My TBS 14g Biocube - Package Part 1

[garetjaxor]

I received my package on Saturday but I have been too busy watching my tank to take time to post. None of my boxes leaked and everything was packed perfectly. The rock was indeed as beautiful and full of life as everyone says and Richard was very helpful answering multiple emails.

After I had my sand and rock in the tank I and the water had cleared up I was a bit surprised I didn't see many hitchhikers - just some snails. Little did I know that I just didn't know what to look for.

The next morning using a flashlight I saw two gorilla crabs (I have caught the bigger one). And then later I saw a Cucumber. And then the next day I saw a decorator crab - its almost like a saltwater Advent Calendar lol!

Last afternoon my water hit 1.0 ammonia so I did my first change. I am a little worried that I checked it again this morning and it was again at 1.0 so I did another change. I haven't had anything die off and the tank smells fine.

I need help identifying a few things - here are a bunch of pictures. I can't wait until I'm ready for package 2.




Here is a pic of the gorilla crab I caught:

Here is my tank full shot

A few closeups of my rock (yes I am definitely not a photographer)

A cucumber

I don't know what this is - its clear with black dots almost like eggs?

I am not sure what this is - maybe a sponge? It looks shiny/wet even though its underwater

Can anyone identify this plant?

I'm not sure what this is?

And lastly is this a whelk?

I also have some brains on the other side of the rock with the cucumber. You can also see in the pics feather dusters, sponges, and other growth I can't make out.

 

[Jaxom]

Those are some great looking pictures, have you received part 2 yet?

 

[garetjaxor]

Not yet - tank is just finishing up cycling. Days 3 -5 my ammonia would be about 1ppm every morning and night. With such a small tank I didn't want to risk killing off anything so I was doing 20% water changes before and after work. I did the smell test pulling each rock smelling for anything dead but nothing was bad. Finally friday night my ammonia dropped to the first time to .25 It has been at zero the last two days and my nitrates were zero yesterday.

I'll be emailing Richard soon because I can't wait for part 2. I have noticed even more things - a few black pincushion urchins, some tiny baby crabs and some sort of baby shrimp that is clear. I have a clicking noise but I haven't been able to find who is making it yet.