Tank Setup Build!!

badstorm48 · Dec 25, 2015

Okay well I was surprised today on Christmas with a 20 gallon tank. I got the tank up and am going out tomorrow to get live sand, rock, and already established water. I thought it would be cool to document my experience as I set up my tank.

So, I ended up getting the 20 gallon tetra kit. The only thing I am looking at going to replace is the lighting on it since it's a little led lighting system that came with it which is fine for just fish. So, it came with a 100w heater the 20 gallon tank, hood with led lights in it that and 20 tetra quiet filter. I am not sure for the filter as it a tetra 20 quiet for up to 20 gallons. I was thinking of replacing it with a filter that had a little more power. Not entirely sure in the filtration I'll decide as I see how it goes as long as it does a good job then there's no reason to replace it.

I'll take more pics as I set up. So excited for the adventure. Feel free to put in your input if you want I'm open to hearing what people have to say and advice.

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Breakthecycle2 · Dec 25, 2015

You're going to want a bigger HOB filter as well. The one is comes with is garbage and way to undersized for saltwater.

badstorm48 · Dec 26, 2015

Just got done setting it up going to get fish tomorrow maybe.

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Breakthecycle2 · Dec 26, 2015

Did you cycle it?

badstorm48 · Dec 26, 2015

I bought everything live so my lfs told me to wait 24 48 hours before adding fish. Bought the water and rocks from him and bought live sand from Petco. He told me to just get a couple damsels for right now since they are hardy and of course going to bring a water sample tomorrow as well to double check everything is good to go

nervousmonkey · Dec 26, 2015

I wouldn't trust everything the LFS says. You need to test for ammonia and nitrites, then when those are gone you'll know you've cycled the tank. It may be already cycled but don't put fish in yet until you test it. Once you have added ammonia and it is gone within 24 hours, you'll be OK

badstorm48 · Dec 26, 2015

Of course that's why I'm going to get my water checked before to make sure it's good for fish

Breakthecycle2 · Dec 26, 2015

badstorm48 said:
Of course that's why I'm going to get my water checked before to make sure it's good for fish

But did you add an ammonia source?

nervousmonkey · Dec 27, 2015

+1 on breakthecycle's advice. I would definitely add an ammonia source first. A 24 hour test is what you need, not advice from your LFS. Of course, I know you want fish and are probably getting pressure from the family to add fish but it's better to test and wait 24 hours before adding fish. It's only one day man, and you can tell everyone you're doing it for the safety of the fish. A well cycled tank is what you want, not a tank that's not ready yet. The more your tank matures the easier it will be to keep inhabitants.

badstorm48 · Dec 29, 2015

Got the water tested today and I have no nitrites or phosphates but a little nitrates so in all, all good. Next Tuesday I will adding more fish. Right now I have a black Cardinal and yellow tail damsel just to have something in the tank and they are doing great. Starting to get used to the tank since they are wild caught specimens. They are getting used to the pellets as each day goes by and they like bloodworms that I give once a week. They are a lot of fun to watch. So excited for the adventure that awaits.

Breakthecycle2 · Dec 29, 2015

But you never answered, did you add an ammonia source to start a cycle?

badstorm48 · Dec 30, 2015

No I didn't. I bought everything live so I didn't have to add anything to make it start. Since I did that my cycle is extremely short.

malira · Dec 30, 2015

badstorm48 said:
No I didn't. I bought everything live so I didn't have to add anything to make it start. Since I did that my cycle is extremely short.

Have you ever set up a saltwater tank before?

cmcoker · Dec 30, 2015

You need to put an ammonia badge in there, if you are going to be adding fish that fast. They are made by seachem and petco may not have, but petsmart usually does in my area.

I would not add any more fish for a while and watch that the damsel is not beating up your cardinal, they have pretty different temperaments.

Also, you probably want to add a powerhead, koralia makes some decent inexpensive powerheads.

I like the aquaclear hob filtersfor running media or filter floss. I'd get the filter rated one size up from your tank size.

Nothing good happens fast in this hobby, so take your time and have fun!

Just remember, your lfs is a business and wants to sell you stuff. We on the forum have no financial interest in the advice we give you, so check out what the LFS recommends here. Unfortunately, many lfs give poor advice to beginners.

Happy reefing!

Breakthecycle2 · Dec 30, 2015

badstorm48 said:
No I didn't. I bought everything live so I didn't have to add anything to make it start. Since I did that my cycle is extremely short.

I know it's exciting to set up a new tank and add fish, but I (we) feel you are getting bad advice from your store. Live sand, natural ocean water, etc...do not do anything to help with cycling your tank. Mature live rock, might. You need to add an ammonia source, I prefer pure ammonia, to your tank and wait at least 24 hours. If all levels are zero, you have a cycled tank and you are ready for fish. Your store is not on your side, no matter how much we all like to think they are.