Water today!

[ReefNole]

Well, the day has come.

After a DIY stand, dozens of Amazon purchases, rock epoxying, and all of the other things you all have done so many times, today is the day water makes it in my 29g.

I did a lot of things differently this time (actually purchased a refractometer, black substrate, egg crate under the rocks, and dry rock/sand). Most I think for the better, but I'm nervous about the length of my cycle by only feeding as my source of ammonia. Also, as it's an invert only tank, I'm wondering about adding a few hermits about 2 weeks into the cycle, but I've never cycled with anything alive and don't necessarily want to start unless yall think it would be ok.

Either way, I'll have pictures eventually, but just wanted to share my excitement with the board as I'm back in the hobby after 5 years removed. Thanks all for the support and wisdom on this board. Time to fill it up and wait!

[scooter31707]

Congrads and good luck! Be patience and do not rush and it will be well worth the reward!

[Shawn O]

I think the hermits will die if added during the cycle. Someone with real experience, as compared to mine (or lack thereof) care to chime in?

[Marchillo]

You've waited this long just do the feeding and let the cycle occur over 4-6 weeks and then the wait is over.

Good luck and welcome back

[oldbones]

You could certainly add some bacteria in a bottle if you wish to speed up the cycle.

[gone fishin]

Congrats :beer:

I would hold off adding any inverts until your cycled. Just my two cents

[Sk8r]

If you want to qt your inverts, putting them into qt now would have them ready to add few at a time four weeks from now, when the tank has finished its cycle.

[ReefNole]

I know I know...yall are like the angel on one shoulder compared to the devil on the other haha.

I'll wait it out as I should. I may add 1 live rock if I find one with some good growth on it, but I think I'll hold off on any bottled products.

Thanks as always for the sound thinking. Time to DIY my canopy!

[gone fishin]

The canopy should provide a distraction for a little while LOL.

[kmbyrnes]

Congrats!.
You have been patiently getting your tank together.
Now is not the time to give in to the temptation to move too fast.
Stay the course and wait out the cycle. You will be netter off in the long run.