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Hello! I've got so many questions
- Thread starter djmincer
- Start date
For starters here goes:
1. Is there a specific brand of biological filter media that I can put in my sump that you recommend? I have a 125g tank with 125 pounds of live sand, 125 pounds of base formerly live rock that is now dry, and 45 pounds of wet live rock coming from a several years long established tank -- or do I even need it with those quantities of live rock and sand?
2. Do you recommend a UV sterilizer or not? I am just setting up my tank again after its been torn down for 8 years and I don't recall knowing about UV sterilizers back when it was up. I'd get it both to help prevent disease and for algae control/water clarification.
3. If I start with that much live sand and rock and a 16 oz. bottle of API Quick Start nitrifying bacteria, how long do you expect it'll tank for the tank to cycle? I was going to get a few damsels to cycle with but am looking forward to adding a pair of clowns.
1. Is there a specific brand of biological filter media that I can put in my sump that you recommend? I have a 125g tank with 125 pounds of live sand, 125 pounds of base formerly live rock that is now dry, and 45 pounds of wet live rock coming from a several years long established tank -- or do I even need it with those quantities of live rock and sand?
2. Do you recommend a UV sterilizer or not? I am just setting up my tank again after its been torn down for 8 years and I don't recall knowing about UV sterilizers back when it was up. I'd get it both to help prevent disease and for algae control/water clarification.
3. If I start with that much live sand and rock and a 16 oz. bottle of API Quick Start nitrifying bacteria, how long do you expect it'll tank for the tank to cycle? I was going to get a few damsels to cycle with but am looking forward to adding a pair of clowns.
So, first thing I reccomended is slow down.
What are you planning on running for equipment, how do you plan on stocking IE.. You probably do not need 125 lbs of rock IMHO especially with having 125lbs of live sand.
Get a brute barrel throw all of your rock you want to use in with the live rock in it, fill it with salt water a heater and a flow pump and let it cycle and grow bacteria on it in the barrel while you plan your re-build.
I don’t have any biological media in my sump currently but I was going to add a few genissis blocks from polyp labs. Only thing in my sump is skimmer heaters and return pump otherwise.
I do run a UV on my system. I use it for the reasons you have stated above. make sure when and if you install one install it so servicing is easy.
The way I have cycled all of my tanks is toss a piece of fresh shrimp in there let it rot a few days and test for ammonia. I pull it at about 5 PPM ammonia. I also add Dr tim’s one and only. Then test weekly Ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to see the cycle happen. The cycle could take 2 weeks to a month. once ammonia and nitrite are 0 and you have nitrates I dose the ammonia up again with regular ammonia (unsented) test 24 hr later if ammonia and nitrite are gone and 0 then do a 20% water change. You can add your clowns and maybe a few clean up crew at this point. if you cycle all of your rock ahead of time you cycle in the tank should/may be very minimal. If you don’t already know the key to being successful in this hobby is patience and research. These really are the 2 keys to success. The only things that happen in this hobby quick are all bad. Hope this answered your questions. Happy Reefing!!
Another thing that I would add to Corey's points above would be to have some sort of plan for the type of fishes you want to add and add them in an order that makes sense. Especially with the aggressive and semi aggressive ones.
It definitely bite me in the behind in hindsight having to deal with putting a peaceful fish into a tank of semi aggressive fishes that already have established territory. That add stress and can lead to ich and all kinds of nasties.
Happy reefing!
It definitely bite me in the behind in hindsight having to deal with putting a peaceful fish into a tank of semi aggressive fishes that already have established territory. That add stress and can lead to ich and all kinds of nasties.
Happy reefing!
