First Time Reefer Build & Tank Cycle (NUVO Peninsula 14)

[tescalante]

My build so far. Hope to have everything in the next couple weeks
and start my cycle soon after that.

Still not sure on my ATO, leaning towards Duetto because of it's small size?
If you have any recommendations that are must have's for a new reefer?

Was also playing around with my scape, attached a couple shots of my first attempt.


TANK
innovative marinefusion-peninsula-14-gallon
nano-protein-skimmer eshopps
return pump sicce 1.0
auqa-gadget-spin-stream-nozzle
cobalt-neo-therm heater 75W
Powerhead koralia nano240
Innovative Marine Custom Caddy
aqua gadget puritypack filter media
tunze 3155-auto-top-off or duetto-dual-sensor ato-system-xp-aqua
AI Prime-16-hd-led-reef & mount
special-grade-arag-alive-live-reef-sand-caribsea
marco-reef-saver-dry live-rock
pro-reef-salt-tropic-marin
RODI-LFS
Bulk Reef Supply Refractometer

MISC
Dr Tims one-only-saltwater-live-nitrifying-bacteria
& ammonium-chloride
Salifert
AMMONIA TEST KIT
NITRITE EST KIT
NITRATE TEST KIT


Thanks
Tony

 

[TriggersAmuck]

Regards startup bacteria, while I have read of many people having success with Dr. Tims, I put in two bottles (over a couple weeks' time) and didn't see a dent in the ammonia. It wasn't until I put in refrigerated Fritzyme Turbo Start (900 I think?) that my ammonia dropped significantly the following day. I started my tank with BRS Marco Rocks and the ammonia method as well.

 

[gabrieltackitt]

Was the Dr Tim’s refrigerated as well?

 

[tescalante]

Was the Dr Tim’s refrigerated as well?

Are you recommending that the Dr. Tims should be refrigerated before use, since I know I'll be storing it for a week or 2 before using?

Thanks
Tony

 

[gabrieltackitt]

Are you recommending that the Dr. Tims should be refrigerated before use, since I know I'll be storing it for a week or 2 before using?

Thanks
Tony

Anytime I have gotten it, the stores have always kept it in the refrigerator with the fritz so I would suggest that as well.

 

[tescalante]

Any suggestions on what I should be using for my Innovative Marine Custom Caddy, right now I just have
aqua gadget puritypack filter media that came with the purchase? I'm new to this and any help would be great.

Thanks

 

[Millimylilly]

You could do a section of bioballs and a carbon sack for the biofilter

 

[TriggersAmuck]

Was the Dr Tim’s refrigerated as well?

The local shop near me did not keep Dr. Tims refrigerated, but everywhere I have seen the Fritzyme it has been.

 

[tescalante]

You could do a section of bioballs and a carbon sack for the biofilter

Is there a correct order these should be in the caddy?

 

[Millimylilly]

Not rlly sure... maybe bio balls under carbon

 

[Cstar_BC]

As to the caddy your normal order is mechanical then chemical . So sponge/floss then bio balls then carbon .

as to your scape is there enough room to get to the glass where the rock is ?

 

[tescalante]

As to the caddy your normal order is mechanical then chemical . So sponge/floss then bio balls then carbon .

as to your scape is there enough room to get to the glass where the rock is ?

Thanks for the info, so the bottom of caddy would be carbon? This is all new to me...
Think you are right on the scape, thinking of going to 2 structures and not 3.

 

[Cstar_BC]

Thanks for the info, so the bottom of caddy would be carbon? This is all new to me...
Think you are right on the scape, thinking of going to 2 structures and not 3.

So this seems to be the order they have the media basket in

For the scape you just want to be sure you have space around the glass to clean the glass plus have flow to avoid dead spots .

 

[tescalante]

Finally made the big jump, got my scape going, mixed the salt and up and running. I'll be starting my cycle with Dr. Tims today.

 

[tescalante]

TANK UPDATE

Well my tank has been up and running just short of 3 months. My stock listed below, the goby was just added yesterday I hear they are jumpers? I've had algae growth but my crew has done a good job to maintain. When should I expect to see coralline algae?

Also when do you think it would be safe to add any corals, any beginner recommendations?

Doing water changes every 7-10 days which seems to have helped my parameters stay consistent, and kept algae from over running tank.

3 Hermit crabs
3 Astrea snails
3 Margarita Snails
1 Mocha/Black Clown
1 Orange Spotted Goby

 

[Jib]

Tank is looking good. I really like those Goby's. Was thinking of getting one. Question for you, how do you have your sump area set up? I have the same tank and some of the same gear. I was thinking of trying to move my heater into the compartment with the return pump and ATO to free up the second chamber for a skimmer or more bio media.

 

[tescalante]

Tank is looking good. I really like those Goby's. Was thinking of getting one. Question for you, how do you have your sump area set up? I have the same tank and some of the same gear. I was thinking of trying to move my heater into the compartment with the return pump and ATO to free up the second chamber for a skimmer or more bio media.

My set is

1st chamber-innovative marine custom caddy
Middle chamber-esshops protein skimmer, and lighting fixture for AI prime, which made it difficult to adjust skimmer height
3rd chamber- sicce return pump, and ATO Duetto
and cobalt heater

 

[tescalante]

The goby is cool, although he hides most of the time so far

 

[Jib]

3rd chamber- sicce return pump, and ATO Duetto
and cobalt heater

Were you able to sneak the heater in without touching the return pump line? I was worried heat might melt the line. Not sure how hot the heating elements get when they turn on.

What are your thoughts on the skimmer, worth it?

 

[tescalante]

Were you able to sneak the heater in without touching the return pump line? I was worried heat might melt the line. Not sure how hot the heating elements get when they turn on.

What are your thoughts on the skimmer, worth it?

I was able to bend the return pump line so it doesn't touch the heater, I live in San Diego so I'm barely running the heater right now. I'm new to the hobby so unsure about the skimmer. From reading lots of people go without skimmer on a tank of this size. I seem to be getting good skim about 1/2 the time, where I get dirty water to dump from the cup.