75 Gallon in Wall Aquarium w/ 55 Sump first tank and build

[necat]

+1 Chichi

I would pick out the asterina star, the diatoms will go away on their own, the other algae wont, but its normal for new tanks. Just suck it out when you do your water change.

Thank you and that brings me to my next question. When should I do my first water change? My tank has been running for about 3 weeks now and readings are pH 8.2 - Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates 5, and Salinity 1.024

Is 10 gallons a week enough when I start doing them?

 

[kbuser92]

Now! Cycles done so start changing. And yes, that would be perfect.

Time for a water change and start getting your CUC in there!

 

[necat]

Hey everyone, hope all have been well. I got a new RO/DI system from Bulk Reef Supply today. I installed that and also some shelving to get things organized. Here are a couple pictures of that. I really like the system so far.

 

[necat]

Here is the latest shot of the full front view. As you can tell from the picture my fish tank is not the only project going on. I have been finishing my basement for the last year as well! Also got a seat in there for our 4 month old little lady to enjoy the tank as well! :D

 

[kevdogg]

Oooo its looking nice! +1 on the bumbo chair!

 

[necat]

Oooo its looking nice! +1 on the bumbo chair!

Lol, Thank you!

 

[chichimom79]

I just love the set up. I hope I can have something like this someday :)

 

[necat]

I just love the set up. I hope I can have something like this someday :)

Thank you I really appreciate that. Im trying to make it very easy to maintain when it is all set up. So its taking me longer to get it going but Im happy with the direction its headed.

Thank you again!

 

[Samhain]

Nothing good happens quickly in this hobby, so take your time and do it right the first go-round. Lookin' good so far!

 

[necat]

Here is the latest addition. 10 Turbo snails and 10 hermit crabs. some have blue legs and some red.

 

[necat]

Also while getting these at one of our local salt water stores the owner seems persistant that my tank hasnt cycled yet? I told him I used "Smart cycle" which is a product another salt water store owner says he helped develop. I dont know what is right. I think it has cycled but who knows? It has been running for over 3 weeks now with a lot of activity it seems.

Here is a link to the stuff:

http://www.startsmart-testimonials.com/

 

[chichimom79]

Your test readings say that your cycle is done. Take them some water and let them test it?

I don't know how reliable that particular bacteria supplement is, but if you had your ammonia and nitrite spikes, you should be good.

 

[necat]

Here are my records to date. I have a fancy little line graph but cant get the excel file to upload.

 

[kbuser92]

Wow. Looks good, the only thing that worries me is the salinity changes. As long as you have fish only, you'll be fine, but it's better to get it stable. I realize it's difficult in newer tanks, though. Corals won't be so tolerant.

Are you topping off regularly? Such as every 2-3 days?

 

[necat]

Wow. Looks good, the only thing that worries me is the salinity changes. As long as you have fish only, you'll be fine, but it's better to get it stable. I realize it's difficult in newer tanks, though. Corals won't be so tolerant.

Are you topping off regularly? Such as every 2-3 days?

My top offs have been lack luster at best. I need to get it on a schedule. The evaporation chamber is fairly large so it allows me to not pay as much attention to it as I should. I just added about 2 gallons tonight of fresh ro/di water. I might add about a gallon of salt water in the next day or so and see where that puts me. I had it right at 1.024 for a bit and was happy. I need to pay more attention to it.

I did get my new water process in place however so its just tipping a jug over and turning a valve to add either type of water now!

 

[necat]

Just got the rocks in today from reefrocks.net! Ill post a picture once I get them situated in the tank.

 

[kevdogg]

Sweet! Make sure you rinse them off a little. I had a lot of loose debris in my rock.

 

[necat]

Thanks Kevdogg! I did rinse and soak them for a bit. Found 1 bug and lots of small debris. The picture is cloudy but atleast you can see the rocks. I wasnt happy with it at first but its growing on me. Now i can pick out some special pieces to complete it.

Question: How do you know if your emerald crabs are dead? I had two but have not saw them for a couple days. They also didnt appear while I was moving all the rocks??

Have a great day everyone!

 

[little_fish]

they will smell to high heavens if you pull them out, but i wouldnt worry. They are nocturnal and prefer to hide in the rocks.

 

[chichimom79]

It looks great with the new rock!