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WM15
12/04/2007, 03:02 PM
hey everyone im new at this so im open to any opinions. im lookin to start my first reef tank. i have a niehbor that has a 200g reef tank in his basement. ive had the luxury of being able to go over to his house any time and help feed and watch him take care of the fish. 2 months ago he went on vacation for 5 days and let me look after it for that time. he showed me how to do all the things to kept the fish healthy and flourishing. after he came back he told me i did a pretty good job and that id be the first person he would call if he left again. i loved taking care of that fish tank and now want to start one on my own(but not as big or as cost consuming).
he said he would help if i needed it. but just to be safe i want some more opinions on what equipment to buy and how to keep the tank going for a while. o and i was thinking of starting with a 24g nano cube knowing that me being 16, i dont have a very thick wallet. :D

SPARTAN VI
12/04/2007, 03:49 PM
24 gallons is a good starting point, if you can afford it. All that water gives you a little more wiggle room should you make any mistakes.

I spent around $700 for my JBJ 24g Nanocube. Included everything I need to get started; chiller, HQI light, liverock, livesand, heater, everything except the water itself.

Of course, before you drop a single penny into the hobby it would be a good idea to do research on the specimens you want to keep. Visit your local Barnes & Nobles, Borders, or whatever bookstore and read up. I see you use the internet, so at least do as much research as you can on the web. Learn from other people's mistakes! I didn't do my research, bought things on impulse, and ended up with somewhat incompatible live stock. As a result, I returned some of my specimens. Take your time with this hobby and have fun. :)

WM15
12/05/2007, 10:21 AM
ok thanks alot for the input i was think about starting off with with a clownfish(not sure which kind tho) and maybe a snail or hermit crab. be fore i do any reading, in your opinion what would be the best clownfish to start of with.

mjoener
12/05/2007, 10:30 AM
I'm kinda new myself, compared to the guys on here!
I didn't have a lot to spend either.
But the general rule is that bigger is better, the more room for error you actually have.
I have a 34g Red Sea Max, everything standard, lights and skimmer.
The only thing that I have had troule with at this point is having issues in finding appropriate places for my frags!
And yes RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!
You can't just turn on the components and add some water and then throw some stuff in there.
Feel free to ask anything else!

SPARTAN VI
12/05/2007, 10:41 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11319195#post11319195 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
ok thanks alot for the input i was think about starting off with with a clownfish(not sure which kind tho) and maybe a snail or hermit crab. be fore i do any reading, in your opinion what would be the best clownfish to start of with.

Oh I wouldn't know, not enough experience with the various species to know 'the best' to start with. You can't go wrong with A. Ocellaris or A. Percula; they're colorful, have lots of personality, easy to care of, and don't demand a very high price; $10-$15 for ocellaris and $20-$30 for perculas (unless you're looking for an onyx of either complex). I started with A. Ocellaris. In future setups, I'd like to try Clarkii or Maroons.

My clean up crew consists of 6 hermits and 2 snails. They did a heck of a job slurping and scraping up all the algae. I let my tank sit and cycle for about 2-3 months before adding my clean up crew, then my two clownfish a couple weeks later. Read up on the nitrogen cycle, if you haven't already.

Have fun!

WM15
12/05/2007, 10:50 AM
alright so ive been reading and am wondering if a chiller and skimmer are necesary. ive heard different things about them and that u dont need them in a nano tank. is this true

mjoener
12/05/2007, 11:02 AM
in my opinion, the skimmer is key.
the chiller is dependent on what type of lights you have.
with my setup everything came with, skimmer, lights, powerheads, heater, fans for the hood lights.
I have T5 PC and no need for a chiller, but if I upgraded my hood to the MH lighting I would need the chiller.
the reason that my protein skimmer is so key is because of the bioload that i have.
i dose 10 ml of phytofeast everyday to feed my corals.
The skimmer is key in picking up the waste of everything from my fish to the inverts

SPARTAN VI
12/05/2007, 11:03 AM
Not sure if it goes for everyone, but a chiller and a heater is definitely necessary for me to keep my 77-78F.

I'm in sunny Southern California, when I set up the tank early this Fall, it would easily hit 90F with my HQI lamp on (chiller was not installed at the time and tank was empty). Winter rolled around and found the temperature dropped to 70F at night, plugged in my heater and set it to 77F and have my chiller set to 78F.

Not running a protein skimmer, just using the surface skimmer that comes with the NC24.

WM15
12/05/2007, 11:16 AM
thanks also what kind of corals could the lighting system on the nanocube deluxe support. and also maybe some in the future would it be able to support any kind anemone

SPARTAN VI
12/05/2007, 11:26 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11319547#post11319547 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
thanks also what kind of corals could the lighting system on the nanocube deluxe support. and also maybe some in the future would it be able to support any kind anemone

Mmmm.. not familiar with the stock deluxe lamp, I'd go with T5's or the HQI light/canopy and be done with it. :D

Linky:
http://www.nanocustoms.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=1

WM15
12/05/2007, 11:40 AM
what watt the 70w HQI or the 150w HQI or 140w HQI

reefman13
12/05/2007, 11:40 AM
I would have to say that with the 24g nano cube, if $700 is something in your budget range, something you may want to consider, is the 28g JBJ HQI setup. It has a built in MH lamp, which is FAR better than any kind of florescent lighting. Take a look here: (it is actually only $500)
http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=381

Then in this case all you would need to buy is the chiller (a nice thing to have in case the crappy fans break down, and it also lowers evaporation:
http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=295

The other things you would need to get started:
http://www.nanotuners.com/product_info.php?cPath=31&products_id=182
This is what you would use to upgrade the stock return pump, because it is inefficient and gets hot...
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MJ1200&Category_Code=Maxijet
A nice pump for inside the DISPLAY portion of the tank:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HY-P19101&Category_Code=koralia

So thats the stuff you will need. On to the skimmer issue......I think that they are irreplaceable. If you happen to forget about doing a water change (which is crucial when not using a skimmer), the skimmer will allow for a little bit of slacking.

WM15
12/05/2007, 11:57 AM
thanks reefman13 that is actually alot of help and a cheaper pricer on just the tank than the 24 gallon one. thats all i would need mechaniclly wise. but what about a heater

WM15
12/05/2007, 12:57 PM
so thats all. what about live rock and sand

reefman13
12/05/2007, 01:08 PM
Did you see the heater?:D (or manage to get through all the links?);)

Live rock I would recommend buying off line. It tends to be MUCH cheaper than store bought LR. Live sand I would do the same with. Here are links to LR (live rock) and LS (live sand):
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=397
This rock is BY FAR the absolutely the best rock you can buy, and will fill your tank up more:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=876

Live sand: (I would go with the fiji pink- its what I have)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+10741+7318&pcatid=7318

WM15
12/05/2007, 01:18 PM
ya i saw it my bad. i couldnt get to only that link tho. wierd.

WM15
12/05/2007, 01:21 PM
those prices look really good at the LFS near me its alot more and it comes in huge pieces i dont think would fit in the 28 gal

WM15
12/05/2007, 01:23 PM
would you recomed buying fish from liveaquaria.com

SPARTAN VI
12/05/2007, 01:48 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11320380#post11320380 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
would you recomed buying fish from liveaquaria.com

14 day warranty is pretty appealing. My LFS doesn't have a warranty AT ALL on marine stock, and 24 hours on FW. Terrible.. Then again, you're practically paying for a second fish with those shipping prices.

I'd order my fish online if I could sit at home all day and wait for the truck to arrive. Otherwise I just tell my LFS guy what I want and he picks it up from his supplier every Thursday.

Other places I browse are phishybusiness.com and www.vividaquariums.com (I like vivid's customer service).

mjoener
12/05/2007, 02:19 PM
i got all of my LR from a LFS.
he had cured stuff.
I was able to add things immediately to my system if need be.

reefman13
12/05/2007, 02:52 PM
LiveAquaria is good and they always have healthy stuff, and if you are in anyway unhappy with the order, you can call their customer service (very friendly) and nine times out of ten they will either partially refund, or fully refund your money.

I don't know what part of NJ you are in, but JUST over the boarder into CT there are some AWESOME fish stores. That will ONLY sell you healthy stuff, and have a week long guarantee.

My personal opinon though, be able to WATCH and SEE the actual fish you are buying before giving the cash. You never know the exact specimen that LA is going to send you.

WM15
12/05/2007, 03:10 PM
im living in burlington county which is in south jersey

reefman13
12/05/2007, 03:24 PM
Oh, okay nvm then;) Thats like a 3 hour ride......One site to check out (I have used, and is a great guy) is...http://www.nyaquatic.com/servlet/StoreFront
Whats nice is that because you and I live relatively close to the guy, we only have to pay for 'home priority' ground shipping which is $9. And his stuff is healthy, and you can e-mail him for specifications and he will try to work something out. Great value for $$$ though......and you don't have to drive anywhere!

I don't know if you noticed, but that tank (that I highly recomend you get) has got a built in 150W MH which is perfect for a complete mixed reef.

I have to go out.......but, do you have any ideas for stocking?

WM15
12/05/2007, 03:36 PM
i havnt really thought toomuch about stocking, but i would like to start out by 1 or 2 ocellaris's or perc's and if i could, an anemone sometime down the road. i dont really kno which kind of corals(but will do research). also maybe a couple of snails or cleaner inverts for right after i cycle the tank.

if you have any differen opinions about any of these please do tell.

reefman13
12/05/2007, 07:59 PM
Once the tank has been up and running the way to want it and it has cycled (about 2 or 3 weeks), then you can start stocking.....

From what you should add first to what you want to add last.....(almost all can be found at LiveAquaria...
>1. 4 Astrea Snails and 2 Scarlet Reef Hermits
>2. 3 Nassuris Snails
-Test Water Parameters, and perform a W/C after about a week-
>3. Your first fish- add something that you plan on keeping for a long time in stead of a aggressive hardy test fish. Because if you do it that way if it ends up living, it can end up being a real PIA to get out.
>4. You can start adding some corals (softies)
>5. Start dosing with supplemental chemical mixes.
>6. After about 6 to 8 months you can add an anemone

For clowns you can go either way, but I personally have a preference for the simple O.clownfish. And for other fish, I am sure a wrasse or firefish is something that will interest you.

HTH

Happy reefing!:)

WM15
12/06/2007, 10:05 AM
i think i gonna go with the O. clown because from from what i hear they are pretty hardy. Possibly add them at the same time as a pair. ive done my research, but from ur experience what seems to be the easiest kind of softy to keep. also ive read that the BTA are the easiest nem to take care of. would that be a good first nem after 6 months or so

WM15
12/06/2007, 02:33 PM
what do u think about a small pygmy angel in the tank

reefman13
12/06/2007, 04:04 PM
Yeah adding them at the same time isn't a bad idea either.

These:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?ddid=31869&siteid=20
are a very hardy, great begginer coral. I bought a small frag of about 6 polyps and after 5 months under a halide, in a healthy established tank, I have about 30. I really like them and I think that they are great with the fact that they come in all different color varieties.

Dwarf angels are something that I would not recommend. None of them are guaranteed reef safe. They all have the chance of nibbling on coral, and even if they don't when you first add them, there is the possibility that it may be something that they develop. They are also pretty aggressive fish and will not tolerate any damsel in the tank or most new additions as they are territorial.

One that I would recommend is a wrasse. Here is a great one for that tank:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?ddid=31835&siteid=20
another:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?ddid=31753&siteid=20

HTH

WM15
12/06/2007, 08:20 PM
I got my tank just three hours ago at some LFS that i didn know of before they just opened about 2 months ago. i got a 24 gallon nano cube but the guy gave me a deal with the upgraded hood with the MH's for 100 dollars. I also got all the euipment necassary. i looked at the fish there too. they all looked very healthy and were swimmin around in pretty big tanks. so i think i found my new LFS.

SPARTAN VI
12/06/2007, 08:42 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11328550#post11328550 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
what do u think about a small pygmy angel in the tank

I just picked up a flame pygmy angel today. There are risks associated with angels as there's a chance they'll pick at your corals a clam's mantle. So far mine has happily accepted frozen brine shrimp and formula one.

WM15
12/06/2007, 08:57 PM
thats good do u think that the same will go with a dwarf coral beauty

SPARTAN VI
12/06/2007, 09:03 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11331315#post11331315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
thats good do u think that the same will go with a dwarf coral beauty

I think it's the same deal with coral beauties, nip on lps coral and clams.

reefman13
12/07/2007, 06:15 AM
Seriously, if clams and a bunch of the LPS are things you want to do, I would stay away from them all together. I wanted one at the begining of reefing, and once I learned about them, and had one, I got rid of it and turned to the other cool looking fish.

WM15
12/07/2007, 09:54 AM
then what are some fish other than the wrasses that would work(or less expensive wrasses)

reefman13
12/07/2007, 02:13 PM
Those are expensive because they are on live aquaria's divers den. If you went to your LFS with the names of these fish that you see online, I bet that your LFS will get ones for about 15% less.

Sixlines are great, quite common, and cheap at $15-$20. They do get aggressive, and are best added as the last fish to a tank.

Blennies are great, either midas or a tails spot would work.

Take a look around on LA. If you see something you like, write it down and bring the list to your LFS and see what he can do.

3fins
12/07/2007, 04:46 PM
i would recomend you getting your CUC from reefscavengers.com. There awsome, shippings only 8$

SPARTAN VI
12/07/2007, 07:39 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11335813#post11335813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefman13
Those are expensive because they are on live aquaria's divers den. If you went to your LFS with the names of these fish that you see online, I bet that your LFS will get ones for about 15% less.

Sixlines are great, quite common, and cheap at $15-$20. They do get aggressive, and are best added as the last fish to a tank.

Blennies are great, either midas or a tails spot would work.

Take a look around on LA. If you see something you like, write it down and bring the list to your LFS and see what he can do.

QFT. Don't settle for what your LFS has in stock. I found out when my LFS restocks and ask him to pick up certain live stock for me when he's at his supplier. Few weeks ago, he picked up some Firefish for me, this past week it was the Flame Angel. It's great, now that I go in there with specific requests, he knows my name and gives me 10% discounts! Anyhow, I prefer my LFS over online stores simply because of shipping, but you also get to physically examine the specimen before you buy it. If your LFS guy is patient enough, ask him to feed the fish for you just so you can observe them eating. Usually fish will eat like they've been starving even if you just fed them 15 minutes ago. Fish that don't eat may not be healthy... or just full? I had a Bangaii Cardinal and a Firefish that did not eat and ended up dead the next day.

Don't impulse buy like I did. You may end up with dead fish or returning some. And don't buy aggressive/territorial fish first, like I did, they will likely harass future tank mates. I returned my blue yellow-tail damsel because he was a bully.

WM15
12/07/2007, 09:04 PM
i just added the sand and water to the tank. its pretty cloudy but it'll settle down. ill post a pic tomorrow when my mom brings the camera back from work. i might add some live rock soon as the water clears up.

olmsted66
12/07/2007, 09:08 PM
check out tampa bay saltwater live rock i have 60 lbs of it in my 29 gallon and absolutly love it. Richard also throws in a bunch of nice freebies like anemones and corals with the package. I would deff check it out.

WM15
12/08/2007, 03:04 PM
after i put in my live rock should i start leaving the light

WM15
12/08/2007, 03:28 PM
on

WM15
12/09/2007, 03:00 PM
i have the maxijet 1200 but it doesnt seem to reach around to the other side of the tank do u think i could put in a hydor koralia 1 or nano in the tank so i could get some more flow

reefman13
12/09/2007, 03:47 PM
First, could we get some pics?;)

Second I would recomend a Tunze Nano Stream 6025 (scroll down):
http://www.tunze.com/149.html?&L=1&C=US&user_tunzeprod_pi1[predid]=-infoxunter025

Great pumps, and MUCH more space saving than the Koralias...

And yeah, after you get the LR, (or even now with the sand) start putting the light on a 7 hour cycle however you like it. I have my lights go on at 1pm, and shut off at 8pm, because that is when I am home during the week and have more time to enjoy the tank.

WM15
12/09/2007, 04:05 PM
ya ill have pics up by 2morrow for sure my mom left the camera at work. but if u kno how to get the picture of the phone and onto the computer i could have some phone pics on today

reefman13
12/09/2007, 04:25 PM
Nah, wait to get pics w/ a real camera. I am a big camera guy and for some reason I hate camera phone photographs. I feel it is much easier to take nicer pics, and upload them to photo bucket or something, and just copy and paste the url. ;)

So wait until tomorrow.

WM15
12/10/2007, 05:30 PM
heres a few pics

http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/

WM15
12/10/2007, 06:01 PM
scroll down a little and ull see them

mydumname
12/10/2007, 09:20 PM
It says you need a password.

Anyway, I am gonna guess you live in Mt. Laurel? I live in Gibbsboro, near Voorhees. I am just starting to do some research on getting into this hobby. Have too many, ha. What store did you end up getting the tank from? I know a couple decent ones near you.

WM15
12/11/2007, 05:14 AM
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/fishtank004.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/fishtank003.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/fishtank002.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/fishtank001.jpg

WM15
12/11/2007, 05:15 AM
there thats better

dsn112
12/11/2007, 08:26 AM
Looks cool, i am also curious which LFS you are going to? Your close to the Hidden Reef in Levittown PA. That store is huge and has a very nice selection of just about everything.

SPARTAN VI
12/11/2007, 10:22 AM
Nice rock. How many lbs you have in there?

jbob
12/11/2007, 11:15 AM
that rock looks awsome. i love all the holes in it. you're on your way.

WM15
12/11/2007, 02:10 PM
i cant remember the name of the place right now but its in marlton right near the kohls and shoprite

o also i have about 34 lbs of live rock in the tank

mydumname
12/11/2007, 03:55 PM
If its on 70 it is in a small shopping center and has a sign that says Tropical Fish. I think the name is actually Living Color or something like that. Nice store if it is.

WM15
12/11/2007, 04:16 PM
ya its that one they had a flood in their basement so they remodled it. everything there is very clean

SPARTAN VI
12/11/2007, 05:35 PM
I agree, a firefish will take kindly to all those nooks and crannies when they go to sleep in the evening. :)

brandon7491
12/11/2007, 06:19 PM
hey man i feel you 100% im 16 and i started this hobby about 3yrs ago with a 14gallon tank and like everyone at one point i had no idea what the hell i was doing. go slow and i give u an enormous amount of credit for planning out and researching before u buy impulsively. this is what i reccomend getting one of this hqi nanos or try to find one of them used. 2nd get like a 20lb bag of that fiji pink sand and 20lbs of lr. let it cycle with nothing in it. when params are perfect then add 5-10 blue leg hermits which are very hardy and about 2-3 snails then wait for about a week to c if anything comes up. if params are still normal then u can add your first fish which if i recall u said that u wanted some clowns. i would reccomend u go with true percs as they stay relitively small and are very hardy. after adding them in wait another week. when that week is up then go add ur self a coral or two. i would say a good coral to just start off with is some kind of cheap zoos that have some color. wait a week before adding anything else. if all goes well ur params should be good and ur coral should be thriving then u can add what ever u want besides acro,monti,nem due to the tank not yet being mature enough. now the question on the skimmer u asked its not a must have, there have been many beautiful tanks out there that have ran skimmerless and just use biological filtration and activated carbon. on my first tank i had very good results without a skimmer but now on my current 29gallon sps tank i do have a skimmer because sps need pristine water condtions and i have a rather heavy bioload. but no u do not need a skimmer for ur tank to run and be beautiful. u do not need a chiller as long as ur temp is between 80-82degrees farenheight. hope this info helps.

brandon7491
12/11/2007, 06:23 PM
oops only read the first page lol sry

reefman13
12/11/2007, 06:26 PM
NICE. Looking really good. Make sure to keep us updated!

WM15
12/11/2007, 08:27 PM
ya the LR is finally starting to get darker in color and algae is startin to grow on some of the rocks. also little fan looking worms are startin to come out. i think im gonna buy the tunze powerhead, get a moonlight LED since the tank didnt come with one and its kinda dull with no light on at night, and im going to get time because start school at 7 and get home at 2 30 so that means the light would have to be on during the time im at shool, which means i cant see the tank when he lights are on and then ill have to turn it off until tomorrow morning

WM15
12/12/2007, 05:14 PM
my tank has cycled now for 4 weeks. should it be fine the LR i bought was fully cured and just taken out of a tank that had been running for five years the sand also is the same as the LR. when we got the LR the LFS worker said that i could come back in 1 week which would be on this friday. do u think this is right.

also if i do get fish friday im having a tough decision on what to get. ive looked at firefish(any color) and a clown pair. what would be the better one to add first.

WM15
12/13/2007, 03:24 PM
im actually getting a pair of ocellaris's tonight if everything goes as planned

SPARTAN VI
12/13/2007, 06:32 PM
Don't think it really matters if you get the clowns or the firefish first. My clownfish pair are somewhat territorial, but are only aggressive toward my blue damsel, and leave my firefish alone.

If you must choose, I'd add the firefish first. Let the tank adjust to the bioload for a week or so, then add the clownfish later just incase they're the territorial kind.

reefman13
12/18/2007, 09:16 AM
How is everything now? It was only 4 weeks like a few days ago, and I think that it is time for some new pics!;)

WM15
12/18/2007, 02:30 PM
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<img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/IMG_1798.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
<img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/IMG_1797.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
<img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/IMG_1795_1.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
</center>

WM15
12/18/2007, 02:33 PM
there was a lot a brown algae growing at first now all the brown algae has gone and is being replaced by green algae. there are also alot of these worms that have appeared on the rock (first pic)

WM15
12/18/2007, 02:45 PM
although it is starting to become a pain in the a$$ to have to scrub some algae off the glass everyday

9Tailfox
12/18/2007, 03:21 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11371510#post11371510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
my tank has cycled now for 4 weeks. should it be fine the LR i bought was fully cured and just taken out of a tank that had been running for five years the sand also is the same as the LR. when we got the LR the LFS worker said that i could come back in 1 week which would be on this friday. do u think this is right.

also if i do get fish friday im having a tough decision on what to get. ive looked at firefish(any color) and a clown pair. what would be the better one to add first.

I would not rely on a time period to see if your tank is ready. If you can test your water parameters or have the fish store test them for you if they do that to see if everything is in order. Just to be on the safe side. The cycle can take 4 weeks or longer depending on your tank and if the rock you added was cured or not already. After testing you should be able to add your clean up crew to hopefully keep some of that algae in check. Don't forget your drip acclimation for invertebrates, and don’t forget to add livestock slowly and give your tank time to adjust to the new inhabitants.

Looks like you are off to a great start there. I can't wait to see how things will turn out for you. Just remember, research, research, question, and research some more. Also, as many others wiser than me have said before on this site, “Only bad things happen quickly in this hobby.” Best of luck to you!

WM15
12/18/2007, 03:29 PM
thats good cause i just check my params and everything is normal
pH: 8.2-8.4
nitrite: 0 ppm
nitrate:0 ppm
ammonia: 0ppm

WM15
12/18/2007, 03:42 PM
o sorry i didnt post for a while reefman13 i have been a little busy with this little guy
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SPARTAN VI
12/18/2007, 04:05 PM
I'd go for a purple firefish. Little more pricey than the red firefish, but a little less common. There are plenty of fish that can fill the same niche as the red firefish anyway (color wise). :)

WM15
12/18/2007, 08:01 PM
heres the stock list i was thinking of over time

Fish

A. Ocellaris (pair)
Firefish, purple
Clown goby, yellow or green
Six line wrasse
Coral beauty

Inverts

8 blue leg hemits
Scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp
2 cerith snails
2 nassarius snails
maybe an anemone after awhile

Corals

Zoas(any kind)
frogspawn/torch/hammer

WM15
12/19/2007, 09:10 PM
going to go to the LFS tomorrow after school hopefully i come back with something

WM15
12/20/2007, 08:34 PM
didnt get to the LFS today, but i went to the nieghbors house who i tank sat for and he gave me some frags of his kenya tree and some kind of mushroom(I.D. sorry for the crappy pic)
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/IMG_1801.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh266/WM15_reef/IMG_1800.jpg


i also rearanged the rock work so the cave is a lil bigger

going tomorrow to pick up first fish for sure

reefman13
12/21/2007, 08:40 PM
That is an adorable puppy! What kind? Def. a reason to be busy;) Is he yours? Great holiday present;)

Tank is looking good.

Are you dosing anything?

I would put that surface skimmer on the tank. IT will get rid of a lot of the scum on top of the water.

WM15
12/21/2007, 08:48 PM
he is a beagle and yes he is my families
nope im not dosing anything right now. should i?
and i think im gonna get a skimmer any recomendations on what type

WM15
12/21/2007, 09:01 PM
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AM13
12/21/2007, 09:16 PM
Awesome pictures
Those are really really cool fishies!!!

AM13
12/21/2007, 09:19 PM
i forgot to tell u
That is a really cool anemone too!!!

SPARTAN VI
12/21/2007, 10:04 PM
Is that a condylactis? Probably a little too soon to get an anemone bro. I made the same mistake, but my tank was running for 4 months before I picked up my condy. Some would recommend at least 6 months, others swear 12 months. They require pristine water conditions which usually comes with a well established tank.

Your ocellaris probably wont host in the condylactis either. Some claim their condy's have stung or eaten they ocellaris/perculas.. :(

I also see that one of your clowns has white stringy poop. This may indicate the presence of an internal parasite. Are they

[edit] Did you create another ID just to comment in your own thread or is just a coincidence that AM13's name scheme resembles your own, his typing style is identical, and his first two posts are in this thread? ;)

WM15
12/21/2007, 10:52 PM
the person at the store threw in the nem for like 15 dollars cheaper.
if you think it has a internal parasite then should i set up a QT for it?
and no i didnt make that ID up my friend saw it at school and was joking around.

WM15
12/22/2007, 12:18 PM
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WM15
12/24/2007, 11:15 PM
i just got home from my grandparents for christmas eve dinner and saw that nothin was moving in the tank. so i turned the lights on and both clowns and both peppermint shrimp are dead. the clowns made me laugh everyday, i already miss them. the anemone, kenya tree, and blue stripped mushroom both look fine. pretty crappy christmas present. tho there is no way im giving up this easily. :(

params:
pH: 7.5
ammonia: 0
nitrates: 0 ppm
nitrites: .25

the inside of the glass was covered in a thin layer of something white.

SPARTAN VI
12/25/2007, 02:49 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11452615#post11452615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WM15
i just got home from my grandparents for christmas eve dinner and saw that nothin was moving in the tank. so i turned the lights on and both clowns and both peppermint shrimp are dead. the clowns made me laugh everyday, i already miss them. the anemone, kenya tree, and blue stripped mushroom both look fine. pretty crappy christmas present. tho there is no way im giving up this easily. :(

params:
pH: 7.5
ammonia: 0
nitrates: 0 ppm
nitrites: .25

the inside of the glass was covered in a thin layer of something white.

Sorry for your loss, terrible way to begin Christmas.. :(

Curious why you have any measurable nitrites and no nitrates after you've cycled... it should be the other way around; you sure you didn't mix em up by mistake? Then again, this nitrite bloom could be converted ammonia from your recently deceased livestock. Are you using a reagent kit or test strips?

Also your pH is much too low for a reef tank, should be around 8.0-8.4. Did you mix your own saltwater or buy it from the LFS?

I have algae/diatom growth on the inside of my glass which only appears white when thin and in the light. As it builds it will turn brown until a snail finally waltzes over and eats it. I don't think this growth is related to the death of your fish/shrimp, though.

What's the winter weather like in your area? If your heater malfunctioned or is turned off, it's possible that your live stock just froze to death. That's all I can really think of that would prove lethal to your live stock (both fish and inverts) so quickly and undetected.

SPARTAN VI
12/29/2007, 07:20 PM
Any updates? :)

WM15
12/29/2007, 07:51 PM
i did a big water change 3 days ago and now the parameters are back to what they were before the fish croaked. the only thing is i have a big algae problem now. the pH wasnt that low before i left for my grandparents.

i think im gonna get some snails and hermits to solve my algae problem and then take it very slow after that by letting the snails and hermit crabs in the tank for a good 2-3 weeks before adding a fish. the only thing to survive the massacre was the kenya tree. i heard these were a PITA to get rid of tho once the started multiplying.

i also found a 150 watt/14k sunpod for 200 new in box and i thik im gonna get this cause i am definatly going to want a nem later on and i want it to flourish under MH's. also a good family friend is goin to give me a small clam to care for until it gets bigger and i heard they need bright lights.

also i like the aqua c remora with the mj1200 and am probably gonna get that. found this to new for a good price on ebay.

SPARTAN VI
12/29/2007, 08:14 PM
May want to hold off on adopting the clam. They require a "well" established tank, bright lighting (that sunpod should work), and water supplements (calcium, iodine, phytoplankton).

WM15
01/01/2008, 05:30 PM
the algae field and the lone survivor of the massacre the kenya tree which has been growing like crazy

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