New to the forum, need some advice!

[swanny06]

T-5s are good. I'm using OrbitMarine coral LEDs and my softies and LPS grow really well.

Awesome, I had already placed some Orbitmarine LED's in my cart on amazon. so thats good news.

when I get ready to add some water into the tank, should i just let the water and live sand sit for a week or so before introducing the live rock? or will the live rock be okay to add right away if it's cured?

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[MuShu]

Add everything at once. Your tank will still need to cycle, and if you add things over the course of a week or more, you may be extending the time it takes to fully cycle your tank.

Actually, put the rock in first. If you put your sand in first and rock on top, when your sand shifts, it can affect your rockwork.

 

[swanny06]

Add everything at once. Your tank will still need to cycle, and if you add things over the course of a week or more, you may be extending the time it takes to fully cycle your tank.

Actually, put the rock in first. If you put your sand in first and rock on top, when your sand shifts, it can affect your rockwork.

Okay so once i decide to add the water and salt just go ahead and put the rock in first then the sand over that? Will i need to add chemicals as well?

Thanks for the help! i really appreciate it.

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[MuShu]

Do you have a RO/DI unit? If not, add a SpectraPure 90GPD unit to your amazon cart as well. RODI water is much, much cleaner and will save you a ton of algae problems down the road. It's cheaper to make your own and just store it in a brute trash can with a lid or any food-safe container. Pre-mix your saltwater about a day in advance, though since you don't have livestock in the tank, you can mix the salt in right before and then add the saltwater to your tank. Alternately, you can get your tank half-full of salt water, and then start adding rocks and do your rockscaping. When you are happy with it, you can add the sand and finish filling the tank.

With pre-cured rock, the longer it is out of the water, the more die-off you are going to have, so unless you are ready for it to go straight into the water, there is no need for the expense of pre-cured rock. Many reefers use either only dry rock, or a combo of dry with about 10-20% live rock to seed the tank. If you are using live sand, you'd be completely fine with dry reef rock.

 

[farfromsea]

Steps:

1) rocks (don't lean against glass for easier cleaning)
2) sand
3) mixed and ready saltwater

Then your tank needs to cycle. Read the sticky posts at the top of the forum above the various methods (can use unscented pure ammonia or dead shrimp from the grocery/market)


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[ADAMMP]

I'm new also and definitely agree with watching the BRS TV. I learned a lot from that. If you paint your background black or have a black background you can hide the heater easily if you get an aqueon pro. They are black. That's what I did also hides the HOB overflow.

 

[swanny06]

Do you have a RO/DI unit? If not, add a SpectraPure 90GPD unit to your amazon cart as well. RODI water is much, much cleaner and will save you a ton of algae problems down the road. It's cheaper to make your own and just store it in a brute trash can with a lid or any food-safe container. Pre-mix your saltwater about a day in advance, though since you don't have livestock in the tank, you can mix the salt in right before and then add the saltwater to your tank. Alternately, you can get your tank half-full of salt water, and then start adding rocks and do your rockscaping. When you are happy with it, you can add the sand and finish filling the tank.

With pre-cured rock, the longer it is out of the water, the more die-off you are going to have, so unless you are ready for it to go straight into the water, there is no need for the expense of pre-cured rock. Many reefers use either only dry rock, or a combo of dry with about 10-20% live rock to seed the tank. If you are using live sand, you'd be completely fine with dry reef rock.

Okay great thanks! i just added that to my cart as well. I had no idea about the RODI water so that's good to know. how far in advance could i get away with mixing the salt in with the water and let it sit? i'd definitely like to have at least 20 gal finished so once the rock gets delivered i can add that with the sand.

Dry rock would definitely make it a lot easier and cheaper it seems. I'll go with that and the live sand.

Thanks!

Steps:

1) rocks (don't lean against glass for easier cleaning)
2) sand
3) mixed and ready saltwater

Then your tank needs to cycle. Read the sticky posts at the top of the forum above the various methods (can use unscented pure ammonia or dead shrimp from the grocery/market)


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Okay great, i'll head there now and give them a read.

I'm new also and definitely agree with watching the BRS TV. I learned a lot from that. If you paint your background black or have a black background you can hide the heater easily if you get an aqueon pro. They are black. That's what I did also hides the HOB overflow.

I'm going to start watching that tonight to get a better grasp on all of this lol. i appreciate it!

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[homer1475]

With the lack of knowledge, and the types of questioned asked. I really don't see this ending well.

 

[swanny06]

With the lack of knowledge, and the types of questioned asked. I really don't see this ending well.

Which is the whole reason why I'm here asking questions..

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[homer1475]

Hmm cant edit a post on tapatalk?

Anyways to finish my post, you really need to do some leg work before you buy anything. Read up on the hobby and how to cycle a tank, what equipment is needed, then before you purchase anything, come here and ask questions.

 

[MuShu]

If you are using Instant Ocean salt, it can sit for a few weeks at least.

I realized I didn't answer the part about adding chemicals to the water- you don't need to since the RODI filters everything out.

 

[sde1500]

Okay great thanks! i just added that to my cart as well. I had no idea about the RODI water so that's good to know. how far in advance could i get away with mixing the salt in with the water and let it sit? i'd definitely like to have at least 20 gal finished so once the rock gets delivered i can add that with the sand.

Dry rock would definitely make it a lot easier and cheaper it seems. I'll go with that and the live sand.

Thanks!


Okay great, i'll head there now and give them a read.


I'm going to start watching that tonight to get a better grasp on all of this lol. i appreciate it!

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Let the water mix for about 24 hrs. Then put the rock in the tank, sand, and then water.

 

[Elricsfate]

Okay awesome, thank you. Drilling also seems pretty unappealing to me, so if I went with a sump it would definitely HOB like you have. If I didn't go the sump route, what would be the next best thing for me to do?

I will add that I also was not enamored with the thought of drilling my tank. And you don't have to. But I decided eventually that the idea of hiding all of my equipment and having a clean display was more appealing than the fear of drilling...so I bit the bullet and did it.

Once you actually take a deep breath and pull the trigger on the drill, it's really not as bad as you think it will be. You just apply virtually no pressure and let the hole saw eat through the glass.

Again...not a necessity. You can certainly operate your tank without a sump. But in a lot of ways it is an improvement.

I am setting up a 180 with the intent of creating an LPS/Softie mix tank to start with (SPS one day, down the road). So for me a sump seemed like a pretty important component.

One thing I have definitely found is that this is a very engaged, and very helpful place. People here are eager to help. That said, it's a good idea to form some of your own opinions/beliefs, and make someone change your mind with hard facts. Because there are a lot of schools of thought, and you will get different advice from different people.

 

[Elricsfate]

Hmm cant edit a post on tapatalk?

Anyways to finish my post, you really need to do some leg work before you buy anything. Read up on the hobby and how to cycle a tank, what equipment is needed, then before you purchase anything, come here and ask questions.

I have to agree with this thought. I wouldn't buy ANYTHING until you have watched all those videos and done some research. What will happen is that Ryan (BRStv) will say something about a particular piece of equipment, or process, that will make you think, "Hmmm...if I do that, then how do I accomplish (whatever)?" Then you'll go off in search of the answer to that question.

Can you hang a heater and a skimmer on a tank, add some rock and fish, and have a great tank? Yes! But the truth appears to be, the simpler you make it, the harder it is. For every dollar you save in automation, you add minutes (or hours) of work. You can, for instance, automate water changes. If you do that, you have to spend money. If you don't, you have to spend time. If you do not spend the money AND you do not spend the time...your tank will suffer.

I do not believe anyone here wants to discourage you from entering the hobby. But I do think they want to encourage you to do a lot of research before you start spending money.

I can tell you that I have bought a few things and then found that I needed something bigger or more powerful, and bought the same thing again. Fortunately I also have a 75g...so anything that won't work on my 180 gets moved over to the 75. But the question is...can you drop $200, find that you bought the wrong thing, and turn around and drop $300 to buy a bigger version...without killing your wallet? If the answer is no....read...a lot! Before you start buying things.

 

[swanny06]

If you are using Instant Ocean salt, it can sit for a few weeks at least.

I realized I didn't answer the part about adding chemicals to the water- you don't need to since the RODI filters everything out.

okay great! that'll make it easier being able to keep the salt water for a little bit sense it seems the RODI filter takes some time to work.

I will add that I also was not enamored with the thought of drilling my tank. And you don't have to. But I decided eventually that the idea of hiding all of my equipment and having a clean display was more appealing than the fear of drilling...so I bit the bullet and did it.

Once you actually take a deep breath and pull the trigger on the drill, it's really not as bad as you think it will be. You just apply virtually no pressure and let the hole saw eat through the glass.

Again...not a necessity. You can certainly operate your tank without a sump. But in a lot of ways it is an improvement.

I am setting up a 180 with the intent of creating an LPS/Softie mix tank to start with (SPS one day, down the road). So for me a sump seemed like a pretty important component.

One thing I have definitely found is that this is a very engaged, and very helpful place. People here are eager to help. That said, it's a good idea to form some of your own opinions/beliefs, and make someone change your mind with hard facts. Because there are a lot of schools of thought, and you will get different advice from different people.

A sump is definitely something I am considering. If i did decide to go that route Iwould have to decide whether or not i should make one myself or buy one, and as well as the size I should look at for my 40 gal breeder.

I already have a skimmer on the way so I may use the skimmer with more frequent water changes at first and see how thats going then decide on a sump down the road.

I appreciate the help!

I have to agree with this thought. I wouldn't buy ANYTHING until you have watched all those videos and done some research. What will happen is that Ryan (BRStv) will say something about a particular piece of equipment, or process, that will make you think, "Hmmm...if I do that, then how do I accomplish (whatever)?" Then you'll go off in search of the answer to that question.

Can you hang a heater and a skimmer on a tank, add some rock and fish, and have a great tank? Yes! But the truth appears to be, the simpler you make it, the harder it is. For every dollar you save in automation, you add minutes (or hours) of work. You can, for instance, automate water changes. If you do that, you have to spend money. If you don't, you have to spend time. If you do not spend the money AND you do not spend the time...your tank will suffer.

I do not believe anyone here wants to discourage you from entering the hobby. But I do think they want to encourage you to do a lot of research before you start spending money.

I can tell you that I have bought a few things and then found that I needed something bigger or more powerful, and bought the same thing again. Fortunately I also have a 75g...so anything that won't work on my 180 gets moved over to the 75. But the question is...can you drop $200, find that you bought the wrong thing, and turn around and drop $300 to buy a bigger version...without killing your wallet? If the answer is no....read...a lot! Before you start buying things.

Thanks for the help! i'm taking it all in lol.

As for the BRStv I'm about half way through the series, and I definitely have learned a lot. It's cleared up a lot of questions I've had. So this is what I'm thinking for the tank as of now.

40 gal breeder
- Ordered the RODI filter for the tank water supply
- Ordered a Reef Octopus Skimmer
- Ordered a 850 GPH power head. (may need a second)
- for the live rock I'll be going with 40 pounds of BRS Reef saver dry rock
- The live sand will be Carribsea special grade live reef sand
- I'll be using Red Sea Reef mature pro kit for the cycling process. This will cut out having to add a fish or a dead shrimp into the tank
- Looking at the Sea Sea marine car test kit
- For water changes/ sand cleaning I'm going to pick up the No spill water change system by python
- lighting wise I'm looking at getting a 36" Orbit Marine LED light

What do y'all think?



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[Elricsfate]

40 gal breeder
- Ordered the RODI filter for the tank water supply
- Ordered a Reef Octopus Skimmer
- Ordered a 850 GPH power head. (may need a second)
- for the live rock I'll be going with 40 pounds of BRS Reef saver dry rock
- The live sand will be Carribsea special grade live reef sand
- I'll be using Red Sea Reef mature pro kit for the cycling process. This will cut out having to add a fish or a dead shrimp into the tank
- Looking at the Sea Sea marine car test kit
- For water changes/ sand cleaning I'm going to pick up the No spill water change system by python
- lighting wise I'm looking at getting a 36" Orbit Marine LED light

What do y'all think?

I will tell you that I just ordered 75 pounds of Reef Saver from BRS. What arrived was 6 large rocks. I purposely ordered a smaller amount than I thought I might need, because I wanted to get an idea of how these rocks would fill my tank...and shipping is free.

I'm not going for a "minimalist" approach, but I also don't want the "mound of rocks" look.

Anyway, if you order 40 pounds you're likely going to get 3-4 10-12 pound rocks. Just an FYI

 

[sde1500]

I will tell you that I just ordered 75 pounds of Reef Saver from BRS. What arrived was 6 large rocks. I purposely ordered a smaller amount than I thought I might need, because I wanted to get an idea of how these rocks would fill my tank...and shipping is free.

I'm not going for a "minimalist" approach, but I also don't want the "mound of rocks" look.

Anyway, if you order 40 pounds you're likely going to get 3-4 10-12 pound rocks. Just an FYI

:hammer:

Hammer and chisel or big flat head screwdriver, makes big rocks little.

 

[bach2pilot]

When you mix your water, add the salt to the water not the water to the salt. I think it's because the ph drops and the calcium will precipitate out.

Put a circulation pump in there and an air stone. If you have no livestock, you can add it to your tank after an hour or so.

I don't want to insult your intelligence, but make sure you use fresh water (RO preferred) to make up for evaporation. The water evaporates not the salt. I know many people who have screwed this up. (Dead sea anyone?)

 

[MuShu]

How long is your tank?

 

[swanny06]

I will tell you that I just ordered 75 pounds of Reef Saver from BRS. What arrived was 6 large rocks. I purposely ordered a smaller amount than I thought I might need, because I wanted to get an idea of how these rocks would fill my tank...and shipping is free.

I'm not going for a "minimalist" approach, but I also don't want the "mound of rocks" look.

Anyway, if you order 40 pounds you're likely going to get 3-4 10-12 pound rocks. Just an FYI

I definitely don't want the "mound of rocks" look either so i get what you're saying. My only concern is not having enough rock for adequate filtration.

When you mix your water, add the salt to the water not the water to the salt. I think it's because the ph drops and the calcium will precipitate out.

Put a circulation pump in there and an air stone. If you have no livestock, you can add it to your tank after an hour or so.

I don't want to insult your intelligence, but make sure you use fresh water (RO preferred) to make up for evaporation. The water evaporates not the salt. I know many people who have screwed this up. (Dead sea anyone?)

Sense I do not have anything in the tank as of right now, would I be able to add the water and salt in the tank? My only question after that is, when I add the rock and sand will it matter that I already added the water before?

I have a powerhead, heater, and RODI filter on the way so i should be pretty squared away on that end.

Thank you!

How long is your tank?

The tank is 36"

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