65galDT/20galST

[Sawyer Breslow]

A couple more questions for cycling as I'm about 12 days into the cycle:

- At what point should I turn on my protein skimmer? I've left it off up to this point.
- Should I be changing out my filter socks during the cycle?
- When should I realistically expect to see the spike in Nitrites? I've added Fritz Zyme 9 Bacteria starter and I just put a shrimp in yesterday to help boost ammonia
-Finally, what are your favorite apps for tracking your tank parameters over the long term? I'm currently using one called AquaticLog

 

[Sawyer Breslow]

Yea, I just did the same - controls in separate cabinet (not to hijack thread)

That Apex is cool! Did you buy the EL version or the more advanced version? Can the EL be upgraded overtime with different add on modules?

 

[NY_Caveman]

- At what point should I turn on my protein skimmer? I've left it off up to this point.

Run it right now as it provides excellent gas exchange.

- Should I be changing out my filter socks during the cycle?

I do not use them, I would say just do not let them clog at least.

- When should I realistically expect to see the spike in Nitrites? I've added Fritz Zyme 9 Bacteria starter and I just put a shrimp in yesterday to help boost ammonia

Again, have not used, but 3 weeks in means Nitrites are soon to come. Be aware your Nitrates may test high from small Nitrite levels. I would not even waste Nitrate tests until Nitrites come down. Not sure your experience, but take the attitude there is no rush. For me naturally with no chemicals it usually takes 30 days. 40 and I am pretty certain it is done.

-Finally, what are your favorite apps for tracking your tank parameters over the long term? I'm currently using one called AquaticLog

I honestly use MS Excel and Google Sheets. I like to customize.
Some examples here of what I did in Sheets.

 

[Sawyer Breslow]

Run it right now as it provides excellent gas exchange.


I do not use them, I would say just do not let them clog at least.


Again, have not used, but 3 weeks in means Nitrites are soon to come. Be aware your Nitrates may test high from small Nitrite levels. I would not even waste Nitrate tests until Nitrites come down. Not sure your experience, but take the attitude there is no rush. For me naturally with no chemicals it usually takes 30 days. 40 and I am pretty certain it is done.


I honestly use MS Excel and Google Sheets. I like to customize.
Some examples here of what I did in Sheets.

Thanks for the feedback. I have a solid understanding of the Nitrogen cycle and what I'm looking for. I'm just excited/impatient to get going! Can't wait to get some livestock in the tank.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Yeah, very hard to take it slow, especially at the beginning with an empty tank.

 

[Sawyer Breslow]

All right! Tanks been going for about 40 days! Cycle hit about two and a half weeks in. I’ve added initial cleanup crew, some fish and corals.

CUC:
2 mex turbos
2 nassarious
2 zebra turbos
Cleaner shrimp
Blood Shrimp

Fish:
2 Clowns
1 Fire Goby

Corals:
Acan
Shroom
Hammer

Everything has been thriving, parameters are consistent and in a good range and I’ve been maintaining 15% weekly water changes.
Sal 35
PH 8.2-8.4
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 2
Cal 400
Phos 0

So my question, where do I go from here?! I need recommendations on stocking the tank, both fish and corals(LPS and sifts) I would like some fish with a bit more movement than my clowns currently to liven up the tank.

My current fish wishlist:
Blenny
Yellow Watchman goby
Wrasse
Dwarf angel
Mandarin

What would you add next? And do you recommend anything else?

 

[NY_Caveman]

For a Blenny I like a Midas Blenny. Beautiful colors and swims front and center all day long.

 

[Sawyer Breslow]

For a Blenny I like a Midas Blenny. Beautiful colors and swims front and center all day long.

I think that’s what I’m going to go with! Any recommendations on new corals? I currently have an Acan, mushroom and a Hammer

 

[NY_Caveman]

Caulastrea (candy canes and trumpets) are very hardy for a newer tank. They are fat and squishy.

Duncans (left in above picture) are equally hardy if you are looking for something more flowy (picture after a feeding).

 

[Sawyer Breslow]

So I’m going to pick up the Midas Blenny this weekend. Would it be too much to also add a royal Grama or a couple blue green chromis as well?

On another note, are there any good mesh top lids out there for cheap? Trying to find one that’s 36”x 20” with a center overflow cutout

 

[Sawyer Breslow]

Hey everyone! I’ve been quite for a while, thought I would give an update! My tank had been going for a little over 10 months now and all things considered I’ve been pretty successful. I’ve been pretty light on fish but lots of coral! Next step for me is to start doing my own RODI water pending I get a system for Xmas!

Melenarous
Fire goby
2 clowns
Lawnmower in QT

CORAL:
Hammers
Torch
Palys
Zoas
Acans
Finger leather
Monti cap
Shrooms
GSP
Gonipora
Xenia
Blastos

also some rock flowers and a bubble tip