View Full Version : Whats the next step?
lightningfront
12/28/2008, 04:59 PM
So I have my tank built and has been up and running with salt water, a lot of dry rock, and a few pieces of live rock to get the coraline algae going for three days. A freind of mine gave me some zoas and a GSP frag for the hell of it that have been in there for a day now.
Whats the next step in getting the tank established? I need something to get the tank going right? I think I need some live sand, but then what? When do I need to start getting the snails and shrimp and crabs and when can I add fish and more coral?
ed102475
12/28/2008, 05:21 PM
As with fresh or saltwater tank it needs to cycle 4-6 weeks you should have waited on the frags.I would put in some live bacteria to give your tank a bio boost.you should have added the sand before the water I'm pretty sure.good luck.
kurquhart1
12/28/2008, 05:29 PM
im a noob but i can help. i just finally got fish in my tank today. patience is the key! you need a powerhead to circulate the water, live sand, and i believe the rule of thumb is 2 lbs of live rock per gallon of water. test kits, something to measure your salinity, skimmer, filter, and heater are the basics.
you could boost it with live bacteria, but i prefer to let nature take its course and do it all on its own. your live rock has to cure before adding fish. there cant be any ammonia in your tank
kurquhart1
12/28/2008, 05:32 PM
as for a clean up crew. i wouldnt add it right away. if there isnt enough alge for the critters to eat you have to suppliment their diets. there used to eat alge on tank and rocks n stuff.
crabs should be "reef safe" and most will kill the snails for their shells as they grow. you could also buy shells and leave them in the tank and it will stop them from killing your snails
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