starting tank

[jason71832]

I'm starting my 29 gallon tank and I'm going to use 30lbs of base rock I ordered from hirocks.com. I'm going to seed with about 10-15lbs of live rock. Once my tank is cycled do I have to wait till my base is covered in coraline algae till I add corals to it? also, could I just use the base rocks, add a couple hardy fish, let the tank cycle and add some corals. Then add some live rock later to let my base rock seed? When should I add my snails and other cleaners? I've read lots of different methods, I wanted to know everyones opinion.

 

[Ti]

u don't need to wait for coraline.

 

[stelow]

[welcome]
The live rock will start the cycle in the water, so add it before you add the fish. No you do not have to wait for rock to become coraline covered. Cleanup crew can be added after tank cycles.

 

[mhhauser]

What does the base rock do.

 

[jason71832]

base rock is just old live rock, in the case of hirocks it came from hawaii and has been dried and stored for many years. go to www.hirocks.com and check them out. since a lot of die off occurs in areas with no light, half you live rock is gonna be dead rock after a while...so you use about 80% base rock then add live rock on top...the goodies in the live rock will spread to the base rock and it will all eventually be live rock. Cost comparison $52 including shipping for 30lbs of base rock then 15lbs of live rock at $3.50lb from my local guy. so $104.50. 45lbs of live rock=157.50

 

[jimbo045]

In a little bit, add a Protein Skimmer like Sea Clone 100. JD

 

[Muleball39]

don't add a sea clone. They aren't worth a squat. Get a aqua c remora.