Newbie Desperate for advice...

[domination2580]

Reef squad is an awesome resource to have. I as well will help out as much as I can. Looking forward to having you in the reefing family!

 

[domination2580]

Also, the advice given are all good advice. One thing I'd suggest is get a good protein skimmer. It will help with the bioload and the organics in the water column.
I'm surprised no one said that! Lol

 

[Eva Rose]

Congrats on your tank! Let the R2R experts guide you on stocking your tank. As a fellow newbie, I've gone to many LRS* looking at fish and gotten suggestions that would have been a big problem had I followed their *advice. Let R2R experts will help you with compatible species and the correct order/timing in which to add them. As you learn more you only grow in appreciation of this great resource in a friendly forum!

 

[Darryl]

take your time and do water changes run uv and let the cycle run its course .
since you have livestock now do the water changes .
and
WELCOME!!!!!!!!!

 

[henryhahn]

Wow! Lots of reading to catch up on today. The baby demanded my full attention last night since I've been away so long.
If you don't mind me asking away....
Looking at all the responses:
Would I be better doing a 50% change, or weekly 10%s? benefits/detriments of each?
Cuc only after 0 ammonia, right?
Any species of hermit crabs that are more reef friendly (as in, shouldn't bother with an anemone or leather coral)?
Are pom pom or arrow crabs reef friendly?
Considering my tank size and current inhabitants, how many of each should I be considering?

Also, as long as I have so many of you on the list, I wonder if you'd mind some future oriented questions.....
Can I do yellow seahorses in a tank like this? The height is about 2'
Will my light system be enough for an anemone and/or some leather coral, and a gorgonian for the sea horses?
Is a Blue Linckia Sea Star way too far out of my league?
What should my future purchases for the tank look to be? I can budget for future purchases, but all is based on school teacher salaries and 3 growing boys, so they will be gradual.

 

[najer]

As above, as you have animals in there then do water changes, I would do 5 days of smaller changes to equal 1 bigger one, you don't want to shock or stress what you have in there too much.
Let it play it's course out, no ammonia and no nitrites will mean the system and your maintenance will have settled, CUC are more sensitive than a lot of things to new levels, acclimate them slowly.

 

[Eva Rose]

Seahorses are sensitive creatures and have different needs than many fish. They also create a 'dirtier' tank in that you will have to work harder to keep your tank clean/healthy parameters. They like less flow too. You would have to educate yourself on their special requirements and consult the seahorse experts here on R2R.

 

[kireek]

Wow! Lots of reading to catch up on today. The baby demanded my full attention last night since I've been away so long.
If you don't mind me asking away....
Looking at all the responses:
Would I be better doing a 50% change, or weekly 10%s? benefits/detriments of each?
Cuc only after 0 ammonia, right?
Any species of hermit crabs that are more reef friendly (as in, shouldn't bother with an anemone or leather coral)?
Are pom pom or arrow crabs reef friendly?
Considering my tank size and current inhabitants, how many of each should I be considering?

Also, as long as I have so many of you on the list, I wonder if you'd mind some future oriented questions.....
Can I do yellow seahorses in a tank like this? The height is about 2'
Will my light system be enough for an anemone and/or some leather coral, and a gorgonian for the sea horses?
Is a Blue Linckia Sea Star way too far out of my league?
What should my future purchases for the tank look to be? I can budget for future purchases, but all is based on school teacher salaries and 3 growing boys, so they will be gradual.

I would go with the smaller more frequent water changes,unless your ammonia reads high on a particular day.CUC after it remains 0.Some of my favorite hermits are the Dwarf Zebra,Electric Blue and Blue legged hermits.A pom pom crab would be okay but very difficult to view.I would advise against the arrow crab because they tend to lunge for fish.Great for eating bristle worms though.Emerald crabs would be a great option for you! In a 50 gallon aquarium you probably (hopefully)won't need more than 5 or so clean up critters.It would be easy to add more at a later time if needed. Seahorses are lovely but really should have a customized environment.Not sure about your lighting.You may want to see if the manufacturer has any useful information.I usually just watch my corals carefully to monitor light needs.I would not buy a Linka*.And finally invest in a good protein skimmer and look into a long term solution for Nitrate control.

 

[henryhahn]

Update:
I have been doing 10% at a time every other day because of my work demand (14-17 hour days) and because it stresses out the fish hardcore when I suck the water out (they either hide or swim frantically, and they poop a ton after).
After 20% done, I tested to see where I am at:
pH - 7.8
Ammonia - 0.25
Nitrite - 2.0-ish
Nitrate - 5.0
Down .25 in ammonia, so hoping the next 3 changes will do the trick.
Anything to minimalize scaring the fish?

Added some photos so you can see my friends:

 

[henryhahn]

Changed another 10% yesterday and am now up to 30% changed
Ammonia looked a little higher this morning :'(
I am still putting prime in the new water I am adding to ensure the ammonia doesn't harm the fish
#ReefSquad

 

[kireek]

You may want to do larger water changes if your Ammonia is still that high.Have you added activated carbon yet? You may want to turn off the lights when you do a water change.Ideally add some more live rock or other structure.Is there a background on your aquarium?If not consider adding one ,even temporary.

 

[henryhahn]

You may want to do larger water changes if your Ammonia is still that high.Have you added activated carbon yet? You may want to turn off the lights when you do a water change.Ideally add some more live rock or other structure.Is there a background on your aquarium?If not consider adding one ,even temporary.

I do have carbon in the filter
Turn off the main light, or the uv light?
Can I put in dry rock so i don't have hitch hikers?
No background yet, my wife was going to create one, but hasn't had the chance yet. Does it effect the fish?

 

[kireek]

The main light.It may help the fish see less scary stuff.Dry rock or any artificial structure would be fine.You want to create hidding places and visual barriers.A background will help,even a temporary one.It should help your fish significantly while they adjust to their new surroundings.And you,lol.

 

[henryhahn]

I think the key was definitely the live rock. I more than doubled the amount I had, and went to 0 ammonia and 0 nitrites not long after!
Thank you, all, for your help! Time, patience, and live rock....