New Fish Only Tank

[fingerzfrank]

Aqua one Aquamarine 900 165lt tank filled with RO water 3' of coral sand mixed with live sand at 50/50 25kg of ocean rock 2 large wave makers a fluval 305 external filter that pumps 1000lt an hour and a Aqua one G216 pro skimmer its my first marine I have had tropical on and off for years but I hope this will be an ok setup to start with the main question is how long before introducing something live and what to put in first as soon as the cloud clears I will put some pictures on

 

[mike007]

Welcome

 

[Squishie89]

The tank will need to cycle before you put anything in.

 

[Kworker]

I suggest research research research, if its not for the love you feel for living creatures to make sure you take care of them right.. do it for your pocket. This hobby can become even more expensive if you do things wrong! Take your time, learn from others mistakes. That is how I avoided a lot of mistakes before they happened.

Dont be afraid to ask questions on here and be willing/open minded while reading information/experiences people give you. Take any advice on here into consideration before the people at your local shop. After all, the local shop is the one looking to get your cash, where we are here to enjoy one anothers tanks and share information.

Normally I would say happy reefing! but it seems you arent going that route right now, or shall I say.. YET
Happy fishkeeping. Enjoy our stay, this is the best forum for the hobby I have come across.

-KC

 

[fingerzfrank]

Thanks guys I have some huge books to get though and someone else I know has marine but I think this is were I will get most of my info from I am planning on a live rock set up at a later date but bigger than the tank I already have so really just learning as I go at the moment also the next tank will be with a sump I think it is much easier to look after

 

[fingerzfrank]

I was informed that the love and would speed up the cycle but they were very vague on the cycle time can anyone help with that

 

[fingerzfrank]

I was informed that the live sand would speed up the cycle but they were very vague on the cycle time can anyone help with that

I hate predictive text

 

[ReeferBob]

Live sand will not do much for the cycle. A little. Plan on at least 2-3 weeks. Get a test kit for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. Those three will tell you when your cycle is complete. Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0 and very low Nitrates. Never put in any fish if you have any ammonia readings at all. You can add a few drops of pure ammonia to speed the cycle. You can also "ghost" feed the tank a few flakes every day or so. You could also put a fresh shrimp in there and let it rot. But don't put any live fish in there while the tank is cycling. Also most do not recommend the canister filter as the tend to promote nitrates by trapping all the ditreus and not allowing it to properly break down.

Start with a CUC or clean up crew. Hermits or other crabs, snails, shrimp, etc (invertebrates). Then PLAN on what fish you want, research their compatibility with your tank and other tankmates, the order to add them, and then start stocking the tank slowly.

Good Luck!

 

[fingerzfrank]

Thank you I have purchased a test kit that does everything and I plan on cleaning the canister filter out every week hopefully this will help with the nitrate problem