Hello! My first post on the forum, I've read countless threads, watched days worth of Youtube (BRS mainly) and still don't feel like there is a clear path to success when starting. It seems a lot of videos/threads will contradict themselves based on how old they are.
I'm just looking for a clear plan of attack for starting my 40 gallon tank sitting next to me, I honestly care more about a successful ecosystem rather than just looks, lots of random questions.
My LFS offers live rock, however I want to glue it so it doesn't fall over, if I let it sit out for awhile to cure will that defeat the purpose of live rock? Also will be using live sand.
I plan on using Microbacter7 because that is also what my LFS offers, I'm trying to become loyal to them instead of purchasing everything online, hope it isn't too much different than Dr. Tims. What should be my first thing to do after I'm done cycling, hoping that only takes 2 weeks or so, I assume add fish (2 Clownfish), then CUC, then after 4 weeks or so add coral? (Easy ones like Xenia, Zoa, etc) I'm just REALLY trying to avoid takeover of any sort of algae, are copepods still recommended? Should I add those as soon as cycling is done as well? Is it worth mixing live rock and dry rock?
My last question is I basically want every fish to serve a purpose, for livestock I'm thinking something like this.
Pink streak Wrasse
Clowns
Lawnmower blenny
Lubbock Fairy Wrasse
Royal Gramma
Some type of Goby, thinking YWG and Pistol shrimp but have heard bad things about Pistols as well so not sure.
Feel like my tank should have more room than for what I can think of? Do I make everyone upset and say a Tang too? JK
when do you think I should start adding them? My build is definitely considered a "budget build", therefore I won't be quarantining but trusting my LFS. No room for a QT tank.
Hopefully this gets some responses, thank you if so.
I'm just looking for a clear plan of attack for starting my 40 gallon tank sitting next to me, I honestly care more about a successful ecosystem rather than just looks, lots of random questions.
My LFS offers live rock, however I want to glue it so it doesn't fall over, if I let it sit out for awhile to cure will that defeat the purpose of live rock? Also will be using live sand.
I plan on using Microbacter7 because that is also what my LFS offers, I'm trying to become loyal to them instead of purchasing everything online, hope it isn't too much different than Dr. Tims. What should be my first thing to do after I'm done cycling, hoping that only takes 2 weeks or so, I assume add fish (2 Clownfish), then CUC, then after 4 weeks or so add coral? (Easy ones like Xenia, Zoa, etc) I'm just REALLY trying to avoid takeover of any sort of algae, are copepods still recommended? Should I add those as soon as cycling is done as well? Is it worth mixing live rock and dry rock?
My last question is I basically want every fish to serve a purpose, for livestock I'm thinking something like this.
Pink streak Wrasse
Clowns
Lawnmower blenny
Lubbock Fairy Wrasse
Royal Gramma
Some type of Goby, thinking YWG and Pistol shrimp but have heard bad things about Pistols as well so not sure.
Feel like my tank should have more room than for what I can think of? Do I make everyone upset and say a Tang too? JK
when do you think I should start adding them? My build is definitely considered a "budget build", therefore I won't be quarantining but trusting my LFS. No room for a QT tank.
Hopefully this gets some responses, thank you if so.