NEED some feedback!

[snakamoto]

I recently setup a 55G and wanted some feedback on my setup and also got a few questions.
Alright I have a drilled 55G tank with built in over flow that goes to a 20G sump. An iwaki MD20rxlt for my return pump which is producing micro bubbles cant figure this out its kind of annoying"1st ?". I also have 2 MJ 1200 for added water movement, do you think this is to much water movement to add some zoa's and mushrooms"2nd?" A CPR dual bakpak for a skimmer, I know these dont have the greatest reputaion but I got it for 50 bucks and got it work with a little bit of frustration. I recently added a refug which is 18x4.5x12 with a pound of live sand, 7 lbs. of live rock and some chaeto, and red alge (dont know the exact name for the red alge but was told tangs love it) lighting on refug is on oppisite time as tank light. As for tank lighting there is 2x MH 14K 175 watt and 2x VHO actinic 110 watt. How long should I have my lighting on for?
The tank was cycled out using 60 lbs. of fiji premium, 50 lbs. kelani. Never seen any hitchhikers or any other forms of life on the LR yet? is this normal?

I have been stocking my tank slowly and not having much luck. I first put in my cleaning crew which consist of 25 astrea's, 10 nassiura's "sorry for the spelling", 10 hermits and 1 serpent star about 3.5 to 4 in. across. I than added 2 percula clowns and 2 firefish, FF has been MIA for 5 days now. After putting the FF in the tank they both found a cave and 1 FF came out the next day but looked a little beat up? on the 3rd day 1 of my clowns looked like he got beat up and died later on that day. I also got 1 bi-color blenny who seems to be doing fine along with the 1 clown who is left. what could be the culprit? I have never heard any clicking sounds coming from the tank and looked for the FF cause I know they like to jump but found notting. I want to soon start stocking up with corals but afraid to put anything else in there from fear of them dying too!

My water parimeters are good Ammonia-0, Nitirites-0, Nirates-0, and PH-8.2. I will greatly appreciate your feedback, I think this site is awesome there is so much information! Once again thanks in advance for any input.

 

[Anonymous]

Lets see what we can do to help you out. For future refrence no need to post the same question in multiple places.

Far the micro bubbles. How is the level in the sump? If the level is to low you will suck air. The 2 MJ1200's is a good start. IMO you should have min 10x turn over for circulation. Not familure with the backpack. Is it producing foam? If so how much and what color. The fuge should help. Lighting seems fine. May be a bit weak for more light demanding SPS, but all else would be fine.

How long has the tank be cycled. Even if the tank is cycled it may not be ready for lard scale stocking. Not sure on the fish issues.

hope this helps.

 

[snakamoto]

sorry about the double posting thought it would give me alittle better outcome.

level in the sump in higher than the intake I also tried putting a overhang on over the intake but got no luck. so still open to more suggestions. The bakpak is producing foam, one more than the other but dark in color and maybe about 1/4 of a the skimmer cup a day.

Tank had been cycling for 3 months now. Should I slow down alittle more?

 

[Anonymous]

No problem. It is easier for the people helping and you to keep track of one thread.

For the sump try a downward facing elbo on the suction if it is horizontal. You may have a leak in the plumbing that could be sucking in air.

I would slow down the stocking speed. In this race slow and steady wins.

Do you do any water changes?

 

[snakamoto]

Should I just add some sealant to the contecting point to see if I have a leak that could be sucking in air?

I will definetly slow down on my stocking! Is there a general rule to stocking as far as 1 or 2 fish every week or month? or do I just watch my water parameters? could this be the reason for the MIA FF and not so lucky percula?

 

[Anonymous]

You could try that. I would only add one fish every 2 weeks or so,