My first build!

[xbrentx]

It has been a long and stressful process of learning as I go. After a lot of hard work and determination I am finally up and running with live stock!

Here are some pics!

It is a 125G tank with a custom sump, maybe around 45G of water. I used caribsea live sand and let the tank cycle for a good 4 weeks. Since most of the rock came from an established tank I think the cycle was done within 1-2 weeks but I let it cycle well just in case.

I added about 25 turbo snails / 45 hermits / 1 sand star / 1 cleaner shrimp / 1 emerald crab for CUC so far. They seem to be able to manage the load so far.

Fish! A pair of clowns, not sure what "type" but the pair was $100CDN. I think they are both black and white clowns, one is an adult and the other is young. And of course, the blue hippo!

Any suggestions for live stock is appreciated! I want to get a yellow tang soon.

 

[xbrentx]

Oh, I remember the LFS mentioning the black clown was aquacultured.

 

[Russellaqua]

Are you planning on doing a reef tank or FOWLR?

 

[xbrentx]

Reef, I just added 5 corals this weekend, some noob corals for me to start with, zoa's and softies.

 

[revsgirl]

Looks good!! Thanks for sharing!!


Tonya

 

[jtgordon20]

Good start!
The clowns, one us black and white, the other looks like a regular occelaris

 

[lofty78]

I really like your rock structure... can't wait to see it color up

 

[xbrentx]

It was very stressful to setup the rock since it was my first time, brought back memories of tetris trying to get them to fit together and be secure. I used no putty or zip ties. Everything is secure, I tested by pushing on all the rocks in different directions and got no movement. Also poked at them with my cleaning tools and they stay still. Their weight holds them together nicely. There are lots of spaces where fish can go in between rocks, my blue hippo has already claimed a rock as her home, it is the highest rock on the right side, it is basically a cave in itself she can go into the rock and hide or sleep.

Everyday I learn something new, and my addiction grows.

 

[xbrentx]

Any suggestions on things I should add to the tank?

Do you think I need anything else for my CUC?

 

[lofty78]

Any suggestions on things I should add to the tank?

Do you think I need anything else for my CUC?

A mermaid....some Sharks....maybe an octopus.... lol I think your CUC is pretty well filled for now... word of advice... watch the Emerald... once they get big, then can eat fish. Also... depending on how big your star is... the tend to knock over unattached corals, so if you have something you want to stay in place, glue, or epoxy it.

 

[xbrentx]

I epoxy all my frags

 

[xbrentx]

So I am not satisfied with the clarity of my water, I know the tank is new and it takes time, but I need tips on making it crystal clear. I recently ordered some 200 micron socks for the drains, which should help. I am considering getting a reactor for carbon. Any ideas?

 

[mike007]

I would stay with the smaller reef fish. The fish that get big will cause problems down the road. You have to be carefull with a reef and not add too many fish or you will have a nutrient problem. And do not overfeed .

 

[xbrentx]

That seems to be common advice (Do not overfeed).

Should I turn off the PHs when I feed?

 

[lofty78]

That seems to be common advice (Do not overfeed).

Should I turn off the PHs when I feed?

Yes, and only feed what the fish will consume. I try to give mine enough to eat before it hits the sand, although, anything that does not get eaten by the fish should get consumed by the CUC.

 

[lofty78]

I would stay with the smaller reef fish. The fish that get big will cause problems down the road. You have to be carefull with a reef and not add too many fish or you will have a nutrient problem. And do not overfeed .

I think what he means is stick with the smaller fish at 1st.... once your biological filter gets established enough, you should be able to handle larger reef fish. Although depending on the fish, you may need to consider finding them a new home, or upgrading your tank size once the reach their adult size. a 125 is a good size tank, but there are fish that need larger tanks as adults. Also, adding smaller fish 1st makes allows them to establish their dominance... if you add larger fish 1st, it makes it harder to add smaller fish later.

 

[xbrentx]

The only big fish I can think of so far that I want is my blue tang that I have, and a yellow tang.