MadGriff Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Okay guys, so I made the leap from nano tanks to a full size tank. I picked it up this weekend, filled it up with RO water from aquatech and mixed in my oceanic salt. I let it run for the afternoon and then added my live rock (approx 80 lbs). Right now Im just running the pumps, skimmer, heater and powerhead. I plan to let it run as is for about 3 weeks before I add any fish or corals. Since this is my first "large" tank, I thought I might see if anyone had any advice for cycling. Ive considered adding some live bacteria to help speed up the process. Any pointers or tips would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Let it run. The rock, assuming it came right out of the water, home, and into the tank, will provide enough for it to cycle. Mark swears by Seachem's Stability. When you do get around to adding livestock, go slowly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 +1 on sloooowww!! I did my CUC first, then a couple of corals...then a hardy fish, (that I liked and not a damsel!!) was last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadGriff Posted November 30, 2010 Author Share Posted November 30, 2010 Laura - what in your mind would fall under the category of "hearty" fish. I was thinking of starting with chromis damsels since they seem to be the least aggressive of the species. Id hate to put a clown in only to have it not make it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KKaiser4 Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 My first fish was a False Perc Clown and he is still doing great 6 months later. I think they are a pretty hardy fish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robb in Austin Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 In general, adding the most peaceful fish on your list(take the next 3 weeks to figure out what you want fish/coral wise and check compatibilities between fish/fish and fish/corals) first is the best plan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Yes...my first fish was a clown and I love them!! They are a good choice. I have had issues with some tangs (ich), mandarins (TOO soon!!), firefish. I am really not big on fish. I am a coral hoarder!! No SPS...they scream with me just thinking about it...acans, chalices, zoas and RBTA's are my mainstays now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 go slow......slow......slow. Are you doing a sand bed? carbon dosing(can help you build bacteria faster)? Is your rock "cured" "dry" "un-cured" ? what does your filtration look like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Laura - what in your mind would fall under the category of "hearty" fish. I was thinking of starting with chromis damsels since they seem to be the least aggressive of the species. Id hate to put a clown in only to have it not make it My chromis have been some of my most aggressive fish, especially toward each other. A single chromis is probably fine, but multiples can definitely gang up on other fish. I'd vote for a clown of some sort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
August Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I love my Chromis... they arent aggressive towards anyone or eachother.... I have 5 and they school together.. pretty fun to watch.... but every fish is different.... I vote for a clown they are hardy and dont have the aggressive reputation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadGriff Posted November 30, 2010 Author Share Posted November 30, 2010 For my sand bed Im using a small amount of crushed coral. Just enough to cover up the glass and hide some of the base rock. For filtration I have a 20g sump with a filter sock, and an older AquaC skimmer meant for a 75g tank.. For lighting I have a hamilton reefstar lighting system (250 watts) with a 14k bulb.Im going to have to add some sort of actinic and moonlight system into the canopy but as of right now Im not sure how to go about it. There isnt much room in the canopy and I do not want to put lights under the MH, I figure they need to be right next to it. What do you guys think about putting live rock in the sump? The guy I bought the tank from didnt recommended it, because he said the live rock would just get really dirty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
August Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 the Live Rock acts as part of the filtration growing things that are needed for the biological part.... I recommend an bigger skimmer at some point... from what people on here have told me its a good rule of thumb to go double the size of the tank on the skimmer size. also make sure that the canopy keeps the lights far enough off the water... before my husband added to ours I lost both my MH bulbs due to water splashing on them... very expensive lesson learned there... good luck there are lots of people on here far better at advice then me... this is just what I have learned so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derekreefer Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 My first fish two years ago was a clown (still swimming) and second was a clown goby (still sitting/swimming). Have fun and good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meteorflower Posted December 1, 2010 Share Posted December 1, 2010 My school of five chromis have never bothered anyone else in my 150. I also had good luck early on with clowns, firefish, royal grammas and pygmy angels. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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