First Reef Tank - ? LR

[fubar5643]

This is my first reef tank, & I’m a little nervous about setting it up properly. I have 25lbs. of Tonga LR. My tank looks a little bare compared to most of the pics I've seen on RC Forums. Should I add more LR before I start adding livestock? If I do add more, should I wait until my cycle is complete & start the cycle over. Or, should I add to it now & extend the cycle time.

Tank Info:
Red Sea Max 34gal. total - 29gal. usable.
Set up for 2 weeks (still cycling).
Amm. has peeked & coming down, Nitri & Nitra still high.
Testing again tonight.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/507/182173Copy_of_3-11-08_pic_04.JPG http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/507/182173Copy_of_3-11-08_pic_05.JPG http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/507/182173Copy_of_3-11-08_pic_06.JPG

[kau_cinta_ku]

i would just add the rock now and continue the cycle. most ppl use 1.5-2lbs of rock per gal. but all depends on the type of rock also.

[drparker]

Nice looking so far, I like the cave.

Yes add more live rock now. Then watch your levels you'll probably get a spike (depends on how cured the rock is) but it's better to get it done with than to get the spike later when you have livestock in there..

[Reefmack]

Good job of keeping the rock away from the sides and back to make cleaning easier - it looks great! If you add any more rock don't add too much, and be prepared for another cycle if you add a lot more new rock. If you are planning on corals some of those may come on pieces of rock, and by not going too heavy on rock now it'll leave you room for the future.

[fubar5643]

Thanks for the quick replies. I will add 10 (maybe 15) more lbs. I ordered the 25lbs. from aquacon.com & was not happy with the shipping (Florida to Tennesse on FedEx truck 4 days). The rock arived in good shape, but probably could have had less die off. Has anyone delt with premiumaquatics.com (they ship next day air & have Tonga Rock)?

[fubar5643]

I am planning on corals. I may get a couple full grown, but most will be frags. My wife did the rock formation - the back and sides have 2 - 3in between the glass, & the front has about 5 - 6in. We may get a couple of clams fore the open front aria once the tank is established for a while.

[drparker]

I got great rock from them last year. Nice shapes and sizes, full of life and fully cured with only the expected die off from overnight shipping.

[fubar5643]

I see that this hobby requires patience. Just tested my water Amm- 0, Nitrites 0.1, Nitrates 2.5, PH 8.2, Alk 1.0. After tomorrows water change, if alkalinity comes up it may be ready for a few starter fish (no inverts with nitra 2.5). Should have added more rock sooner. I have waited this long, should be no problem waiting for another cycle (maybe a short one with overnight shipping).