New 56 gallon column

[pbell101]

Hello all! I've been lurking on here for a while, and doing some research for a 56 gallon reef tank! I have most of it all set up now. Here're some pics of what I've got so far:

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I picked up about 20 pounds of cured live rock from my local fish store. I also bought some of the "Real Reef" Eco Friendly Live rock I got online. I'm using the 700 In-and-out Complete System from glass-holes for my overflow. My lights are two Kessil A160WE aquarium light, tuna blue, hooked up to a Kessil controller. My circulation pump is a VorTech Ecosmart MP10WQD. I'm obviously using bioballs and the Reef Octopus protein skimmer in my sump. I'd like fish, inverts, and stony corals. Though, I'm unsure specifically which, as of yet.

I do have some questions, however. I still need to cycle my tank. My lfs suggested I use live fish, but I don't think I'm gonna do that. My original intent was to add plain ole ammonia, but I'm concerned it'll damage my already cured live rock, and whatever the heck this guy is. Can someone perhaps tell me what it is?

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It came with my cured live rock. I know it's mobile, cause the rock it's on came dry. Sorry I can't get a better pic. It's between two rocks at the bottom of my tank, and I don't wanna mess with it any more then I have to. Would a better and gentler way to cycle be the feeding of invisible fishes?

Anyway, if someone can give me some constructive criticism on my tank, and to answer some of my questions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thank you.

 

[d2mini]

Looks like a rock anemone. Neato.

Tank looks good.
Bio balls aren't typically though of as being the best idea for a reef tank. Some people have experienced elevated nitrates. I personally don't have experience with them.

There are various ways of cycling. Some let a piece of table shrimp decay in the tank. Some dose household ammonia. Some buy fancy bottles of stuff like Dr Tim's.

I like your rock layout! Looking good so far!

 

[cincyjim]

I have a 56 column tank as well that I'd like to convert to saltwater. Where did you get the sump at? Very nice looking tank!

Jim

 

[pbell101]

Thanks! I appreciate the compliments. A rock anemone, eh? Cool. Is this critter bad for any fishes I'd put in? I intended to cycle with the household ammonia, but I didn't know if cycling with shrimp/fish food would be gentler for it, or if it even matters. As for the bio balls, I take it a refugium would be better for corals. Is that something I can easily upgrade to once I get corals, or should I just do it now?

I bought the sump from Amazon. It's the Reef Octopus mini sump. The skimmer is a Reef Octopus Classic 150 Space Saver, from the same web site. I had space for that, the bio balls, and a return pump, but not for much else. My main issue right now is a heater. I have no space in my sump for one. I plan to install an in-line heater, from my return pump.

 

[cincyjim]

Thanks. The stand is so small that I'm having a hard time finding a sump that will fit in it. I'm at the point of making my own sump.

 

[pbell101]

No problem. If you have the Marineland, my stand came with a shelf in the middle, that you can't move. I assumed it was there for support. I had to take out the shelf. I didn't have enough space for my skimmer. I installed 2x4's and metal brackets to help support.