Rebuilding my 75g Reef

Aquatic Gardener · May 4, 2013

I started this hobby about two years ago, did my research, the whole nine yards, and jumped in. I've learned a lot, and made many beginner mistakes along the way. I need to start fresh, and didn't have much livestock, so I sold what corals and fish I had and cleaned out the entire tank. Now, I'm rebuilding and have a few questions so I do not make the same mistakes again. First, my equipent:

75 gallon reef ready tank
T5 Aquatic life 4 Bulb (geissmen bulbs)
Sump (maybe 20-30g)
Return pump
Reef octopus 4 skimmer
(2) JBJ ocean stream power heads @ 1600gph each
wave maker kit for the power heads
heaters
auto top off
cpr aqua fuge 2 HOB

80lbs dry rock
(3) 20 lbs bags of Carib Sea Arag-Alive Reef Sand

I've got a 10g tank I plan on using as a quarantine tank, does this tank need to have sand and live rock, and be cycled? or can I just add saltwater two days before any livestock arrives here, and quarantine them in that?

Also, best recommendations for starting my cycle in my main tank? Last time i just went to kroger and got 1 cocktail shrimp and threw it in there.

Should I do any water changes during the cycle? or wait until its complete

Lights on during cycle?

Clean up crew recommendations PLEASE!

Aquatic Gardener · May 4, 2013

I also plan on adding a UV sterilizer, although my knowledge of this area is a bit lacking, if anybody could lead me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated!

Aquatic Gardener · May 7, 2013

After my cycle has finished, can I add macro algae into my refugium and get that running while I have a CUC cleaning in my main tank?

Aquatic Gardener · May 23, 2013

Maybe if I post some pictures you guys will comment and help out?

46gReef · May 23, 2013

Looks like it's going to be a sweet setup! As far as the QT goes, no need for sand or LR. Just a few pieces of PVC for the fish to hide in should be good. Plan on testing/daily H2O changes in that tank too...
As far as cycling goes the raw shrimp in the sump method should work fine, just monitor your levels to watch for the cycle....
Macro can be added IMO once you start adding fish, it won't grow if there aren't any nutrients. You can put your lights on during the cycle if you want but not necessary, if you do I would recommend no more thatn a few hours a day...
As far as a CUC goes I always add slowly, they need stuff to eat so add accordingly....once you start seeing algae & adding fish start adding your CUC...hope this helps

Aquatic Gardener · May 24, 2013

46gReef said:
Looks like it's going to be a sweet setup! As far as the QT goes, no need for sand or LR. Just a few pieces of PVC for the fish to hide in should be good. Plan on testing/daily H2O changes in that tank too...
As far as cycling goes the raw shrimp in the sump method should work fine, just monitor your levels to watch for the cycle....
Macro can be added IMO once you start adding fish, it won't grow if there aren't any nutrients. You can put your lights on during the cycle if you want but not necessary, if you do I would recommend no more thatn a few hours a day...
As far as a CUC goes I always add slowly, they need stuff to eat so add accordingly....once you start seeing algae & adding fish start adding your CUC...hope this helps

The QT doesn't need to be cycled? Thanks, I'm hoping the second time around is more successful! I don't think I'll run my lights with the cycle, don't want any unnecessary algae growth. Thanks for the help!

46gReef · May 24, 2013

No problem...if your going to have such a small QT it doesnt make sense (IMO) to cycle it. The main reason being that way you can easily use it to medicate or preventatively treat fish. Like I said though I would plan on doing daily or every other day h20 changes...as ammonia could become an issue in a tank that size. Another option is keep a bottle of amquel on hand.

Aquatic Gardener · Jul 3, 2013

Finally, water! Been working a lot lately and havent had much time to post updates, although there weren't many. Finally re-did the plumbing, had a few problems there with loose fittings. Finally, I'm filling the tank for a leak test. Still need to clean up the tank a little bit more, but I figure I'll do that with water in the tank at the same time.

I'm going to do a peninsula this time, as opposed to flat against the wall. I would love some aquascaping idea's or tips!

most likely I will make a new plumbing return line within the next week or two, I plan on buying a UV sterilizer but am still a little confused about the configuration of it. I posted a thread about it in new to hobby.

Another addition to arrive within a week or two will be the apex lite system, really excited to get this!

I'll post more later.