New Tank Setup Parameters & Equipment Questions

blue2337 · Jul 31, 2013

Hi,

I have had many freshwater/cichlid tanks in the past but this is my first saltwater. I set up a 36 bowfront 3 weeks ago. I added around 35lbs of fully cured live rock from different stores in the area. Lots of great life on them. I was running a aquaclear 70 on this during the first three weeks. I know not ideal.

This morning I tested the water. These are the results:
Amonia - color was between 0-0.25
Nitrite - 0.25
Nitrate - 0.20

The life on the live rock has grown with new creatures emerging every day.
After taking these test I added a new hang on tank skimmer rated for 65 gallons.

I wanted to know if I am on the right track. I assume that the test results will get better now that I have added a skimmer.
Will I be able to run this aquarium with just the skimmer & a circulation pump I have. I would like to remove the aquaclear if possible.

Thanks for any help.

blue2337 · Jul 31, 2013

I also have a 4 bulb T5 HO light fixture (96 total watts) 2 - 10,000 & 2 Actinic bulbs. Also has a couple of blue leds.

I plan to make this a reef tank with a few small peaceful fish.

Corals · Jul 31, 2013

Any tank over 30 gallons should have a sump.

goodtimes · Jul 31, 2013

Corals said:
Any tank over 30 gallons should have a sump.

Based on what? There's plenty of tanks over 30 gallons that function well without a sump. Sumps are nice and very convenient but not a necessity.

goodtimes · Jul 31, 2013

You can utilize the filter for carbon and other filter media.

c_healy · Jul 31, 2013

While a sump is nice, it is by no means a requirement for any saltwater tank. I ran my 55 for 2 years without one with great success.

It looks like you are off to a good start, now let's see some pics!

You should be fine with removing the filter. Do it slowly, if it has 2 filter pads remove one and wait a week or 2 before you remove the other. If you don't have any fish or coral you can just take it off and keep an eye on your parameters before adding any live stock.

goodtimes · Jul 31, 2013

Just enjoy the little critters on the rock for now and wait for the cycle to finish. Off to a good start.

mallorieGgator · Jul 31, 2013

Corals said:
Any tank over 30 gallons should have a sump.

I'm going to disagree with this. You can technically run a tank without ANY sump or even HOB filters. Many times people will run a tank with powerheads and using their live rock and sand as the filter. The only purpose a sump adds to a tank is 1) a place to put equipment such as skimmers and reactors and 2) for added water volume to add stability.

Looks like your tank right now is in the end stages of its cycle. No ammonia means the bacteria are able to break it down at a rapid pace. The aquaclear is just fine. I had one on a 20 gallon. I just made sure it was rated for a a larger tank like a 50+ gallon tank to add flow. You can also get InTank media baskets to put inside your aquaclear. Google them and see. They are really neat how they work. I would just keep carbon and filter floss in your aquaclear. Take out any ceramic if you added it. It may cause a small ammonia spike because you'll be removing bacteria but it should settle in a day or two.

blue2337 · Jul 31, 2013

Thanks for everyone replies.

Sump is out of the question for this tank because of where the tank is located in the house. After this is all set up I will eventually set up a 125 gallon I have empty, which will have sump + all the extras. Much more space available for this one.

In the aquaclear 70 I have 2 of the filter floss blocks and an activated carbon running.

Zero Nitrates · Jul 31, 2013

Great build! Have fun picking out your coral and fish. Looks like you are about ready.

SeahorseKeeper · Jul 31, 2013

blue2337 said:
Thanks for everyone replies.

Sump is out of the question for this tank because of where the tank is located in the house. After this is all set up I will eventually set up a 125 gallon I have empty, which will have sump + all the extras. Much more space available for this one.

In the aquaclear 70 I have 2 of the filter floss blocks and an activated carbon running.

Sounds good to me. You run the tank with the skimmer and power heads. I do like to run carbon on my tanks and the aquaclear would be good for this.

blue2337 · Aug 12, 2013

Ok. My paramterters have been: PH 8.0, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate .10. Everything has been running well, algae grew a lot but clean up crew has taken care of most of it. A few corals that came with live rock have grown (favia & montipora) and different colored featherdusters have poped up everywhere.

Tomorrow I am getting my first additions: Blue Tubbs Zoanthid & Watermellon Acan. I will update with pictures of my first additions after they get settled in.
Thank you everyone for your help!