Introduction: New Here!

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droidus

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Hi Everyone!

Quick introduction...
I am new to salt water tanks. I've had a tank before, and it was a 20 gallon fresh water with 2 goldfish, a pleco, and snails. I've also worked with Bettas, but never had much success there.
I purchased and installed a 32 G Coralife LED Biocube today, and am so excited! I always wanted to get some clownfish, coral, etc.! I know it is harder, and a lot more work though.

I would appreciate any new beginner advice/stories if anyone has to share! I've posted a picture of my tank. I am using sand (is one bag enough?), and bought salt water from the store, and am running the pump with default filter cartridge that came with it. Other than that, I haven't added or done anything to it yet, but just going to let it sit for a while to let it cycle, and at least wait for the cloudiness to disappear.

I plan on buying at least two heaters, and some test kits (recommendations appreciated!). Also, if you could point me in the direction of good study material, I'd really appreciate it! As for heaters, I was looking at Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater - 50w, and I am told that Salifert test kits are more accurate than API ones? (which I've used for fresh water).

I got most of my information from "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael S. Paletta. Some also from my local aquarium store. :)

20180602_193804.jpg
 
Orphek OR3 reef aquarium LED bar
BRS
Welcome home, you will love it here!

Nice starter tank, keep us posted with your progress with tons of pics! :)
 
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Welcome to R2R! Salifert test kits are very good in general. Eheim jagers are also very good in general. Someone's done some research already! I like hanna for phosphate (ulr phosphorus checker). I like Lamotte for alkalinity, salifert for calcium, magnesium and nitrates. But in general salifert is a good start. Api can get you through the cycle well enough (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, ph) but after that not many use them.

Thanks for sharing your tank startup!
 
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Welcome to R2r. Myself a proud biocube owner :-)
Take is slow (as slow as you can) and research/read as much as you can. Get rid of the stock filter media (bioballs). Get an in-tank media cab and run filter floss for the time being. You really don't have any bioload right now, so nothing required for the time being. Read and decide what type of livestock you want, and then accordingly upgrade/mod.

Godspeed. Sand is ok. You can add more, but remember a lot of us prefer barebottom (less cyano/detritous issue). Did you put any live rock in there?

You should definitely get an RO/DI system and salt, and make your own saltwater. I use ro buddie, its 60$ and works perfectly. I use Instant Ocean reef crystal salt along with it.
 
Do you have any live rock/dry rock in there? That is crucial to have as that is what cycles in a saltwater tank and where your beneficial bacteria is developed. The cycle won't take without it. As for test kits, I agree that API should be avoided. If you want a solid kit with just about everything you need then Red Sea makes a nice one.
 
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Ranjib said:
Welcome to R2r. Myself a proud biocube owner :)
Take is slow (as slow as you can) and research/read as much as you can. Get rid of the stock filter media (bioballs). Get an in-tank media cab and run filter floss for the time being. You really don't have any bioload right now, so nothing required for the time being. Read and decide what type of livestock you want, and then accordingly upgrade/mod.

Godspeed. Sand is ok. You can add more, but remember a lot of us prefer barebottom (less cyano/detritous issue). Did you put any live rock in there?

You should definitely get an RO/DI system and salt, and make your own saltwater. I use ro buddie, its 60$ and works perfectly. I use Instant Ocean reef crystal salt along with it.
Click to expand...

They do not include the bioballs, but it comes with a filter cartridge that is black on one side, and white on the other. They call it "Premium dual-action filter cartridge". I thought it was carbon, but not sure. Should I replace this with something else, or add stuff to it? The system does have a "customizable filtration system". It looks like I can add at least 2 other elements to the filtration system. As for the filter floss, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/inTank-Aquar...&qid=1528030216&sr=1-4&keywords=filter+floss? Does it go in the customizable filtration system slots? I've been mainly eyeing two clown fish, and a cleaner shrimp, along with coral. I have not added any live rock. How much sand would you recommend having in a tank? As for ro buddie, I live in an apartment. Would this hook up to a regular sink faucet, and can be easily attached/detached?
 
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Jesterrace said:
Do you have any live rock/dry rock in there? That is crucial to have as that is what cycles in a saltwater tank and where your beneficial bacteria is developed. The cycle won't take without it.[/MEDIA]
Click to expand...

I added sand that had bacteria in it. The sand had water with it, so that's how I could tell. Will this help at all, or would (dry) rock be my best option?

Also, I notice there are several Red Sea test kits on Amazon. Any one in particular that you can recommend?
 
droidus said:
They do not include the bioballs, but it comes with a filter cartridge that is black on one side, and white on the other. They call it "Premium dual-action filter cartridge". I thought it was carbon, but not sure. Should I replace this with something else, or add stuff to it? The system does have a "customizable filtration system". It looks like I can add at least 2 other elements to the filtration system. As for the filter floss, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/inTank-Aquar...&qid=1528030216&sr=1-4&keywords=filter+floss? Does it go in the customizable filtration system slots? I've been mainly eyeing two clown fish, and a cleaner shrimp, along with coral. I have not added any live rock. How much sand would you recommend having in a tank? As for ro buddie, I live in an apartment. Would this hook up to a regular sink faucet, and can be easily attached/detached?
Click to expand...
Yes that’s the filter floss.ill recommend adding that instead of stock filter media .once tank is cycled you can add chemipure blue .
I would strongly recommend adding live rock , as much as you can . It will make your life easier and sps keeping will be less hassle.

What about light ? Start thinking about ato, light, skimmer etc. you’ll need them in exactly the same order.
My recommendation will be : smart ato micro, kessil a360w or ai prime , awuamax 1.5 hob. All one or two months apart
 
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As for the live rock, I will not be at my place for some time. In reading about it, I notice it requires water changes and blowing debris off of the rock. Will I not be able to do any of this if I am gone for a week at time?
What size/type/brand of skimmer do you recommend for my tank?
 
AS
Ranjib said:
Yes that’s the filter floss.ill recommend adding that instead of stock filter media .once tank is cycled you can add chemipure blue .
I would strongly recommend adding live rock , as much as you can . It will make your life easier and sps keeping will be less hassle.

What about light ? Start thinking about ato, light, skimmer etc. you’ll need them in exactly the same order.
My recommendation will be : smart ato micro, kessil a360w or ai prime , awuamax 1.5 hob. All one or two months apart
Click to expand...

I second that. I am an AI Prime owner, so I am biased towards getting an AI. Lol
I have the Smart ATO, and it’s truly flawless. And the AquaMaxx HOB filter will be preference as a lot of people don’t like things hanging off their Nano tanks. A lot of AIO owners want a Skimmer that will fit in the back. The only problem with that, I still haven’t found one worth it.
 
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