hello everyone! i just joined the forum!

[lauryn]

i am currently cycling my new 39g tank w 45lbs of live rock, 2 1/2 inch coral sand bed using a canister filter and protein skimmer. i plan to let ir run for another month or 2, or until my parameter readings are perfect... i am making sure to be patient and take things slow, as i am trying to be as successful as possible.
in the meantime, i am doing research on what type of livestock i should add. i wanted to know if any experts have any ideas of a compatibility list, what successful systems they have had when it comes to inverts and cleanup crews, fish, and reefs... if you can also point me in the right direction on where i can purchase my livestock in San Diego or if you know of any honest companies that ship healthy livestock.

i will start posting pics soon


thank you

 

[lauryn]

also, any more advice on making my tank cycle successfully?

 

[mike007]

Welcome to r2r!!!

 

[fishroomlady]

welcome to the site Laura! since you are just starting, I might suggest that you remove some of your substrate or mix it with some medium grade aragonite sand. Crushed coral substrate can trap debris and contribute to higher nutrients - a shallow sand bed is less likely to trap as much - shallow as in 1 - 1/2 inches depth. In terms of cycling - you'll want to add in a source of ammonia to kick start the cycle - many people recommend using an uncooked table shrimp - throw it in and let it decompose. You can also add in some beneficial bacteria in a bottle (I like microbacter 7 and there's also Dr. Tim's one and only) so that it can help diversify your beneficial bacteria in the tank.

People will say that you need to be cautious having a canister filter in that it needs to be cleaned well regularly so that it also doesn't become a trap for excess nutrients in your tank.

HTH - in regards to your question about stocking and such - what are you wanting to keep in the long run? reef tank or fish only? what types of corals are you interested in keeping?

 

[ethridge78]

Welcome

 

[lauryn]

i want to have softies, maybe some plates, and mushrooms along with fish.

so my canister isnt a good idea?

 

[lauryn]

thanks for the welcoming responses :)

 

[Havasuviking]

welcome to r2r

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[VB68]

 

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