3reef Forums - View Single Post - So, if you could do it all over again from scratch...

wbodei · 12-27-2006, 06:35 PM

Hi everyone, I've managed to get past a surging issue with my newly set up 90g AGA with the Megaflow corner overflow filter with a sump filter and I'm ready to start the cycling process.

Since I have not even added salt yet, let alone any type of rocks or fish, I figured this might be a great time to ask for some opinions before I make some newbie mistakes...( I am a newbie to salt, but have experience with fw.) I'd like to get some Trigger fish at some point, and other attractrive species that play nice together.

So here are a few questions on my mind. I should preface by stating my intention right now is to have a fish only tank. That's what I am thinking...for sure no live coral...not sure and don't really know much about live rock..I guess some pros and cons and better understanding would help, but for now I'm focused on fish.

1. I have read a bit about using RO units, etc, and wonder if I should 'not' use the water from my garden hose that I filled the tank with, but rather, begin from scratch with water from an RO unit. The water has cycled for a week or two, and the cloudiness from the sand has finally dissipated, but I'm not averse to draining it and refilling it...better to do that now I guess.

2. Should I try to agitate the sand some more and 'filter' out any of the remaining cloudiness?

3. Optimal temparature?

4. Optimal filtration...not sure if I need a protein skimmer..is a sump enough?

5. Cycling strategy? I've got time and patience, and want to do this right.

6. Maintenance techniques, and tips for mixing in salt?

7. Heavy metals in Oceanic Salt? I've read a few articles and posts on this topic. I've got an unopened 5g bucket of Oceanic Salt, but have read better things about Instan Ocean, in regards to the presence of heavy metals...etc..

I'm sorry for so many questions in one post...I just know I should try and do this right the first time, rather than regret my mis-steps later on. If some of these questions have been already discussed and answered, I'm fine with being referrred to previous posts as well.

Thanks, Bill

12-27-2006, 06:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
wbodei Plankton Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 12 Karma: 15	So, if you could do it all over again from scratch... Hi everyone, I've managed to get past a surging issue with my newly set up 90g AGA with the Megaflow corner overflow filter with a sump filter and I'm ready to start the cycling process. Since I have not even added salt yet, let alone any type of rocks or fish, I figured this might be a great time to ask for some opinions before I make some newbie mistakes...( I am a newbie to salt, but have experience with fw.) I'd like to get some Trigger fish at some point, and other attractrive species that play nice together. So here are a few questions on my mind. I should preface by stating my intention right now is to have a fish only tank. That's what I am thinking...for sure no live coral...not sure and don't really know much about live rock..I guess some pros and cons and better understanding would help, but for now I'm focused on fish. 1. I have read a bit about using RO units, etc, and wonder if I should 'not' use the water from my garden hose that I filled the tank with, but rather, begin from scratch with water from an RO unit. The water has cycled for a week or two, and the cloudiness from the sand has finally dissipated, but I'm not averse to draining it and refilling it...better to do that now I guess. 2. Should I try to agitate the sand some more and 'filter' out any of the remaining cloudiness? 3. Optimal temparature? 4. Optimal filtration...not sure if I need a protein skimmer..is a sump enough? 5. Cycling strategy? I've got time and patience, and want to do this right. 6. Maintenance techniques, and tips for mixing in salt? 7. Heavy metals in Oceanic Salt? I've read a few articles and posts on this topic. I've got an unopened 5g bucket of Oceanic Salt, but have read better things about Instan Ocean, in regards to the presence of heavy metals...etc.. I'm sorry for so many questions in one post...I just know I should try and do this right the first time, rather than regret my mis-steps later on. If some of these questions have been already discussed and answered, I'm fine with being referrred to previous posts as well. Thanks, Bill