Just set up a Red Sea Max 4 days ago...

What's funny is the fact that I was thinking that myself

edit: Also with regard to curing live rock - do I have to do anything special, or just let them sit?

 

The RSM comes with a chiller. Where did you get it?

 

Any offer I've seen for the RSM had no chiller included. It comes with a pop-off cap in the back to fit tubes for a chiller, and it comes with a tiny water surface cooling fan, plus 2 fans in the ballast, but that's it. Mine was out-of-the-box, and it came with the stand and starter kit. Here's the specifications, including what comes in the box:

Red Sea MAX | Specs – complete reef filtration, circulation and lighting

 

OK, I am a newbie, but here is my take:

2.) Are you planning a FOWLR or Reef tank? That will dictate what you will get. There are snails, hermit crabs, sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers. For the time being, I would stay away from the last two....I know I am. If you want live sand, a few sandstars would be good. Chocolate chip SS are good for FOWLR, not reef. Blue Linkia are beautiful and grow large. Expert care my friend. My only impulse buy and I blew it. It is still alive though. Brittlestars are excellent scavangers but they hide a lot (all the time). Hermit crabs and snails are the mainstay. Now there are many types of snails and HCs. Some of reef friendly, some are not. Research it dude.

3.) Definitely pass. Damsels are great for the new tank. I would not waste my money (or the lives of the fish) on anything else quite yet. Stay small for now. Don't get impatient. Never buy on impulse or because it is the only thing available. Talk to the main fish guy at the LFS. S/he may order you something special. Also, if they offer to hold it for seven to ten days with a deposit, do it. Use their tanks to quarantine and see if it lives. You are going to want to figure out right now what you want in your tank and work toward that goal. It will save you time and money. Mostly time.

So there is my two cents.......welcome to 3reef.......John

 

yea my bad it just has space to accommodate chiller

 

Curing live rock is fairly easy just put in the tank and let it sit for a couple weeks. Just be patient with it.

 

You just let them sit. So how long ago did you set up your tank again? It should take 4-6 weeks for cycle to complete. Up to 12 weeks. And yeah I would pass on regal tang, until you have bigger tank that is more established. Good luck, welcome to our fascinating hobby. And Welcome to the best forum on the net . 3 Reef ! ;D

 

Yup, 4 days ago still. I'll have to edit my first post to include the date for the sake of accuracy. Also, I'm glad I didn't miss anything regarding the curing process - was afraid there was something I was overlooking.

edit: nvm, looks like I can't adjust the title. Suffice it to say, the water was in and mixed on July 4th, and the live rock was put in an hour or two later.

 

One more question just popped into my head - Is there an easy way to make a make-shift top-off system that works reliably? Also, with a 34 gallon aquarium, is it worth it? I have a big jug that I keep next to me tank, and I was thinking that I could put a pump in it along with some sort of floating switch in the sump, but I'm not sure how to go about doing it.

 

I am not sure about the auto top off . I also just have a big container next to tank for good old fasinon top off. Looks like you have a long way to go before you start adding anything to your tank, but remember to be extremly patient . You are going to want to add stuff in your tank soon trust me I know been there done that. Lol! Only thing is take the advice of EVERYONE on here . Wait, wait, and then, wait some more. Don't overload your biological filter right off the bat. One thing at a time you will be thankful later. Maybe a damsel in a couple of weeks . Or the prefered method if you can wait. The shrimp in the mesh bag for a day or two trick. Unless you are using uncured live rock to cycle? Start that ammonia spike off with the shrimp if You have cured rock. Good luck !