New, but... i'm in love

[greenhorn reefer]

Starters, please excuse all spelling/grammar mistakes. I am having a couple of drinks and operating on an iPhone.

I would just like to share what I am doing and get some experienced reviews.

I naught a redsea max e 260 with cabinet sumo upgrade. Fish less cycle, using dr. Tim's ammonia (pre-diluted to equal one drop per gallon dosage). I talk to my LFS almost daily, then bounce their info against the forums/web. Three bags pink sand, 40 lbs artificial live rock (insert brand here), two exstream circulation pumps. There is carbon media and sponges throughout. I've been able to spike ammonia to 2.0, using additives, 3 drops daily, which I place in or near sponges. Running the skimmer, meant for the rear sump, in the bottom sump, just to get an idea on actual water volume when I actually need a skimmer. Everything is beginning to cycle properly and ammonia can be spiked and drop while the nitrite still lags in being processed. No worries though, no fish planned. I intend on starting a QT with a 13.5g evo. Removing carbon media, leaving sponges, cycle(until I can spike ammonia and have it drop of in 12h), water change. I will add two tiny clowns, fwd, copper treat, water change, antibiotic dose, copper, let fish chill for remaining period. Simultaneously, add clean crew to large tank, fallow for about 2-4 or more. Let me know how I am starting out please.

Again, sorry for the errors.

 

[greenhorn reefer]

Let me clarify, I spike ammonia but then add BACTERIA additives.

 

[greenhorn reefer]

2-4 months. There is a lot I could correct but just ask if there is a misunderstanding.

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Sounds good to me although I'm not an expert much of my process is "in my head" and based on a lot of observational cues I couldn't communicate to anyone. Seems like sound logic to me, good on you for taking it slow!

Post pics of your build!

 

[helen ann]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Mike_J]

Welcome to the party! It seems like a well researched start. Keep up the good work!

 

[kschweer]

Welcome!!

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and your new saltwater family.

 

[domination2580]

Welcome! Taking it slow is key. Patience is a must in this hobby!

 

[Bronc]

Welcome aboard!!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Pruett-nc]

Welcome aboard . The vodka is for dosing I thought lol.

 

[greenhorn reefer]

Thanks for all the support! Here are a few pics.

 

[jsker]

Welcome to R2R forums. You have it right as has been stated above, taking it slow is the best way. Very nice aquascape

 

[twilliard]

Welcome to the R2R community!

 

[greenhorn reefer]

Question. Would it be appropriate to also intro a green star polyp to the isolated bottom rock, at the same time I introduce my cleanup crew? My thought process is that, if I plan to fallow, I should be able to use my DT as a QT for coral and inverts until my clowns are ready? Feeding the coral should also provide organic matter for my bacteria and inverts and any required remedies should not interfere with one-another.

 

[greenhorn reefer]

To elaborate even more, if I do get an invasive coral or worm, I can introduce an invert predator to exterminate it. There should be a limited food source available, so, in theory, wouldn't the invert actively seek out these pests?

 

[Mele__Reef]

Welcome!!

 

[jsker]

Question. Would it be appropriate to also intro a green star polyp to the isolated bottom rock, at the same time I introduce my cleanup crew? My thought process is that, if I plan to fallow, I should be able to use my DT as a QT for coral and inverts until my clowns are ready? Feeding the coral should also provide organic matter for my bacteria and inverts and any required remedies should not interfere with one-another.

Try it, I do not QT (bad me) nor dip. If you are confident that you LFS or whoever you are purchasing the green star from runs a clean system you should not have a issue with pests. If you do then make the adjustment, one step at a time and let you system adjust.

 

[seastar]

Welcome to R2R! Great start on the tank, I love RedSea tanks, will probably be upgrading mine to one in the future. If you're interesting in having a little equipment as possible in the tank, you could also consider moving your heater down into the sump.