beginner?

[mikeup6]

I'm new to saltwater, so correct me if I'm wrong (I am experienced with FW).

Are you using the damsels to cycle your tank? It seems a little unfortunate to place fish in your tank that you do not expect to make it (I'm assuming you mean they will die in the cycling process). Do you have live rock in the tank? There are ways to cycle your tank without sacrificing fish.

Just a suggestion. Good luck with the tank! I'm just starting one myself.

Mike

[matt s]

Hey Paco, welcome to 3reef. Like you I'm just building my first setup and this site has been an incredible help so far.

I noticed you're in KS, what part? I'm in Nebraska but only about 25 miles north of your state.

[lunatik_69]

Welcome to 3reef Paco, the first Q is free .25 after(j/k) Whom ever is giving you advice on how start a SW tank(probably LFS) isnt steering you in the right direction. The cycling period CAN last up to 12 weeks. Since your at 2nd week, you shouldn't have ANY livestock in that tank. You can add one fish after the first month has past by. You can add more fish AFTER you have finished with your cycle. Add the fish ONE every 3-4 weeks, remember that fish product the most waste(bio load) and the Bacteria needs to "catch up" with the new load. Read this site, it will explain alot about SW systems and how they work, it even comes with a glossary so you can start "talking" the lang. Saltwater Aquarium Setup Guide Hope this sheds some light and helps you with your journey. Luna

[omard]

Welcome.

We love new tank setups...

Are here to help.

Don't be shy asking questions...All here newbie's once.


Have fun!

[omard]

Originally Posted by paco

Hello from Ks just a saltwater beginner. My tank is in the cycling process now 2wks. just reading as much information as i can. hope anyone and everyone can answer many questions that i'll soon have?

Here are some more informative reads...

Seems overwhelming at start, but basics are pretty simple and we are here to give hand.

Have fun! Good Luck!


Good Startup Reads


The Tao of Marine Aquaria (Tips for Our Hobby and Life)


Knowing How to Set Up a Marine Aquarium, Adam Blundell M.S.


Your First Reef aquarium: How to Create a Miniature Coral Reef System at Home.
by J. Charles Delbeek B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc.


About.com - Saltwater Aquariums 101 "Getting Started" FREE Email Course


Thinking about setting up a saltwater aquarium? (melevsreef.com)


An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 1) - Associated Content (Parrothead)


An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 2) - Associated Content (Parrothead)


A List Of Good Beginner Fish

Fish To Be Avoided - I


Fish To Be Avoided - II


Your Aquarium Cleanup Crew


Corals: What They Are and How They Live, by J. Charles Delbeek


Answers to about Everything - Marine Aquarium Articles and FAQ's -
WebMedia.com


Learn to Live With It, Adam Blundell M.S.

[paco]

thanks guys, i tell ya i gotten more "correct" info from 3reef since i've joined the other day than i have from from local saltwater fish stores. bascialy i have been reliying on what they've been advising.my major mistake was not reading and looking for places like 3reef prior to starting my hobby.ive spent $40 on six damsels on their advise to help cycle the tank, have three left at week 3. i'm beginning to know better now. matt s i live near wichita. matter of fact i just completed today making DIY rocks, hope it turns out Ok. i think i might have saved $$ ha-ha just maybe will see in 6-8 weeks.

[paco]

heres my story from the beginning. always had freshwater 55gal. bought chiclids couple terrorized the other fish with only one remaining. always envisioned a saltwater tank. went to wichita advised that i could use same filters, lighting, heater etc.. for a simple saltwater fish only tank. bought crushed coral, bag of live sand, salt mix and dead rocks and six damsels to start the cycle.after much reading, after the fact, and thanks to u guys at 3reef i hope to get on the right track. first i will go slow and grow, i have about 1-1/2" of crushed coral and live sand should i have more? my better half really likes and wants more of a reef than fish setup. i'm leaning that way but know i will have to completely upgrade what i have now. any help in odrer of purchase of equipment and type would help greatly. matter of fact, today i just completed my first DIY project from 3reef, cement rocks. i m not worried about the weeks involved for the cycle, i just want to do it right and correct what i started if i have to since its just week 3.

[Otty]

Welcome to 3reef.

I would stay away from that LFS. They are out to make some money off you and it looks like they have done that. If you are going to use fish then it should be only 1 to cycle and not 6. Way too much of a load on a new tank. This is a eco system no a piece of furniture you threw in your house, it needs time to grow. God done it in 6 days but we are not able to do the same.

[R34dawn]

Otty is right do all the reading you can, and it will save you $$$ in the long run!