New to the hobby

[Betaktical]

I have a 55 gal tank with 2 1000 canister filters 2 ocellaris, 2 skunk cleaner shrimp, one peppermint, 2 banggai cardinals, 5 hermits and a short spined urchin. Got the tank, filters , ocellaris and 10 lb of live rock (whole initial set up) from a friend 3 weeks ago. Every thing has been going good. Added a 3lb live rock, cleaner shrimp peppermint sea urchin and cardinals after it had been set up at my house for 2 weeks. First question is I kinda feel like I might be loading it up for only being 2 weeks in a new tank with an already established system put into it. I've been told I'm good but I don't wanna crash a new tank lol. 2nd question is I have an organ pipe coral that was not doing good in its previous tank but seems to be doing well in my tank so far. 2 of my hermits have taken a liking to it and I tried to look up anything about hermits vs organ pipe but couldn't find anything. Just wanna know if the hermits are hurting the organ. Sorry to ramble just new and excited lol


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[Ztous]

13lbs of rock is really low in my opinion the tank must look fairly empty. I doubt the hermits are going for the coral, it's more likely some algae or critters came with the coral and they are interested in that.

Slow down a little and before adding anything else get a QT setup. This advice comes up alot for a reason. Congrats though and good luck/

 

[Flaring Afro]

That's a lot added at once. Most people wouldn't even recommend adding any life for the first few weeks while it cycles. I can see that tank crashing, especially with the low amount of live rock. Hopefully it doesn't but I definitely would wait at least a month before adding anything else. If you don't have a test kit, get one and check for ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. You also could bring the water to petsmart or petco daily and get a free test if you don't have the money for a kit.

The rock also is a very low amount. Fish (at least most) need their own cave to hang around or sleep in at night. Not having enough rock will lead to aggression and/or possibly disease if the fish don't feel safe and are stressed. Now that the tank is setup, you cannot add any rock that was once live without cycling it in another system or it will cause the tank to crash from all of the rotting , dead bacteria etc. You can add live rock or some kinds of human made rock that never was alive though.

 

[Ron Reefman]

You really need to do some research and reading in the 'stickies' at the top of this forum.

And remember this, "NOTHING good happens quickly in a marine aquarium!"

Patience is the key. Take your time. If you do, the tank will treat you well and in time you'll have a healthy tank.