starting first sw tank

[PennReels84]

tanks been cycling for 1 1/2 week and its almost all levels are good. figured it would take alot longer to cycle. cant wait for coralline alge to start taking off. when i purchased the pre cured live rock it had nice little spots pinks, purples, reds, and greens on it.

 

[PennReels84]

the first pic was from second day this pic is tnight

 

[Pazzoman]

Your tanks looks great so far, nice rock work..however few tips below (not meant to scare you as it can be then with canister filter...but is challenging)

Hey I was in your position setting up a tank...letting you know if your doing corals where water chemistry is very important, I would go with a sump unless you have no problem cleaning out what looks like to be a Fluval Canister Filter...possibly fx5?

Woudn't want you to waste time fighting with nitrates and phosphates like how I was and still currently fighting with some phosphate problems..

Good Luck with this hobby, very addicting...drains your wallet however...it's worth it! If you want to have a look at my tank with a recently installed sump you can check the the thread "Impossible Dream...."

 

[PennReels84]

what does the sump do that would chance the nitrates that much?? i mean i have 300 gallon tanks with fx5. they are freshwater but i have no problems with nitrates. phosphates on the other hand i have never had to deal with

 

[PennReels84]

also have a crp bakpak rated for 100 gallons on there also have micro alge in there along with bio it came with

 

[PennReels84]

ne one??

 

[nonstophoops]

what does the sump do that would chance the nitrates that much?? i mean i have 300 gallon tanks with fx5. they are freshwater but i have no problems with nitrates. phosphates on the other hand i have never had to deal with

Canister filters produce a lot of nitrates or are often referred to as "nitrate factories" if they are not cleaned very frequently. Same goes for bioballs and wet/dry filters. They trap lots of waste that gets broken down by bacteria. They are a perfect habitat for bacteria that break down ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate, problem is they do it so prolifically that nitrates are hard to keep in check. With saltwater tanks nitrates need to be kept much lower than in freshwater systems because fish are much more sensitive and because the holding capacity of water is significantly less because of all the salt.

In saltwater tanks, live rock provides the surface area for bacteria and deep inside porous live rock are anaerobic areas that break down nitrates. Canister filters don't have the anaerobic areas that live rock does. So if the canister filter isn't cleaned frequently(like at minimum once a week, preferably more) it will make keeping a saltwater tank difficult. You will always be fighting nitrates and phosphates.

Doing water changes, cleaning the canister, having a quality overrated skimmer, good water circulation with a good amount of live rock, feeding lightly, and stocking lightly can all help you be successful with the equipment you have. It isn't impossible, just more difficult than with a sump.

 

[PennReels84]

got ya thank you

 

[PennReels84]

so drop the fx and get a sump dammit

 

[nonstophoops]

so drop the fx and get a sump dammit

Well, since you already have it set up, you can try it and see how it goes. Then you can upgrade in the future if it is going poorly, but you are addicted.