Newbie

[Cbowen4]

Hey everyone I'm Colin and I'm starting my first SW tank. I plan on starting as a FOWLR and work my way into reef. I just wanted to run my planned setup by you guys.

37G tank (30"L x 22"h x 12"D)
Eheim Canister Filter @ 116 GPH
Sea clone Protein Skimmer
EVO Quad 30" LED Light
2 Maxi-Jet 600 Powerheads

40 lbs Caribsea Ocean Direct Live Sand
30 lbs of Fiji Base Rock
10 lbs of Live Rock

Stocking:this is what I've come up with but I'd like to hear your suggestions

2 Ocellaris Clowns
1 Yellow Clown Goby
1 Firefish
1 Royal Gramma
1 Coral Banded Shrimp
Clean up Crew(no idea what I need)

 

[.AcroKiller.]

Welcome

 

[kschweer]

Welcome! Your plans look pretty good. If possible now is the time to look into a sump rather than a canister filter. A canister can work but it takes a lot more upkeep. As far as a clean up crew start off with a few snails I personally like Nerite, trochus and nassarius snails and a few hermits like some small blue leg or scarletts.

 

[mike007]

Welcome to r2r lets see some pics!!!

 

[bknapp]

Welcome to MTRC and R2R Colin.

 

[Cbowen4]

Thanks guys! I'm in the process of moving so I won't have any pics up for about a month during that time I will be purchasing all my equipment. Best place to buy?

 

[Volitans67]

Welcome Colin!

 

[novajohn01]

Welcome

 

[dangerbird123]

Welcome! Looks like a good plan. Look forward to seeing it in action!

 

[Fishinwall]

Look to your local fish stores first... Good to have someone nearby to help you out. I bought my 65 gal from a freshwater store...it isn't drill-able but I didn't want to drill it anyway. I'm using the DIY overflow from Urujoey to get to my sump. All these systems take time to get adjusted as you want it, but that's the fun of it.

 

[Cbowen4]

We only have one lfs and the fish always look half dead and they charge crazy prices for everything. $80 Ocellaris pair. $40 maxi-jet 600 Powerheads. All because the closet stores are an hour away

 

[Cbowen4]

Update on my tank everyone! Been up and running for about a month with sand from a buddy's tank and the only piece of live rock my lfs had for sale. Been checking my levels for the last 3 weeks and for the last two everything has been good so this last Thursday I added two domino damsels. Now I'm looking for a lfs or other reefers that have live rock for sale or to give away. The dominos are happy as ever and I can't wait to see this tank progress.

 

[bknapp]

At this point I wouldn't add any more fish. The rock houses a good amount of the bacteria that breaks down ammonia and with your lacking of rock your bacteria level isn't very high. You're also going to need to add any new rock slowly as it may start another cycle. Also, damsels can become very territorial and aggressive.

 

[Cbowen4]

That was my plan. Not adding anymore fish until all of my rock work is finished. I made a deal with my lfs that whenever I want to swap out my damsels they will take them back for trade.

 

[bknapp]

You really shouldn't add anything you don't plan to keep long term.

 

[Cbowen4]

That's what I've learned the more I've talked/read. My plans is to have add my rock slowly then slowly add my fish. Then eventually add corals. I have my set stock list and I don't plan on it changing anymore.

 

[bknapp]

Cool.

Never be afraid to ask questions here. If you're uncomfortable asking something don't be afraid to send me a PM.

 

[Cbowen4]

bknapp could I get your opinion on my stocking list?

 

[bknapp]

Only issue with your stocking that I may see is that the gramma and fire fish might have issues with one another. But, that anyways depends on the individual fish.

 

[Cbowen4]

Any alternative options for the two?