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New saltwater tank

27K views 288 replies 11 participants last post by  terryap 
#1 ·
Hi everyone

I recently started a 20 gallon saltwater tank, I need some help with knowing where I am for the cycle...
tank has been running about a week with cured live rock.
I tested the water and both ammonia and nitrite are at 0, nitrate was at 5.
would appreciate some help with knowing where about I am.

I plan on getting 2 -3 small fish max, would also appreciate any suggestions

Thanks
 
#250 ·
If anyone has a chance can you please read over the following list and let me know if you think I am missing anything, or any suggestions:

-sand
-live rock, about 50 pounds, since I will already be adding the liverock out of my existing tank (around 32 lbs there)
-2 maxi jets
-my ebay protein skimmer is scheduled for delivery on Monday the 23rd
-alkalinity test kit
- UV steriliser in the next couple of months
-and a good book on saltwater fish

I already have a master test kit...ammonia, ph, nitrites and nitrates, and I have a calcium test kit.

Am I missing anything here? suggestions??
 
#254 ·
1500 gallons per hour. WOW. That is some intense current.

I think adding another power head, preferably one to blow across the substrate, would be ideal. Something will a bit less flow. The MJ500 would be great.
 
#255 ·
I got a good deal on it, supposed to be very hardy.
I was figuring on MJ500, and figured I should be good for current with the 2 combined.
I also bought the reef sand, salt, and skimmer is here but is in the process of clearing customs :(
I tried arguing with UPS about their ridiculous brokerage fees, BUT, am too busy to customs clear it myself.
so should arrive by Thursday.
I also found a supplier for Live rock in Halifax, looks like a good deal, 3.90/LB with shipping, seems like a good deal:

Live Rock for Saltwater Aquarium
Beautiful branching Live Rock. Fully cured, tank-ready (simply add it to your marine tank). Aquacultured (reefs were not harmed in the production of this rock). Unique 2-step process results in ...
 
#267 ·
I still had that piece of live rock that had a ton of zoanthyds, and a ton of aptasia on it, it's been out of water for about a month, i gave it a soaking and added it in the new 65 G, the water smells this morning, I am assuming this is the die off......question is, If I add some live rock from my other tank, won't it die in the new tank?
 
#268 ·
If your ammonia levels is elevated then you will get some die off, yes. That being said, i would add the live rock now. We are looking at long term goals, not short term inconveniences.
 
#272 ·
It shouldn't be too long right? They should be fine if you are transferring them over soon. Just keep an eye on the water in the 20, as the Live Rock is your major means of filtration, and you might start seeing some levels start to rise. Are there corals in the twenty? This might make it a little more difficult as they are more sensitive than fish.
 
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