New to saltwater aquariums

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

Hi I am new to saltwater aquariums. I am from Melbourne Australia. I have had freshwater fish for years. So i wanted a challenge so decided to take the plunge, years ago my husband said about doing saltwater tank with fish and corals. I said no too much to learn.

Well I am now ready to learn, for the past 10 or more weeks I have been watching you tube videos on saltwater aquariums. BRS TV is my main go watch and learn. I have many others as well that I watch. I am very patient as i know this is not to be rushed in setting up. I bought my 4 foot tank 2nd hand and I feel I got a real bargain. I am sure I will be asking lots of questions.

I would like to know when the time comes that your tank has cycled and you are ready to start putting your corals in tank. Where should you position them I will be starting a soft corals tank and eventually putting fish in as well down the track.

Ruben's Reef · Nov 28, 2018

!!! Welcome to R2R and to the Salty side Michelle !!! First, cycle a new tank depends if you are using live rock or dry rock but in either case a good bacteria in a bottle will be good like Biospira or Dr.tim . Normally takes from 3 weeks to a month for a tank to cycle. Now, to add corals I will wait for maybe 6 to 8 month for the tank mature and starting with some softies.

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

spyder813 said:
!!! Welcome to R2R and to the Salty side Michelle !!! First, cycle a new tank depends if you are using live rock or dry rock but in either case a good bacteria in a bottle will be good like Biospira or Dr.tim . Normally takes from 3 weeks to a month for a tank to cycle. Now, to add corals I will wait for maybe 6 to 8 month for the tank mature and starting with some softies.

Thank you sorry I didn't mention that I have bought dried rock.

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

Michelle Conabere said:
Thank you sorry I didn't mention that I have bought dried rock.

My goal is for soft coral yes and down the track friendly fish

JasonK84 · Nov 28, 2018

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

JasonK84 said:

Hi there little fella

Neo Jeo · Nov 28, 2018

Welcome! Enjoy the hobby! Been doing it for 16 years and I keep learning...

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

Neo Jeo said:
Welcome! Enjoy the hobby! Been doing it for 16 years and I keep learning...

Thank you. I have had tanks all my life from gold fish to tropical now going the big jump. Lol

Ruben's Reef · Nov 28, 2018

Michelle Conabere said:
Thank you sorry I didn't mention that I have bought dried rock.

I did went with dry rock too and took me 3 weeks for the cycle to be completed using Dr. Tim bacteria and ammonia. I started with fish only and then I add some zoas and other soft corals.

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

spyder813 said:
I did went with dry rock too and took me 3 weeks for the cycle to be completed using Dr. Tim bacteria and ammonia. I started with fish only and then I add some zoas and other soft corals.

Yes I was thinking fish first then coral. But now I'm thinking coral first. Lol

jsker · Nov 28, 2018

Welcome to R2R and reefing!!

Super glue works well to anchor coral down to the rock.

Some soak/crue the dry rock for a month or two, to pull out the phosphate before adding the rock to the system

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

jsker said:
Welcome to R2R and reefing!!

Super glue works well to anchor coral down to the rock.

Some soak/crue the dry rock for a month or two, to pull out the phosphate before adding the rock to the system

So don't put it straight into the tank to do that

AustinB · Nov 28, 2018

JasonK84 said:

Welcome! I just started and I already have a serious addiction to the hobby, mainly due to the support I get from here that has helped me be somewhat successful so far!

AustinB · Nov 28, 2018

AustinB said:
Welcome! I just started and I already have a serious addiction to the hobby, mainly due to the support I get from here that has helped me be somewhat successful so far!

I did not mean to reply to jasonk84 ha ha my bad

Captain Quint · Nov 28, 2018

Welcome aboard Michelle Conabere. You'll learn a great deal from all the good folks here and you've actually joined the most helpful, politest forum there is.

Relax and take your time because it is our best friend in the hobby.

Michelle Conabere · Nov 28, 2018

AustinB said:
Welcome! I just started and I already have a serious addiction to the hobby, mainly due to the support I get from here that has helped me be somewhat successful so far!

I am sure I will be the same

jsker · Nov 28, 2018

Michelle Conabere said:
So don't put it straight into the tank to do that

It just preference. This one would be a good one to read. link

Teri NewbieReefer · Nov 28, 2018

Hi and Welcome to R2R! I also did many tanks for many years before jumping into reefing. I wanted a great tank right away, but it is a slow and steady approach that works best. (The wait is killing me.) The guys and gals here on the forum are great and very knowledgeable. Listen to them, watch BRS videos, and Have Fun!