Newbie...Let the adventure begin this week!

[Socalx45]

Hello everyone I have been on this forum now for over a year reading and researching everything I can. I have had a FW tank since I was a teenager (35 now) and my wife finally gave me the go ahead last summer to start a salt water tank. So here is what I have.....

125g acrylic tank....bought it used from a friend
Eshopps R-200 sump
SCA 302 skimmer
Eheim 5000 return pump
2 Jebao WP-40P aquarium wave maker with TWIN Dual controller TC-5A
Acan prism 18s x2
6 stage RO/DI system...auto top off system is on the way.
Arag-live sand
Fiji mud for sump

I will be mixing the salt this week and hopefully start my cycle. I will be adding live rock later. Just wanted to see if anyone has any suggestions. I was told my skimmer is too small. I will upgrade later I am just under a tight budget with my wife in school.

 

[bashment]

good luck and welcome to the addiction!

 

[thegrun]

You need the rock in the tank as soon as possible, the cycle isn't going to do you much good without rock to host the bacteria.

 

[Socalx45]

ok thanks ill try to get the rock this week then as well

 

[itz frank]

Also, if you make the water before the rock, you'll need to take some water out when you add the rock. .02

 

[Socalx45]

Already planning on doing only 75% water volume to make room for the rock

 

[kmbyrnes]

Good luck and enjoy the ride....
Hi my name is Kevin and I'm a Reef Addict ...........

 

[Socalx45]

Well I got everything together and started my cycle on Saturday. Let me know what you guys think. I'm open to any suggestions. Are my lights to close to the water? I was thinking about cutting the top of the canopy off.

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[uncleL]

Welcome to Reef Central and your new addiction! The skimmer you have is fine it's rated to up to 180 gallons.

 

[Gaxmode]

Looks great! Welcome.

 

[Socalx45]

I am having trouble keeping my water level at a constant level in my sump. I will adjust my pump and it will be fine for about a day then will be either and inch or 2 above my line or an inch lower. Any suggestions??

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[GaG8tor]

Evaporation? Top off with fresh RO, RO/DI water.