57 Rimless Illuminata Build! (1 Viewer)

[Meyeronfire]

Still waiting for the tank to cycle. I set up a 10 gal QT yesterday and am waiting on it to cycle as well. Params are holding stable and I have the temp well under control. In the meantime while I waited I just had to soak up some of this awesome weather were having here down in Texas so I decided to get a little dirty and ride my little scooter.....which is my other addiction. Ive been riding dirt since I was about 8 years old, and you just don't ever grow up enough to just stop.. Heres some videos and pics of the bike and me getting some air.

 

[Meyeronfire]

guess ill have to load the videos on you tube anyone know how?

 

[Meyeronfire]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Mf-i0_76g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yS-MSWN8vY

 

[Meyeronfire]

Alright guys, My QT is going and im assuming it will cycle pretty quick. Time to get my first fish...I was wondering how many fish could I add to the system. I need some help on what fish to add first. I was wanting some suggestions. I know for a fact that I want a flame hawk, and maybe a small yellow tang which they are my favorites. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[FragsandMore]

kinda more depends on what corals you want to keep, then pick from fish that will successfully co-exist with those corals

 

[Meyeronfire]

Probably Mainly LPS and softie dominant with a few SPS of course.

Im also seeing a diatom bloom as well....Im thinking this is positive and the cycle is going well!

 

[FragsandMore]

your cycle should be fine in no time, esp. with that rock you got

fish you could put in there:

small yellow tang
flame hawkfish
sixline wrasse OR royal gramma, not both, lol
pair of clowns w/ anemone host
one or two banggai cardinalfish
maybe some blue damsels for s dash of other coloring

 

[Meyeronfire]

your cycle should be fine in no time, esp. with that rock you got

fish you could put in there:

small yellow tang
flame hawkfish
sixline wrasse OR royal gramma, not both, lol
pair of clowns w/ anemone host
one or two banggai cardinalfish
maybe some blue damsels for s dash of other coloring

I like this Don! Now I hope you have them all in stock!

 

[FragsandMore]

of course Matt!

 

[Meyeronfire]

I think I may have to add a watchman goby or a diamond to my fish wish list...I like those guys to

 

[Meyeronfire]

Quick update.

Ammo = 0
Trites = .2 as of yesterday
pH = 8.2
Alk = 13
Mag = 1100
Cal = 360
Sg = 1.024

I have a good outbreak of diatoms so im assuming the cycle is well on the downfall. The tank turns 14 days old tomorrow and as soon as trites fall to 0 I will add a CUC. Suggestions?

 

[DustinB]

Yeah, no damn hermits!

 

[FragsandMore]

lol +1 to Dustin, there is a reason why F&M does not carry them! We may be ahead of the curve on that one, but they are more of a nuisance than a help! We do have plenty of snails, cucumbers, and cleaner stars Matt.

 

[Meyeronfire]

Sweet, Well Don if the trites fall through the next couple of days then ill put some snails in to clean things up a bit.

 

[Meyeronfire]

Alright boys, Heres a param update:

SG 1.025
calc 340
alk 12
mag 1200
ph 8.4
nitrite 0
ammo 0
nitrate 0
temp range 76 at night then up to 81, 82 during the day.

Added six hermits and 6 snails to clean up the diatoms. All are alive and kickin so im assuming the cycle has completed but I will still wait another week and half just to make sure no nitrite s will spike.

Question: When should I transfer all my corals to the tank from my 72. There doing fine at my buddies house so im not in to big of a hurry. I still wanted to get the calc up to at least 400 untill I add them. What do guys think? Help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DustinB]

I would check that calcium reading against another test. Sounds awfully low for a tank with nothing in it. What salt are you using?

Did you ever see a nitrate reading?

I'd probably add a fish after the CuC to make sure the rock is actively processing waste, if you are going to want fish. Should make sure you don't get a spike with corals in the tank.

Just make sure it's stable and add a few at a time. I don't know if I'd add much sps very soon.

 

[FragsandMore]

Matt, glad the snails are doing good for you, ... how are those clowns?

 

[Meyeronfire]

I would check that calcium reading against another test. Sounds awfully low for a tank with nothing in it. What salt are you using?

Did you ever see a nitrate reading?

I'd probably add a fish after the CuC to make sure the rock is actively processing waste, if you are going to want fish. Should make sure you don't get a spike with corals in the tank.

Just make sure it's stable and add a few at a time. I don't know if I'd add much sps very soon.

I used regular IO for the start up of the tank. Couldnt see starting the tank with a more expensive salt considering Im not in a hurry.

I havent seen nitrates yet...\

Thanks for the help Dustin

Don, Fishes are doing good so far!

 

[DustinB]

That is still pretty off, my calcium with IO is 440.

 

[Meyeronfire]

Update:
SG 1.025
pH 8.2
Ammo 0
Trites 0
Trates 0
Calc 420
Alk 9
Mag 1250
Temp ranging as of yesterday 77 night 82 during the day with the MH on.

Still have a pretty good bloom of diatoms but they are declining. Was thinking of trying to get my corals from my buddies tank but dont know if I should yet what do you guys think?