af4evr13
04/21/2019, 07:25 AM
Hello Reef Central, I am new to this site and new to Saltwater Aquariums. I have recently set up a Red Sea Reefer 350. I have made some rookie mistakes already and I am wondering now the best way to mitigate issues going forward.
If you have ever owned a Red Sea Reefer you probably know that not much comes with them. No return pump, No lights etc. I did know about not having lights but it was quite the shock to put the tank together, add rock and sand and water....then no pump. So now to where I am now and my best course of action.
Current Set up:
1) 3 Weeks on first cycle
2) 30 lbs of Live Reef Rock (Plan to add 40 more lbs of Rock)
3) Temp 76 Degrees, PH 8.0, Ammonia, .25 ppm slightly elevated, Nitrites O, Nitrates 15 ppm elevated
4) 30 lbs of Live Reef Rock
5) 1 Large Non Toxic Decoration
6) 3 Anthias, 3 Blue Crabs, 10 Hermit Crabs
Questions:
1) I plan to add 40 more lbs of rock. Can I do dry reef rock and seed in my live rock or should I buy 40 more lbs of live reef rock. Trying to safe some at the expense of time if possible. I recognize if I have to seed it will take much longer for the rock to cycle.
2) How big of a deal is not having any aquarium lights? I know that I need certain lighting for coral but I have also read that certain parts of my live rock might die off without proper lighting. Is this true.
Appreciate any advice you guys have and remember I am new this so don't beat me up too badly. :beer:
If you have ever owned a Red Sea Reefer you probably know that not much comes with them. No return pump, No lights etc. I did know about not having lights but it was quite the shock to put the tank together, add rock and sand and water....then no pump. So now to where I am now and my best course of action.
Current Set up:
1) 3 Weeks on first cycle
2) 30 lbs of Live Reef Rock (Plan to add 40 more lbs of Rock)
3) Temp 76 Degrees, PH 8.0, Ammonia, .25 ppm slightly elevated, Nitrites O, Nitrates 15 ppm elevated
4) 30 lbs of Live Reef Rock
5) 1 Large Non Toxic Decoration
6) 3 Anthias, 3 Blue Crabs, 10 Hermit Crabs
Questions:
1) I plan to add 40 more lbs of rock. Can I do dry reef rock and seed in my live rock or should I buy 40 more lbs of live reef rock. Trying to safe some at the expense of time if possible. I recognize if I have to seed it will take much longer for the rock to cycle.
2) How big of a deal is not having any aquarium lights? I know that I need certain lighting for coral but I have also read that certain parts of my live rock might die off without proper lighting. Is this true.
Appreciate any advice you guys have and remember I am new this so don't beat me up too badly. :beer: