hi, I'm new!

[squishifishi]

I'm brand new to reef keeping, and just jumped over to this forum from tropicalfishkeeping.com. They're great for fw, but the reefing community is a bit lackluster- tiny!
Anyway, after moving my dwarf puffer, I decided to convert my 2.5 gallon into a pico reef! I know it's not ideal for a first time reefer, but I thought I'd give it a shot. I like a challenge anyway! It's been running for 1 week now with live rock, live aargonite sand, and a blue leg hermit. I've been keeping fish for 6 months now, and I really love all aspects of the hobby. Inverts are my favorite. I love reading up about fish and would spend every hour of my days doing it, but sadly I have a schedule and other things to do, but tbis is where I spend ALL my free time!
*EDITED*~dc
Anyway, now you know about me! I'm excited for my reefing adventure!!!

 

[Cymonous]

Welcome to RC.

Is your tank only been running for a week? SW is very different from FW. You can't just setup a tank and start adding livestock, including hermits. I would suggest to take your hermit back to the LFS. Your hermit may die from the ammonia still developing in your tank.

I would highly suggest to read all of the stickies at the top of this forum.

When your tank is ready (Ideally 6 months), you can start adding coral. I would search for local SW clubs in your area. They may be able to help you out when your tank is ready. When your cycle is complete (3-6 weeks), you can start adding inverts, then a week later start slowly adding fish.

 

[sniper2be]

+1 got to let it cycle first

 

[BIGD0G]

I am new as well and recomend spending alot fo tiem reading the stickies. Lots of good info on the site.

Welcome also.

 

[squishifishi]

I used guaranteed instant cycle stuff, but I know it prob. doesn't work. The crab came with the rock, and I picked him off and let him acclimate first. There was a starfish on the rock too that I didn't see though, and he died from not being acclimated properly. I understand the whole cycling thing though, and don't plan to add anything else for a while. I'll test the water too to make sure the cycle is complete before I add livestock.
Thanks though!

 

[Saltwater_Biker]

welcome, I am new also!!!

 

[Xadieu]

Don't rush it that's all I can say for reef keeping. Since your tank is so small you can ask a local reefer and steal his water from him haha, then you are off to a good start, just add things slowly so the bacteria can reproduce.

 

[kclewis]

RODI if you dont know what this find out.

 

[Cymonous]

Yeah, don't trust the "Guaranteed instant cycle stuff". That crab may not make it even though you acclimated him. Your tank is going through a cycle that involves ammonia. Ammonia kills livestock.

Did you add anything else to the tank to start the cycle? Raw shrimp? Pure Ammonia?

 

[kclewis]

2.5 gallon tank would have to be one of the hardest starter tanks imaginable. Spikes in anything, including salinity, will happen so so quickly. In my 20 gallon tank I struggle with this and I have a controller and 10+ years experience. My best advice is wait at least two months before adding any livestock!!!! Use this time to learn how to control levels and maintain consitant parameters. It'll save you alot of headaches and $$$$ not to mention the pointless slaughter livestock. Again this is my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[kclewis]

Not trying to [profanity] Sorry if it comes across that way. Welcome to the site BTW. Lots and Lots of good stuff here.

 

[Xadieu]

I think you scared him off KC lol

 

[squishifishi]

haha thank for the advice guys. Yea, I know it'll be really hard but I'm gonna be careful, and I decided to start with really hardy beginner stuff. mostly crabs, snails, and pests that everyone else is TRYING to kill like mojanos.
Thanks!

><((((°>squishifishi

 

[Misled]

Hi, I'm old!!!! :wave:

 

[squishifishi]

oops...aparently i'm not supposed to ask for corals in my first post. I got a point :°(. Now I know!
Hi everyone any thanks for the warm welcome and all the fantastic advice I've recieved so far!

 

[twf0369]

Hi and welcome to RC. You will find tons and tons of information here. Reading all the knowledgeable posts will take up any spare time you have. Good Luck.