My first reef tank...75g

[NicLongman]

I decided awhile ago that I wanted a reef tank. I needed a hobby to keep my interested; something thats always changing and making me think. For my very first tank ever, I love it. I did do it on a bit of a budget, however I think I will be just fine until I can make some upgrades down the line.

I was going to buy a tank on craigslist/facebook marketplace and then decided to buy a smaller new tank just to be safe. I went with a 75 gallon tank simply because it was on sale, new, and right in front of me. I didnt want to go way overboard with my first tank just in case.... so 75 gallon tank.

I ended up not setting up a sump at this time, to save money and to be able to focus on the tank itself for awhile until I can upgrade to a sump. I ended up getting a marineland 360 canister filter and it seems to be doing great! My water is crystal clear and my levels are stable.

I purchased live wet rock from craigslist about 130 pounds. Which I got for a steal!!! Also from the same person I got 2x 36" tek light T5 6 Lamp with 3 blue and 3 white (i only use 3 blue and 1 white, also I only have 1 of them on this tank, I thought it would be overkill to put both on (feel free to let me know if its not). 2 wavemakers (i dont know the brand, but they are a bit spendy).

I put in 4 bags of sand but i cant remember if they were 20 or 25 pounds each.

Cobalt heater

So I know this is a learning experience for me so I would love any comment or recommedations.

DAY 1 OF CYCLING- Water is cloudy, but you can still make out the aquascape.

DAY 9- Tank has finished its cycling, all levels are good and stable. Still watch it for a couple days to make sure.

DAY 12- Added 2 fish today, they were 7.99 each. Just in case they didn't survive.

DAY 12- Adding a canopy to hide lighting and to look nice. Water is so clear, looks like nothing is in it!

 

[Gweeds1980]

Welcome.. . Nice looking set up

One word of caution... the humbugs you've got in there could try to kill anything else you add... they are very aggressive (I have 3, they bite my hands when I put them in the tank!)

You may be better off taking them out and trading in for a couple of tank bred clowns, unless you're up for managing that aggression?

 

[NicLongman]

Welcome.. . Nice looking set up

One word of caution... the humbugs you've got in there could try to kill anything else you add... they are very aggressive (I have 3, they bite my hands when I put them in the tank!)

You may be better off taking them out and trading in for a couple of tank bred clowns, unless you're up for managing that aggression?

Thanks!

 

[NicLongman]

1 MONTH UPDATE!
So everything seems to be going good had an algea bloom while I was gone... Both diatom and hair. Cleanup crew purchased and added....I'm adding a couple emerald crabs just cause I need like them. The two fish are a still alive i put them in a couple weeks ago when ammonia levels dropped. They seem to be doing well. Added alot of coral... Kinda jumped the gun...spent way to much but I couldn't help myself....day 4 and they all seem to be happy more come out every day... There's a couple that aren't coming or at all which is concerning but they aren't bleaching So i can only assume they are fine.
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