Getting back into it...A tad nervous

B&CinB.C. · Aug 1, 2024

Hello and welcome to R2R.

tharbin · Aug 1, 2024

Welcome to R2R! I used CaribSea Life Rock in a Waterbox 15 and I was not happy with it but others like it so... I used ChemiPure Blue Nano packets in the filter cup (replaced the filter sock) whenever I thought the tank was a little cloudy or the Nitrates/Phosphates started to climb but rarely needed it with the water changes. Nice to have a few packets on hand though, just in case.

shcrimps · Aug 1, 2024

haslip said:
Hi all. I am getting back into the saltwater world. I tore down my last tank about 10 months ago and have been missing it since. I had it for about 6 years. Things have changed and going to give the NANO world a try. I got the Innovative Marine 15 on the way. Due to my location, I don't have a LFS within 6 hours. Just Petco. I may be able to get a few pieces of live rock from another reefer but will have to source some other rock. I feel like my best option is Caribsea liferock. I see mixed info on it, but would you use it? Also, it is an AIO with a sock in the first chamber, I was wondering if you would suggest putting some Chemipure Blue in the bottom of that and the second chamber some bioballs and 3rd chamber floss? Not 100% sure if I will use a skimmer yet. Just planning on a pair of clowns and CUC. Maybe a few softies after the first year. I would appreciate your thoughts.
Happy to be here, very excited and appreciate all of the information on this site.

Have a great day!
J

if you order aussie live rock from tank stop the cycling and algae issues in the beginning won’t be crazy bad and you’ll get a bunch of cool looking stuff on the rocks too
5lbs supplemental would be good if you build your main scape with dry rock or life rock

Reef Wizard · Aug 1, 2024

ChrisfromBrick · Aug 1, 2024

Welcome back and why did you tear down your tank if you dont mind me asking?

phillyb614 · Aug 1, 2024

haslip · Aug 1, 2024

Dragen Fiend said:
Welcome to R2R!

I used Caribsea liferock on my very first tank. Yup you guess it. IM 15 as well. I had no issues.

You could use any type of filtration system you want. Just ensure its in bags so you can easily pull it out of the chamber. Otherwise I'd splurge a bit more and get the caddy filters. The filter sock works just fine but I found it clogged far too often vs caddy.

As for using Petco. You be the judge based how well they maintain their tanks. Its a hit or miss. I personally don't go to any but one because I know the person who runs the saltwater section.

I'd buy online if possible. For the price of shipping. Your paying in gas anyway.

Thank you for the info. I plan on getting the media tray and ATO in the very near future. I might hold off on the chemical filtration until cycled. I also plan to buy all living things online.

haslip · Aug 1, 2024

ChrisfromBrick said:
Welcome back and why did you tear down your tank if you dont mind me asking?t

Didn't really have a choice. The tank was in the middle of some home construction/destruction. I had no other place to move it to. I am excited to start fresh though. just on a much smaller scale

haslip · Aug 1, 2024

DaddyDaughterNano said:
It might be interesting to see if InTank makes a media basket for your tank. They let you stack things within compartments in your chambers so can have floss, ChemiPure, and bio balls all in chamber one, for example.

I use Life Rock. They talk about it being seeded with bacteria, etc, but I cycled my tank following Dr. Tim’s fishless cycle recipe, and dose bacteria (Waste Away, MicroBacter 7, or MicroBacter Clean) with my regular maintenance. Kind of cool to hear about some of the new (to me at least) options mentioned above.

good to know. thank you. I plan on doing the cycling this same way. I am not in a big hurry so just going to take my time and do it right.