New 50g cube!

Goose1505 · Mar 17, 2015

Hello all!
After reading and researching for about 6 to 8 months I have finally setup my first tank.

50g sca cube w/sump
Sca-301protein skimmer
50 lbs of dry rock
40 lbs of sand
Jabeo rw-4 powerhead
Ehiem Jaeger 150w heater
Reef radiance dm-165p+ led

My plans are for a reef tank including sps and a few colorful fish. (Wife wants to help with that part of course) haha.

I just used the tubing for the sump but may hard plumb later. I am currently on day two of cycling. I decided to add a piece of shrimp to start the process. I do have a few questions though.

Do I heat the water as I cycle? And is it ok to put my heater in my sump horizontally? And is 150w sufficient or should I look at buying another 150w? I also have a brand New aqua via 300w heater but am nervous about using it due to it's reviews and lower price point.(you get what you pay for) lol

Also when should I begin testing for proper levels. And what do I test. I went with the api master saltwater test kit to start with then may upgrade later.

As far as my sump goes I was planing on doing cheto in the fuge area. Any other suggestions on what to do with this smaller area?

Excited to get started however I know patience is the key to this hobby so I will be taking it slow.

Goose1505 · Mar 17, 2015

Sorry for the sideways pictures.

Goose1505 · Mar 17, 2015

Any help for the questions above?

saltyphish · Mar 17, 2015

yes run the heater during cycle. Most heaters are submersible and can lay horizontally, however please check manufacturer recommendations. Seems like the 150 watt should be good enough. Some people run either 2 lower watt heaters such as 2 75 watt heaters in your case so if one sticks on it won't hopefully cook your tank. Me, I use a temp controller to help prevent that. At first I would only test once a week and test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Chaeto seems like a lot of people use it with success. I have no exp. with it personally.

Goose1505 · Mar 17, 2015

Thanks for the answers. Is 79-80 degrees a good point. I know that's a loaded question cause everyone runs theirs heaters differently.

Goose1505 · Mar 20, 2015

Just mounted my reef radiance dm-165p+ light. Love the look it gives off even though my tank is still cycling.

Goose1505 · Apr 1, 2015

So I'm about 2 weeks into cycling my tank. These are my test. My question is should I add more ammonia I'm using Dr Tim's.
Ammonia. About .50 to 1.0ppm
Nitrite. About 1.0 to 2.0 ppm
Nitrate. About 10 to 20 ppm

I started my tank with all dry rock and no live sand so basically I've added no bacteria other than the ammonia. Any suggestions?

Goose1505 · Dec 9, 2015

So an update after a long time. Here is what I have with a few photos.
2 clowns
1 coral buety
1 firefish
1 cleaner shrimp
I also just purchased a 2 stage reactor from bed. Which I love.

Currently have a few corals including a group of 17 I just purchased during legendary corals black Saturday love sale. Let me know what you all think.