MVP's New 37G Reef Tank

MVPSnapshots · 08-18-2008, 12:12 PM

Hello all,

My name is Kurt and I am new to TRT. I have been reading many of the discussions and checking out all the nice tanks that you guys have. I am building a reef tank for my son to give us something to work on together and give him something to watch before going to sleep. I have had many types of Fresh water tanks in the past including one salt water. I made alot of mistakes with the salt water tank and I am trying to be a better reefer this time around. My issues the last time was not doing the research, buying too much expensive equipment with out being focussed on a specific type of reef, and not having any patience. Since this is a tank for my very young son and I am trying to take this slow to enjoy it, I am trying to keep it as simple as possible. I also have a limited amount of space and this is on the second floor of our house.

Water Specs:
This tank is now 3 Months old.
Nitrates are barely above 0.00
Nitrites are 0.0
Amonias are 0.0
Gravity is 1.025
PH is 8.0
Phosphates are 0.5

Tank:
37 Gallon Glass Tank with Eclipse 3 Combo light, mechanical filter and Bio-Wheel.

Lighting is 5500k, compact flourecent, T8's 18W each (2 bulbs). Once the bio is built up and I feel ready, I will purchase the conversion kit to 10000K to keep some brighter corals. I am not sure what I will be able to keep, but I do not plan on getting any Anenomes (except by accident) and I do not want this project to get too out of hand with expensive hardware.

40 Lbs of Live Sand
50 Lbs of Live Rock
Some live rock contained some mushrooms and I think a couple of glass anenomes. Some hair algae as well. I built a PVC frame to lift my rock just above the sand to allow room for scavengers and water flow.

One Maxi-jet 1200 power head
One Penguin 1140 power head
One 150W Stealth Heater

Inhabitants:
Red legged crabs, I put about 12 in originally two months ago, I think I have about 6 or seven left.
Hermit Crab, started with two a month ago, down to one.
Margarita snails, started with 6 two months ago, I think I am down to one, so I added 3 Turban snails about a month ago, that are doing just fine and seem to be managing very well.
I just added an emerald crab, using the forums help and made sure that he was one that had the red inner markings on the legs. I have a small red bubble algae issue growing.

I have also recently added two Percula Clowns and a cleaner shrimp. Nemo and Marlin per my sons request. I am not sure that I will add anymore fish. (Thinking about a Six Line Wrasse or a Goby) I have noticed over the last few weeks an increase in Pods (Little brown guys) and (Little white guys) along with some little white rings which I think are worms on the rocks.

I just took some pic's last night that I need to download. I will pull them through tonight. Again, any suggestions or input to keep this tank alive and happy would be greatly appreciated!

crvz · 08-19-2008, 08:58 AM

I can't believe no one has welcomed you yet. Welcome to TRT!! Sounds like a great setup, I dont really have anything to comment on, but I'd love to see the pictures!

MVPSnapshots · 08-19-2008, 10:26 AM

Well, I may not be using the right codes or something! I was trying to upload some pic's last night in the gallery and I guess my format is too large. What are the parameters for the upload?

MVPSnapshots · 08-19-2008, 10:43 AM

I found it, JPG 1024x768. I will try again tonight. I do have concerns about not running a skimmer yet. I have only had the clown fish for 5 days now and was doing water changes of 20% every two weeks. I assume that I would have to change to weekly until I have the funds to add a hang on skimmer.

VWD · 08-19-2008, 10:45 AM

Welcome to The Reef tank!

crvz · 08-19-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVPSnapshots

I found it, JPG 1024x768. I will try again tonight. I do have concerns about not running a skimmer yet. I have only had the clown fish for 5 days now and was doing water changes of 20% every two weeks. I assume that I would have to change to weekly until I have the funds to add a hang on skimmer.

more water changes are never a bad thing. there are a couple good hang on skimmers available, but be careful about a few of the brands, there are a number of pieces of junk that are unfortunately popular due to price.

check around before you buy!

MVPSnapshots · 08-19-2008, 12:20 PM

The protein skimmer that I have my eye on is the AquaC Remora, it is slim enough for my set-up and the space between the tank and wall. I have also been thinking about creating a 10 Gallon sump, but I see mixed revues for such a small set-up??

Loverotties · 08-20-2008, 11:31 AM

Welcome to TRT!I liked the Remora,I had the Aqua C Pro.but when I got the Coralife it is so much better and it thinner to the wall also!

MVPSnapshots · 08-20-2008, 11:38 AM

Thanks, I take a look at that one too. FYI, I just posted in the Reef Fish forum. I have a problem with my two clowns, they bloomed ich this morning..... Looking for some advise, please....

MVPSnapshots · 08-21-2008, 12:03 AM

Here is what we are looking like so far....

crvz · 08-21-2008, 09:10 AM

That last picture looks like a majano anemone, which many consider a pest. I'd recommend taking it out of the tank, a they can spread quickly and sting other corals. Otherwise, looks good!