just started my tank two days ago

charlie30 · 07-28-2004, 05:37 PM

I had a saltwater tank about 10 years ago. Don't think i had a protein skimmer and lost alot of fish. I now have started a 55 gallon tank. I put in salt and i also added crushed coral. I don't know that I should of added the crushed coral or not. I also added something called a.c.t. I have a magnum 350 deluxe filtration. I am waiting for my protein skimmer through the mail that i got on ebay, it is for a tank up to 75 gallons. I have not been able to test the water yet as I have not gotten a test kit. Can someone please tell me what test kit I need and was the crushed coral the right thing to add right now. I would like to add live rock but do not know when I can do that. I know I have to wait a few weeks to think about fish but how lone to wait for the live rock. I need some advice on where to go from here so I don't lose any fish or kill the live rock that I add. I am really new to this in that I want to do it right this time. I love the ocean and I love the feeling of having it in my own home. Can someone please give me some good advice on what I need to buy next. I really want to make this work and have a beautiful fish only with live rock tank. Please Help! thanks so much

Birdlady · 07-28-2004, 05:55 PM

Hi Charlie!

You will definitely need the following test kits:

Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate.

You also need something to check salinity *I assume you already do if you made your water already

If you want the corraline algae to grow on the live rock (the purple and red encrusting stuff) you might want to get a calcium test kit as well. That needs to be around 400 to promote good growth.

What skimmer did you get?

Have fun!

JohnO · 07-28-2004, 06:21 PM

In addition to BL's comments. Have a look at the crushed coral and just make sure that it is not too coarse.

I am also just starting a new tank. What I have done is added my substrate, added water and salt. Raised the temperature to 75F. Added a pump for a bit of circulation and a cannister filter to clear the water. Alaso added just one peice of live rock to start the Nitrogen cycle.

John

somethingfishy · 07-29-2004, 01:06 PM

One thing to make a note of is that you can get LR online for about half the price as in the store. Since it is shipped w/o water the live rock has to be re-cured but you can cure it in your tank while it is cycling (you can't cure rock with fish in tank). I wish I had done this while my tank was cycling.

shawnz28 · 07-29-2004, 04:44 PM

Quote:

One thing to make a note of is that you can get LR online for about half the price as in the store.

Check your local store too though first. Not all LFS's are overpriced but yes it usually will cost a little more at least. And I personally like picking all my livestock out including liverock so I get exactly what I want.

Birdlady · 07-29-2004, 04:47 PM

Yup. That's where I 'm at. Do I order LR on line and take what I get....or go pick it out cause I want lots of overhangs, caves, etc.????? Wish I could have the best of both worlds.....

JohnO · 07-29-2004, 05:21 PM

[quote author=shawnz28 link=board=Newbie;num=1091072254;start=0#4 date=07/29/04 at 19:44:12]

Check your local store too though first. Not all LFS's are overpriced but yes it usually will cost a little more at least. *And I personally like picking all my livestock out including liverock so I get exactly what I want.[/quote]

The best advice I have heard for a long time :-)

John