SW Noob...24 gallon "All in One"
 

I think these are commonly called Nano pods. The model that I just put on layaway has the built in filtration, powerhead, and four different lights ( I can't remember the wattage). I intend to add a heater, an internal uv sterilizer and one Hydor Koralia 1 powerhead. After a ton of research I think I'm on the right track with 40 pounds of live sand and 35 pounds of live rock. I want to cure both in the tank... allowing the sand and rock cycle the tank. I figure this should take 2 -4 weeks.

At that point, I want to add a False Clownfish, one firefish goby and one neon blue goby. In addition to a clean up crew .... thinking a couple of dwarf blue leg hermies and yellow tip hermies. Shrimp? Still undecided.

I've read a ton about the downside of these nano thing... but adding another large tank right now... I just don't have the room. Having kept FW Community tanks and African Cichlid tanks ( I had these two for over five years).. I know the importance of testing, water params, etc. I tend to micro manage my tanks... lol.

So.. this being my first excursion into the salt water world, I'd love to hear your comments on my plan for this first tank.
**edit**
Not sure if I'll need a protein skimmer.. any idea's?

Jen

No need for UVS, use 2 maxijet 1200 powerheads in the tank, the light is powercompact im guessing? You could do better off getting the HQI nano set instead of the powercompact, but it all comes down to what corals you want. Cleanup crew seems good, start off with 5 snails and 5 hermits once cycling is over, if you still have algae add a bit more snails until you get it just right.

Protein skimmer, i would recommend one in this tank, dunno what are good brands though, dont get air-powered, i have an air powered and it is really bad.

what size tank is it? and it will probably be closer the the 4 week or so mark before your tank is cycled.

adding planted bacteria into ur filter media + some chemicals into the water should help kick start it too chopping it down to maybe 2-3 weeks

perhaps I misunderstood, but did you say you wanted to buy uncured live rock and cure it yourself... in the tank... in the same place where you habitate and keep your stuff?

You may want to get some expert input from others here on buying cured rock vs curing it yourself. I've read that the curing process is an endeavor that'll have the police searching for dead bodies in your closets... and if you're married, get a comfortable sofa.

Even just having brought home empty conch shells from shell collecting dives, they had to go outside and stay there. Smelled like low tide by the docks.

Cured rock and sand will cycle the tank just fine without all the lawyers and death threats from the neighbors.

uncured is fine, its how i cycled my tank, plus i live in an apartment and never had any complains from the smells. The plus about cured rock is that it has a much larger variety of life.

It's only a 24 gallon tank. Do you think that it will take a full four weeks to cycle with the live rock and live sand?

Such as...??? planted bacteria.. from where? I only have fw tanks at the moment. Chemicals? Can you give me some guidelines here?

Thx so much!

Um... yeah. I've talked to several people about this and I'm told that it's actually an acceptable practice.

I always value expert advice... which is why I'm here at this forum. But...either uncured or pre-cured... after shipping it still will need to go through a curing process... right??? I would much rather it happen in tank... before I add the fish than to have to do it the hard way ... for example 30 gallon tub with a heater and 100% water changes twice weekly. I have no desire to do that when I can easily do it in tank and kill two birds with one stone WITHOUT killing any fish. If I was putting together a 300 gallon tank.. then it might be different.

Thank God, I own my home and the five acres that it sits on! :lol:

I have no idea where I could get cured rock though. :? I'm just trying to come up with the best plan for what I can either get locally or have shipped in. Thanks!!