,
Am new here and new to keeping marine fish tanks. Kept Freshwater for a good few years, but in reflection to that, i am complete novice.
Just thought i would share my new tank with you all. Of course, all comments and constructive critisism on my equiptment and setup are very welcome indeed.
Tank 46 Gal
Red Sea Prism Skimmer
Maxi-Jet 1200 power heads x 2
Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 Ext Filter
300w Heater ( will be swapping this for two seperate heaters soon )
24w UV Serilizer
50 GPD Kent Marine RO Unit
20 Kg Live Rock
10 Kg Live Sand and CC
2 x 40w Marine Glow Day Tubes
1 x 15x Interpret Night Light
1 x Raw Prawn ( been in since day 2, bless him...and he thought he was going into a salad.. )
...Think Thats it....
The tank has been up and running for 12 days and my results are thus...
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0.4
Nitrite - 0.0
Nitrate 18
SG - 1.022
So, what do you all think so far?
Am new here and new to keeping marine fish tanks. Kept Freshwater for a good few years, but in reflection to that, i am complete novice.
Just thought i would share my new tank with you all. Of course, all comments and constructive critisism on my equiptment and setup are very welcome indeed.
Tank 46 Gal
Red Sea Prism Skimmer
Maxi-Jet 1200 power heads x 2
Penn-Plax Cascade 1000 Ext Filter
300w Heater ( will be swapping this for two seperate heaters soon )
24w UV Serilizer
50 GPD Kent Marine RO Unit
20 Kg Live Rock
10 Kg Live Sand and CC
2 x 40w Marine Glow Day Tubes
1 x 15x Interpret Night Light
1 x Raw Prawn ( been in since day 2, bless him...and he thought he was going into a salad.. )
...Think Thats it....
The tank has been up and running for 12 days and my results are thus...
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0.4
Nitrite - 0.0
Nitrate 18
SG - 1.022
So, what do you all think so far?
r33f-boy - November 14, 2006 04:29 AM (GMT)
Very nice, but your nitrate are a high. But you have a very good set-up going on there.
atnixon - November 14, 2006 09:44 AM (GMT)
Ran my test results last night again, below is the results...a friend did the test for me last night with his test kit that he has been using for ages and the results are quite different last night
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0.3
NitITE = 0.0
NitRATE - 0.0
Niko
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0.3
NitITE = 0.0
NitRATE - 0.0
Niko
Perfectblue - November 14, 2006 09:48 AM (GMT)
First of all welcome to the forum. Your tank looks great and I especially like the stand.
Since your tank is still cycling the water parameters are fine although depending on the setup I would raise the SG a little to about 1.023-1.025 before adding your inhabitants. What are your stocking plans for this tank?
Everything else looks fine to me. If you have any questions regarding marine tanks feel free to ask them. :)
Since your tank is still cycling the water parameters are fine although depending on the setup I would raise the SG a little to about 1.023-1.025 before adding your inhabitants. What are your stocking plans for this tank?
Everything else looks fine to me. If you have any questions regarding marine tanks feel free to ask them. :)
atnixon - November 14, 2006 10:08 AM (GMT)
Hiya PB, thanks for the reply on my topic...I never thoought to mention that my salinity is up to 1.024 already, so that should be just about fine...If my ammonia goes down to 0.0 in the next few days, am i right in assuming that i have done the cycle? Been running 13 days now and i have had my spikes already..Think this maybe due to the Live Sand and rock coming from an established aquarium...
Not gonne be stocking till next month anyways, so there is plenty of time for things to run their course..what do you think?
Niko
Not gonne be stocking till next month anyways, so there is plenty of time for things to run their course..what do you think?
Niko
Perfectblue - November 14, 2006 01:11 PM (GMT)
During the cycling process you will get an Ammonia spike followed by a NitrIte spike and as long as you have experienced this you should be fine. Once Ammonia and NitrIte are 0 your tank is completely cycled. After the tank is cycled it is recommended to perform a water change to reduce NitrAte levels to less than 20ppm.
Yes stocking a marine tank slowly is always the best way to go about it although you might want to consider adding a few inverts to help with algae.
Have you thought about what fish or inverts you would like to keep?
Yes stocking a marine tank slowly is always the best way to go about it although you might want to consider adding a few inverts to help with algae.
Have you thought about what fish or inverts you would like to keep?
atnixon - November 14, 2006 01:24 PM (GMT)
Here is a list of the fish that would like to keep..not in order mind you..not come across any issues with these together...
Green Chromis
Common Clowns x 2
Bi Colour Psudochromis
A sort of Blenny, prob a lawnmower
Dwarf Angel...not overly sure about this one though..
A couple of peppermint or cleaner shrimps
Few snails
Few Hermits..
What are your opinions on these...The first fish to go in with be a pair of tank raised clowns.
Niko
Green Chromis
Common Clowns x 2
Bi Colour Psudochromis
A sort of Blenny, prob a lawnmower
Dwarf Angel...not overly sure about this one though..
A couple of peppermint or cleaner shrimps
Few snails
Few Hermits..
What are your opinions on these...The first fish to go in with be a pair of tank raised clowns.
Niko
Perfectblue - November 14, 2006 02:15 PM (GMT)
There are a few things that I would like to comment on.
Chromis are schooling fish and prefer to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more, which would be a bit much for this sized tank. They are best kept in a large enough aquarium that can substain a nice sized group.
When you say Common Clowns I'm guessing your referring to either Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish correct? If so they would make a great addition to your tank.
Pseudochromis are pretty aggressive little fish and will hold their own against tankmates much bigger than them. Now I'm not saying that they want be a good addition to your tank since every fish has different personalities. If you do decide to go with this fish make sure it is the last fish introduced to the tank.
A sinlge Blenny should do alright in your tank provided that there is enough algae for grazing. Lawnmower Blennies can be very aggressive towards its tankmates especially when older, although again it depends on the individual fish. Some who keep Lawnmowers don't notice any aggression. It should be one of the last fish introduced to your tank. Other Blennies to consider are Bicolor(may nip corals), Tail Spot, or Barnical. They stay smaller than a Lawnmower and tend to get along with their tankmates better.
Dwarf Angelfish are very colorful, and active fish however they have the reputation to nip at corals. Many people have kept Dwarf Angelfish in reef tanks with great success. Cherub Angels are quite common, grow to only 3", and should work well in your tank. Another Angel to consider is the Flame which grows a little larger than the Pygmy but is very colorful.
Now on to Invertebrates.
Peppermint shrimp do great in small groups, peaceful, and are known for consuming pest Aiptasia Anemones which can do harm to coral and inverts. There have been reports of them nipping at coral although I have not personally experienced this. They are nice little shrimp though.
Skunk Cleaner shrimp(Lysmata amboiensis) are by far one of my favorite species of shrimp. They are very peaceful, can be kept in groups, and will consume parasites, fish slime, as well as dead skin from fish. They spend most of their time hanging underneith rocks, corals, etc so make sure that you provide many caves and overhanges. I would two maybe three Skunk Cleaner shrimp in this size tank.
As for cleanup crews I like to have a variety of snails, and maybe a few Hermit crabs. I like Astraea, Cerith, Nerite, Trochus, and Nassarius snails. Add 1-2 of a few different varieties to start out with and add more later on as you need. Make sure you provide a few spare shells for the Hermits to change into when they grow. If not they might attack snails or other Hermit crabs.
A Orange or Purple Firefish would be a great addition to your tank and are very peaceful. From my experience they are very hardy when acclimated properly. I've had my Orange Firefish for about 9-10 months now and it is a great fish to own. You might also want to check out Gobies which would also be a great addition, and have awesome personalities. A small species of Wrasse such as a Sixline, Banded Possum, or Carpenter's would also work well.
Well if you have any more questions just ask. :)
Chromis are schooling fish and prefer to be kept in groups of at least 6 or more, which would be a bit much for this sized tank. They are best kept in a large enough aquarium that can substain a nice sized group.
When you say Common Clowns I'm guessing your referring to either Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish correct? If so they would make a great addition to your tank.
Pseudochromis are pretty aggressive little fish and will hold their own against tankmates much bigger than them. Now I'm not saying that they want be a good addition to your tank since every fish has different personalities. If you do decide to go with this fish make sure it is the last fish introduced to the tank.
A sinlge Blenny should do alright in your tank provided that there is enough algae for grazing. Lawnmower Blennies can be very aggressive towards its tankmates especially when older, although again it depends on the individual fish. Some who keep Lawnmowers don't notice any aggression. It should be one of the last fish introduced to your tank. Other Blennies to consider are Bicolor(may nip corals), Tail Spot, or Barnical. They stay smaller than a Lawnmower and tend to get along with their tankmates better.
Dwarf Angelfish are very colorful, and active fish however they have the reputation to nip at corals. Many people have kept Dwarf Angelfish in reef tanks with great success. Cherub Angels are quite common, grow to only 3", and should work well in your tank. Another Angel to consider is the Flame which grows a little larger than the Pygmy but is very colorful.
Now on to Invertebrates.
Peppermint shrimp do great in small groups, peaceful, and are known for consuming pest Aiptasia Anemones which can do harm to coral and inverts. There have been reports of them nipping at coral although I have not personally experienced this. They are nice little shrimp though.
Skunk Cleaner shrimp(Lysmata amboiensis) are by far one of my favorite species of shrimp. They are very peaceful, can be kept in groups, and will consume parasites, fish slime, as well as dead skin from fish. They spend most of their time hanging underneith rocks, corals, etc so make sure that you provide many caves and overhanges. I would two maybe three Skunk Cleaner shrimp in this size tank.
As for cleanup crews I like to have a variety of snails, and maybe a few Hermit crabs. I like Astraea, Cerith, Nerite, Trochus, and Nassarius snails. Add 1-2 of a few different varieties to start out with and add more later on as you need. Make sure you provide a few spare shells for the Hermits to change into when they grow. If not they might attack snails or other Hermit crabs.
A Orange or Purple Firefish would be a great addition to your tank and are very peaceful. From my experience they are very hardy when acclimated properly. I've had my Orange Firefish for about 9-10 months now and it is a great fish to own. You might also want to check out Gobies which would also be a great addition, and have awesome personalities. A small species of Wrasse such as a Sixline, Banded Possum, or Carpenter's would also work well.
Well if you have any more questions just ask. :)
atnixon - November 14, 2006 03:12 PM (GMT)
thanks alot for all that information...have had conflicting stories about Chromis, i like the Green Chromis and other reports say that they do well either on their own or a pair..suppose everyone is different...which is why i like forums..
Percula clowns is what i have in mind..The lfs has a tank raised pair which i have been keeping my eye on for a few weeks, watching them swim and be fed, they look good so i will prob leave a deposit on them at the weekend if they still there for collection in about 3 weeks...
Not so worried about inverts or fish nippin at corals because i am not going to be keeping them, that is why i would like peppermint shrimps..
Thanks for sharing you experience with me, very much appreciated
Niko
Percula clowns is what i have in mind..The lfs has a tank raised pair which i have been keeping my eye on for a few weeks, watching them swim and be fed, they look good so i will prob leave a deposit on them at the weekend if they still there for collection in about 3 weeks...
Not so worried about inverts or fish nippin at corals because i am not going to be keeping them, that is why i would like peppermint shrimps..
Thanks for sharing you experience with me, very much appreciated
Niko
Perfectblue - November 14, 2006 05:26 PM (GMT)
No problem, I'm just glad that I could help out. As I have said before if you have any questions just ask.
Eznet2u - November 17, 2006 07:38 AM (GMT)
Hiya Atnixon,
Just my two cents....
First, I would say to bump up your Live Rock to about 1.5 to 2 pounds per gallon.
To save money buy "Base Rock". this is LR that has dried out and is now dead.
In two months there will be no difference between the two.
This LR will help to keep the nitrates down. (Mine have been 0 for 4 months now.)
Next would be to lose the power filter. (AKA NitrAte factory) Unless you clean it
every other day the detritus will build up and break down into nitrate. The LR will
handle all of your biofiltration needs. IF you follow the simple rule. 1 fish every
three weeks. This gives the bacteria time to "Ramp up" and handle the new load.
Run your skimmer a little "Wet" during this time.
Next would be to add more flow. This can easily be done with powerheads.
Add a couple more Maxijet 1200's, one on each end, pointed towards the middle,
should give you adequate circulation through the LR.
In the freshwater system, the last part of the cycle is Nitrate.
In a saltwater system with enough LR, the last part is nothing.
I know of one guy that has not done a water change in over a year and a half.
His tank is spotless and all of his fish and coral are awesome.
Here's a glimpse of his tank...
What'd I tell ya...Stunning, and NO WATER CHANGES!
I am shooting for the no water change thing.
Now I change water to replace some trace elements that the coral need.
Welcome to the wonderful world of salt.
Just my two cents....
First, I would say to bump up your Live Rock to about 1.5 to 2 pounds per gallon.
To save money buy "Base Rock". this is LR that has dried out and is now dead.
In two months there will be no difference between the two.
This LR will help to keep the nitrates down. (Mine have been 0 for 4 months now.)
Next would be to lose the power filter. (AKA NitrAte factory) Unless you clean it
every other day the detritus will build up and break down into nitrate. The LR will
handle all of your biofiltration needs. IF you follow the simple rule. 1 fish every
three weeks. This gives the bacteria time to "Ramp up" and handle the new load.
Run your skimmer a little "Wet" during this time.
Next would be to add more flow. This can easily be done with powerheads.
Add a couple more Maxijet 1200's, one on each end, pointed towards the middle,
should give you adequate circulation through the LR.
In the freshwater system, the last part of the cycle is Nitrate.
In a saltwater system with enough LR, the last part is nothing.
I know of one guy that has not done a water change in over a year and a half.
His tank is spotless and all of his fish and coral are awesome.
Here's a glimpse of his tank...
What'd I tell ya...Stunning, and NO WATER CHANGES!
I am shooting for the no water change thing.
Now I change water to replace some trace elements that the coral need.
Welcome to the wonderful world of salt.
Eznet2u - November 17, 2006 07:43 AM (GMT)
Correction: The end result in the saltwater system is Nitrogen, that
bubbles up out of your tank.
bubbles up out of your tank.
atnixon - November 17, 2006 02:17 PM (GMT)
Hiya Eznet2u..
Many thanks for all yoru comments on my setup....i am electing to run the power filter untill i have built up the live rock, going to be adding small ammounts at a time every month so as to reduce stress on the fish and keep any mini-cycles down to a bear minimum. They only sell live rock where i live in England...and its quite hard to get some of that really...Once i am fully stocked with rock, then i will just keep the filter there for water circulation..I gathered that 2 maxijet 1200's and the exhaust from my filter works out a plenty of water circulation...I may be wrong on that one...
On water changes...onmy tanks, i always do about 10% per week...Am not a great believer in NOT doing water changes....But, like you, i do know a few people who are the same...just dont need to do them....
Again, thanks alot for all your comments, much appreciated...
Niko
Many thanks for all yoru comments on my setup....i am electing to run the power filter untill i have built up the live rock, going to be adding small ammounts at a time every month so as to reduce stress on the fish and keep any mini-cycles down to a bear minimum. They only sell live rock where i live in England...and its quite hard to get some of that really...Once i am fully stocked with rock, then i will just keep the filter there for water circulation..I gathered that 2 maxijet 1200's and the exhaust from my filter works out a plenty of water circulation...I may be wrong on that one...
On water changes...onmy tanks, i always do about 10% per week...Am not a great believer in NOT doing water changes....But, like you, i do know a few people who are the same...just dont need to do them....
Again, thanks alot for all your comments, much appreciated...
Niko
atnixon - November 23, 2006 11:24 PM (GMT)
Hiya PB and anyone else who is following this thread.. As you asked earlier PB how the tank is coming along...Well, here are tonight water test results...
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0.0
NitrITE - 0.0
NitrATE - 10
Salinity - 1.024
Looks pretty good so far to me..Any feedback on these test results is much appreciated from anyone who views this...
Thanks in advance people..
Niko :Beer:
PH - 8.4
Ammonia - 0.0
NitrITE - 0.0
NitrATE - 10
Salinity - 1.024
Looks pretty good so far to me..Any feedback on these test results is much appreciated from anyone who views this...
Thanks in advance people..
Niko :Beer:
r33f-boy - November 25, 2006 01:24 AM (GMT)
Your water is going good so far. The nitrate for the water seems too high though. Try doing some water changes to lower them.
atnixon - November 25, 2006 10:12 AM (GMT)
Hiya R33f...
Am going to be doing a good 50% water change at beginning of next week in prep for my first arrivals..Providing its all correct, they will be going in the tank next saturday...Cheers matey
Niko
Am going to be doing a good 50% water change at beginning of next week in prep for my first arrivals..Providing its all correct, they will be going in the tank next saturday...Cheers matey
Niko
r33f-boy - November 25, 2006 03:08 PM (GMT)
Very cool. I would love to see your tank when you have fishes in there. :) M8
Perfectblue - November 30, 2006 10:53 PM (GMT)
How is the tank doing?
r33f-boy - November 30, 2006 11:59 PM (GMT)
Would like some updates.
atnixon - December 1, 2006 09:49 AM (GMT)
Hello people, soory i not given any updates for a little while, however, here is a couple of pictures of my new inhabitants.....
They seem very happy indeed in their new home..
They were introduced last night..
Niko
They seem very happy indeed in their new home..
They were introduced last night..
Niko
atnixon - December 1, 2006 10:11 AM (GMT)
Am here is my cleaner...other one keeps hiding...think he is camera shy at the moment...
Niko
Niko
r33f-boy - December 1, 2006 09:30 PM (GMT)
Very nice going. Love the cleaner shrimps. Just some more liverocks and that tank is better than ever. :)
atnixon - December 1, 2006 09:46 PM (GMT)
Hey R33f....
Thanks for the comments mate...I shall by buying a kilo of live rock every 3 or so weeks..This way, putting small ammounts in the tank will reduce the stress and hopefully keep the mini cycle down to a bear minimum...
Is it best to srub the live rock first, before i put it in there? hopefully removing any dead crap and junk?
Niko
Thanks for the comments mate...I shall by buying a kilo of live rock every 3 or so weeks..This way, putting small ammounts in the tank will reduce the stress and hopefully keep the mini cycle down to a bear minimum...
Is it best to srub the live rock first, before i put it in there? hopefully removing any dead crap and junk?
Niko
r33f-boy - December 2, 2006 12:11 AM (GMT)
Yes i would recomemend doing that first. Theres some call rock-prep i think. It comes with some fluid and a scrubber. You can use that. I used it and it was good.
Perfectblue - December 21, 2006 09:24 PM (GMT)
I have not been online much, so how is your tank doing?
atnixon - December 21, 2006 11:32 PM (GMT)
hey pb....good to hear from you...
Been really busy for a while, so only mainly just looking at the posts quickly for updates on everybody..
How-ever, i break up for christmas tomorrow, so, starting next wednesday, i am embarking on a new setup...building everything from scratch...new tank, stand, hood, sump etc etc....should be fun, cant wait to get it all started...
I shall be starting a thread for it so people can follow what i am doing, will post all my drawings etc etc and maybe some-one else can use them or modify them..
Anyways, if i dont post in the mean time, i hope you and every other member of Aquatopia forums has a lovely christmas and a prosperous new year..
Niko
Been really busy for a while, so only mainly just looking at the posts quickly for updates on everybody..
How-ever, i break up for christmas tomorrow, so, starting next wednesday, i am embarking on a new setup...building everything from scratch...new tank, stand, hood, sump etc etc....should be fun, cant wait to get it all started...
I shall be starting a thread for it so people can follow what i am doing, will post all my drawings etc etc and maybe some-one else can use them or modify them..
Anyways, if i dont post in the mean time, i hope you and every other member of Aquatopia forums has a lovely christmas and a prosperous new year..
Niko
r33f-boy - December 22, 2006 04:30 AM (GMT)
Very cool atnixon. I can't wait until that happens. :)
Perfectblue - December 24, 2006 10:48 PM (GMT)
Sounds great. I will be looking out for your new thread, and if you have any questions or problems that arise I will be more than happy to help you out.
Well keep us updated and Merry Christmas to you also.
Well keep us updated and Merry Christmas to you also.
atnixon - January 1, 2007 10:18 PM (GMT)
Hey PB...Just started the new thread for my build job..
Hope you have had a great christmas and new year matey and all is well with the family..
Niko
Hope you have had a great christmas and new year matey and all is well with the family..
Niko