FOWLR New Setup update!

[Edgar Newbie]

What's up folks, I added live rock today ( already had live sand in for a couple days) and five Damsels today as well.

Is it safe to use BIO Spira with fish inside already? I want to speed up the cycling process.

Planning on adding a clown or two in 10 days as I'm having Friends and family over for Xmas eve?

I plan on adding a yellow tang, blue tang, a trigger maybe and a flame angelfish ? DOES THIS SOUND FEASIBLE? For a 60 gallon tank

Thanks, any advice is taken seriously

 

[Shep]

I would say slow it down, I would add a lot more rock to the tank before you add more fish in. You generally want 1-2lbs of rock per gallon of water.

 

[Edgar Newbie]

I would say slow it down, I would add a lot more rock to the tank before you add more fish in. You generally want 1-2lbs of rock per gallon of water.

Theres 40 pounds lives sand, 25 pounds live rock. How bout a fish or two though in 10 days?

 

[Shep]

How many gallons is the tank?

 

[Edgar Newbie]

How many gallons is the tank?

60gal

 

[Shep]

So I would add ~40 more pounds of rock to the tank if possible

 

[scoopsthedog]

Tank looks cool! You already have 5 damsels and a bunch of new live rock. You will be dealing with a massive spike in the cycle plus algae. Take your time you will save money and fish.

 

[Edgar Newbie]

So I would add ~40 more pounds of rock to the tank if possible

I'll have to add a bit more later then

 

[Edgar Newbie]

Tank looks cool! You already have 5 damsels and a bunch of new live rock. You will be dealing with a massive spike in the cycle plus algae. Take your time you will save money and fish.

Thx

 

[scoopsthedog]

I'll have to add a bit more later then

Adding more LR is crucial to a healthy tank it is one of the primary filtration devices in a reef / LRWFO tanks. That plus a skimmer are many times the only things people run depending on their bio load. At the same time one piece of rock can create a huge spike so just go slow tanks can be around for years. It's only when algae spike and animals die does it get frustrating.

 

[Edgar Newbie]

Adding more LR is crucial to a healthy tank it is one of the primary filtration devices in a reef / LRWFO tanks. That plus a skimmer are many times the only things people run depending on their bio load. At the same time one piece of rock can create a huge spike so just go slow tanks can be around for years. It's only when algae spike and animals die does it get frustrating.

Cool I'll have to add more then, whats the cost of a decent skimmer for a 60 gallon?

 

[Edgar Newbie]

So I would add ~40 more pounds of rock to the tank if possible

So I would add ~40 more pounds of rock to the tank if possible

What about leaving that amount, which is about 25lbs of live rock, 40lbs live sand. The person at the store said that would be ok? And maybe I just pick up a skimmer? I want a yellow tang, blue tang, clown or two, dotty back, a smaller type of trigger etc I understand Ill have to go slowly but does that sound doable? I prefer the look with less rock thats why I don't want more rock.

Are the fish mentioned compatible?
-THANKS

 

[macnets]

Tangs need 120+ gallons

 

[ReefQueen]

Unfortunately tangs are going to be a no go for that small of a tank, I'm sorry:( I also agree more rock would be much more beneficial. I understand things are expensive in this hobby, but no reason to spend money on fish that may die because their needs are not met. The more rock you have the more surface area you have for bacteria, you want bacteria! It will also give those little fish more places to hide. You can get creative with the rock scape and make it look like less rock but still have all the surface for bacteria. Do yourself, and future fish, a favor and take whatever money you would spend on new fish and put it towards more rock and a skimmer first. It will save you from many headaches and heartaches in the future, plus you may be saving money in the long run by not having to replace lost fish:)

Also for a lower budget skimmer the SCA 302 would be a great skimmer for that size tank!

 

[Edgar Newbie]

Unfortunately tangs are going to be a no go for that small of a tank, I'm sorry:( I also agree more rock would be much more beneficial. I understand things are expensive in this hobby, but no reason to spend money on fish that may die because their needs are not met. The more rock you have the more surface area you have for bacteria, you want bacteria! It will also give those little fish more places to hide. You can get creative with the rock scape and make it look like less rock but still have all the surface for bacteria. Do yourself, and future fish, a favor and take whatever money you would spend on new fish and put it towards more rock and a skimmer first. It will save you from many headaches and heartaches in the future, plus you may be saving money in the long run by not having to replace lost fish:)

Also for a lower budget skimmer the SCA 302 would be a great skimmer for that size tank!

I guess I'll have to do a little more rock then and a skimmer, the I fish plan on getting would be hundreds of dollars anyway. Thx

 

[scoopsthedog]

I guess I'll have to do a little more rock then and a skimmer, the I fish plan on getting would be hundreds of dollars anyway. Thx

Invest in the right equipment now and your fish will be happy. I have the SCA-301 and it's working great. $100.

 

[Squirrel_reefer]

+1 on more rock. I'm pretty sure you're already close to, if not already over loading your biofilter with 5 fish in there in one go. Best practice is to add 1 fish per week to allow biofilter to adjust accordingly. You will be fine if you want to get a tang, the tank isn't to small for that. You just have to be selective and realistic about what size and age fish you can have. a Juvenile tang will work out fine if it is the right size, you can always trade it in if it out grows your tank. I had a small regal in a 40 tall and he was a happy clam :) you just have to be realistic in understanding you cant keep it forever, they need room as they mature

Just take it slow. I know you want your friends and family to see some nice fish but how would you feel if they saw a tank full of dead fish? how would you feel if you spent all that coin and now you don't have any fish, a tank with too much ammonia and that perfect hindsight staring you down?

 

[Edgar Newbie]

+1 on more rock. I'm pretty sure you're already close to, if not already over loading your biofilter with 5 fish in there in one go. Best practice is to add 1 fish per week to allow biofilter to adjust accordingly. You will be fine if you want to get a tang, the tank isn't to small for that. You just have to be selective and realistic about what size and age fish you can have. a Juvenile tang will work out fine if it is the right size, you can always trade it in if it out grows your tank. I had a small regal in a 40 tall and he was a happy clam :) you just have to be realistic in understanding you cant keep it forever, they need room as they mature

Just take it slow. I know you want your friends and family to see some nice fish but how would you feel if they saw a tank full of dead fish? how would you feel if you spent all that coin and now you don't have any fish, a tank with too much ammonia and that perfect hindsight staring you down?

Thanks, I figured I would get them small then move them out when their larger.

 

[ReefQueen]

Thanks, I figured I would get them small then move them out when their larger.

That's something I could never do, I would get a bigger tank before I gave one of my fish away. I get too attached lol.

 

[tj w]

My advise, slow down and research. As others have said, you need more live rock and definitely a good skimmer. Each fish has individual needs so take your time and do plenty of research. Tangs and a trigger will not do well in that tank.