My first tank!!!!

[Tlalok]

So i like i mention before after so many years of wanting to setup a tank i finally took the first step and decided to just do it already and this new hobby going ... i still dont know much but i been doing lots of reading and also reading the posts here and its very helpful ... so hope to get help from u all ... heres the stuff i have so far ...


I changed from a 60 gallon to a 75 gallon with an overflow box since the other one was not reef ready and it has a wider view this visio tank seems better quality and the glass is thick which made me feel better ...
http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/5901/dsc05029g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/813/dsc05029g.jpg/)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9833/dsc05038rk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/dsc05038rk.jpg/)

Sump something around 30 gallons ... any suggestions on how i should do the drain, pvc fittings or any of that stuff still not quite sure on what i need
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8357/dsc05044c.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/dsc05044c.jpg/)

this is the stand i made a few adjustments ...
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6034/dsc05036o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/dsc05036o.jpg/)

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/7842/dsc05040a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/dsc05040a.jpg/)

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/5522/dsc05046v.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/163/dsc05046v.jpg/)

this is the plumbing i have any suggestions are welcome ...
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3543/dsc05047d.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/810/dsc05047d.jpg/)


sand and salt ... still need to get more salt i know ...
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/4617/dsc05043r.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/808/dsc05043r.jpg/)


thats all i got so far, this week i will be getting the skimmer and the return pump ... rock and RO/DI unit still in the works hopefully in the next couple of weeks along with the testing units ...any suggestion about the plumbing would be awesome thanks !!!!

[Tlalok]

how can i connect this together ??
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7325/dsc05048n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/811/dsc05048n.jpg/)

and this one, which fitting goes here ...
http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/3467/dsc05049.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/542/dsc05049.jpg/)

[Narazbad]

Picture one is your return valve...is the bulkhead threaded inside?

Two looks like your drain line, it goes in the bottom of your tank with the pvc leading to your sump.

[wazupjames]

Sweet, new tank!

[santileo1991]

Nice!

[RickMartin]

nice, keep us updated with lots of pics

[tbone74]

pic 1 is the return, if the bulkhead is not threaded, you can get a threaded one at a LFS. That will allow you to connect the two together

[Tlalok]

yeah thats the thing the return one is not threaded inside, the dude that sold it to me said i needed to get a slip in fitting with a female on the other end in order to connect them both, and the drain one i cant seem to find the right piece to will go there, well not entirely true i think i found a piece that goes in that end at BRS so when i order my rock from there i will order it ...

can anyone share a pic of how ur 2 lines look install so i can get an idea of how is supposed to look ... thanks guys !!!!

i never knew how much money this hobby takes to make it right, but i know its gonna be so worth it ... i will keep u guys updated ...

[kleverbear]

That is an awesome Aztec Pyramid! Good size tank you chose too.

[bigronbo]

At least you are starting the right way. Great looking sump. My 55 i started with was a regular tank and had HOb everything. Then a very cool member sold me his 60 Gal setup with HOB overflow and real sump. Now i bought his 125 Gal with the bean overflow system. There are some great guys here that can help you out. Come to the meetings and meet some of the guys and get cool stuff to fill your tank. Mine is really full and looking for spots to put new pretty things i find. Welcome to the forms.

[Tlalok]

Thanks and is actually Mayan pyramid but no worries ... Im trying to build the rock around the pyramid i dont know how but im gonna make it happen ... the tank i originally had was a 60 but i didnt like the small window view so i decided to go a bit higher and now i cant wait to get this started ...

i forgot to mention Mr.saltwatertank is behind all this he's been guiding me through it ... i will try to make the meetings hopefully some day since i work on the weekends but i know that if i ever have a question the memebers of this forum will be here ...

thanks !!!!!

[kleverbear]

My bad could not tell from the pic, I would say use some small rock rubble and glue to the pyramid make it look like a ruin. I ran in to a similar problem with the Aztec sun god disc I had gotten, ended up on its own on the opposite side of the tank. It now houses my clown. Mr. Saltwater got some good advice. Good job so far man keep it up!!

[bigronbo]

only thing i see is the filter socks and esp the foam in the narrow chamber. they clean the water good and filter socks are great at times but it traps the food that goes down the drain and can become nitrate crock pots and the foam esp. I run mine without a sock and no foam and count on my skimmer to get the majority out as it does well. If i see too much in my water i'll toss a sock on to clean it out and then take it off for feedings.

[Tlalok]

Thanks for the advice i will keep that in mind when i have it fully running and see whats the difference, it makes sense though thank you ...

[Tlalok]

Heres an update:

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5073/dsc05050sq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/dsc05050sq.jpg/)

I put it all together and made some changes to the stand as i thought it wasnt gonna hold since the tank is a bit heavier than my last one. so i added some wood for extra support and it looks good. FEDEX showed up last friday and i got new gear!!!!

SWC 120 and coral glue from Ecotech
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6154/dsc05051y.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/dsc05051y.jpg/)

Hanna checkers!!!! phosphate, nitrite and alkalinity
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/28/dsc05052s.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/dsc05052s.jpg/)


this Friday(tomorrow) im getting the dry rock and some pvc fittings looking foward to it and Monday the RO/DI unit will be deliver !!!!! my return pump is on back order so im thinking on getting a cheap one just because i want to get it going already!!!!!

[tbone74]

I don't think you need a nitrite checker, I dont think anyone checks for nitrite after a tank has cycled IMHO. Now if they would just come out with a nitrate checker that would be somethin!

[Tlalok]

thats what i thought but i got it so now no turning back ... is there a nitrate testing thats not color matching .... what other testers do i need ???

[tbone74]

No nitrate kit without color changes I'm afraid. Alk, phosphate are the most important and then if you have allot of hard corals a calcium test kit and after that a magnesium. While your tank cycles you will need to test for ammonia, and nitrite. Once they are both zero your tank has cycled and it is safe to add a fish, but go slowly don't add allot of fish at once.

[Tlalok]

Oh i know all im doing to begin with is two clowns and see how that goes first im gonna go throwing all kinds of stuff and then have them all die on me ... im planning on 2 coowns first and once i get the hang of it im gonna add one more and go little by little ... thanks for ur advice

[bigronbo]

don't be upset if the clowns die. Several here say they are easy/bullet proof i say bull **** i had 3 sets in fla every time i got them they killed my whole tank except my yellow tang. i had 3 sets die here untill i said screw it and bout 2 big ones they have been alive for 6-8 months and growing good. My suggestion don't by small ones get big ones they have better survivablity. you have an awesome setup. love the skimmer and a sweet sump.

[seanathen]

Yeah, this set up looks great! Haven't heard you mention the lighting plan yet...

[bigronbo]

my choice of lites are the ho aquatic life T-5 simplicity at its best. didgital timer for all 3 sets of lights built in with only one plug. Love mine. LED has too much bleach out still unless you build i high hood or tall tank with stuff placed deep. Metal halides make you grease the electric meter so it doesn't burn up while it spins a sonic speed to power the light and run the ac to off set the heat they generate and the chiller you would need to keep the water under a boil. but thats my lame assessment. LED is where you save the most energy and have longest life but tons of cords and timers bulb life is unmatched.

[Tlalok]

well im using DR.TIMS one and only bacteria see what happens its supposed to make the cycle under a week ... gonna give it a go and go from there if they die than i guess is part of the process but i hope not ... as far as the lighting im gonna go with LEDs, really not looking forward to the high bills on energy i will be making the water bill a bit high already. TRULUMEN CURRENT USA thats what i will be using ... thanks for the feedback i really want to do this right, its a very expensive hobby so i rather do this in a good way and hopefully make it easy on me and be successful i never knew how much equipment was involve till i started putting it together ...

one question if u guys can give me some advice ... the rock placement or aquascaping what should i avoid doing when putting them together? pics if possible thanks guys i will be updating this soon with the arrival of the rock and RO/DI unit i will be busy for at least a week ...

[TheGreatAukSociety]

My first tank, I stacked the rockwork too high. I would only stack rocks halfway up, it will look empty, but when the coral grows, you'll be happy you did.

[tomgl]

+1 on the half way up on the rock. I also suggest not stacking it against the back glass. This is so you can have water flow in the back and maintenance. Another thing I have learned over the years is stack the rock in a loose fashion so the water can flow in-between the rocks. Your fish will love the open areas in the rock. You will have areas without flow, it's part of the game but you can try and fight it.

[bigronbo]

i did sort of like steps on a pyramid. mine is against the back but open on both ends at the back so the water can circulate and stacked so as it has several caves and openins to the front. The fish go in and out ziz zaging. the bottom rocks are away from the glass and each layer goes back so as to have ledges to set stuff on. My top rocks rest against the glass and have my high light items on them. I only have T-5's so i did stack high to get my hard coral up to the light. With you doing LED which bravo on that energy conservation. I would say to do as Mike suggested and stack lower you will have no problem lighting whatever you get. as for aquascaping it is one of the coolest parts of the hobbie i think. It is not what someone says but what looks good and cool to you. I do say as tom said dont go vertical against the back but i dont worry abount maintenance of the back glas because no one will see it. just leave the ends open and make pleanty of viewing caves that you can see the fish in them but they also have places to hide to reduse stress.

[kleverbear]

well im using DR.TIMS one and only bacteria see what happens its supposed to make the cycle under a week ... gonna give it a go and go from there if they die than i guess is part of the process but i hope not ...

Ive used the stuff myself, give it a whole week and test as you go, if you can give it an extra week it will settle in even better. Make sure you have all your rock in there too so it can see it all in one go. Great stuff to use, crashed my tank once when i started and the stuff saved my fish and corals when i reset up and could not wait to re-cycle. Good luck, its coming good.

[tomgl]

I should have been more clear about the back of the tank. I did not mean clean the glass. What I'm talking about is access to the back to clean up the ever collecting detritus.

[tomgl]

If you are planning T5 I highly recommend looking at Tek or Ati. If you are planning SPS. The other brands can't compete with the reflectors installed in these units.

[kleverbear]

Any updates?

[Tlalok]

got the rock and im working on putting it together see what works, theres a lot of rock and lots of big pieces, also i have an issue my RO/DI unit broke in the process of reaching me so i have email buckeye to see what we can do to get this fixed ASAP so thats where im at. Tuesday the return pump will be here. As of now im still having a bit of issues with the plumbing will post some pics later and see if u guys can advice ...

[Tlalok]

i got about 87 lbs of rock and lots of big pieces that if i put the entire rock in the tank there will be no space for anything else... so im working on that right now and the background as well i will post pictures later on today ....

[kleverbear]

From what i was told a good rule of thumb for rock is 1lb to 1gl, it worked for me.

[Tlalok]

RO/DI UNIT it arrive broken so im now waiting on the replacement ... great more delays
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/4364/dsc05078f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/dsc05078f.jpg/)

Rock still cant make up my mine on how to stack it ... too many big pieces and two bags of lots of little rocks broken pieces ....

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8591/dsc05079pf.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/dsc05079pf.jpg/)

Return Pump coming tuesday ...

[Tlalok]

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9296/dsc05082g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/84/dsc05082g.jpg/)


this is what im working with , the big ones go in the bottom and just go from there ... seems like theres a lot of rock for a 75 gal tank ... and what goes first the sand or the rock ???

[Narazbad]

Rock if you can. That way you can be certain of a stable base on your stack. And don't be afraid to break your rock to fit better. Pretend you're a sculptor lol

[tomgl]

Set it up how you like it. I believe the pound to pound and a half per gallon was a sales idea created by the industry. I've set up tanks with a half pound per gallon to a pound and a half per gallon and the results were the same. That rock looks porous and the bacteria will have more surface to grow than the nonporous rock.

[kleverbear]

Try using some epoxy or any kind of glue to get some pieces together and build your landscape that way. Especially with the smaller pieces they work well for things like that. I believe Ecotech has a new aquarium epoxy that supposed to hold rock together. Heres vid on it. http://goo.gl/PAxRf Hope this helps the build.

[Narazbad]

You can also use a drill and black zip ties.

[Tlalok]

thanks guys... i actually got the ecotech glue ready to go, for now im gonna stack them up outside the tank to see what i can come up with before i glue them together and try to get the look i want i cant start yet since im waiting on the replacement piece that broke on the RO/DI unit and the return pump ... im supposed to do a rest run right with regular water before i start anything ... thanks for all the advice, that was one of my questions why have so much rock and it almost seems like the entire tank will be filled by rock. when i saw it theres ALOT and i didnt post a pic of the 2 bags i have full of little pieces ... will update soon

[tomgl]

How much water do you need?

[five O]

They sell almost every part that you would need for your RO/DI system at Lowe's. Most parts range in the $2.50 range.

[tomgl]

Ace also has a food assortment of parts.

[Tlalok]

well i wanted to let them them know about the issue and have them respond since they packaging was really bad and UPS handled it like a box, but the part is on its way so it should be here soon ... thanks for the offer i dont mind waiting a few more days its cool . in the mean time im getting all the plumbing ready and the background im doing the black tint and hopefully some type of design in the middle to now have it just plain black so thats what im busy with as i wait. im planning before the end of the month to have it running.
thanks guys ...

[Luke]

. when i saw it theres ALOT and i didnt post a pic of the 2 bags i have full of little pieces ... will update soon


you can just throw the little pieces in your sump.. if not ill take them off your hands :)

[tomgl]

I also put the rubble in my fuge.

[kleverbear]

Any good news? Progress? Changes?

[Tlalok]

ok promise i will update this today im gonna stay up as late as i can ...

[Tlalok]

so i finally got the background done but i ran into a little problem i didnt know how hard it was to put tint on so im gonna have to do the complete update tomorrow since i cant turn the tank around until i finish the background .... and i also got my return pump and the RO/DI unit is finally complete!!!!

this is what i was working on ...
http://img863.imageshack.us/img863/6738/dsc05085.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/863/dsc05085.jpg/)

this is more like navy blue but the flash makes it look like baby blue
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1650/dsc05091iy.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/190/dsc05091iy.jpg/)

this is what it looked like on the tint and i thought it was just an easy install ... i was wrong
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/4038/dsc05092u.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/dsc05092u.jpg/)

and this is what it looks like now. I ran out of tint so i will have to get more tomorrow and hope not to FAIL!!!!! again ...
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/919/dsc05094v.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/dsc05094v.jpg/)

and the return pump
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/2128/dsc05095w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/845/dsc05095w.jpg/)

i will finish this up tomorrow and i will put some of the stuff together and mount the RO/DI unit as well and hopefully take the tank for a spin!!!!!

[kleverbear]

WOO HOO water time!!

[Tlalok]

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/3169/dsc05097n.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/dsc05097n.jpg/)

just wanted to share this with u guys im extremely happy with it ... even though is not gonna be completely visible once everything is in but it looks awesome to me ...

[Narazbad]

Looks good

[Tlalok]

im gonna need some help installing the RO/DI i dont quite understand why i have two drains or im probably not understanding the directions well ... is there another guide like a Ro/DI for dummies thing ...

[Narazbad]

What part of town do you live in. Also, take pictures of the unit, especially the way the lines are put. That will help immensely.

[Tlalok]

south ... S.jones and cactus ... i will take more pics in a while ... from what i read i have to run it first before i put the DI filter on ... yeah im so confused im gonna find the spot to mounted and then i will snap some pics ...

[Tlalok]

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7311/37912476.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/6/37912476.jpg/)

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/2849/dsc05100h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/64/dsc05100h.jpg/)

i got confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Luke]

you should only have one drain line coming from the ro membrane on top... the other one goes to the DI reisin.. in the diagram they tee off the line that goes from the membrane to the reisin so you can make just RO water instead of RODI water.... like if you wanted to drink it. hope this makes sense... if not a picture of the top of the unit might help so i can see what you got going on up there!

[Luke]

from the looks of it you're T'ing off the drain line instead of the RO line

[Tlalok]

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/2976/dsc05101i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/dsc05101i.jpg/)

[Tlalok]

so i can keep that valve close and just if i wanted to use the water to drink open it up and use it right ... so i should keep it close ...

[Luke]

yes keep the valve closed unless you want drinking water

[Luke]

maybe this will help... it doesnt look like you have your drain line connected yet, but it would come out of the red part.

[Tlalok]

yeah ok i got it now thanks luke and naraz for the quick response, it really confused me when i read the guide and it said that it had outs but i get it now thanks alot ... and yeah its not connected yet mounting process ... so do i put it all together now or should i run it first without the DI for about 5 mins and then add the di and good to go ???

and also where can i get another valve to open/close the IN (tap water) so its only running when i need water... Home depot??

[Narazbad]

Run w/out DI per manufacturer instructions. Probably to flush the membranes and make sure no particulate gets in that can damage the DI

[Luke]

and also where can i get another valve to open/close the IN (tap water) so its only running when i need water... Home depot??

yep home depot carries it

[Luke]

if you're hooking it up at your washer just use something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/44/44f78f24-d539-4de9-b3a9-5c83b57c4a62_300.jpg

[Tlalok]

that was gonna be another one of my questions my laundry lines look like this

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7601/dsc05102l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/87/dsc05102l.jpg/)

[Tlalok]

well i guess that one u posted works ... for some reason i was looking at it all weird but i can figure it out ...

[Luke]

Yeah mine aren't like that but there's got to be a way to split that.. Just make sure you do it to the cold and not the hot!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Luke]

Actually just turn the Valve off and add the split super easy... You just need to find the part to go from the washer hose threads I think they are 3/4 inch to the Rodi quick disconnect.. I got mine from home depot just had to ask around a bit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tlalok]

home depot field trip tomorrow

[Narazbad]

Actually luke, most ro units have peak efficiency at water temp of around 95 degrees. Just hard to maintain that in a normal household setting.

[Luke]

Actually luke, most ro units have peak efficiency at water temp of around 95 degrees. Just hard to maintain that in a normal household setting.

so my heating bill can go up too?! hahaha

[Tlalok]

yeah no thanks im trying not to raise those bills ...

[kleverbear]

No need to raise the bills. Just run a few feet of hose outside and let this Fabulous vegas sun warm it up for you lol

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

[Tlalok]

Is there a reason the psi in my RO/DI only goes up to mid 30s ??

[iap]

Check your pressure regulator in the garage

[tomgl]

If the regulator checks out you may need a booster pump. I have not heard locally of anyone one city water needing one but people on well water I have.

[tbone74]

I had the same problem when I moved to the new house. I was only getting 30 psi, adjusted the regular and now i'm getting about 50. I'm still thinking of getting a booster to get it up to 65 to 70

[Tlalok]

Yeah I will check that out cause even the washer loads like in 3 years!!!! It takes longer to fill than it does washing ... will update later my tank is ready for a test run... thanks guys

[kleverbear]

So did you decide to go with the I/O Reef Crystals?

[Tlalok]

dont know yet i have a bag already so im thinking im just gonna buy the same and use that, im running a little issues RODI unit, stand and some plumbing. so im working on that, my return line needs some work i took the tank for a water test run and the drain works beautiful a bit noisy but i guess and hope is not that much later on. Does the drain supposed to be a bit loud or not? is that how they all are? My stand needs some adjustments so im set back getting all this things done before the tank is running. I dont want to have to deal with those problems when its all running ...

Plus im having second thoughts about getting it all going right now since im leaving to san diego on july for Comic Con so i dont know if its gonna be a good idea to leave the newly born tank running under some ones supervision thats not gonna know what to do if in case something goes BAD!!!!! or feeding or anything ...

Any suggestions on this matter guys, what are ur thoughts ?? thanks to all

[wazupjames]

Did you do a durso for the drain?

[Narazbad]

If it helps any, mike runs reef crystals in his tank.

[Tlalok]

yeah i did a durso when i saw the overflow box getting full of water i thought it had failed but then the water started going and i was relieved, i dont know maybe is not that loud i mean there is supposed to be some kind of sound from water traveling down the tube and into the hose and then into the sump right ... i also didnt keep the water running into the overflow constantly i kinda stop to check for leaks and other things and then did it again.

Naraz thanks i think im just gonna go ahead and use what i have i dont feel like buying something else when i already have one.

i will post a pic of the overflow box later on ... going back to bed

[Tlalok]

ok guys got my RO/DI installed and running but does it really take that long to make 0 TDS water???? man its really slow i pee more than what it comes out of the DI ... i hope it gets faster after this first tests!!!!

also got the pluming done finally no more leaks and the stand is very stable!!!!! not im doing a water run while making little drops of 0 TDS water ...

as you guys can see it reads 52 psi which i believe is good right??
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/276/dsc05109j.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/846/dsc05109j.jpg/)

Drain
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2637/dsc05108h.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/dsc05108h.jpg/)

[Luke]

yeah its a slowwww process! it took me like 2 days to fill my 55... woulda been faster but i dont leave it on while im sleeping or at work... you figure a 75 gallon per day unit divided by 24 hours = about 3 gallons an hour...

[Tlalok]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! are u serious !!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh well good thing is that this much water will only be once, after this is only gonna be 5 gallons weekly 20 a month. i cant believe how slow it is ... theres no other way??? why did i decide to start this hobby!!!!!!!!!!! why!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah the beautiful fishes and their colors!!!!!!!!!!! oh well patience!!!!!!!!!! thanks luke ... well at least that waste water is being use for a wet run!!!! so is not so much a waste i guess

[Luke]

yeah it can take a while.... just make sure you dont crack your tank! cause then you have to fill it with RO water TWICE!...... like me! :( hahaha

[Narazbad]

You can always go to a store and buy some water if your impatient.lol. I have a fifty gallon drum I use to store water

[Tlalok]

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!
Well i did a water run and it works awesome !!!! and just when i thought i had it perfect and did fail on the plumbing side and the setup was working great, the expected happen. The return line came loose and there goes the water running all over the stand and to the carpet!!!!!!!! i honestly thought i had it made and didnt make the water-spilled mistake... but i did and it wasnt easy to clean ... but it was a good time used all the waste water to do 2 loads of clothes on the washer machine, water my plans and washed my car. Im doing good at reusing the waste water from the RODI unit ... Now for the fun part AQUASCAPING!!!!!!!! and finish up the canopy as well ...

thanks for ur advice and help ... will update soon

[Tlalok]

this is where im at today ... cleaned the sand as much as possible and did some aquascaping thanks to luke for the advice when it was needed ... all i need to get this running is a powerhead to get me going and probably one more LED strip also some salt ...

pic!!!!
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7087/img20110702012319.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/img20110702012319.jpg/)

surprisingly enough my Nexus S takes better pics than my 14.1 Kodak weird!!!!!!!!!!

anyways i will be putting this on hold as i need to stop spending my Comic Con money on my tank, and i really dont want to start it and then have to leave it alone for 5 days it just doesnt seem right ... and its cutting into my Trip money ... but when i get back i will still be on vacation and i will start this off ... thansk all for ur info and advice ...

[harriscli]

this is where im at today ... cleaned the sand as much as possible and did some aquascaping thanks to luke for the advice when it was needed ... all i need to get this running is a powerhead to get me going and probably one more LED strip also some salt ...

pic!!!!
http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7087/img20110702012319.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/833/img20110702012319.jpg/)

surprisingly enough my Nexus S takes better pics than my 14.1 Kodak weird!!!!!!!!!!

anyways i will be putting this on hold as i need to stop spending my Comic Con money on my tank, and i really dont want to start it and then have to leave it alone for 5 days it just doesnt seem right ... and its cutting into my Trip money ... but when i get back i will still be on vacation and i will start this off ... thansk all for ur info and advice ...

looking really nice, you might want to get some rodi saltwater in it so that it can start to cycle. Waiting for that is the worst part, having a little time away could help.

[Tlalok]

Im gonna try the Dr.Tims one and only bacteria see how it goes someone else in here already use it and he said it really works so thats my path ... thanks

[St8Gr3]

This may a stupid ? but I'm curious! Is that all base rock in there? and dry sand?

[harriscli]

i was thinking of using that for my next build, but I'm a little skeptical. As much as i embrace technology and advancements in my other hobbies, for some reason I just can't seem to get my head around the idea of not just letting time cycle the tank. I've read a lot of posts where people have used it with great success though.

[Tlalok]

@harriscli yes i heard about it too but i will let it sit there for an extra week to see if it holds its supposed to be amazing and the whole idea of waiting for a tank to cycle is not on my list of things ...

@St8Gr3 yes sir .... was i not supposed to speak now or forever hold ur peace!!!!!!!

[St8Gr3]

Haha I am a Ma'am!! But anyways yeah its okay just throw in a live rock to seed that rock... I just added base rock to my live rock and it's going great! Also I did use this stuff to cycle my tank and you'll prob still get the algae breaks but it does make it safe to add your corals/invertes/fish....

https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productdetailas.asp?did=5&pid=2092&cid=96

[Tlalok]

sorry about that!!!!!!!!!!!

thanks i will keep that in mind when i get back from my trip

[St8Gr3]

I'm in agreement with Harris... u should fill it up now and throw in a piece of live rock and the bacteria stuff so when u get home ur definitely good to go! You can do that for $40 =)

[tomgl]

I would stick with your plan and use the Dr. Tim's. I just cycled my frag tank the same way. I used dead rock and Neobak to cycle. I don't want to introduce any parasites or spores that will cause problems. Good luck.

[kleverbear]

You should do cycle while your gone like every one recommended. It helps not having to look at a tank cycle for a week at least you can get away for a bit.

[TheGreatAukSociety]

We are working on getting Dr. Tim up here in the next 3 months. Just waiting for him to give me a date.

[kleverbear]

Oh thats cool. Might have take that day off from work.

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[Tlalok]

that is cool ... i would try to get the day off as well or switch shifts ...

thanks for all the advice and opinions i just dont want to have a tank running while im away for 6 days stuff could happen and i wont be around ... plus i really need a powerhead ...

[Tlalok]

Well Im back from comic con san diego and it was EPIC!!!!!!!!!!! looking forward to next year

anyways back to my tank i will hopefully get it running before the end of the week i need to do some shopping for salt and a powerhead i PM jimmy since he posted he was gonna get rid of some ... and i really want to get it going before the end of the week, also when i met with some of u guys on a wednesday night at chillis u guys recommended a QT tank so i got a 20gal from Petco taking advantage of the sale and a filter canister ... just need some advice on how to run it. I think chris said i could use water from my water changes, what else do i have to do to maintain the QT, can i add some rock since i have one small piece left over and a few little rocks ...
thanks for all the help guys and girls now that we have a few here ....

[Tlalok]

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4047/1000532b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/1000532b.jpg/)

Wet tank finally with the salt water .... it still looks kinda cloudy or whatever so chris suggested to let it sit for a few more days so the water can clear out ... and the wait still goes on ...

[Narazbad]

Nice stack, man

[Tlalok]

thanks it took me a while to find the good side of each rock and how it will sit better and almost had a few of them fall but it was definitely a lot of fun to do. The ecotech coral glue works perfect this rocks are bond together like if they were one solid piece!!!! i also glue my fingers in the process, not a very good experience ...

Just keep waiting!!!! just keep waiting!!!! waiting, waiting, waiting !!!!!

[wazupjames]

Cool!

[St8Gr3]

Yeah looks neat! U have got lots of holes for frag plugs!!!

[tomgl]

Well Im back from comic con san diego and it was EPIC!!!!!!!!!!! looking forward to next year

anyways back to my tank i will hopefully get it running before the end of the week i need to do some shopping for salt and a powerhead i PM jimmy since he posted he was gonna get rid of some ... and i really want to get it going before the end of the week, also when i met with some of u guys on a wednesday night at chillis u guys recommended a QT tank so i got a 20gal from Petco taking advantage of the sale and a filter canister ... just need some advice on how to run it. I think chris said i could use water from my water changes, what else do i have to do to maintain the QT, can i add some rock since i have one small piece left over and a few little rocks ...
thanks for all the help guys and girls now that we have a few here ....

You can add the rock if you want. Just remember to remove it if you have to medically treat the tank. Most of the medicines we use to cure sick fish will kill the bacteria. Use some PVC pipe to make hiding places for the new residents.

[Tlalok]

So my tank ir running well and the salinity is at 1.024, temp is 76F should it be higher or is that ok? also my Overflow box makes ALOT OF NOISE!!!! how can i reduce the noise ... and the water still looks cloudy maybe a little bit cleaner but still cloudy ... is it ok for the heater to make like cracking noises?? i touched it and is not breaking and it is definitely hot nothing seems to be wrong, but i still hear it cracking ...

[Narazbad]

Keep an eye on the heater. Add stand pipes to the overflow box to quiet it down. The temp is perfect

[Tlalok]

yes i been starring at the heater since last night ... it seems like only one of the springs or spiral things stop working. it has 4 and one is not turning orange when heating ... i guess i have to look into replacing it ... whats a good Ph meter?

[Narazbad]

For now I'd just use a test kit. Meters run into the hundreds of dollars.

[Tlalok]

cant wait !!!! i just hope theres still some clownies left tomorrow at AE ... water has cleared up some more its kinda crazy ...

[tomgl]

I don't think that will be a problem. They had at least fifty last night.

[Narazbad]

More like 150..

[Tlalok]

cool thanks ... were they all red and white or a mix of different colors? i would love to start with a red/white and a blk/white.

well sounds like i will visiting Chris tomorrow and im bringing a sample of water, how much would be a good amount?

[Narazbad]

A zip lock bag or medium tupperware. Tell Dennis to take care of you.

[Tlalok]

just back from AE Dennis is a great man ... got my new members of the family and here we go!!!!!

[Tlalok]

clowns are being funny by hiding ... not cool not cool !!!

[Tlalok]

This is what i got to begin with

Salanity 1.024
Ph 7.9 Color matching is fun its in between the two colors.
Ammonia 0
nitrate 0
nitrite 0
Alk 9.1 it went up since i started the process it was at 8.7
Temp 76.3

and they are still hiding from me behind the rocks i can see them moving ... so sad

[St8Gr3]

They will come out just give them a day or two to adjust... you'll see, especially when u feed them! :p

[~sp0k~]

nice tank Tlalok

[Tlalok]

Thanks its been a long journey! !!! Hows ur project coming along???

So after 6 hrs I decided yo turn the light on and what do u know they came out to play!!!! I'm so excited!!!! I will post a pic later I'm at the movies ... they look happy exploring the tank little by little

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[tomgl]

Congratulations on getting life into you tank. Good luck.

[Tlalok]

Thanks tom im super exicted i didnt think it was gonna look this cool with fish in it ...

heres a pic 30 mins after i turned the lights on they started swimming towards the front
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/7937/1000538o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/1000538o.jpg/)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6839/1000544g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/1000544g.jpg/)

because theres not much light in my room the pics dont look that good i will update and take more pics with my other camara ...

one question though when will they figure that the food sits on top? i fed them a few pieces and now they are sitting next to the overblow box and they dont move any suggestions or is it in there nature to go on top and look for food, they have only gone up about 12" from the sand ... i know they are still exploring and gettting to know their new home but i just want them to eat thats all ...

[St8Gr3]

What are u feeding them? They make sinking pellet food... I use new life spectrum community fish formula 1mm

U could put ur hand under and see if they'll eat out of it, mine do... I think a few other ppls fish do too

[Tlalok]

flakes and i also bought some of that frozen stuff ...

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6951/dsc05132s.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/52/dsc05132s.jpg/)

i put flake down and it took a bite out of it

[St8Gr3]

The frozen stuff will sink, I have no idea about flakes, don't use them... and that's awesome! Congrats! :)

[Tlalok]

12 hrs later:

Alk 9.1
Nitrate 0
Nitrite 0
Ammonia 0
Ph 8.0 it went up
Temp 76
I guess im not quite sure what this standpipe is Naraz mentioned it but im not clear, a pic or link would be helpful thanks ... this is what mine looks like it makes gargling noises along with the water fall kinda loud...

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6796/dsc05133g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/dsc05133g.jpg/)

[santileo1991]

did you glue the rock together or attach them somehow?....you wouldn't want them to fall on accident and having it harming any inhabitants......but looks great so far!

[Tlalok]

thanks!!!! its glued, it was a challenge finding the right side and making sure it sat right without falling i used the ecotech glue good stuff ...

[santileo1991]

nice just wanted to look out for you.....keep posting pics and keep us updated!

[bigronbo]

NEMO, arnt they cute. still loce the aquascaping. What kind of clean up crew you got? i love my queen concha and tigers. They clean the sand great and dont climb the rocks fery easy so they don't knock things off like turbo snales. they do cometimes push my plate corals or other sand bed items but not much at all.

[bigronbo]

my nemos chow down on frozen misen shrimp, flake and pellet food. i also have frozen copiapods. It will take them time but any time you put new fish in they most always hide for a day or two. My fish and i have 10 are always out except my maderin and he stays in the dark to feed but comes out to play too. the loce above is a typo as i do a lot of. i love the way the aquascaping was done esp with the temple.

[Tlalok]

Thanks i very much enjoyed the aquascaping, Even after I added the water I still didn't quite see how cool it was until I added the clowns and they were swimming past it I'm glad they like it too.

Well they came out to explore with in 5 hrs, they took a bite out of the flake a few times, this morning I threw some frozen food and I really don't know if they ate it Cause I left to work but hopefully they can have some food. They were swimming all over the tank this morning enjoying themselves.

As far as clean up crew nothing yet I need some suggestions pls if I should wait a week till its fully cycled or add some now.

I will test my parameters when I get home see if anything change. Also I will most likely fire up the Skimmer I read leaving it off for 24 hrs would be ideal due to the bacteria that was added

Thanks for all the feedback guys

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[bigronbo]

if you have fish you need the clean up crew in place they eat the **** and left over food to keep nitrates down

[Tlalok]

Pls someone help me reduce noise on this gargling tank lol I will remove the elbow when I get home see if it makes a difference ...

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[tomgl]

I'm having trouble making out on your pictures. Does that tank have a built in over flow or a hang on box? If it's built in did you use a stand pipe?

[Tlalok]

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/3543/dsc05047d.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/dsc05047d.jpg/)

this is what it looks like, im beginning to think is not right

[tomgl]

I my self prefer the CJ standpipe. Check out this site. It may help you improve your design.

http://www.dursostandpipes.com/

[St8Gr3]

U don't need to get ur skimmer up and running right away either, I would wait a couple weeks

[tomgl]

I would just get that SWC running. Why wait. Both of mine like a water depth of 9".

[Tlalok]

Tom that's exactly where I got the design from, OK the only thing I didn't do was the air hole on the end cap I been thinking about it see if it makes a difference ...

About the skimmer it was recommended to have it off for 8hrs minimum when using the bacteria, and some recommend to have off for 24 hrs so I seen poop flying around the tank so I think its time for it to break in and do its job!!!!

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[tomgl]

Start put with your smallest drip bit and go from there. Did you use 1" pipe or 1 1/4"?

[Tlalok]

I believe its a 1" pipe, I will do that asap after work that is, I didn't do it at first cause I saw that it worked fine and I thought the gargling would stop but it didn't ... great thanks for ur help

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[St8Gr3]

I always thought u weren't supposed to get the skimmer up and going until the tank was fully cycled... especially when using the bacteria dont u wanna wait at least a week? Never heard 8 or 24 hours...

[Tlalok]

Yeah I read that also but on Dr.Tim's stuff it was said 8hrs and some suggested 24-48 hrs. Bacteria have settle in and the fish have begun Doing their stuff.

I have a question powerheads should be turn off at all? Maybe during the night time??? I read somewhere they have to be off for a some time just want to make sure its ok

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[tomgl]

I'm making the assumption he is cycled since he's moved on the fish.

[Tlalok]

No remember Im using bacteria and it requires fish to be put in immediately ... so far so good everything looks good parameters haven't gone up except for my Ph which last I checked was at 8 and the fish are swimming all over the tank. I just called home to check on them and apperantly they are still moving all over the place. I will test again as soon as I get home and post the results

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[Narazbad]

The air hole should stop the gurgling. I believe what is happening is the pipe is pulling air with the water as it flows down so it ends up causing the gurgle as it breaks the water. The air hole should stop the need for water flow to be broken by the pulled air as it will pull what it needs from the top hole. If I explained that correctly, at least.

[Narazbad]

And I always leave powerheads on constantly.

[Narazbad]

The tank needs constant flow to make sure the water stays mixed. Especially when fish sleep at night, if the water becomes stagnant and drained of dissolved oxygen, you can suffocate your livestock and build up a co2 concentration that can cause ph swings. Think of it this way. The ocean current never shuts off..why should yours?

[Tlalok]

Yes u did thanks It cross my mind but just didn't do it, what u said made sense. I will update as soon as I get home.

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[Tlalok]

Awesome ur right why should mine stop OK I haven't done it at all that's why I asked in case I had to ... thanks

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[Tlalok]

nevermind i ordered already ... didnt get the chaeto

[Tlalok]

1 day and 10 hrs since tank went live with Bacteria here are the parameters.

PH 8.0
Ammonia 0
Nitrite .25ppm
Nitrate 0
Alk 8.9
Temp 76.3
Salanity 1.025 it went up i will test tomorrow morning and see where its at, if it goes up again i should add some clean water right ...

Overflow box update, its really quiet in here now the wonders a little hole can do. thanks tom and chris for ur quick help. The members of this forum are AWESOME!!!!!!!

[Tlalok]

2 days and 6 hrs parameters update

Alk 8.4
pH 8.0
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0.25
Nitrate 0
salinity 1.024
Phosphate 0.02 ppm (according to hanna checker)

Each clown has its own personality, the little one likes to swim all over and gets close to the return line and gets pushed back and goes to it again and again. The big one is a bit shy he likes to hide behind the rocks only has came out in the morning and does not swim any higher than 8 inches from the bottom, he also swims in the corner next to the overflow box and swims up and back down and up and back down but not high at all ... its cool watching them do their thing. cant wait to get a few more in there ...

Also clean up crew should be ship out tuesday from reef cleaners!!!!

[Tlalok]

3 days and 10 hrs update

Alk 8.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0.50ppm
Nitrate 5.0 ppm (im gonna say its probably less the color matching sucks !!!!! its more like 3.0 liquid color is right in the middle of both yellows)
pH 8.0

finally the big one came to the front of the tank and now the little one hasnt move from that same spot for a while now ... wonder whats wrong
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2773/dsc05140f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/225/dsc05140f.jpg/)

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9281/dsc05137m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/dsc05137m.jpg/)

little has been there for a while now

[St8Gr3]

Don't sweat it.. they're probably just looking for a good nesting place... my lady maroon hangs out by the heater and my lil guy hangs out under her by my waving hand coral, he kind of hosts it,funny

[Tlalok]

Its just weird since he has been very active and now he's just chilling under the shade ... so far so good

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[tomgl]

It could be the nitrites bothering him. I would imagine different animals are susceptible at different levels. I would think once it drops to zero things will be better. This is just a thought, it's impossible to know for sure why he is withdrawn.

[Tlalok]

Yeah its probably that, Skimmer is finally doing things right. Still keeping an eye on them. Its really cool playing Xbox and looking to my side and there it is my tank!!! Its really cool ... the small water noise its relaxing

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[bigronbo]

i spend hours looking at my tank. you never know what you will see that you havent before. it is cool to watch the candy cains and other stuff split and multiply. I'm just waiting to see my yellow tang with purple strips hatch out? have a mixed breed yellourple tang.

[Tlalok]

4 days 10 hrs Parameter update speeding the cycle with bacteria from dr tims ...

Alk 8.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0.50ppm
Nitrate 5.0 ppm
pH 8.0

no change everything still the same im still not sure that the nitrate level is 5 the color is right in the middle of the chart ... Hanna needs to make this easier soon!!!!!!!!!! my little clown still hanging out in the same spot its been over 24 hrs at least his moving and the other one is loving the exploring of the entire tank!!!! he likes to swim infront of the powerhead i need to save up and get a better one MP40 hopefully ...

as far as the eating i tried breaking the flakes into little pieces and still they will only take bites and leave it alone now as for the frozen stuff they eat it im not quite sure if putting it in their mouths and then spiting it back out is part of how they eat but thats what they do ... is that normal or are they telling its not good LOL... also does everyone have a glass cover in their tank??? thanks guys for all the help also the water has gotten alot clearer im happy to see that ...

[Tlalok]

i spend hours looking at my tank. you never know what you will see that you havent before. it is cool to watch the candy cains and other stuff split and multiply. I'm just waiting to see my yellow tang with purple strips hatch out? have a mixed breed yellourple tang.

i bet it is for not just u but all of the members u guys have a lot of stuff going on, im excited for my too fishies i can only imagine when i get more ... looking forward to it but patience and little by little.

[St8Gr3]

Ron- that's awesome! U'll have to get some pix of that!

Tlalok- it's normal for the fishes to spit out the food then eat it... I have a glass cover on my tank but about to build a screen one instead, the light penetrates better this way

[Tlalok]

yeah thats what i was wondering and also thats what i was planning on doing cause when i raise my LED i can see a shadow from the glass cover... NOT COOL!!!!!!!! i have to think about doing that ...

[St8Gr3]

Here ya go.... http://reeftools.com/nn/how-to-build-a-screen-top-for-your-tank/#

[Tlalok]

I didnt have time to post yesterdays results ...

5 days still no change

Alk 8.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0.50ppm
Nitrate 5.0 ppm
pH 8.0

6 days

pH 7.8
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 1
Nitrate 0 - the color seems very close to 0 so theres probably something there ... color matching is fun ... finally the little clown left the area after 2 days and he is swimming all over the place again, also got the clean up crew in and some of the shells are still no movement it saids to give it a few days so we will see. the snails area already moving all over the rock ...

[tomgl]

Nitrites are going the wrong way. These readings are not convincing me the Dr. Tim's is the way to go.

[TheGreatAukSociety]

I would call those results the same. Well within an expected deviation due to the limitations of the test kit.

[Tlalok]

Well i made a mistake when i order the bacteria cause i got the one for freshwater, i emailed dr.tim and he said it will work as well but it may take a couple more days but it will work. so i did it in the name of science!!!! and i am supposed to see some changes in the process, i still dont think its a lot and yes this testing units really suck!!! so what would be some signs of the fish stressing and being affected by the process??

[tbone74]

How can bacteria living in fresh water survive a saltwater environment?? I've never really been sold on the whole bacteria in a bottle thing. How long can they survive in a sealed bottle on the shelf at your LFS??

[TheGreatAukSociety]

They can live pretty long, hundreds of thousands of years. Usually what kills a bacteria culture is an invasion by something else like fungus, other bacteria. In a closed bottle, they'll just sit there and wait for the right conditions.

I don't know about the freshwater thing, he has a dozen or so different ones and it doesn't really say what the differences are.

I have one called Waste Away, I used it a couple times when I had to set up a second QT tank at a moments notice. In trhe main tank, brown jelly disease started the two times I tried it, and I had to quit.

[bigronbo]

tlaloc if you still need one i have a 750 gal per hour korilia for 25.00 not sure if you got the one you were talking about.

[bigronbo]

my mistake i listed that as 20.00.

[St8Gr3]

I used Dr. Tims one and only for saltwater and ran out.. now been dosing my tank once a week with microbe-lift special blend and all my parameters look fabulous! Very happy with it and it's a lot cheaper, got it at petco.

[Tlalok]

Yeah i was wondering what the difference between his 2 bacteria products, the labels say nothing ... i think if anything was to go wrong wouldnt of happen already?? my water used to be cloudy not as much anymore but there was some left over, but this morning when i went to feed them the water look so clear i was happy to finally see it so clean ... i dont know is a work on progress, only time will tell if this works ...

Bigrondo yes i think i do need one the one i have is not enough, i will let u know im still trying to go back to good status on funds my little trip was a lot of fun and also a lot of money used!!!! thanks

[Tlalok]

So thursday i got the clean up crew. about 30 mins of acclimation i put them in the tank ... they all seem dead to me but according to the instructions some of them take a few days to start moving or whatever. I honestly didnt think so and i had a bad feeling. anyways the hrs went by and the snails started doing their think moving around, the little ones dwarf ceriths also but just half of them the other have were still in the same place. Blue Leg Crab, netrite snails were not doing anything at all, i gave it time and friday morning i went to check on them and nothing yet but my parameter had change alot!!!!

Day 7
Ph 8.0
Ammonia 0.25 ppm
Nitrite 1
Nitrate 10ppm
Sal 1.024

I freak out a bit since i saw ammonia for the first time, i still had no movement from the other stuff but it started to smell a bit weird. so i still gave them time to recover and wait to see what happens .

Day 8
pH 7.8
Ammonia 0.50 ppm
Nitrite 2.0
Nitrate 20 ppm

I was still under the impression that they will wake up and start moving around, but nothing yet so last night i decided to pull them out of the tank cause i just saw nothing happening but the parameters getting higher the results of day 9 were same as day 8 no changes and it really smell weird, it wasnt a nice smell. So i pulled them all out and threw them away since they completely smelled like dead fish raw fish. by the way the day i picked them up from USPS as soon as i took them out i could smell that they were dead it was a very strong smell the bags had holes in them that cause the water to spilled out and the snails were sitting in the bag waterless ... i did a water change on friday night. today i checked the water again to see if anything changed . Day 10 Ph 8.0, Ammonia .10 ppm (the color is right in between so im just guessing that its .10), Nitrite 2.0ppm and Nitrate 10ppm ... so i dont know for now but i will do another water change later on today ...

[wazupjames]

Yea thats definitely the smell of dead snails.

[Tlalok]

Yeah I thought so, and the smell went away its not as strong anymore I can almost say its completely gone ...

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[tomgl]

Carbon will help clear the smell and any fogging in the water.

[seanathen]

+1 on the carbon. I'm surprised you would put something that arrived smelling dead and with no water in your tank at all? Good learning tool though for the future. Even at an LFS, it it doesn't smell clean or oceany when you pull it out of the water, it's probably got some issues that you may not want to deal with.... There should never be the smell of putrid or rotten eggs.

[wazupjames]

At least in this instance it may have helped kick the cycle into high gear.

[bigronbo]

hey you need to call this guy. bad

i'll call you if i still have your number.

[bigronbo]

ok i don't have your number pm me soon. these people need to sell this they have turbos and tons of snails and an emerald crab to sell. great clean up crew.

[Tlalok]

Well i am happy to say i no longer smell it, and the ammonia has gone almost down to 0.

So day 11

pH 7.8
Ammonia 0 (close to it according to the fun color matching)
Nitrite 5.0ppm (this went up)
Nitrate 10ppm

Finally my clowns are swimming again all over the tank i guess they didnt like the smell and the ammonia LOL ... i havent seen them around the tank since friday and today i got home from work and they were out on the front. im gonna look into getting a cleaning crew from a LFS, ronbo gave a number to call but i havent done so yet i have things going on right now thanks for the info though!!!

[St8Gr3]

How come ur PH is so low?

[Tlalok]

I dont know it actually goes up and down depending on the time i do the test, last few days it was up to 8 and now back to 7.8.

[wazupjames]

It should drop at night when your lights are off but its not something you need to worry too much about during the nitrogen cycle.

7.8 is no biggie.

[Tlalok]

yeah thats what i thought no big deal as long as it doesnt drop too low, its cool for now ...

[TheGreatAukSociety]

Would go easy on a cleaup crew. With nitrates already there, adding more animals is not a prudent idea.

[Tlalok]

So I should just wait on it, a few days or just add a few members??? What would be ideal to do? ?

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[Tlalok]

day 12

pH 7.8
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 5.0ppm
Nitrate 10ppm

Still the same high on nitrites and nitrates, ammonia completely 0. But i lost a clown today, he was fine this morning and when i came back from work he was in a hole with its head in the rock i dont know if he got stuck or if thats where he decided to go away. I had a hard time getting him out he was really in there. it was the little clown, so im down to one clown. So sad to see this happen but its all my fault, and this parameters going thru the changes he couldnt take it.

[santileo1991]

was the tank done cycling b4 you added the fish? because it puts a great amount of stress on the fish if the tank was or is still cycling.

[Tlalok]

I used the bacteria stuff ...

[santileo1991]

what is it called? is the bacteria supposed make the aquarium be fully cycled?

[Tlalok]

it was Dr.tims i emailed him before i used it cause i had the bottle with the freshwater label and he said it will work just will take a few more days. its supposed to fully cycle within days ... i just emailed him again with some questions ... so far the experiment hasnt gone too well ... i wont let this go down it will work some how its gonna be ok ... lol

[santileo1991]

ok bro....im not sure if fresh bacteria goes with salt...lol.....but hope your other clown survives...and keep us informed

[St8Gr3]

Oh ****, sry to hear... seriously make a trip to petco and get the microbe-lift nitrifying bacteria... it works!

[TheGreatAukSociety]

I would wait untill next week and check the levels again. It probably died then bloated up and got stuck, or was dragged there by a scavenger in the night.

[Tlalok]

i honestly dont think it was the bacteria that screw the process. it was the dead cleaning crew that totally killed this, it was dead and i still added it in the tank for 3 days. i should of never done that it smell dead since the beginning i should of just dumped it in the thrash!!!!!!!!!!!! never again trust the smell!!!!!!!!!! i wont let the other one die he wont die. We will get thru this together ...

[Tlalok]

I would wait untill next week and check the levels again. It probably died then bloated up and got stuck, or was dragged there by a scavenger in the night.

i really had a hard time getting him out of there i dont know how he was able to get in there and i didnt want to break the rock all i could see was his tail ... i looked for him for about 20 mins and gave up and when i was taking the skimmer cup out to clean it i looked up and there he was ... i really hope he got stuck in there and didnt die cause of the water changes ... he was in the morning i watched him eat and swim around ... so sad ...

[Tlalok]

Oh ****, sry to hear... seriously make a trip to petco and get the microbe-lift nitrifying bacteria... it works!

thanks ... will do

[Gsxr1000rider]

good luck, keep us updated on how things are going...

[tomgl]

Have you done a water change yet?

[Tlalok]

Have you done a water change yet?

Yes I did ... 5 gal on Friday and 10 gal last night

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[tomgl]

As patient as you have been setting up the tank I think waiting the cycle out will be easy. My thought is you may want to get a new bottle of Dr. Tim's for saltwater tanks.

[Tlalok]

this was the clean up crew after 3 days of waiting for them to come out and work.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/6207/dsc05144k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/710/dsc05144k.jpg/)

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/9692/dsc05145q.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/543/dsc05145q.jpg/)

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/108/dsc05146f.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/30/dsc05146f.jpg/)

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9792/dsc05147x.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/692/dsc05147x.jpg/)

it was just a bad idea from my part but lesson learned ... and this is where i found little Nemo.

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/623/dsc05151o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/31/dsc05151o.jpg/)

that was all i could see was his little tail, i hope and wish that he got stuck there and freak out cause he couldnt get out. I dont know how he got there.

Email dr.tim and got another bottle of the bacteria. see what happens in a few days ... i still believe ...

[TheGreatAukSociety]

What's the game plan now?

[Tlalok]

well wait another 5 days see if this thing finally comes together ... i added the bacteria again like tom and dr.tim suggested, so here i go again, also added a few hermits to take care of some left over food and they got down to business right away. the worse to have is ammonia right? i didnt have any i saw some and then it went away so the cycle was getting somewhere. adding the freshwater bacteria was no good even though he said it will work. anyways i think this time it will work, if the clown was stressing over it what would be the signs? he seems fine he is swimming and eating more now than he was before, it doesnt seem like he is bother by the high nitrite and nitrates. that should be a good sign.

thats the plan, i dont doubt science and i probably messed this whole thing up by adding those dead crabs and snails, so this time around everything in it is moving and eating. i will test parameters tomorrow and see where i stand.

[TheGreatAukSociety]

Thats a good plan. A quick way to reduce ammonia is to add a little of that old timey tap water conditioner.

[Tlalok]

Thanks, that's good to know ...

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[Tlalok]

Now i know why i need an ATO system. when adding the water it has to be salt water or would clean RODI water will do ? since my water change tuesday night i have lost about 2 inches of water, WOW!!!!!!!!!! does that much water evaporate in just 4 days ... man this sucks now i need to look into it ...

[tomgl]

Top off with ro/DI water. The evaporated water leaves the salt behind.

[Tlalok]

Thanks tom ... will do that right now ...

[wazupjames]

Yea, definitely rodi. When I first got into the hobby I didn't know any better and I topped off with salt water. Next thing I knew my salinity was at 1.036.

[Tlalok]

The first time it I added salt water there was way too much water gone and then I tested the water and it was at the same level, and the second time I put some rodi water and then I felt like I did wrong. So this time I decided to ask.
That's high I bet it was fun getting back down lol ...

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[wazupjames]

That was quite some time ago. I Don't remember what I did to fix it.

[seanathen]

What's the latest on the tank? I hope it's coming around now...

[Tlalok]

Well I checked the parameters 24 hrs after adding the bacteria and it seemed like the nitrates were down a lot but the nitrites were still the same 5.0ppm. I tested again on Saturday and nitrates were 0 according to the test kit I did it twice to make sure I was getting the same result and it came out as 0. The nitrites were also down to 2.0ppm according to the color matching and also tested twice with the same result. Ph still at 7.8 ammonia 0. So I haven't checked since Saturday I decided to leave it alone and wait till today to test again my clown looks happy and eating well so no signs of him stressing ...
I will update as soon as I get home ...
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[tomgl]

Have you tried a different Nitrite test kit? This is unusual.

[Tlalok]

I'm gonna use my Hanna checker today

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[Tlalok]

OK this is where I am today.

Alk 7.7
Nitrite .25 (color matching)
Nitrite .15 (hanna result) correct me if im wrong, it gave me a result of 153ppb. there are 10ppb per 0.01ppm. so 15.3x.01 = .15 ppm
Nitrate 0 (im gonna say 0 the color is close to the 0 but not completely there and denifitely not close to the 5)
pH 7.8
Phospahte 0.06ppm
Ammonia 0

So according to this we are headed the right direction maybe a couple more days and there will be no more nitrites and no nitrates ... is this correct? my clown seems happy, how can i tell if hes stressing? the hermits are everywhere doing work i seen them all at the same time on top of the rock ... i want to believe that this is going good better than before .

[Tlalok]

OK FINALLY!!!!!! 5 days later after adding dr.tims bacteria for SALTWATER TANKS. my tank has finally i guess some what cycle.

Ammonia 0
pH 7.8
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Alk 7.7
Sal 1.025

I was pretty excited to see no nitrites finally !!!!! the wait is over, im not gonna go and get fish right now im gonna let it sit for another 5 days and see where the parameters are at. im gonna try to get 2 or 3 more and go from there. im overly happy to see my clown survive the process and see him swimming around the tank hes not even scare of me when i get close he comes to the fron of the tank and when i go to feed him he comes up and stays there, i tried to put my hand close to him and he didnt even care he stay around and kept eating that was cool!!! well i will update if i see any other changes.

In conclusion i think that Dr.tims stuff works if u use the right bacteria and not tried to do an experiment with something else. thats just my thought on this. we all have different opinions. thank you to everyone for all the suggestions.

[lerchcon]

this is really good reading for a new guy not knowing anything about aquarium fish

[Tlalok]

This forum is full of cool people that know alot, for u and I this is the place to be.

11 days later and my tank is going strong all parameters are good! !!! I just need to find the fish I want can't find them anywhere....

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[tomgl]

What are you after?

[Tlalok]

Black and white clown and the flame angel for now. Went to a few places with no luck. I found the cclown at PETCO but his appearance didn't convince me ...

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[tomgl]

Nicky J won't let me sell his B&W clowns but I do have a Flame Angle I'm willing to part with.

[mesafire]

The old PETCO clown trick, some have luck and some don't!!! :confused2:

[Tlalok]

That's why I didn't get it.

Tom how big is he?

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[tomgl]

About 2".

[lerchcon]

i work with a member here. Currently I have a really big fresh water tank in the backyard (3000 gallon Koi pond), but I am seeing really quick that there are some things alike and alot of differences. Right now I am at the "find the right tank for me" stage, some may laugh, some may tell me I am crazy, but I want to get a 250 gallon for my first tank, personally i dont want the upgrade every year like my pond, so I am going all out the first time. I was lookin at a members 400 gallon tank here but I think that may be way to big for a first tank, but i would love it if i had a bigger house = ). anyhow not to hijack this thread I will start one of my own eventually, but still really great info.

[Tlalok]

I know what u mean man I was like that too but I thought of the maintenance and space and I'm really happy with mine but I might consider an upgrade in a few years to like a 120 but that will be my limit ... I don't have the space and I don't want a huge tank either and I want to get this right with this 75 ...

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[Tlalok]

Its been a month and a half and my tank still doing good, the only change was the apperance of diatoms and my hermits and turbo snails i added are going crazy eating this stuff!!!! One of the rocks its completely clean and they both work together to get this done its really cool.

All my parameters are still good Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0 and pH 8.0 ...

I been thinking on setting up my QT tank in about 2 months from now or maybe 3, what do u guys think??? i want to set it up and have it running for when my tank turns 6 months old i can then add what i hope will be my first coral(s) and it will be clean and ready to go into the main tank ... this sounds like a good plan right??? i will start a thread later once i have the stand for it and light ...

[couch702]

I would just get it running as soon as u have the tank, that way you can get it cycles and balanced out sooner rather than later.

[Tlalok]

i already have the tank, 20 gal, a quietflow 50, heater, all i need is a stand which hopefully by the end of the month i will have .. once i get it im gonna start i guess ...