Hello from yet another newcomer

[askinz]

Hello folks! I just wanted to introduce myself, and ask what I'm sure will be the first of many questions as I try to learn the ins and outs of this hobby. My name is Andy, and I'm from Southern Maryland (Western shore of the Chesapeake). I had a freshwater tank growing up, but it's been several years since those days. For Christmas this year, I recieved a 55 gallon tank as well as much of what I'm going to need to get things started. Specifically, I have a remora skimmer with a maxi-jet 1200 pump and prefilter box (which I can't seem to fit the pump into just yet). I've got 3 other maxi-jet 900 pumps. For lighting, I've got an orbit4 lamp, 65 watt 24 hour lighting system and a coralife aqualight power center with dual day-night timers and wave-maker capabilities. To round it out, I've got a hydrometer, and a 40 lb bag of aragonite sitting on my office floor. As for the water, we already have a RO system in our house.

I've been reading up, and have come up with a list of other necessities before I can get started. As far as I can tell, I need a heating system, instant ocean mix, a marine test kit, buffering chemicals, and a thermometer.

My first question is: am I forgetting anything? I'm anxious to start my 6 week waiting period sooner than later, but I'm resolved to take my time and get this right, rather than rush along, mess up, get frustrated, and have to start over.

My second question involves the heater. From what I've read, it's advisable to have at least 2 heaters, to spread the heat more evenly, as well as to minimize impact of one of the heaters going on the fritz and turning off, or cooking everything. I've seen the figure 5watts/gallon. In my tank, that would be around 275 watts. Rounding up a bit (not sure if I have to, b/c the water which will be in my skimmer should be minimal. I think I saw that if you have a sump you need to account for more.), I could get two 150 watt units, or three 100 watt units. Is one of those options more desirable than the other? Also, any input as to the brand or models to look for, or to avoid would be most appreciated.

Question #3: If I'm going to be using the skimmer mentioned above, do I need any other type of filtration system? From what I'm gathering, I don't think so, but I don't want to put this all together and have to tear it apart again shortly thereafter.

Question #4: After I rinse the tank out with tap/hose water and I'm ready to fill it, do I just pour the aragonite into the tank and fill it? Or do I need to put a piece of plastic on the bottom of the tank first? (not sure why I'd have to do this, but I was told to do so)

And finally, question #5...my last question (for tonight, anyway): I've read that painting the back of the tank (the outside, of course...I'm not that simple) with an oil based black or dark blue paint adds to the appearance of the tank. Does anyone have any advice as to the advisability or inadvisability of doing so?

Thanks to those of you who took the time to read so much babble. Special thanks to those of you who still have the energy to reply.

I've enjoyed reading many of the posts in the archives.
It's nice to meet you all.

-Andy

[ChrisPrusha]

Welcome aboard, Andy!! w00t! w00t! w00t!

I think you are in pretty good shape, equipment wise. A couple of heaters isn't a bad idea in case one goes kaput (although not necessary, imo). Take a look at titanium heaters...they won't break. Don't cycle with damsels, imo...it will just be a headache later. Are you going to get live rock for the tank? If so, I don't believe you need any other filtration.

No plastic needed on the bottom of the tank. I have no idea on the painting thing.

Welcome to one seriously awesome hobby!

[gwen_o_lyn]

to TRT !!!

Sounds like u are off to a great start!! You got the filtration part right- a skimmer and live rock!! Can't really answer your other questions...

my background on my tank is the one u buy at the LFS- and its solid black.

[VWD]

Welcome to TRT!!!

[dobejazz]

Welcome to TRT!
Painting or adding a background like Gwen will look nicer and hide cords and stuff that might detract from the apearance of the tank!

[reef_noob]

Welcome!

What you have described is a good start. A few things to think about.

1) You should probably consider getting a refractometer instead of a hydrometer, because hydrometers tend to be inaccurate.

2) Be sure to rinse out the sand really well before putting it in the tank. Either way your tank will be milky for a while, but rinsing the sand helps to mitigate this. I like to put the sand in a brute trashcan and fill 3/4 with water. Swirl the sand around for a while until the water becomes white, then pour our the water. Repeat 4-5x.

3) Live rock is all the filtration you'll need. 1-1.5 lbs per gallon is a reasonable amount. It is better to add it all at once if possible.

4) Salifert makes the best tests, they are more expensive but well worth it. To start, get ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. If you're planning a reef tank(which I assume you are), get alk/kh, magnesium, and calcium.

5) Consider getting a ph monitor, they run about $80 but they are the most reliable way to measure and keep track of ph.

6) Buffering salts can be a bit tricky, IMO not the best way to go. I'd start with a 2 part alk/calcium product like b-ionic or tech-cb. For a reef tank, you want your alk to be 9-12 DKH, your calcium to be 350-450ppm, and your magnesium to be around 1300ppm.

7) Some people paint the back, some get a background. Either way, most people put something behind, it just looks better that way.

8) Consider a digital thermometer, they are more accurate and easier to read.

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!!



i prefer Ebo Jager heaters. maybe glass, but have heard very few problems from anybody who has had one. i own 4. one is over 15yrs old. i use it for make up water only now. mainly because at the time it was made they used a 1-10 temperature scale. not very helpfull if you are used to seeing real numbers.

i think the plastic is to put on top of the sand so that when you pour the water onto the sand it does not milkshake the sand as much. a lot like the dinner plate trick.

G~

[askinz]

Wow. You guys ceratinly are quick! (not to mention thorough!) Thanks for the speedy responses.
I'm definietly going to go with live rock to get things rolling. And no damsel fish...I've seen enough posts on here to know that they're not the way to go. I read somewhere that it's best to add the live rock in 3 stages, 1/3 each stage. It's certainly more convenient to start it all at once. At what point do I add the live rock? I'm assuming it's best to get the tank filled, at the right salinity/temperature/ph before doing so. I don't have the instant ocean yet, I'm hoping to get some tomorrow. If I can do that, start rinsing the aragonite, and start filling the tank in the next few days, I can potentially make a trip to get the live rock as soon as Saturday.

I'm not familiar with the dinner plate trick. I imagine the goal is to pour the water into the tank, aiming for a plate that is laying on top of the sand, to you don't disturb the sand so much. Am I on the right track, or is there more to it?

Thanks again.

[reef_noob]

You can add the live rock once you've got the salinity,temp and ph reasonable. The live rock will start the cycle. I've never heard of adding the rock 1/3 at a time. Each time you add a significant amount live rock, you start another cycle. Why have 3 cycles? I suppose adding it all at once means a higher ammonia spike, hence more die off on the LR, but not a huge issue.

Since you're going to have a sand bed, you should think about ways to elevate your rock off the sand bed. Many people use pvc rings to set the rocks on. If you do this, the rings should have holes drilled in the sides to avoid dead spots.

[tdwyatt]

Welcome to TRT!

Ditto Geoff: The plastic sheet is to minimize the amount of Southdown Milkshaeke you make, and contrary to a previous post, washing the sand is of little benefit, and will actually reduce the amount of fines that increaase the surface area of the sand bed.


What is your ultimate goal for the tank? Do you have a goal for your biotope you want to emulate yet? What would you consider to be the single ONE most important specimen you want for your Little Slice of the Ocean? Deciding these items will help clarify what your direction should be in terms of lighting, filtration, husbandry of the established tank, and water quality.


HTH, and Welcome again!

[Geoff]

Originally Posted by askinz

I'm not familiar with the dinner plate trick. I imagine the goal is to pour the water into the tank, aiming for a plate that is laying on top of the sand, to you don't disturb the sand so much. Am I on the right track, or is there more to it?

Thanks again.

you got it!!

as the water level rises if you can raise the plate up it will help. when the water level gets above 4" above the plate, i put a glass pitcher on the plate and pour into that.

G~