the new beginning...

[rafal07013]

I would like ask about the tank start up procedure. The situation is as follow:

- LR is being cured
- sand is ordered and on its way
- water will be prepared with Oceanic salt
- tank,skimmer, sump, lighting, powerheads etc - ready.

I am concern with exploding algae problems, light on hours in the beginning, and if I should add any supplements.

All in all, the equipment is here. I just need an advise on first 2-3 weeks so there will be no big surprises and failures.

how would you approach the first 2-3 weeks?

 

[DaveK]

If you have not already done so, get yourself a few books on state of the are reef systems. The knowledge there will help you prevent beginner mistakes.

On the subject of supplements - With the exception of calcium and related supplements, I feel most supplements are a waste of your money. You'll do a lot better using a quality salt and regular water changes.

Curing the LR and sand before placing it in the system will go a long way toward not having an algae problem. By doing it this way, all the nitrates generated during the curing process are left behind.

Still, you can still have algae problems, but if you work on them before they become a major problem you'll be fine. Just go easy on feeding and make sure there are no other sources of nitrates and phosphates entering the system.

 

[NJ_ychung1]

rafal. what ever happened with our frag trade? we talked/pm'ed back in thanksgiving time frame. lmk if you still have any interest if not then that's cool as well but i just wanted to check...

later
jay

 

[rafal07013]

I will come back to this in few weeks. I put everything on hold till place the LR in the tank.

 

[Hawkeye]

Agree with a good book - much better than my advice!

A bunch of great books listed in my tale of the tank here

Get an RODI if you haven't already. Huge difference in my opinion on whether you battle algae or not.

Start a tank thread here. ;D This way we can help keep surprises at bay.

While the LR is curing - have about 3/4 of the tank filled with saltwater. Ideally the water has been made 24 hrs before you put the LR in. Also have mixed saltwater in buckets ready to add to the tank.

If you plan on an elaborate structure with zip ties etc- this is the time to put in whatever kind of framework/plastic frames/etc. Even before you add the water if you plan on using foam background or something.

Add the cured LR - it will displace some volume in the tank. Depending on how much LR you have - you may have to siphon some water out - but more likely you just top it off.

Add sand.

Turn on powerheads.

By the 2nd week you will almost definitely get hit with a diatom bloom.

By the 3rd week it should diminish by itself or thru your intervention.

good luck!

 

[rafal07013]

I will start the tank thread next weekend. I am bad with pictures, but it looks like pictures attract attention. I placed the order with F&S for salt and sand. Oceanic is my choice. I keep on changing water in LR every other day - at least 10%-20%. yes, the water is RODI - thank you Adam.