First Mixed Reef- 55 Gallon

[Thesaltysplash]

Hello Reefers!

The Salty Splash here, and to help promote proper care for my first mixed reef tank, I decided along with my wife (lets be honest) that I should keep a tank diary.

I plan to go rather in depth, lots of pictures, fun stuff.

-----------Lets start with the set up.---------

We decided to go with a 55 gallon to start. Planning down the road to upgrade to a 160/200 gallon.

Tank: Aqueon 55 Gallon Black Trim tank

Lights: Marine & Reef 2.0 Full Spectrum Performance LED 59 W, 122-153 cm (48-60 in)

Protein Skimmer: Instant Ocean SeaClone Protein Skimmer 100g

Filter: Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO 75 Aquarium Power Filter

Heater: Aqueon Submersible Aquarium Heater, 200w

Power Head: Jebao PP4 aqua wave maker

We also got a digital thermometer, though I'm not sure the brand.

We invested into several testing kits for water parameters.

API Salt Water Master Test Kit - Tests for PH, Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate.

API Aquarium Calcium Test Kit

API Phosphate Test Kit

(we are starting to branch out to RedSea test kits, as they seem more accurate and testing friendly.)

RedSea Magnesium pro test kit

Water/Salt/Conditioner: We went the cheap and freshman way of using tap water, adding Instant Ocean salt, and water conditioner. After learning alot from these forums and others, i would retract this misstep, especially since we live in Florida where the contaminant levels are rather high.

(Treatments/Suppliments)

MicroBacter7

Aquavitro Eight.Four (for PH and Carbonate Alkalinity)

Aquavitro Fuel (Comprehensive carb, vitamins, amino acid, and fatty acid supplement for corals)

Aquavitro Ions (for magnesium)

------------------------------------

Tank Pictures

More to come!!!

 

[Thesaltysplash]

My Inhabitants

My Inhabitants

Fish:

Two Black Ocellaris

A rescued Kaudern Cardinal (from mean tank buddies)

A Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish and Blue Sapphire Damselfish ( Both have adjusted and are not aggressive to others currently)

And our newest addition, a one eyed foxface (don't worry, he just does this when i come near the tank, rest of the time hes happy go lucky and bright yellow typical coloration)

------------------------

Cleaner crew:

Two Cleaner Shrimp

(5 margarita snails, 5 goliath snails?, 3 red legged hermit crabs, 2 emerald crabs)

---------------------------

And our tank favorite (not including corals), our Macrodactyla Doreensis Anemone

---------------------------

Corals: (Mostly Fragged recently)

Multicolored Zoas

Xenias

(not sure, if you know, i would appreicate info!)

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/mintoralb/ft/20161015_150909.jpg

Some form of polyp, (i assume from what i can tell)

 

[Thesaltysplash]

Can anyone identify and provide care specifics for my two corals at the end? I have not been able to place them through coral identification index's I'm finding online.

 

[Thesaltysplash]

Post was finally approved!

 

[supperfish]

Very beautiful for a new reef tank

 

[Thesaltysplash]

thank you!

Can't wait to add more to it.

 

[reef thief]

This reminds me of my first tank I did(55g). It took me a lot of time to figure out what worked for my rocks, fish and corals. Then one day I just left it how I wanted it and the whole tank grew like crazy. Although I probably bought the same tank as you for the same reason $$$$$$. I'm no longer a fan of tanks that are taller than they are wide. It gives me the nervous "tip over" vibe. Congrats on your new system.