27 gallon journey

[Hebrewhammer]

Figured I would keep a journal of my progress with my first saltwater tank. I found the aquarium and stand on craigslist and bought myself a heater and hob. The light is an aquaneat and I will be replacing that in due time.

Oh I know the water level is low. I'm planning on getting another few gallons tomorrow and making sure it is topped off.

 

[MtnDewMan]

Good start. Enjoy and good luck!

 

[WWC]

Welcome to this amazing Journey. What are you planning on stocking the Tank with once you are out of cycle?

 

[Hebrewhammer]

Day 3. Added some more live sand which caused it to cloud up but it looks like it's clearing up just fine. Can't wait to start adding corals and fish (still waiting on the cycle and with microbacter xlm I think the soonest will be a week so I still have some time).

 

[Hebrewhammer]

3 weeks in. Currently stocked with two clown fish. I added them about 10 days after starting the tank they nipped each other a little at the start and the black one looks to have a little tore fin but ever since the first day they have been great and they are always around each other. I don't think the picture shows it but I'm starting to get browning algae on the rocks and sand . Excited to get some corals soon, just giving the tank some time to mature a little and ensure the live stock thrives.

 

[Hebrewhammer]

Welcome to this amazing Journey. What are you planning on stocking the Tank with once you are out of cycle?

Thank you!! Can't believe I didn't see your post.

I have 2 oc clowns (one classic orange and one black and white with a little cute orange face). My gf really wants a diamond goby that she fell in love with at the store and will probably finish it off with a gramma. I saw one that I'm in love with that is all black with a neon blue face.

For corals (which I feel I am even more excited about than fish haha). I want to get a wide variety of leathers and mushrooms. Perhaps add a small rock island and cover it with xenia but I love the idea of a mushroom garden.

I'm thinking the first coral I'll add is something easy like a Kenya tree. Due to budget, we have agreed to get one coral a month. Super excited

 

[Hebrewhammer]

The photo shows the diatoms a little better. Excited that the tank is showing signs of progress.

 

[Hebrewhammer]

Looks like its time to start adding some cuc. I think I'm going to start with a few snails and hermit crabs and take it from there.

 

[Hebrewhammer]

Got a new fish this week and some cuc snails.

Let me know what you think. I'm debating adding a wave maker or 2 probably on the back wall.

The rocks are starting to get that brown look which I'm loving.

I think in a few weeks I'm going to start adding coral and probably a herbivore to feed on the sand. My lfs suggested I should wait another 2 months before adding a diamond goby.

 

[Hebrewhammer]

Had to remove the larger clown due to increased aggression (nipping and holding down on the smaller clown) and added some pods, hermits and an emerald crab.

 

[Hebrewhammer]

4 months in. Looking green but we love it. We recently lost our diamond goby because it jumped out even though we have a lid. Trying to cover up as much as possible so we can try again.

 

[Hebrewhammer]

Haven't done an update in some time. Had a terrible outbreak of cyano everywhere and it almost eradicated my gsp tbh it probably is gone but I see it trying to come back periodically same with my clove coral. I'm thinking about getting another nicrew 30 to help with coral growth but tbh the zoa's are doing really good and my leathers appear to be about to make a comeback.