Dave's 55 Reef (Updated Pics, see last page)

new additions

I just went to the lfs and got a few new additions. I bought four more snails, a peppermint shrimp and a crocea clam. I have really wanted a clam and got a great price ($30). Here are some pics. Enjoy!

 

Those are some pretty high Ca readings if just using Reef Crystals...you must be dosing with something else...I would try to resist doing so till tank stablizes for a good while (may not for a few months yet)


Nitrates will go down once biofilter gets revved up. Will be fastest sign you are stocking too fast.

Slow down. Take your time...Enjoy.

 

This thread almost makes me want to cancel my order and get a 55 gallon... but i suppose since i am a begginner i will be fine.. would i need a quarentine tank.. they quarentine them at the LFS.

 

I use it because some diseases my not manifest themselves for a few weeks and most livestock at a lfs are not there long enough to properly quarantine them. Also, the fish could pick up a disease while at the store. It's just a precaution.

 

Im not dosing with anything, im using the api reef test kit for Ca+ and its not as accurate as others, this was just the high end estimate

 

Awesome additions..

 

Here is an update on my tank. It has now been up and running for about 6 weeks. I did a a full battery of tests today with these results...
salinity- 1.026
ph- 8.2
ammonia- 0ppm
nitrite- 0ppm
nitrate- 0ppm
Ca- 460ppm
phosphate- 0ppm
dKH- 10

I think that's everything. I also went to the lfs and picked up a fiji yellow leather coral and a six lined wrasse. The wrasse is currently in my quarantine tank. He is really cool looking, I can't wait to put him in my display tank. I also think my nitrates are 0 because of the algae bloom I've had. some new pics will be coming soon.
Everything is going good so far, I did have one clown die from some disease that I couldn't identify, possibly clownfish disease, and a peppermint shrimp that got caught in a powerhead intake, but everything else seems to be doing great and coming along. Thanks to all those who have helped and answered questions!

 

I got another pic, for you guys, here is my yellow fiji leather. I love! It really adds some nice color to the tank.

 

The smaller the tank, the easier it is to make mistakes...

 

I have had my most recent purchase, a six line wrasse, in quarantine for a week or so. he seemed to be doing wonderfully so I have now put him in the display tank. There was some mild aggression with my yellow tail, but overall, it was not as bad as when I added my clown. I will keep an eye on them, but the six line seems to be loving it so far. He is just cruising around the lr picking at various things. Such a cool little fish! I will posts pics when I can.