Im new to saltwater tanks.

bulldog27 · Apr 12, 2012

Well, I have a 55g that is ready to start adding things to it.... Should I add live rock or fish first? Im going to be asking ALOT of questions. I did have a 26g but i wanted something bigger. All I had in it were 3 yellow tail damsel and 1 clown fish. Should I start the 55g like I did the 26g? Thanks:smile:

robsreefs · Apr 12, 2012

I'm not an expect but I don't think your ready to start adding livestock you need to.add live rock and let sit for a couple weeks since you said your new first things about this hobby is take your time don't rush anything

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HealthyTanks · Apr 12, 2012

Hi Bulldog,

First add some nice live rock and wait until you have done a couple of water changes before you add any fish. Make sure everything is stable. While you are waiting, spend some time with your live rock. You will find plenty of interesting things growing and living in it.

Don

REEFKEEPER10 · Apr 12, 2012

Welcome. If you don't already have test kits, you need to get some because you need to test your water to know when you can add fish.

revsgirl · Apr 12, 2012

Hi there! Welcome to R2R! We got us some smart reefers on here, so just ask away!

BarbH · Apr 12, 2012

Hi bulldog and welcome to r2r, agree with the suggested before adding any livestock to your tank you will want to make sure to add your live rock which is going to be your biological filtration in your tank. Also if you don't have test kits already you will want those that way you can make sure your tank has cycled. There are a lot of great people on here that will answer your questions and help you get started on the right foot. Look foward to seeing a build thread on your 55 gallon.

mallorieGgator · Apr 13, 2012

Hi and welcome! Is there water in the 55? If not, you need to start your tank by putting in sand, rock (live or dry), and salt water made with RO/DI water. Then you also need test kits at LEAST for Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate. You should also get Phosphate, Alkalinity, Calcium, and Magnesium especially if you plan on keeping a reef tank. Then cycle your tank without fish preferably. You can use microbacter and a bit of fish food to start the cycle. Ammonia will rise, then nitrite, then nitrate. You can start slowly adding livestock when your ammonia and nitrite are zero and your nitrate is either zero or fairly low.

bulldog27 · Apr 13, 2012

I have water, instant ocean salt and API stress coat. I havent added sand or anything yet because I'm leaving for two weeks tomorrow. I want to make sure my heater is going to work fully (I'm having issues with it now) before i put anything else in it.