New Tank. New to the hobby.

Lan · Oct 19, 2015

Hey everyone. I'm new here and I'm new to the hobby. I have my first set up, a 30 gal reef tank.
I set it up with 40 lbs of live rock bought from the lfs as well as live sand. I am using RO/DI water. The live rock I bought has I believe a green Rhodactis mushroom growing. I have some GSP growing on it as well. The thing is this is a brand new tank. set up 7 days. I have been testing my water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. I'm using the API master saltwater test. I noticed the full cycle but it happened very quickly and only took one week. I took my water to be tested and the lfs guy said my water parameters were exactly where they needed to be. I bought an ocellaris clown as well as a purple firefish. I am feeding them frozen mysis shrimp. they have been in my tank 2 days. i tested myself and no increase in parameters. i took water to lfs to make sure and parameters are still in the right spot. Did my tank really cycle this fast? also with what i have, what corals and fish would you all recommend.

I have galsxyhydro 55x3w dimmable 165w full spectrum reef lights

steelheader.262 · Oct 19, 2015

Welcome to R2R!!!

Lenny_S · Oct 19, 2015

If the live rock and live sand was cured at the LFS and transported wet and quickly added to your tank.... then sure you could be good-to-go in just a week or two.

melypr1985 · Oct 19, 2015

Welcome Lan to R2R! Yes your live rock and live sand could have afforded your a very short cycle. You could start with a small fish but make sure it's one you want to keep because it can be difficult to get them back out later. Enjoy and make sure you take your time and introduce livestock slowly.

Lan · Oct 19, 2015

what fish and corals would you all suggest with what i have currently?

4FordFamily · Oct 19, 2015

Welcome home! You will love it here!

Maybe a pajama and/or bangai cardinal?

melypr1985 · Oct 19, 2015

+1 on the cardinals. I like euphylia for starters. Duncans are fast-ish growers and very nice. Torches are my faves of the group and come in some really cool colors. I'm still searching for an affordable frag of the orange and pink one i had years and years ago...They are super expensive now!