New 180. Need constructive advice

Iowafisher · 06/06/2013, 09:27 PM

Ok so I just got a 180 gallon and man this thing is big.
Have it all up and running. Have sump set up. Temps good. Salinity great.
I am not rushing anything. I want to do this right.
I am wanting to have a small middle of the tank reef with lots of swimming room around it. I would like to have about 3 tangs 1 lion 1 zebra moray eel. Some type of small shark.(LFS) has a new egg. 1 miniatus grouper

What do y'all think. Compatible? Any of these scream at you they won't get along.

Iowafisher · 06/06/2013, 09:28 PM

Just put sand in

worm5406 · 06/06/2013, 10:07 PM

Wait...

Did you cycle this tank or anything?

Need some info on it.

How old is it?
What is in the sump?
Is that bacteria in a bottle?

Iowafisher · 06/06/2013, 10:19 PM

Tank has Ben up and running for a week. Doing great thus far. Yes I am upswing bacteria in a bottle. LFS said it was a good product. I have used it in the past all the live rock is from my other tank.

Iowafisher · 06/06/2013, 10:20 PM

The sump is a 30 gallon. Sump passes through with filter roll in it. Going to get filter socks next time I go to town.

Iowafisher · 06/06/2013, 10:25 PM

Have this led light
http://www.ocreef.com/ocreef_x_serie...tegory_id=5086

dave.m · 06/07/2013, 04:45 AM

That's not nearly enough rock to house a moray. You'll need to add a length of PVC for it. A 180 is way too small for any type of shark beyond its first year.

Dave.M

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 05:04 AM

Thanks for the advice. I have been thinking that too.
I I have two little fish in there now just to help tank get established. But waiting on any high $$$ fish fora whial

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 08:49 AM

I will get much more rock. Before the eel goes in

worm5406 · 06/07/2013, 09:02 AM

The bigger issue is that the tank has not cycled. Bacteria in a bottle does not cycle a tank.

It needs to get a good layer of bacteria on the rock and substrate. This bacteria goes through a couple shifts as it matures and makes the level correct to handle fish waste (pee/poo) to be broken down and handled. Otherwise the tank will continue to build toxins.

The bacteria in a bottle adds a type of bacteria that still needs to colonize and multiply. The rock will off gas/leach/release toxins that also need to be taken care of.

A normal cycle is any where from 4 weeks (with live rock) to 4 months (with dry rock and dry substrate)

Yes it looks good but you will see a few cycles of what looks like nasty diatoms and other items that would have been better to happen WITHOUT fish in the tank.

It is not just add water/rock/fish and watch it.

Nature has evolved with polution and other items in the water. We can not throw it together in seconds, unless ALL the critera are met already.

Chlorine and tap water are killers due to the chemical composition.

SO.... how did you set it up again?

Lets help you by showing you the way to keep a tank for years instead of weeks.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:13 AM

I can put fish back in my other tank. No problem. I have kept a 30 gallon nano for 3 years. With corals. I think that the fact that I live in a real small town they don't use as much chemicals in the water. It is all I have ever used and it alloways kept corals alive. I use prime too.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:16 AM

I will start doing 10% water changes with ro water every week. There is just no way for me to get 200 gallons of r/o water to my house.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:16 AM

Thanks for the help

worm5406 · 06/07/2013, 10:17 AM

You can order a RO/DI filter and it will beat the cost of purchasing it at the store, espc over 200 gallons.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:19 AM

Forgot to mention I also put In 60lbs of live sand. That should help

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:19 AM

I will do some searching.

Mpfaff77 · 06/07/2013, 10:23 AM

Absolutely get a RO/DI. It will pay for itself very quickly. Buying water at 1$ a gallon at LFS and lugging it gets old very quick. IMO AND IME the 2 best purchases I ever made in 7 years in the hobby is my RO/DI and my Apex aquacontroler.

Filter guys
Bulk reef supply

Just to name a few well know RODI systems.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:25 AM

Thanks for info I will look them up.

Mpfaff77 · 06/07/2013, 10:29 AM

Not to mention if your pretty handy you can run lines to ice maker and sink and have fresh RO drinking water which saves a lot for my family as well on buying bottled water.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 10:43 AM

Called local water supplier. They will rent me a ro system that also does a lot of other filtration for like 15$ a month. As I don't have the 1500$ it costs up front.

worm5406 · 06/07/2013, 10:50 AM

WOA... you do not need 1500.... What are you getting a 200g a day??

WOW...

Look at a supporter here...

buckeye field supply

Or even Bulk Reef Supply...

No way on $1500...!!!

scuzy · 06/07/2013, 10:51 AM

A decent ro/di is like 200 from bulk reef supply. All the rests are gimmicks

Mpfaff77 · 06/07/2013, 11:54 AM

Agreed with last 2 posts. 1500 is out of this world.

I paid 250 shipped for mine from filter guys. 5 stage 75gpd with dual tds meter and 2 psi gauges.

Like last poster said bulk reef supply has similar units for under 200$

vair · 06/07/2013, 12:07 PM

I've purchased from these guys for years:

http://www.airwaterice.com/c=hWpCSm9...z1/category/1/

Couple hundred bucks is all you'll need, don't rent.

Slow down listen to every one above so far all good info.

Iowafisher · 06/07/2013, 12:33 PM

Looking at that link 149$ buys me all I need

06/06/2013, 10:07 PM	#3
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Wait... Did you cycle this tank or anything? Need some info on it. How old is it? What is in the sump? Is that bacteria in a bottle? __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

06/07/2013, 04:45 AM	#7
dave.m Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canadia Posts: 4,276	That's not nearly enough rock to house a moray. You'll need to add a length of PVC for it. A 180 is way too small for any type of shark beyond its first year. Dave.M __________________ My Gawd! It's full of corals! Current Tank Info: None. Nil. Zip. Nada.

06/07/2013, 09:02 AM	#10
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	The bigger issue is that the tank has not cycled. Bacteria in a bottle does not cycle a tank. It needs to get a good layer of bacteria on the rock and substrate. This bacteria goes through a couple shifts as it matures and makes the level correct to handle fish waste (pee/poo) to be broken down and handled. Otherwise the tank will continue to build toxins. The bacteria in a bottle adds a type of bacteria that still needs to colonize and multiply. The rock will off gas/leach/release toxins that also need to be taken care of. A normal cycle is any where from 4 weeks (with live rock) to 4 months (with dry rock and dry substrate) Yes it looks good but you will see a few cycles of what looks like nasty diatoms and other items that would have been better to happen WITHOUT fish in the tank. It is not just add water/rock/fish and watch it. Nature has evolved with polution and other items in the water. We can not throw it together in seconds, unless ALL the critera are met already. Chlorine and tap water are killers due to the chemical composition. SO.... how did you set it up again? Lets help you by showing you the way to keep a tank for years instead of weeks. __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

06/07/2013, 10:17 AM	#14
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	You can order a RO/DI filter and it will beat the cost of purchasing it at the store, espc over 200 gallons. __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

06/07/2013, 10:50 AM	#21
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	WOA... you do not need 1500.... What are you getting a 200g a day?? WOW... Look at a supporter here... buckeye field supply Or even Bulk Reef Supply... No way on $1500...!!! __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

06/06/2013, 10:19 PM	#4
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Tank has Ben up and running for a week. Doing great thus far. Yes I am upswing bacteria in a bottle. LFS said it was a good product. I have used it in the past all the live rock is from my other tank.

06/06/2013, 10:20 PM	#5
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	The sump is a 30 gallon. Sump passes through with filter roll in it. Going to get filter socks next time I go to town.

06/06/2013, 10:25 PM	#6
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Have this led light http://www.ocreef.com/ocreef_x_serie...tegory_id=5086

06/07/2013, 05:04 AM	#8
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Thanks for the advice. I have been thinking that too. I I have two little fish in there now just to help tank get established. But waiting on any high $$$ fish fora whial

06/07/2013, 08:49 AM	#9
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	I will get much more rock. Before the eel goes in

06/07/2013, 10:13 AM	#11
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	I can put fish back in my other tank. No problem. I have kept a 30 gallon nano for 3 years. With corals. I think that the fact that I live in a real small town they don't use as much chemicals in the water. It is all I have ever used and it alloways kept corals alive. I use prime too.

06/07/2013, 10:16 AM	#12
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	I will start doing 10% water changes with ro water every week. There is just no way for me to get 200 gallons of r/o water to my house.

06/07/2013, 10:19 AM	#15
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Forgot to mention I also put In 60lbs of live sand. That should help

06/07/2013, 10:23 AM	#17
Mpfaff77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 373	Absolutely get a RO/DI. It will pay for itself very quickly. Buying water at 1$ a gallon at LFS and lugging it gets old very quick. IMO AND IME the 2 best purchases I ever made in 7 years in the hobby is my RO/DI and my Apex aquacontroler. Filter guys Bulk reef supply Just to name a few well know RODI systems.

06/07/2013, 10:25 AM	#18
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Thanks for info I will look them up.

06/07/2013, 10:29 AM	#19
Mpfaff77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 373	Not to mention if your pretty handy you can run lines to ice maker and sink and have fresh RO drinking water which saves a lot for my family as well on buying bottled water.

06/07/2013, 10:43 AM	#20
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Called local water supplier. They will rent me a ro system that also does a lot of other filtration for like 15$ a month. As I don't have the 1500$ it costs up front.

06/07/2013, 10:51 AM	#22
scuzy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 6,499	A decent ro/di is like 200 from bulk reef supply. All the rests are gimmicks

06/07/2013, 11:54 AM	#23
Mpfaff77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 373	Agreed with last 2 posts. 1500 is out of this world. I paid 250 shipped for mine from filter guys. 5 stage 75gpd with dual tds meter and 2 psi gauges. Like last poster said bulk reef supply has similar units for under 200$

06/07/2013, 12:07 PM	#24
vair Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Alberta Posts: 465	I've purchased from these guys for years: http://www.airwaterice.com/c=hWpCSm9...z1/category/1/ Couple hundred bucks is all you'll need, don't rent. Slow down listen to every one above so far all good info. __________________ Dave --------------------------------- Really I like my bare bottom. "go snowboarding" www.sourceboards.com Current Tank Info: Building a in wall 300G reef tank.

06/07/2013, 12:33 PM	#25
Iowafisher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 162	Looking at that link 149$ buys me all I need