58 Gal Reef Tank

[CJM1224]

Hi all, just started my reef tank 9/27. It is a 58 gallon reef ready tank, with 120lbs of fresh rock and live sand, taken from my brothers tank (he upgraded). I have a 20 gal sump, Let me know what you think, this is my first time with a reef tank. I'll be posting my progress along the way, your input is appreciated.

Pictures ASAP

:bagfish:

ps - i plan on using a current 36" nova extreme pro, t5ho...however, i have not purchased it yet. will be using whatever hand me down i get from my brother. and no skimmer yet...ideas?

<img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;7;103/st/20080927/e/Since+Reef+Start/k/b8ff/event.png"></a>

 

[NYreefNoob]

what skimmer you going to use ? lighting ect a little more details

 

[jackson6745]

Looking forward to pics. 120lbs seems like a lot of rock in a 58gal.

 

[CJM1224]

yes, after reviewing the play, it is more like 60lbs. again, this is all hand me downs from my brother.

 

[CJM1224]

Pics As Promised

 

[CJM1224]

Ok, the tank has been up and running for a few days, and i tested the water. Here are my results

pH: 8.4
Nitrates: 0
Nitrites: 0
Ammonia: 0
Salinity: 1.012

CYCLE ALREADY!! The wait is killing me!

 

[marki24]

just curious, why do you have the bio balls floating in you tank? Looking good.

 

[CJM1224]

just curious, why do you have the bio balls floating in you tank? Looking good.

The tank was setup by my brother, and he put them there. I know they are there for bacteria, but does it matter if they are in the sump?

 

[marki24]

Are you going to keep them there?

 

[KathyC]

At this point it doesn't matter where the bioballs are assuming your brother put them in there to help 'seed' the tank with bacteria. Did he mention eventually removing them entirely?

pH: 8.4
Nitrates: 0
Nitrites: 0
Ammonia: 0
Salinity: 1.012

What is the temp and you need to raise the salinity, it's way too low!
Remove some water, bring it to a higher salinity and then add it back into the tank. Do this a few times until you reach the desired salinity as you don't want to shock the bacertia that is already growing in your tank.

Looking good !

 

[ihatefish]

thats my brother but u can keep him. The rock is at least a pound per gallon, and the bio balls are just floating in there 2 get the tank going but will come out once everything is set up.

 

[ihatefish]

and yes CJM1224 the tank is still cycleing and no u can't add anything until it does so don't think about going behind my back

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Hi cjm1224 Nice looking tank. Take your brothers avice and go slow. I am cycling a 72 bow right now 4 weeks, and the only thing i have in there are snails and hermits.
I know your brother also, He know his SH**.

 

[CJM1224]

OK, I know all of you have been waiting anxiously for the results...

pH: 8.4
Salinity: 1.017
Ammonia 0
Nitrite: 20
Nitrate: 0
Temp 76

I think the cycle has begun!!

The bio-balls have been moved to the sump, they were placed there to seed the tank. Have not had time to go and get salt, and will raise salinity when i have a chance to get some salt. To raise it to proper levels, how much should i get? Its a 58 gal, with a sump. Probably 15 gal in the sump...

 

[CHEMCHEF]

Depending on which salt, you will probably need about 4 cups, but go slow and check your SG after each cup, Im sure your brother has u using Tropic Marin pro reef .
Just get some from him. I know he has some. Or he know where to get some:wink1:

 

[CJM1224]

Tested water again, and got the same results.

pH - 8.4
Nitrate - 0.0
Nitrite - 20
Ammonia - 0.0
Sal - 1.020
Temp - 78

Nothing seems to be happening. Live rock and live sand, a clownfish and a hermit crab, nothing seems to be happening.

Advice? Suggestions?

 

[Awibrandy]

Something is happening since the nitrites were at 20, they've probably gone down by now and the nitrates have gone up.

Advice? Be patient!

 

[LeslieS]

You are going to need to do water changes as well as raise your salinity. Buy extra salt.

 

[CJM1224]

Ok, its been 4 moths, and i think its time to resurrect this thing. After a scare with a purple hatian, that died and almost crashed the thing...i figure I'd ressurect this thing.

Yellow tang
Maroon/red clown
Mated sleeper gold head goby
Neon Dottyback
Fire Shirmp
Red head wrasse

LTA
Sand sifter star
asstd CUC