Getting my reef started

[TimH07]

ok so i could use some opinions here.

i need to find out the absolute musts for reef life, ive been reading for a month now on the subject so i have somewhat a decent knowledge of it all.
kinda looking for a consolidated version of what to know.

again i have a 26 gallon tank with: 20 lbs of live sand, 31 lbs of live rock, 2 temporary damsels for the cycling of the tank (will be returning them to the store when i get my clowns, though im going to miss the domino damsel) and ive gone with the aquaclear filter refugium set up (miracle mud and some macro alge in it)

i plan to start adding the live stock to it probably after christmas, the cycling will be done by then. right now i use the api test kit but it only tests for nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, high level ph, and i use a hydrometer for the SG . what other tests are mandatory for a reef?

my plans are basicly to get some soft corals zoa's are very nice, maybe some euth's (saw them in the favorite coral thead and i plan to have clownfish)

i keep hearing about phosphates, alkilinity (thought that was ph heh) mag, calcium and others.

so for starting out, at a minimum what test kits do i need, supplements for them, and what corals should i start with?

thanks in advance for input
~Tim

[TimH07]

bump

any ideas?

[Reefland]

Hi Tim,

You need to test for alkalinity and calcium as well. The others are really not needed. I would recommend some better quality test kits as well, such as LaMotte or Salifert.

Also, what kind of lighting are you running?

[TimH07]

i went with the Current USA nova extreme luner light set up with 2x24 10kk bulbs and 2x24 actinic blue and 2 luner leds

this
Nova Extreme T5H0 | Current What's Next
the 24 inch one

[rjs5134]

Start by upgrading yuor test kits like Scott said, and throw the hydrometer in the garbage. For $45+/- you should get a refractometer. Test for SG, PH, Nitrate, Alkalinity, Calcium, Magnesium(if you have a Ph problem), phosphate.

Start with some zoa's, there's planty of choices and they are relatively inexpensive. Don't move too fast though, that's when problems arise.

I don't see any mention of a protein skimmer or of a quarantine tank or process. How do plan to deal with health issues in your reef tank?

Good luck

[TimH07]

I don't see any mention of a protein skimmer or of a quarantine tank or process. How do plan to deal with health issues in your reef tank? Good luck

like you said, dont rush things. im still only at the fowlr stage, and a couple weeks left in my cycling stage to wait out. i do have 2 old 10 gallon tanks i plan to use for quarantine tanks (and possibly a much larger refugium)

i keep getting mixed answers about protien skimmers. East Coast Aquatics is where i shop they have the best supplies and varity of livestock and knowledge within 100 miles, (their main display is a 1300 gallon reef)

anyway all of their tanks smaller than 55 gallons are refugium only reefs, i keep asking about protien skimmers and they tell me they havent used them in 15 years with no problems. so im a bit confused on the matter.

love the site, love the advice thanks in advance for input
~Tim

[Jasno999]

Your ok. Just go for it...

I agree with teh calcuim and phosphate tests.. YOu don't need the refractometer- sure it is better but most of us use the regular old hydrometer with no issues....

[BinaryReefer]

Lol I doubt you will be returning the damsels. Once your NH3 peaks they will likely not servive.

Next time around try a fishless cycle. Much more friendly.

[reef75]

Wecome abroad. You have pick a good site. You will recieve good information on reef systems. Protein skimmer is a must in my eyes because at first you might not need it because your system is new but when you system ages your protein skimmer will be a must. All the test you are doing are right and the couple that others reefers suggestion are good.

Good luck.

Reef75

[Jasno999]

Wecome abroad. You have pick a good site. You will recieve good information on reef systems. Protein skimmer is a must in my eyes because at first you might not need it because your system is new but when you system ages your protein skimmer will be a must. All the test you are doing are right and the couple that others reefers suggestion are good.

Good luck.

Reef75

I don't think the skimmer is required. If she was goign to have a lot of fish then yes I would say she needs it. But 2 clows are not going to nessissatate a skimmer.

However at teh same time a skimmer is not goign to hurt anyhting except for your wallet....

[TimH07]

I don't think the skimmer is required. If she was goign to have a lot of fish then yes I would say she needs it. But 2 clows are not going to nessissatate a skimmer.

However at teh same time a skimmer is not goign to hurt anyhting except for your wallet....

im a sir... sir


edit. the tank is going to be more like a zoa garden, with perhaps a few clowns, and the needed cleaning crew. im trying to keep it basic for beauty and ease.

[Jasno999]

im a sir... sir


edit. the tank is going to be more like a zoa garden, with perhaps a few clowns, and the needed cleaning crew. im trying to keep it basic for beauty and ease.

Sorry about that... Lost my mind.... Still I am not sure that you need a skimmer. If you can afford one I would get it but don't waste your money on a cheap one cause they are a waste.... However with water changes I think you can do fine without the skimmer.