new reefer

tanklovers0801 · Nov 18, 2014

Hello, my name is Josh. My wife krystal and I are new to reefing and have a lot of questions. We have started a 75 gallon rr with an approximately 22 gallon sump. I am currently running a sparkle dragon 9000 adjustable return pump to a 7 inch sock. I have a reef octopus xp2000 sss (impeller is getting fixed, so not running currently), and a jebao wp40 wave maker, which I believe is slightly more than my tank needs. Looking to down size to a wp 25. I started my tank with 36lbs of live rock and 2 bags of live sand, and one dry. I've since added about 30 lbs of rock, and in that rock acquired two xenia frags that are doing well. I purchased a small leather frag after about 3 weeks of running, however it is a bit stressed and hasn't opened for 2 days now. I also have 1 Darwin clown in the tank.
I am wanting to learn pros and cons of reactors and refugiums. As well, which reactor suits my needs. I've seen several types, (gfo, phosban, media, and pellet). Also, what is the purpose/benefits of a u sterilizer?
Most importantly, im looking for pointers in what direction to go from here. Any and all advice/opinions are welcome!

fishroomlady · Nov 18, 2014

welcome to the forum! you have some big questions there

Refugiums are a place where you can keep some additional live rock and macroalgae to help with nutrient reduction. Reactors can run media to accomplish nutrient reduction as well. Biopellets can help reduce nitrates and some phosphate. GFO is a phosphate reducing media. There is also carbon dosing that can reduce nitrates. Most nutrients are created by having a good bioload of fish and regular feeding. If you keep up good husbandry and do regular water changes, it may be some time before you will need to use a reactor. As far as your needs go, your tank is pretty young and you don't have a lot of bioload with just the one fish. What are your plans for your tank?

It's not unusual for leather corals to close up. You could try changing its spot and possibly putting it in an area of higher flow if it's not already. In terms of a uv sterilizer, there really isn't a need to run one on a normal reef tank. Some people do run them and they can help with water clarity and reducing bacterial blooms. Some say it can prevent ich but don't believe that

As far as what you can do right now other than to continue reading and learning (this hobby is a constant learning process) is to take things slow, practice good husbandry, and don't add too much too soon. Take your time and research anything you're thinking of getting. It may be helpful to develop a list of potential future inhabitants and especially with fish, you'll want to determine types that are compatible and what order they should be added. You'll also want to add in some clean up crew. You don't mention your lighting and how long the tank has been running.

Welcome to the hobby and it's great that you and your wife are in it together!

tanklovers0801 · Nov 18, 2014

I have one maxspec razor 120 for now, eventually will have two. Tank has been alive for bout 4 weeks. We added 10 snails and ten crabs last week and another 5 turbo snails this week.

ReefFreak@ · Nov 18, 2014

sounds like your off to a good start, your got a lot of snails and crabs imo. I have 1 asteria,and 1 nausarius snail in my 65 and they eat all excess algae.Before you get into reactors and other advanced things do lots of research and get some quality test kits. Why run a gfo reactor if you don't have a phosphate problem. Good mado is don't dose anything unless your testing for it

revhtree · Nov 18, 2014

Welcome to REEF2REEF! We're very glad you joined and hope that you will enjoy the forums, enter contest, start a tank thread, and just be a part of our family friendly community!

Start a new tank thread here: Member Tanks

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Thanks for joining and please make sure and post often!

bairdimusprime · Nov 19, 2014

thanks for joining! welcome!

Reefing Madness · Nov 19, 2014

spspirate · Nov 20, 2014

Welcome to REEF2REEF!!!

VB68 · Nov 20, 2014

Welcome to Reef2Reef
Be sure and start a tank thread (if you haven't already) in the members tanks thread: Member Tanks

kireek · Nov 21, 2014

*Welcome to the forum!* Good advice fishroomlady and ReefFreak@! I think when you get your skimmer up and running your system will be golden.

luxauterna · Nov 21, 2014

Welcome! I agree with fishroomlady and ReefFreak as well. Less can be a lot more especially when starting out. You will become inundated with all kinds of ideas on themes for your tank, you'll find corals you "HAVE TO HAVE", and fish that are sweet. You just need to make sure to continue to learn, do your research, use this forum and its very experienced members for advice like you have done, and other online resources. Most of all, don't let it stress you out and have fun with it!

peterthegamer · Nov 21, 2014

Hey post some pictures for us to see your tank.

dangerbird123 · Nov 22, 2014

Welcome! Keep it simple - run your skimmer don't overfeed and you should be good.

ReefFreak@ · Nov 22, 2014

one more thing don't get lazy, keep up on your water changes and other husbandrys.

tonitiger101976 · Nov 22, 2014

Your tank has been up for 3 weeks? If so it's too soon to add much more than a clean up crew. I recommend reefcleaners.org or misssalttease.blogspot.com. any corals will become stressed and def no fish. Keep up on your chem tests for ammonia nitrates and nitrates.

ReefFreak@ · Nov 22, 2014

tonitiger101976 said:
Your tank has been up for 3 weeks? If so it's too soon to add much more than a clean up crew. I recommend reefcleaners.org or misssalttease.blogspot.com. any corals will become stressed and def no fish. Keep up on your chem tests for ammonia nitrates and nitrates.

I disagree if your starting with fully cured live rock you might not even have a cycle for more than a couple of days if any.