New to the Hobby

jazzdude87 · Jun 5, 2019

Greetings R2R Community! I'm brand new to the hobby (I've done smaller freshwater setups before, but never anything this big or salt), and have been using these forums to help me get setup. Seemed like it was definitely time to join and introduce myself. Thanks to all who post such helpful information. I've got a new Reefer 250 system set up and cycling, and am currently on day nine since adding the live rock, live sand, and water. Just did a 10% water change two days ago for practice in mixing the correct salinity water and changing it out. Waiting on a Nyos Torq to add a carbon reactor to the sump if it will fit, but otherwise I think the build is almost complete... Things seem to be going well, and I'm looking forward to adding a pair of clowns hopefully sometime in the next few weeks once the cycle completes.
- Jazzdude87

Crabs McJones · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome to R2R! Great looking setup so far

be sure to create a build thread in the members tanks forum so we can follow along

#WelcometoR2R

Peace River · Jun 5, 2019

Hi! Welcome to R2R!!!

crusso1993 · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome to R2R!

BadFish619 · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome to R2R! Looking good

dbl · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome to R2R and your new reefing family. Love the RS tanks and yours in no exception. Looks like you're off to a great start.

Retro Reefer · Jun 5, 2019

Xam · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!! Snazzy setup you have there! May I ask what type of rock you have? I love the initial color on it. Also, your wiring in your sump looks well thought out.

GoldeneyeRet · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome aboard!

Taxus812 · Jun 5, 2019

Tank looks fantastic ! Welcome to R2R !

Billldg · Jun 5, 2019

Welcome to R2R!!!

o00brandon00o · Jun 5, 2019

jazzdude87 said:
Greetings R2R Community! I'm brand new to the hobby (I've done smaller freshwater setups before, but never anything this big or salt), and have been using these forums to help me get setup. Seemed like it was definitely time to join and introduce myself. Thanks to all who post such helpful information. I've got a new Reefer 250 system set up and cycling, and am currently on day nine since adding the live rock, live sand, and water. Just did a 10% water change two days ago for practice in mixing the correct salinity water and changing it out. Waiting on a Nyos Torq to add a carbon reactor to the sump if it will fit, but otherwise I think the build is almost complete... Things seem to be going well, and I'm looking forward to adding a pair of clowns hopefully sometime in the next few weeks once the cycle completes.
- Jazzdude87

@jazzdude87 Welcome to R2R!!!

jazzdude87 · Jun 5, 2019

Thank you all for the warm welcome and for the compliments on the setup so far. Xam, it's Real Reef Rock (man made stuff) that they supposedly seed with nitrifying bacteria and cycle in their water for weeks prior to shipping. According to BRS videos, it's not nearly as porous as some, but since theres no real concern for pests, I decided that a small block of MarinePure would suffice as a place for good bacteria to hang out. I was told by my LFS that it would cycle a tank quickly, and I've been adding "Seed" nitrifying bacteria daily. Unfortunately, given time constraints and the other things that have to get done in addition to continuously tinkering on this aquarium (I've got two kids under two years old), I was unable to test the water for anything other than salinity until last night (day 8?). This is what I found:

pH 8.3
Ammonia Between 0-0.15 ppm
Nitrite Between 0.05-0.1 ppm
Nitrate Between 2.5-5 ppm

I plan to test again today to compare as that was done with Salifert kits in mostly artificial light, and I know that it's supposed to be done in daylight. If the numbers above are accurate in the daylight, would the experts here say I'm getting close to a cycled tank? Now to wait out the Nyos 120 microbubble break-in period as my display tank is filled with them right now.

In regards to the wiring, thanks for the compliment as well. I made a false back out of PVC siding (figuring it would not erode like particle board might over time) on which the controllers hang on the right side of the area under the sump. It is held up by 3M Command Strips that make it possible to pull it away to access the back. The back of it has a bunch of organized power bricks and cords. The temp controllers on the left side and their corresponding outlets were the only place they would really fit. I didn't realize how many things needed to go into the cabinet/sump when I first started this project...