2nd mix reef tank advice

[Kilo]

Hi Fellow Reefers,
I am currently running a 20G. Planning on getting a new custom 32x17x17 inch with a sump(~40-47G).

I want to get things right from day 1 so I need advice on the setting up my tank

Equipments:
Light: AI Hydra 52 HD
Skimmer: Reef Octopus classic 110 space saver
Wavemaker: Gyre xf-130 or Jebao CP25
2 rector: 1 x GFO . other not decided what to put
Rockscrape: dry rock or ceramic rocks
Substrate: thin layer of Caribsea Fiji-Pink
Biological media: BioHome and/ or MarinePure
Chemical filteration: Rowa carbon
Salt: Aquacraft Marine Environment Reef formula
Mechanical filter: 4" nylon sock

Planned Steps:
1)Cycling :
1.1) Use Red Sea Reef Mature Pro kit
or
1.2) use Brightwell Microbacter 7, market shrimp for waste generation, KH-Coralline Gro & GFO reactor. Maintain 8.4dkH. When Nitrate start to appear, start Nitrate reducing pellet or carbon dosing? to bring Nitrate down. Perform 30-50% water change

2) Ensure pH, kH and salinity in correct range. Add fishes gradually.

3) Before adding coral, ensure Mg, Ca & Alkalinity are with range.

4) Maintaining Mg, Ca & Alkalinity:
- FM balling light?
- AF balling?

I am sorry if any of the above steps are not right. I want to make sure on my new setup, i want to get thing rights. Pls share you best practices and also advice me on my equipments

Thank you

 

[Evan West]

All looks about right, only thing is in my opinion in a small system like this between regular WC and the skimmer I dont think your gonna need the carbon dosing. You should be able to keep nitrates low without it.

 

[Kilo]

All looks about right, only thing is in my opinion in a small system like this between regular WC and the skimmer I dont think your gonna need the carbon dosing. You should be able to keep nitrates low without it.

Thanks Evan

Any other thoughts?

 

[Evan West]

Not in particular #reefsquad might have some more. Any specific questions?

 

[melypr1985]

I would suggest you add on a QT set up to your list. QT is very important and can save you and your fish lots of heartache and loss

 

[Evan West]

I might aslo use some IO Bio-spira to get the cycle going.

 

[Kilo]

I would suggest you add on a QT set up to your list. QT is very important and can save you and your fish lots of heartache and loss

Thanks...never thought of a QT.

 

[Kilo]

I might aslo use some IO Bio-spira to get the cycle going.

Evan, isn't brightwell microbacter7 the same as IO biospira?

 

[AcanSkywalker]

Use Dr. Tim's, it works!

 

[Evan West]

Evan, isn't brightwell microbacter7 the same as IO biospira?

I dont know if its exactly the same but it looks like it works the same!

 

[Kilo]

Forgot to ask about transferring fishes from current tank to new tank.
Can i transfer them gradually over using normal acclimating steps ( dripping new tank water) or any other special considerations?

 

[Evan West]

Forgot to ask about transferring fishes from current tank to new tank.
Can i transfer them gradually over using normal acclimating steps ( dripping new tank water) or any other special considerations?

Normal process should be fine just be sure to not get impatient and stick to doing that gradually as you dont want an ammonia spike.