Newbie willing to learn!!!

[Sixxtrigger]

Hi All,

I am extremely new to the world of saltwater aquariums. I have about 8-10 years of experience with freshwater, but understand that this is an entirely different ballgame. About 2 weeks ago I began putting together a 55 gallon FOWLR aquarium, with some help from a young guy at my LFS. Just recently, I stumbled upon this website and grew even more interested in this hobby. Instant addict, I guess you could say. I understand that there are many successful methods on the proper way to cycle. Given what I have already done with my tank, I would like to get some feedback and what I might have done differently, if any, or what I could do to make any corrections. IMO, the one thing that is so difficult for new people in this hobby is the overwhelming amounts of varying opinions or methods. I have, however, have found the most common advice is to take things very slowly and be patient. Let me go over what I have done at this point and I'm open to any suggestions or comments you might have on the matter.

55 gal (48")
2 maxi jets (400)
Penguin biowheel filter
20lbs of base rock
only 6lbs of live rock

Substrate - 50% crushed coral 50% Caribsea argonite sand
just added live sand 7 days ago = 4 inches

All Glass triple head flourescent

The guy at the LFS said that I could purchase a skimmer a few months after the tank had cycled. I'm looking at a Bak Pak cpr skimmer.

SG - 1.025
Temp - 80
Ammonia - HIGH
Nitrites - HIGH

both ammonia and nitrites test were conducted at the LFS. I don't have exact readings.

My question is should I be adding more live rock now or should I wait for the tank to complete it's cycle?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Kerry

[The R/C Man]

Welcome to Reefland!

You should probably add the skimmer now. Skimmers remove the dissolved organics in the water prior to the nitrification process. This is one item that you don't want to skimp on. Buy a "good" one. If you need a hang-on skimmer due to the lack of a sump then I would recommend a Remora AquaC.

You could definitely add some more live rock. Most people recommend 1 1/2 to 2 pounds per gallon. For example my 25 gallon tank has 40lbs of live rock.

As for the bio-wheel, you won't need it. The live rock is your biological filtration.

I believe your lighting is fine until you decide to upgrade and add corals.

Unfortunately I am not sure if the water flow is enough or not. Most recommedations are 10 times the water volume per hour.

Well that should give you an idea and I am sure others will add to it. Good Luck!

[Sixxtrigger]

Thanks Greg,

I'll start pricing the Remora's now. Are you saying the 400's are insufficient for my 55 gal? Should I ditch those and get higher output or add one more powerhead? Could I add the cured live rock slowly during the cyclying process?

Thanks for your help
Kerry

[Steven Pro]

I would ditch the 400's and get 2-3 900 or 1200's instead.

The CPR Bak-Pak is not bad, but the Remora is better.

If you don't already own it, an excellent beginner's book is The New Marine Aquarium by Mike Paletta.

And, if you are interested in learning face to face, there is a very nice club in your area, http://www.lmas.org/

[Sixxtrigger]

Thanks Steven,

I will see if Feeders will exchange my 400s for 1200s. I've had them for two weeks. Definitley will go with the Remora and I LOVE The New Marine Aquarium. It's a great book, just alot of info to absorb.

Thanks,
K

[BubbaWPB]

Welcome Sixxtrigger!

I'd advise you to add your live rock now. Otherwise, you'll have to re-cycle after you add more.

You've got a nice deep sand bed. Good start there.

Lighting isn't all that critical with fish only tanks. You may want to consider a mix of bulbs (daylight and actinic) for best color showing and dusk/dawn effect - but again, that's not critical to a fish only tank - only aesthetic.

[Sixxtrigger]

Thanks Bubba,

I did add some cured live rock from Marshall Island and will add more this week. Will this slow the cycle down a bit by adding cured live rock this slowly?

I understand that lighting isn't that critical for FOWLR, but I did at a blue actinic to the other two bulbs that came with the fixture.

thanks,
Kerry

[BubbaWPB]

The more cured the live rock is that you are adding, the faster your cycling will go. Good luck!

[Sixxtrigger]

I'm finally cycled, but not without a little trouble establishing an SG that was similar to my LFS. After I realized my levels were:

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
PH: 8.2
SG: 1.022

.....an LFS told me I was ready for fish. Another LFS said I should increase my SG to 1.025 even for a fish only tank. I did just that and this morning my hydrometer read 1.025 but his refractometer read 1.030. Of course he said to lower my SG to 1.025 (1.020 on my hydrometer) and reminded me that my hydromter would always read .005 less than his refractometer. I removed one gallon of water and added one gallon of RO/DI and my measurement came to 1.024. The other LFS where shop uses the same "deep six" hydrometer that I use and when I brought in my latest sample they told me it was perfect. Sorry for the long description, but I'm confused. Should I rely on my hydrometer readings at 1.024? That would give a reading of 1.029 with the LFS that uses the refractometer. Incidently, I bought a pair of Ocellaris Clown Fish from the LFS that also uses the same "deep six" hydrometer to measure their SG. The clowns acclimated wonderfully and are doing great so far.

thanks,
K

[Sixxtrigger]

Also, I'm noticing some golden brown algae on my live rock. Is that normal? I began cycling on 5/18 and finished yesterday. The live rock has also faded in color. Will that return in time and how long? I've also noticed some copepods and amphipods on LR and DSB. I've heard that's a good sign.

[vtec si]

SG should be between 1.024 - 1.026 IMO! I would also invest in a refractometer.

Algae is normal. sounds like diatoms. Maybe time fot a clean up crew.

Pods! Thats a good sign!

Live rock color will only come back with good Ca levels and good lighting. It will also look better with time. Once it is established with life on and in it.

I would take it slow on adding fish. JMHO!

Martin