When to add fish to new reef tank

[Alex d]

Hi all,

I started this new 37gal reef tank around 2.5 weeks ago, right now there is only live rock and live sand. When I purchased the rocks it came with an anemone and a brittle star which both seem to be doing very well despite my tank cycling. I do not have a lighting source at the moment, but I am trying to figure out when I should add my first pair of clownfish, and also if the algae that is growing on my rocks is okay (see pictures). Also if anyone knows the name of the anemone that would be cool too.

Thanks

 

[Jason mack]

#welcometoR2R that’s a carpet anamone I believe .. the algae is probably green hair algae but I can’t really see it on the pictures .. have you got any test kits yet for testing for nitrite , nitrate, phos , ammonia .. these tests you will need first and later too test for calcium , magnesium, alkalinity.. without these first tests you won’t know if your tank has cycled .. also anamones need light to survive .. so this is also important
Here’s a link for you too read
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
It’s normal to get some algae in a new tank even when starting with live rock and sand ..

 

[James M]

Hi all,

I started this new 37gal reef tank around 2.5 weeks ago, right now there is only live rock and live sand. When I purchased the rocks it came with an anemone and a brittle star which both seem to be doing very well despite my tank cycling. I do not have a lighting source at the moment, but I am trying to figure out when I should add my first pair of clownfish, and also if the algae that is growing on my rocks is okay (see pictures). Also if anyone knows the name of the anemone that would be cool too.

Thanks

The anemone isn’t doing good , it is very bleached

 

[DSC reef]

Welcome to R2R. Looks like a maxi-mini carpet anemone

 

[Alex d]

The anemone isn’t doing good , it is very bleached

How can I fix this issue?

 

[Alex d]

#welcometoR2R that’s a carpet anamone I believe .. the algae is probably green hair algae but I can’t really see it on the pictures .. have you got any test kits yet for testing for nitrite , nitrate, phos , ammonia .. these tests you will need first and later too test for calcium , magnesium, alkalinity.. without these first tests you won’t know if your tank has cycled .. also anamones need light to survive .. so this is also important
Here’s a link for you too read
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/
It’s normal to get some algae in a new tank even when starting with live rock and sand ..

Hi, would any light work for now? Or do I need to buy a high end light source

 

[Jason mack]

You won’t need a high end light yet .. but a cheap one yes .. you will need too check which lights are best for that size tank .. but I also agree with @Alex d it does look bleached .. but so long as it’s still attached there’s still hope .. you can try and feed it some mysis shrimp or Artemia ( not much) see how it responds .. and try and get a light as soon as possible
#reefsquad any ideas for lights on a 37g ..
Maybe you can get a small t5 two bulb setup cheap of craigslist or similar

 

[James M]

How can I fix this issue?

Unfortunately the anemone is going to die . Do you have an test kits to know when your cycle ends ?

 

[Jason mack]

But going back to your original question .. I would advise against adding any fish until you get your water tested first .. if you don’t have tests yet you can take a sample of your water ( min 50ml or more )too your local fish shop and they should test it for free for you .. bare in mind that shops want to sell you stuff , if it is a good shop they will give you good advice even if that means no sale , if they seem like they wanna sell you everything then if in doubt wait a day post any doubts you have on here ,and you will get honest helpful advice ..
This can be a very expensive hobby , doing good research first before buying will save you dollars and disappointment down the road ...

 

[HotRocks]

IMO nems don't stand a chance in a new aquarium. Minimum of 12 months of parameter stability is probably a good rule of thumb before adding.

You can use a cheap Chinese box style light to get started. Or T5 as mentioned above. I kept all of my original coral alive in three Rubbermaid totes with one, and a single prime HD suspended from the ceiling while my tank cycled.

 

[Alex d]

Unfortunately the anemone is going to die . Do you have an test kits to know when your cycle ends ?

No I was going to go test my water in a shop

 

[Alex d]

You won’t need a high end light yet .. but a cheap one yes .. you will need too check which lights are best for that size tank .. but I also agree with @Alex d it does look bleached .. but so long as it’s still attached there’s still hope .. you can try and feed it some mysis shrimp or Artemia ( not much) see how it responds .. and try and get a light as soon as possible
#reefsquad any ideas for lights on a 37g ..
Maybe you can get a small t5 two bulb setup cheap of craigslist or similar

I was thinking of buying a kessel wide angle, would that be okay?

 

[Jason mack]

I was thinking of buying a kessel wide angle, would that be okay?

That’s a nice light that would do nicely !!

 

[Flippers4pups]

IMO nems don't stand a chance in a new aquarium. Minimum of 12 months of parameter stability is probably a good rule of thumb before adding.

You can use a cheap Chinese box style light to get started. Or T5 as mentioned above. I kept all of my original coral alive in three Rubbermaid totes with one, and a single prime HD suspended from the ceiling while my tank cycled.

I'm still using those "cheap" Chinese black boxes and probably will for throughout the future. Been extremely happy with them.

 

[Jason mack]

I'm still using those "cheap" Chinese black boxes and probably will for throughout the future. Been extremely happy with them.

Me too !! But if I could have afforded it , I’d have gone with kessils !

 

[HotRocks]

I'm still using those "cheap" Chinese black boxes and probably will for throughout the future. Been extremely happy with them.

The one I borrowed from @4FordFamily got the job done. Half of it went out, but it still worked. I have no idea how long he had it or how many miles it had on it prior to my use! Nothing wrong with them!

 

[Flippers4pups]

@trido is my hero with his CCB tank. His system is awe inspiring.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tridos-210-in-wall.132644/

Reminds me to replace my diodes soon.

 

[4FordFamily]

The one I borrowed from @4FordFamily got the job done. Half of it went out, but it still worked. I have no idea how long he had it or how many miles it had on it prior to my use! Nothing wrong with them!

It was very old, several years!

 

[Jason mack]

@trido is my hero with his CCB tank. His system is awe inspiring.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tridos-210-in-wall.132644/

Reminds me to replace my diodes soon.

He’s my new hero too now !!!