Hello from Middle TN! First FOWLR Tank - coming from freshwater pirhanna tank!

[dowright82]

Hey guys! 1st - what a great site!!

Used to have several Freshwater tanks when I was younger and my friend recently had to move to a new city and gave me his 75 Gallon Tank + Stand and I decided to try to make a 2nd more serious go at a nice aquarium.

I'm a pro photographer and designer and work from home, so I frequently have clients come to my house and I'm hoping to go from FOWLR to FULL REEFTANK once I get my feet "wet" haha.

Anyway - enough back story.

Tank is on Day 12 of life. Added 30lbs live rock 3 days ago (precured FIJI) as well as 35 lbs of reef rock (not live) and will be adding more live rock next week.

I currently have 60lbs of "REEF SAND" purchased from a LFS (wish I had checked into this forum first). and 10 lbs of CRUSHED CORAL I know crushed coral isn't the best, but i'm hoping as little as is in the tank, it won't be a nightmare later.

Salinity is DEAD ON, so is Temperature and PH. (2 heaters for backup)

I did use tap water (at recommendation of LFS) but have treated it with Dechlorinator and Bacteria. From here on out will be doing all water changes with RO/DI (ordered unit online) I figure that by the time I actually get around to adding FISH, I'll have done so many water changes, that the tap water won't matter much??

Lighting at the moment is a meager 45Watt T-8 Fluorescent - (Currently shopping/saving/researching necessary lighting for FOWLR/REEF TANK) ANY advise, or info on how to buy USED would be greatly appreciated!!

Have 2 800 GPH Hydor Koralia Powerheads and 1 Penguin 1140 Powerhead.

Emperor 400 Power Filter + Magnum 350 Canister Filter + SHOPPING FOR PROTEIN SKIMMER HOWEVER i Plan on learning/researching how to build/setup my own SUMP system using a 29 gallon acrylic tank + Pump + Custom fit baffles . . . ??? Any help here greatly appreciated.

I have still not yet decided what type environment or fish I want other than *colorful and pretty and somewhat meager maintenance*

Haven't read enough to ask questions yet, but just wanted to say HELLO!! Thanks for all the great info I plan on learning from this community!

[dowright82]

Did I say or do something that seemed unfriendly?? Nobody welcomed me . . . . *runs and cries* hahah.

Kidding - - - - maybe my 1st post was a little too wordy.

I bought my CLEAN-UP CREW today!!! Man they are busy working up a storm . . . .

5 nessarius Snails ?? Spelling??
4 Turbo Snails
3 Shrimp that aren't $25 . . . I went with the $9 variety (small and red)

Many more to come, I'm taking the nice and easy route.

[ToddTT]

So... many... words. Not enough pics. ;)

Welcome to saltwater, you'll soon wonder why anybody would ever consider that freshwater stuff.

I'm going to jump the shark and empty most of my brain in one shot...

1. Take things slow.
2. Learn from other people's mistakes.

I'm pretty much done now. But here's just a little more:

Read all of the stickies on this forum.

Buy these books:

Find The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists (Microcosm/T.F.H. Professional) 2nd Edition 2008 Robert M. Fenner 1890087998 9781890087999 - Direct Textbook

Find A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species 1999 Scott W. Michael 1890087386 9781890087388 - Direct Textbook

If the crushed coral is too much, I'd take some (or all) out now. A plastic strainer like this might come in handy:



Canister filters have several drawbacks, including maintenance, and inability to process nitrates.

I have a canister filter that I break out when I need to run extra mechanical or chemical filtration. Other than that, I pack it up and put it on a shelf.

If your plan is to have a sump, there's no time like the present. Check out this site for more info and ideas:

Melevsreef.com | Acrylic Sumps & Refugiums

I'm not sure a cleanup crew at this early stage will turn out well. Your tank needs to cycle, and the ammonia and nitrite spikes may do them in.

No more livestock until the cycle is over. Maybe in a month, pending tests. And even then add slowly, to allow your biological filtration to adjust.

Bottled bacteria may help a little, but don't be tempted to assume your tank is cycled or ready for livestock. Refer back to item #1... take things slow.

Good luck!

[twisted]

Big ditto to Todd's advice. Welcome to the site! You will find all the info you need here to have a great experience! dont be afraid to ask questions. and dont be afraid to do LOTS of homework by reading the Sticky's. As Todd said. take your time because if you want your tank to last and thrive its the only way to go.

[Abaddon]

Hey, downright82. I live in Antioch, TN. Good to see another marine keeper in middle Tennessee.

[metalhead]

Welcome! Good advise above, sounds like your on the right track!