New Tank Setup

M

moneymm

Member
I am quite new to this aquarium game. I just setup my tank a week ago.

43 Gallon Bow Tank
40 lbs of live rock
live sand


I have been adding some bioligical enchancer when i first setup the tank, my live rock is already producing some nice purple coloring. althought there is some white slick surface here and there (which i assume is die off).

I just run my first test and everything looks perfect, 8 ph, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites & 0 nitrates.

What should my next step be?

Can i add a clown fish? if i do and i plan on getting a Anemone eventually, should i get them at the same time?

do i need to add snails, or since my levels are good i dont need to?

thanks
 
Do you mean Bacterial enhancer? Dr. Tim's Bacterial is used to quick cycle your tank. Take your time!!! What is your system setup filter, skimmer, etc.? I would add 2 Clowns if you are sure the test are correct. You will need to wait on getting a anemone 6 months or more until you have your tanks system running steady! Good Luck! Post Pictures
 
Last edited:
thanks for reply.

im trying not to rush really it, the last thing i want is to harm my first fish. i just want to know the proper steps. yes, sorry i meant bacterial enchancer.

i have the

  • eheim 350 cannister filter
  • Hydor Koralia Nano Circulation Pump/Powerhead
  • Fluval M200 Submersible Heater
  • i dont have a skimmer, i was told i could wait a few months on this or until i add any reef.

    so if i test again tomorrow and all is good, i can start with 1 or 2 clown fish right?

    what about mini crabs, snails and such? is this required or just a preference thing?
painting background today so i will wait on a pic.
 
1 week, I can almost promise you your tank is not done cycling. Take your time man. I rushed in a few months ago and ended up doing water changes almost daily and cleaning the **** out of a bunch of algae
 
So your first test you ran you had all 0s? I'd give it a few days and test it again. Most tanks can take up to a few weeks to cycle.
 
One nano power head is likely not enough. More flow = better live rock filtration. Having multiple power heads allows you to point in different directions and control flow with the goal of eliminating dead zones.

You may well be cycled if you have that much good live rock and added bacteria but best to be cautious. Add a little fish food for a couple days (just as much as you'd feed your first fish). If you get ammonia spikes you're not cycled. If not you are probably ready for 1-2 fish and a small clean up crew.

I'd get on the skimmer sooner rather than later and I speak from experience of waiting. Better to be ahead than trying to play catch up. You don't want to be learning to set it up and dial it in right when you NEED it working.

Good luck. Take it slow. Anticipate lots of bumps in the road in the first 4-6 months and don't over react. Your nitrogen cycle may be done but a new tank goes through a lot of phases of algae, diatoms etc.
 
If you are using the Live Nitrifying Bacteria you could have added 2 clowns the same day. You would have a small spike then down to 5ppm I don't think we are talking about the same bacteria. "Live Nitrifying Bacteria "
 
here is my tank.

anything i can do about the ugly green visible filter plumbing in the back of my tank?
 

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my tank came with a lid, it also holds the led lights that it came with. but i read on this forum not do have a cover on the tank. Can i keep the cover on? i like the tank with it on, and im not really sure how to go about keeping the tank lit without it.
 
It sounds like you got a freshwater tank. With a built in light/lid it is almost certainly going to need and upgrade. Do some research on lighting. LED are popular. I have a CURRENT USA ORBIT MARINE LED AQUARIUM FIXTURE 24"-36" that I got off eBay pretty reasonably. It is by no means high end lighting but it does the trick for me and I like it because it is fully programmable. ie I have sunrise and sunset programmed.

Most people in reef tanks don't like to put a full lid on. It hold in heat and interferes with gas exchange in the surface of the water. You can make a screen top or what I did was make a top out of the light diffuser that goes into fluorescent lights. Both keep fish from jumping out or other pets from getting in.
 
yes apparently tank and starter kit that i got was for a freshwater tank. so I think i will keep the lid on just remove the flip up cover, and replace with a screen.


which brings me to my next issue.

I did as you said and put in some flakes yesterday, and today i tested again today for ammonia, still 0!

however, i then realized the flakes i put in were for tropical fish. is that bad?

I was planning on buying food when i bought the fish. thats why i just used what i had sitting around.

If i need the food now to test, what should i get? i would like something i could setup on an auotmatic feeder as i go away often. Is pellets the best bet for regular feedings.

I plan on starting with 2 clown fish.
 
The light that i have now is an LED, and i have just been leaving it on from like 10 AM to 8 PM. it is pretty nice i think. Should I upgrade in order to just get fish, or is it okay to wait until i get into adding reefs? whats a good online site to buy lighting, or atleast browse. thanks again.
 
The LED in your hood will be fine for fish only but will not be strong enough to grow coral (or even keep it alive most likely) or anemones.

Cheap tropical fish food is not good to feed marine fish for two reasons. First they need food formulated for marine fish as they have different nutritional needs. Second, cheap foods often have phosphates of some sort in them. Not something you want to add to the water. I feed Hikari enriched mysis (freeze dried) and use Larry's Reef Frenzy (LRF) 2x a week. LRF has made a huge difference in the health of my fish and corals. A varied diet is best, and avoiding freeze dried and frozen foods high in added phosphates.

For lights (and knowledge in general) look for build threads in the forums of tanks similar in size to yours. See what people are doing and their results. Great way to learn. And also check out the equipment/lighting sections to see what people have to say about various brands. Just don't get overwhelmed. You can but sure as heck don't have to spend a fortune on your equipment.

Lastly if you have a local reef club look into getting involved. Mine has been a very positive experience.
 
Oh and with the clowns... it's best to get two from the same tank at the same time. If you do it one at a time you can have success but do some googling about pairing clownfish.
 
So since I'm still at 0 for ammonia and nitrates... I guess I need to kick start the cycling. Is the best way dropping in some pellets? Or should I actually pour in ammonia?
 
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