New Tank. Need to figure out my setup.

[Patis55]

So ya pretty sure i want to set my tank up with 50ish lbs live rock and use that to cycle the tank.
Trying to decide between a DSB or SSB. Both have there advantages and disadvantages to be sure.
At this point im leaning to the DSB. From what i understand all you really want to do is give it a cleaning is light puffs from a turkey baster as you don't want to disturb it much at all.
Whats your thoughts?
I also have a 36W/40W (not sure)UV sterilizer i plan to use. It is 3ft long. Would you use it from day 1 or wait a few weeks?
Also have a SCA-301 skimmer. Use from day 1 or also wait?
The reason i want to cycle with live rock is i want to just take my time and learn my tank and how to make my water as good as possible. I think this training will make me a better reefer.

 

[kazikage42]

How big is the tank? Why not start with dry rock? I prefer shallow sand bed for easier cleaning. UV can be use after tank cycled IMO. I would run skimmer on day 1 just to let it break in while tank is cycling. What are your plans for live stock? Need to ask these questions before getting answers.

 

[Patis55]

Guess info would help
Its a 40B with a 10g equipment sump/copepod breeding. I want the live rock for any little critters that might survive. I know there could be good or bad but thats ok as i am not putting any fish in for at least a couple months and that will give me time to catch the bad ones.
Stocking will be CUC, Pods, Sandbed stirrers, 1 or 2 shrimp, 2Firefish, 1 Mandarin, 1 Dwarf Angelfish(undecided). Added over 2 or 3 months.
Corals but i plan on taking a year before i would attempt to keep them.

 

[kazikage42]

Sounds like you good plan so far. Only question is the lighting. What are your preference? LED, T5s, Metal Halides? Also, do you have a Rodi unit?

 

[Mombo]

Might want to let the tank mature for while before adding a Mandarin. It will eat up your pod population in that size of tank quickly I imagine. I think a lot of people suggested over a year to me. Or buying pods often to replenish your fuge or whatever.

From my reading I went with the SSB. Seems like the DSB can cause some trouble if you arnt careful with it. Plus you have more water if you have less sand which is good with these smaller tanks.

 

[Patis55]

Sounds like you good plan so far. Only question is the lighting. What are your preference? LED, T5s, Metal Halides? Also, do you have a Rodi unit?

I have 2, 165W programmable LED lights. I will have my RO/DI setup Tuesday but i still need to order a booster pump.

 

[Patis55]

Might want to let the tank mature for while before adding a Mandarin. It will eat up your pod population in that size of tank quickly I imagine. I think a lot of people suggested over a year to me. Or buying pods often to replenish your fuge or whatever.

From my reading I went with the SSB. Seems like the DSB can cause some trouble if you arnt careful with it. Plus you have more water if you have less sand which is good with these smaller tanks.

Yes i plan on letting the pod population become well established before adding the Mandarin.

 

[Devaji]

depending on the LR you go with 50# might be to much. there is a BIG difference between say 50# pukani and other.
what are you going with? I would suggest TBS aquacultured pukani 30-40# would be all you need. just a thought.
good luck!

 

[Patis55]

Probably going to need to buy my rock from a fish store in Spokane or from some unknown online shop. Closest Air freight terminal is about 2hrs away from me one way
Might be worth it to get some from TBS but it will take some effort to arrange on my part for sure.
I do want Pukani though. Wonder if there is a way to get 30# Fedex 2nd day.

 

[Devaji]

yeah that is quite the drive.
you would have to ask Richard if he can do that. I think I asked about a smaller amount once if I remember right he said nah. maybe it was not fedex 2nd day tho? that might be more than the over night. have to ask.