First

[dab24]

Hello All;

After much reading, of books, and the forum, I've decided to set up my own tank. Its a 30 gallon Oceanic cube, with a sump I've built into the stand. The sump holds about 16 gallons or so.

I filled the system on Friday and added about 40 pounds of live rock (cured at the LFS), and 25 pounds of sand on Saturday, and it took me until Sunday until I got everything set up the way I like it. About 5 pounds of the rock, and 5 pounds of the sand went into a low flow area of the sump.

I just took my first tests of the water, and wanted to ask if things look normal for a three day old tank

Temp - 79.3 Deg F
SPec Grav - 1.023
PH - 8.0
KH - 6.1
Calc - 400
Ammonia - <0.25
Nittrite - 0.25
Nitrate - 10

I have added no critters to the tank yet, I know its way to early for that, but I have added some fish food flakes every morning for the past few days. This is my first attempt at a saltwater tank, and I eventually expect to add a few fish and some corals, but I am in no hurry. Any comments, or suggestions, I would appreciate.

 

[Anonymous]

dab24
:welcome:

Okay, a few random thoughts. It sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

There are plenty of new tank threads with great info here, I would suggest you take a stroll with the search feature and learn how to look up prior posts, chances are someone may have had the same question or problem you may be facing:

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/search.php

Also, in the New Reef Keeper's forum, there is a FAQ section with great advice:

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=33928

As far as generic advice, from my own experience I have found that in this hobby patience is a necessity for sucess. Nothing good ever happens quickly in a reef tank! Secondly, read-read-read about the hobby, and then ask tons of questions. It's what this board is all about and we are here to help. Third, try to NEVER impulse buy any animal that you don't know how to take care of or what it requires, all that does is kill livestock and drain your wallet

Last and IMO the most important, true sucess in this hobby means the critters you keep THRIVE, not just SURVIVE so what that takes is time and knowledge.