beginings are fun lol

[nick05061978]

So im looking to start a fow/nonlive rock. I want to know what bacteria is growing in my tank.I have a 38g it was a fw planted tank i've had it almost 5yrs. I went from livebearers to tetras and finally ciclids. Ive bought a fluval 306, 2 hydor 240gph power heads,t5 light with moon lights,and a hob refugium with skimmer from aquatraders. I have 10 lbs live sand to help cycle and 40 aragonite sand to get a good bed going. Im looking for any input to help me be successful in this new hobby. Thanks

 

[KathyC]

Not sure what you mean by fow/nonlive rock?
Is this going to be a fish only tank?

Assuming you don't plan to add a sump to the set up?

More questions for you after you answer those

 

[nick05061978]

Ok sry i was trying to sound a part. I want to have a fish only with live rock but i want to get base rock only. I want the base rock to eventually become live from my tank so i dont have any nasty free riders. Yes it will take long but i have time lol, i want to eventually have a reef tank but want to start slowy. I have no room for a sump at this time but hopefully in the near future

 

[KathyC]

okie dokie - got it. FOWLR - Fish Only With Live Rock..even if you start with base rock Eventually it all becomes live rock and base rock will save you a good chunk of change.

A sump is easier added on when you first set up the tank but they can also be added on later if you use an overflow box (some folks don't like them as they feel an overflow box can cause an overflow of water, but properly set up - they work just fine).

Do you have any SW test kits - you will need them to guide you through the cycle?
..and are you planning on using RO or RO/DI water - rather tan tap water?

Assuming you currently have FW still in the tank - that needs to go, so it doesn't matter what bacteria is in there. (unless I am totally missing where that question was going! lol)

 

[nick05061978]

Lol yes a fowlr and yes big money saver to go only base rock. I bought a saltwater master test kit made by api. Also purchased a hydrometer. My fw is still going i have a cousin who is taking all fw items. I dont have a rodi system maybe when we buy a home so i figure to use tap (conditioned) and distilled for top off. Not sure if thats the best but i have no hook ups for a rodi

 

[KathyC]

You sincerely do not want to start a tank with tap water. In time you WILL have a tank ful of algae
No reason to wait until you have a home to get an RO unit - ypou can connect it to your kitchen sink faucet with an adaptor - no cutting, piercing, damaging any pipes
Try posting a Want To Buy thread in that forum and see if a well priced RO unit turns up

 

[masterswimmer]

I strongly suggest bringing the hydrometer back to the LFS you bought it and getting a refractometer to measure your salinity.

Russ