..RC Reef..

So here we go!
After quite some time researching I finally decided to take a step into the saltwater tank world, specifically, the nano reef!
 
My first purchase was a huge one...I'll admit, I was going to take it slower but this wasn't a deal I could pass up! I simply asked if anyone knew of a setup available at a decent price and without even bumping, Bam! Someone took the time to respond to my request and off their 27G sumped tank/stand to me. I looked around more then decided to pursue it. After a two hour drive, a chunk of change, and a long story short, I realized why I like this hobby so much--people are great! I made a great connection, maybe a mentor, and came back with a great looking tank and complete setup.
I am completely new to this, if you see me doing something wrong, I won't be offended if you say change this! Also, this tank was upgraded before I got it so if you see something that could be bettered please feel free to say change that!

 

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So yesterday I finished filling the tank with SW (a mixture of distilled due to lack of patience and RO/DI) and then purchased some LR...I think my rock was filled with lead due to the fact I'd hoped for a lot more with $125! Oh well! As stated above it's half Fiji and half Aquacultured. I couldn't pass up the pretty purple with the aquacultured! I'm not sure if I shall get more of it or just normal rock, opinions? Either way I will be adding another 10lbs or so before I add sand to finish up the biological filitration end of things.


I panicked today when I found a little worm guy thinking it might be the bad kind of bristle worm but was later informed that it was good...which was comforting considering I found about 20 more of him later!!

 

Good luck with the cube, I was the original owner that put it together. Careful though it gets addicting, I now have a 350 gallon reef in my wall

 

Thank you! You know I wondered with it being such a 'small world' especially within the hobby/the forums if I would have someone speak up about the cube! Its really well put together, and has a great home! It took me a few days to really figure out everything and where everything went but as soon as it found its place I realized whoever put it together knew what they were doing!
If you have anymore specifics that I missed on it let me know as I'm still learning about it as I go along.
Jamie, what did you have for circulation in it? I have the koralina nano that came with it, the return (obviously) and was thinking I will need more?

 

I used 2 vortech MP10's I had a Super Reef Octopus XP-1000 SSS skimmer in there, it's a monster skimmer rated for up to 150 gallons the first camber was designed around it. I was always a fan of overskimming better to have more than not enough IMO plus it kept the water sparkling clean! I used a ehiem compact 2000+ as the return pump but I didn't sell it, the mp10's or the skimmer with the tank.

This is all the same equipment that I am now running on my 350 just larger sizes of course. Is that fuge light the one that I built with the aluminum plate?

 

Good to know about the circulation, maybe that's something I can upgrade to during tax time. I was thinking the nano wasn't enough but wasn't completely sure either. Good to know also about the skimmer, I'll have to look into that if the sump is based around that and its something I could use for a bigger tank (possibly someday he he).
The lights sound like the same ones you made and I'm using there. I assumed that's where they went! You must be strong, that hood just about manhandles me every time :-D

 

If anyone had the free time to explain this stupid timer out for me that'd be great...so far everything is running great except for that!
I have a coralife digital timer....Two day, two night timed and four constant, I'm sure you all are probably familiar with it. I cannot get it!!! Do I switch it on to the on, rdm, or auto option and then what's up with the seven options that you can program times into. Gosh its got me!! Of all things...

 

OK I assume your using it to control your lights correct? I have used them in the past and remember somewhat how they function. First when you have the yellow outlets on the blue are off. When the blue are on the yellow are off. You cannot have both on or both off at the same time. You'll want to set it to auto for lights. The seven options are if you want to turn the lights off and on at different times on different days. Only set the first option time and apply it to all 7 days. Also the "on" is the blue outlets and the "off" is the yellow outlets. You would think "on" would refer to the yellow day not the blue night outlets. It bugged me so I switched the blue and yellow plastic inserts around when I used them. Hope this helps you a bit.

 

Ok jamie, tried this and forgot to change it to 'auto' (grr) but I have it set as you directed...hope it fixes itself or its going back and a trip to lowes is in the agenda.


Update: Got 11 more lbs of rock tonight. Think I might have a coral on one of them! Seascape had way different looking rock then Adams Aquatics but I think it was in my favor for hitchhikers! I added sand shortly after scaping resulting in a sand storm...pictures (hopefully) tomorrow!

 

Update:
So I finally figured out my lights and they are running as they should! As for what's new....Got my rock rearranged, let me know what you think! It seemed to take forever for the sand storm to settle. Thinking about adding a little more sand...not sure yet on this though as some of it could be pushed back I've just wanted to stay out of the tank for awhile.
In testing the tank it looks like my Ammonia dropped to zero but I cannot get any sort of reading on me Nitrates...I did not get a Nitrite test as I read that these are used only in the begining and wasn't planning on rushing the cycle anyways. Not sure if this was a great idea. The tank has started to get the brownish colored stuff (diatom algae I believe). As the tank is only 2 weeks old I'm not going to rush into thinking it's done but it does seem to be moving along. Live rock helped that out I assume.
Finally, some pictures!
Let me know your thoughts!
FTS 01/22/12

LSV

RSV (don't mind the therm. cord, still getting organized!)
 
Darn snow...Will start taking higher quality pictures when I start getting things in the tank! Thanks.

 

Looking real sharp. Looking forward to seeing the progress. I like the rock a lot.

 

Thank you! It wasn't the shape I wanted but will settle with it for now! Now I know what shapes to avoid in buying live rock ha ha

 

So, for a quick update..been testing my water about every second day have consistently tested 0 for nitrates and ammonia. I know the ammonia is good but was thinking I would see a nitrate spike? Maybe not..

The bristle worm population has come out in full force..they seem to be rather comfortable, lounging in the sand!!

Suppose to be receiving either today or tomorrow my most recent purchase...a mp10w es!! Pretty excited.

That's it for now, input on the testing would be helpful, if not nothing is going in for at least another week. Also what's your experience with the mp10 placement? Thinking of putting it on back wall by return. Already moved my nano to opposite side of return and bottom so it moves the bottom back of the tank better.

 

Ok so I know I may have broken some rules buuuut I got two new additions yesterday to the tank...a scarlet reef hermit and a skunk cleaner shrimp (the rule breaker I know). I figured everything has been testing so well that shame on me if he started not doing well. So far he's been doing great, all over the tank, likes to hang out by the power head (eek!). He's pretty cute stuff. The hermit is doing well too!! He was hanging on a rock when lights went out tonight.
This was my "slow start" CUC (well the hermit was haha) to make sure I've got everything really ok. I think this week I'll be adding a bigger CUC and really start doing things with the tank! Pretty excited.
Meet Pepe!

You laugh at the naming but it sure does get my fiance into the swt stuff!!!!