Hello to these forums

[Acrylic]

Acrylic is a name I've been using for my computer game characters for a long time. It's also associated with my hotmail account. I've just been using it for so long, it's almost become an alter ego.

My tank is 90 gallons, glass.

It's all set up right behind me. My snails, introduced yesterday, are chilling out on the rocks. Neat little buggers.

Edit: I also use acrylic paints when I get around to actually doing some art. (Not very often lately)

[LionFish]

Originally Posted by Acrylic

Acrylic is a name I've been using for my computer game characters for a long time. It's also associated with my hotmail account. I've just been using it for so long, it's almost become an alter ego.

My tank is 90 gallons, glass.

It's all set up right behind me. My snails, introduced yesterday, are chilling out on the rocks. Neat little buggers.

Edit: I also use acrylic paints when I get around to actually doing some art. (Not very often lately)

What Pc games do you play ? Im a gamer as well

[Bifferwine]

Okay your pictures should be showing up now

I don't know why it makes a mod approve some pictures but not others. It doesn't happen every time.

Those are astraea snails, not turbos. I don't think there will be enough food in there for them -- they will probably starve. Usually you introduce the snails after your fish, so that they have someone to clean up after.

I don't think your tank has even cycled yet. Which means, if I were you, I'd start one before you add fish so that it's ready to go when you want to add them. The easiest way to do this is to use a piece of raw shrimp from the grocery store. Just throw it in your tank and let it rot. Watch your parameters. Ammonia and nitrite will spike, then nitrate will spike. Once ammonia and nitrate hit zero again, then you should do a water change to get the nitrates down.

A spray bar will eventually clog with salt. You should get at least 3 powerheads for a tank that size.

That's a good canister filter, but if you are wanting to keep more than just a few fish, you should look into purchasing a good protein skimmer. Canisters can eventually lead to nitrate problems, and if you have a good skimmer and plenty of live rock, your tanks filtration will take care of itself, for the most part.

Anyways, I think that's all I've got for now! Welcome, and feel free to ask, ask away.

[Acrylic]

Thanks for the reply Bifferwine.

Now this thread is a big mess of duplicate photos and posts by me that will make no sense, chronologically speaking. Oh well.

Couple things come to mind, so I will ask them and let the thread die...

I was under the impression that snails eat algae. Is biological waste from fish and what-not their main diet then?

If my snails die (no big deal) could their rotting corpses be used to trigger my cycle?

Is the main importance of a tanks first cycle to establish a healthy amount of bacteria in the live rock?

As it is, I've got bugs running around the surface of my live rock and substrate. I took this as a sign that my tank had cycled (along with my water tests). My live rock had been at the store for a couple months in their sump and various display tanks and it didn't seem like I'd get much die-off.

Once I get some powerheads, will the canister filter even be necessary?

Well, that's enough questions I think.

Thanks again.

[Bifferwine]

Snails do eat algae. Fish waste creates algae.

Their bodies MIGHT trigger a cycle, however a few dead snails in a 90 gallon tank might not be enough to do it.

You are exactly right about the cycle. And to establish bacteria in the sand bed. Even though your rock was already cured, adding fish might start another cycle, since the bacterial population may not be high enough to handle the added bioload.

The powerheads just move water. They don't filter it. So if you add powerheads, you will still need some form of filtration, whether it be from your canister filter or a protein skimmer.

[Acrylic]

For Lionfish:

These days I'm playing Bioshock, and am still finding things to do in Oblivion. I used to be hooked on WoW, but I finally got tired of that treadmill. Currently looking forward to Age of Conan, mostly. I've been playing computer games for about 25 years now, haha - I started young.

[ReefKeeper]

those do not look like turbo snails ... they look more like Astrea snails to me. keep in mind that Astrea snails can not turn themselves back over if they fall and land upside down.

sounds like you are well on your way ... any questions just ask.

OH yeah ... welcome aboard !!

[Acrylic]

Alright Biff, another quick question...

Is there no way to edit the descriptions for pictures after they are uploaded? I've got the snail picture saying they are turbo snails.. I don't want to spread misinformation. Can you as a moderator just delete the pictures I've uploaded so I can start from scratch? I uploaded one to the Tank category, and two to my members area. If you can delete them, please do!

I guess I'll buy a frozen shrimp and drop it in the tank and trigger a cycle. I'm in no rush for fish, and at least I'll have some shells lying around for some hermits when the time comes.

Thanks! Getting good vibes from this community already!

[Bifferwine]

I can't modify things in the photo gallery. At least I don't think I can. I'm not that powerful, you know!! Don't worry about the mis-label. It's not a big deal.

[yote]

How long have you had the rock in your tank?
With that much cured rock,you may not cycle at all.
I say that as long as you have no ammonia or nitrites,then go ahead and add one maybe two small fish and watch the parameters for a couple of weeks.

At the LFS I help at,were always setting up new displays with cured rock and live sand.These set ups are fully stocked with fish and corals the same day and rarly have any problems with them.
Just keep in mind this really isnt the right way to start a tank though.