45g first reef tank

[GrandpaShark]

Entry for contest.

 

[GrandpaShark]

July 3rd post. 45g 2week old tank.

 

[GrandpaShark]

Update. On Wednesday it will be 3 weeks since my tank first took water. My ammonia and nitrates have both spiked my nitrates spiked for 3 days. My ph, ammonia, nitite, nitrayes are all leveled off and are now at recommend levels. So i will wait a week and test everyday to ensure the levels stay the same. I am patiently awaiting to get my first coral. Update. About a week ago I started growing diatome algie I got a small ground crew and they have been amazing, tanks just about cleaned up and I have had my lights off for the last 3 days now to help. Thanks for reading and the support.

 

[GrandpaShark]

Update. Still plugging along. My ammonia and nitrates have leveled off, finally. My clean up crew is doing an amazing job keeping my tank clean of algie. I think this weekend I am purchasing my first fish or anemone. Budget is tight atm, but I think i can make something work. I will post an update pic this weekend. Thanks

 

[GrandpaShark]

Update: today went to saltwater city and got some goodies for our tank. 2 yellow tip damsils, 2 black saddle back clown fish (cool looking) 1 cleaner shrimp, 2 turbo snails to help my existing clean up crew, 2 emerald crab to help existing clean up crew. And we got 5 corals (dont ask what they are called i am terrible with names). Fun times. Pic will be posted soon

 

[Cbones1979]

July 3rd post. 45g 2week old tank.

NIce. Got the same tank and stand.
What light is that?

 

[GrandpaShark]

NIce. Got the same tank and stand.
What light is that?

Nice, viperspectra t300. Still trying to figure it out and need to rent a par tool to map out my tank for lighting. But for my first led light I am happy with it. I am sure it is more than powerful for my tank.

 

[fishface NJ]

good luck! Watch your ammonia. that is a lot of fish at one time

 

[GrandpaShark]

good luck! Watch your ammonia. that is a lot of fish at one time

I will, couldn't resist things just kept jumping into water bags for us to take home, lol. We got ***** good sales on some of the items as well. Our first time and waiting for the tank to cycle we were excited. Thanks for the concern.

 

[count krunk]

be sure to feed the fish often and well since it's a new tank and they will be stressed out for sure

 

[GrandpaShark]

be sure to feed the fish often and well since it's a new tank and they will be stressed out for sure

Got it.

 

[GrandpaShark]

Update. Still going strong. Ammonia, nitrites and nitrates within parameters. Fighting a bit of green algie all over the glass constantly but that is the cycle process. I did place a phosphate bag in my hob to see if that will help me control it. On Wednesday will be 1 month wet.

 

[GrandpaShark]

Update. This morning woke up to little tiny critters crawling on my glass. Copepods is what they is. Pretty amazing to watch a tank cycle and changes of a reef tank. The green algae seems to be slowing down a bit. Still cleaning the glass numerous times a day.

 

[GrandpaShark]

Update. Six weeks now and still going strong. I was in my ***** stage for almost 2 weeks and it seems the algae in my tank is receeding and only on the rocks at this point. My ammonia, ph, nitrites, nitrates are all normal. Just got my calcium, alkalinity and magnesium all within normal parameters. Getting my hana phosphate tester in a few days and will be checking that. All my clean up.crew and few fish I have are doing amazing. Along with a few corals I have in the tank all doing well. I catch myself stopping and just looking at my tank when I walk past. It is a joy to have. Not sure if I mentioned this last time but I uave copepods as well now. The wife and I are enjoying the tank and continue to be amazed at all the changes the tank makes.
Keep calm and reef on.

 

[GrandpaShark]

July 27th update tank is still plugin along. Recently got a diamond back goby very interesting fish. Have had him 4 days and has already rearranged my sand and made like piles. Also got a sea urchin, is about as much fun as the snails. Thats my update. Pics will be next time

 

[Shawn_epicurious]

July 3rd post. 45g 2week old tank.

Dude, that’s deep! And an old school background pic, I love it!

 

[GrandpaShark]

Dude, that’s deep! And an old school background pic, I love it!

Thanks, we wanted something different than just black and it blends in good with my tank now as it is growing and doing its thing.

 

[GrandpaShark]

August 21st 2020 update. We have 2 saddleback clowns, 2 yellow tip damsels, 1 foxy fox face (yes i know my tanks is to small for when foxy grows. Hopefully by then I will have a bigger tank) diamond back goby, 1 urchin, 2 emerald crabs, 1 cleaner shrimp, med size CUC, and an assortment of corals. Our little piece of the ocean is growing. I think I am coming out of my ugly stage, not much algae except on the glass from time to time. All our corals, fish and CUC are thriving and doing well. I hand feed my cleaner shrimp a piece of scallop every Friday. The cleaner shrimp will wait at the highest peak for it, pretty cool. My plan in a year is to upgrade between a 75g and 100g. But we will see. Want to give a shout out to everyone with R2R for the support and help during my journey.