Noob Questions.

[DamonB]

Hello Everyone Im Damon a freshman in highschool and I am in on the home stretch (i think) to putting my tank together
I'm finishing the plumbing after a few errors causing the noise to be ridiculous. Ive done my research but i still am a little confused.
My tank information
29 gallon Aqueon Tank
10 Gallon custom sump with 3 baffles
Neotherm 150w Heater
Reef octopus 180int
Aqeuon 17000 return pump
Mars Aqua 165w Led
Instant Ocean salt
Hydor Korilia 240gph pump (gift)

As you can see I am missing good circulation, i have put aside roughly $50 for this component to go long my return pump and maybe my smaller one, do you think a rw4 would be suffiecent?

My next question is cycle related... My lfs the Fish Nook recommended me for In fish cycling, i do not have live rock or sand in my tank, do you agree with this? They said i should add some live rock rubble in my sump and use some quickstart and add 2 fish to get it going. They said if i dont do fish in cycling i risk having all the bacteria die and the cycle restarting anyways. I have two bottles of bacteria as of now, Quick start and some fritz zyme 9. If i don't go this route which shall i go and how, what will i need and how should i go along with it (bacteria type when to add fish how to keep the bacteria alive)

My Last Question is livestock related, the lfs sells things relatively pricey ex oc clowns for $25. As much as i want to support the local market i am not made of money soccer reffing is something i dread and hard to get consistant jobs. I saw an add on craigslist https://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/for/5412987326.html for 2 for $15, has anyone used this guy and can you trust his products? Lastly when does one add corals i am looking for some softies like polyps/zoas, gps, shrooms and basic lps like candycane and some euphyllia. Thanks for your time and consideration have a good one!


P.s my crummy reefing related youtube channel is here
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSlZQdfc1ct-j4X-eaVU1A
i would appreciate a sub so you can guide my as i need answers

 

[dz6t]

The link you provide is one of the long time BRS member, yes, he is trusted.


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[dz6t]

To answer some of your questions:
1. Instead of adding bottled baterial, most likely either dead or snake oil, buy live rocks from fellow members here.

2. Buy live rocks from club members and you can get about $2 to $3 per lb. please don't buy those man made rock that was painted purple and pink. They don't do a job as well as natural live rock.

3. Inexpensive beginner coral are always available from fellow club members.

4. Don't use fish to cycle tank. You can use a piece of raw shrimp instead.




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[DamonB]

To answer some of your questions:
1. Instead of adding bottled baterial, most likely either dead or snake oil, buy live rocks from fellow members here.

2. Buy live rocks from club members and you can get about $2 to $3 per lb. please don't buy those man made rock that was painted purple and pink. They don't do a job as well as natural live rock.

3. Inexpensive beginner coral are always available from fellow club members.

4. Don't use fish to cycle tank. You can use a piece of raw shrimp instead.




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thanks for your time, how much shrimp and how long will you think it will take until the cycle finished and when after the cycle finishes do i have to add fish? soory for run on urgent sounding messages ;p

 

[dz6t]

A small piece of raw shrimp will do. Test ammonia and nitrate till the cycle is done. You don't have to add fish before cycled.

 

[jdeb101]

If you're located in Burlington area feel free to shoot me a PM. I have some sand left over from when I setup my 95 that never used, I believe its enough for your size tank. I can also give you a cup of my live sand to help make it "live".

I also have some small easy beginner coral frags once your tank is ready.

 

[cstmpprl]

You need patients in this hobby, if you rush it will only lead to more problems down the road. Go get sand from jdeb, check out his tank and ask questions.

 

[Cpage101]

Agreed cstmpprl, and the only things which happen fast in this hobby are usually all bad.

 

[aresangel]

The fish nook is a bit pricy, but they have a good quarantine system. If they don't have what you are looking for they will order it for you and give it to you for around internet prices (they need to make a few bucks). But on top of that they will quarantine it for you and everything I have bought from there does wonderfully! I am doing a live rock and ghost feeding cycling now. My wife would kill me if I did the shrimp because she is pregnant and the smell even so little would make her want to kill me.

Welcome to the hobby and good luck!


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[dz6t]

Ghost feeding works too. Also, depend on what type of dry rock you use, some comes with enough dead stuff that will rot and cycle your tank.

 

[Jconnon07]

For circulation I have 2 rw4 in my 29 reef, I think they are awesome. I would recommend them.

 

[DamonB]

If you're located in Burlington area feel free to shoot me a PM. I have some sand left over from when I setup my 95 that never used, I believe its enough for your size tank. I can also give you a cup of my live sand to help make it "live".

I also have some small easy beginner coral frags once your tank is ready.

lets say i get some livesand then what, add a piece of shrimp and that will get the cycle going? then i add fish soon after or can i wait a few more days? thanks

 

[Bagdis831]

This is not a fast process to properly cycle a tank it can upwards of a month. You can try to speed this process up but it will end up costing you more money in the long run. Also I am wonder why you chose not to but any live rock or sand into you display tank. Most fish will not do well in this open environment they need places to hide and nooks to tuck into at night so they can get out of the current. I have a large piece of rock that I could give you that I got last week. I am located outside Worcester. There is no shortcut for time and you don't want to be spending more money than you have to.


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[dz6t]

Live rocks is so critical to a reef tank as well as a fish only tank because it is the main filtration in the tank.

 

[jtmac]

Please do not rush the cycling process. I have been doing this for over 15 years now, and like the other members have stated, nothing good happens fast. Take your time and enjoy it, Rome wasn't built in a day.....also you really need to consider the live rock.

 

[DamonB]

This is not a fast process to properly cycle a tank it can upwards of a month. You can try to speed this process up but it will end up costing you more money in the long run. Also I am wonder why you chose not to but any live rock or sand into you display tank. Most fish will not do well in this open environment they need places to hide and nooks to tuck into at night so they can get out of the current. I have a large piece of rock that I could give you that I got last week. I am located outside Worcester. There is no shortcut for time and you don't want to be spending more money than you have to.


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Sorry for the misunderstanding i meant to say i have rock and sand but niehter of them are alive i was wondering if adding some live rock and sand would seed the cycling process and move it along if i also add a piece of shrimp aswell?

 

[Bagdis831]

You can help to "seed" the sand and rock with a few cups of sand from someone else who has a mature tank. Also if you wanted to buy or get some live rock that will only help to cycle you tank. Just be careful not to add too much too fast to your tank after the initial cycle is complete. It can take any where from 6 months to 12 to have properly matured live rock and sand. With all of this said a lot of people will use all dry rock and sand to avoid unwanted hitchhikers so it up to you if you want to use some live pieces. Just remember time is money and in this case the faster you go the more it is going to cost in the long run. Good luck with the tank and keep your questions coming.


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