New to Knoxville and salt water

[NanoPoseidon]

Take your time and read, read, read... (Kinda sounds like a broken record but I would put emphasis on the word read... As far as stores go, I make the rounds to all three LFS just because you sometimes see something special and it is always beneficial to hear different opinions (and they most likely will be different) on the hobby. As well, craigslist is always a good place to check here and there for deals related to equipment. (I bought my tank and some of my equipment from there). Also look for group buys on the internet as there is usually always a few other people looking to order something at the same time and it helps to save on shipping! I am starting to see the importance of joining the ranks of the club as the camaraderie and support is worth its weight in gold to supplement your knowledge base and interest! NP

 

[EvilMel]

I would get some more live rock in there before you put fish in. It's a really good investment even though I know it sucks really bad to have to spend that kind of money on ROCKS. All those beneficial bacteria help your tank though!!

 

[Runner]

Welcome to Knoxville! Hope you can make a meeting soon. For that matter, hope I can make one, too.

My light had burnt out so I need I get a new light but I am interested in upgrading my light fixture. As of now I just have one T8 50/50 light.(a cheap way to start) but if any of you have any suggestions for a decent fixture that I could pick up here for not too expensive that'd be great.

I'd recommend LED for long-term. If you have a few wiring skills (or can take a few directions), I am organizing a DIY build group buy for LEDs over the next 3 months. But if you'd like an inexpensive quality fixture to hold you over until you decide where you want to go, I have a 30" long Nova T5 fixture with two 24W bulbs that has 9 months of use on it I'd let you have for $50. You'd likely need to change the lights in a few months just to keep spectrum correct, but it is a big step up from a single T-8.

 

[VB68]

Welcome to Reef2Reef

 

[Gladfelter]

Also there are a couple of YouTube guys that I enjoy. You must be careful because everyone and their mother believes they are an expert but some really do know what they are talking about and are quite entertaining. I like the following:

Mrsaltwatertank
NewYorkSteelo
Urajoey(Diy Projects)

 

[NanoPoseidon]

Also there are a couple of YouTube guys that I enjoy. You must be careful because everyone and their mother believes they are an expert but some really do know what they are talking about and are quite entertaining. I like the following:

Mrsaltwatertank
NewYorkSteelo
Urajoey(Diy Projects)

I agree 1000%... Everyone thinks they are an expert but as long as you look at each situation subjectively and form your own conclusions, you will do just fine! This is the only hobby I know that the same exact actions can yield completely opposite results! I think it lends it self to realizing there is still way more to this madness then we comprehend...

 

[chemfisher]

I agree that there is more reading that one can do in this hobby than is possible! I've been doing a lot of reading and finding that there are multiple opinions for everything and none of them may be the best way that is going to work for my tank... but it is fun to try out new things and be able to watch my tank come around!

As of last night there is still ammonia (going up) and nitrites (0.25) and a slight amount of nitrate in the tank. hopefully by nextweek NH4 and Nitrites are 0!!

What should be the first critters that i put into the tank? I'm thinking a small CUC and then a fish (or pair)?

 

[NanoPoseidon]

I think I default to Mel on this one... Your first priority is establishing the proper Biological filter to hold a small CUC. Keep in mind, the Nitrogen cycle is directly linked to the Biological load in the tank. That being said, go to a local LFS and pick through their cured LR and find a few more pieces that lend to the aqua scape you ulitimately are looking for. Monitor your tank for anymore small cycles that may occur (but you probably wont see much). IME when you see a pretty good diatom bloom, you know your ready for a small CUC. Be particular when picking those critters out because different species can drive the path of your tank moving forward (i.e hermits pestering corals or snails, or large turbo snails knocking frags over). My path of stocking the tank has been successful and it goes as such: LR and LS ----> small CUC consisting of handful of nerite snails, blue legged hermits, nassarius snails -------> a few easy corals such as mushrooms, zoas, palys, etc ----------> and then my first fish (which was actually 4 months in). Hope this helps! NP

 

[EvilMel]

Well, I certainly wouldn't add damsels!

If it were me, I'd add clownfish first. I mean, if you are going to ultimately want clowns, they'd be good to add first. They're in the damsel family and are pretty tough. If you want to add some kind of super expensive designer clowns I wouldn't put them in first. Matt had pretty good lucky with a blenny going in first. I used to always recommend clowns though.

 

[Gladfelter]

I was cycled though. No ammonia or Nitrite. 130 lbs of live rock and 140lbs of live sand. I did add the first part of my cuc today. 18 blue legs and 4 astria snails.

 

[CoryC]

Put a shark in!!!!! Don't be a scared! Couple blue hippos!

 

[Gladfelter]

Full grown tang tank!! Lol A couple of puffers and 10 Kenya trees for your coral.

 

[k2parkstar]

Don't listen to these yahoos. Back on track. As you can see we have plenty willing to offer help. Good luck on your salty adventure. It's the most rewarding hobby I've ever had.

 

[Gladfelter]

I wish I was a yahoo. Then I could be heir to the yahoo fortune lol.

 

[chemfisher]

How long should I wait for my first water change? I'm noticing already that the nitrate levels are going up along with the nitrite, and the only way to bring those down is with a wc? So should I wait until the tank has finished the cycle first and then change or change a bit now too?

 

[NanoPoseidon]

Wait... Changing water now will only delay the cycle.

 

[Gladfelter]

Wait until there is no ammonia, no nitrite, and probably add at least three days after that. Or all that plus after your first diatom bloom(small brown algae)

 

[EvilMel]

You do NOT want to add fish until your ammonia and nitrite are gone...and have been gone for a WHILE. Patience is key.

Adding live rock will help you move along in the cycle and prepare your tank for the addition of fish.

 

[chemfisher]

OK I will wait until the cycle is for sure complete before doing any water changes and was planning on giving it a bit after that to add the fish as well! I actually picked up a decent size piece of lr again last night and added (try and post a new pic tonight).

What are your guys' thoughts on having a QT tank for the fish? I have a 10g tank that i could put together for one if y'all think it's necessary? That is what I was planning on doing with it anyways eventually, just not sure if I should try and get it set up before acquiring my first livestock?

 

[Gladfelter]

I don't have a quarantine tank set up as of yet. Once everything is moved to the large tank my current setup will become a frag tank/quarantine tank. A lot would depend on funds I think. If you are having to put everything into your main tank, like most people, I would focus on that first. Every tank you set up and running is additional cost. Additional lighting, additional water changes, additional top off water