Hello Reef

[cubozoa]

Just bought the same kit. I also bought an ATO, I will have to DIY a lid . I’d recommend both of those for sure, keeping salinity stable by topping off yourself isn’t ideal. I also will eventually get the helloreef rollermat from iSeaLive. It’s expensive but it’ll make it so I don’t have to change/clean the filter sock, I’ll just have to change a roll of fleece when it runs out and otherwise it automates itself. Eventually I’ll get a bubble magus skimmer if I ever need it, they’re small enough to fit, but it’s not first priority right now

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

 

[lakesidesurfer]

Just bought the same kit. I also bought an ATO, I will have to DIY a lid . I’d recommend both of those for sure, keeping salinity stable by topping off yourself isn’t ideal. I also will eventually get the helloreef rollermat from iSeaLive. It’s expensive but it’ll make it so I don’t have to change/clean the filter sock, I’ll just have to change a roll of fleece when it runs out and otherwise it automates itself. Eventually I’ll get a bubble magus skimmer if I ever need it, they’re small enough to fit, but it’s not first priority right now

I was trying debating on a skimmer but I have read good and bad things about it. I see some people saying it’s only 15 gal so it doesn’t need it. But then I see insta posts with a nano skimmer in the back. I also am going to do a roller filter. I just learned about this.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Take things slowly. Use good testing kits, Hannah, Red Sea or Salifert. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[lakesidesurfer]

Is it normal to have this algae on the sand ?



I’m not sure if I messed up the cycling process. This may seem like a dumb question.

 

[cubozoa]

Just bought the same kit. I also bought an ATO, I will have to DIY a lid . I’d recommend both of those for sure, keeping salinity stable by topping off yourself isn’t ideal. I also will eventually get the helloreef rollermat from iSeaLive. It’s expensive but it’ll make it so I don’t have to change/clean the filter sock, I’ll just have to change a roll of fleece when it runs out and otherwise it automates itself. Eventually I’ll get a bubble magus skimmer if I ever need it, they’re small enough to fit, but it’s not first priority right now

I was trying debating on a skimmer but I have read good and bad things about it. I see some people saying it’s only 15 gal so it doesn’t need it. But then I see insta posts with a nano skimmer in the back. I also am going to do a roller filter. I just learned about this.

From what I understand, if your nutrients get too high that’s when you need one. I think macro algae can have the same effect but don’t quote me on that. If my nitrates get too high and I can’t bring them down, I’ll get a skimmer. I won’t run one while cycling the tank though because you want bacteria to build up during that

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

Welcome to Reef2Reef

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome to R2R!

 

[lakesidesurfer]

so im just about 2 months in to to the cycling process. my ALk is 9.1. i dont have a tester for ammonia theres nothing in the tank. just my rock and sand. how much longer should i wait? the local reef store says to put in fish, but everything ive read says to put in clean up crew in first.... what is the right thing to do. how much longer should i wait?

 

[Fish Fan]

so im just about 2 months in to to the cycling process. my ALk is 9.1. i dont have a tester for ammonia theres nothing in the tank. just my rock and sand. how much longer should i wait? the local reef store says to put in fish, but everything ive read says to put in clean up crew in first.... what is the right thing to do. how much longer should i wait?

Have you taken any steps to nitrogen cycle your tank, such as adding bacteria and a source of ammonia? You would need an ammonia test for this

 

[bvickery1974]

Welcome.

I am planning on grabbing this for my classroom.

As for fleece roller there is also supporter that has it for the Hello Reef I am looking at. Nature Dimensions is the company.

Eager to see how it turns out.

 

[lakesidesurfer]

yes, added a starter bacteria and small pinch of fish food every other day to keep it going. i bring my water to test at the local fish store once a weekend since im new and am not sure exactly what to do. i use this bottle of prime water conditioner when i add RO to my tank. i go through a lot of RO because i run a dehumidifier. i add a drop. i can see some light algae growing on the sand and a little on my rocks. but it is very light.

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Fish Fan]

yes, added a starter bacteria and small pinch of fish food every other day to keep it going. i bring my water to test at the local fish store once a weekend since im new and am not sure exactly what to do. i use this bottle of prime water conditioner when i add RO to my tank. i go through a lot of RO because i run a dehumidifier. i add a drop. i can see some light algae growing on the sand and a little on my rocks. but it is very light.

I believe you will need more than a pinch of food every other day. You need to add the bacteria from the bottle, and then provide them with enough ammonia so that the population can grow to the point where it can handle the waste your future fish will produce. To increase ammonia, you need to add quite a bit of fish food, or a piece of shrimp from the seafood market, or bottled ammonium chloride or food grade baking ammonia. You should get the concentration of ammonia up to about 2.0 ppm (you'll need a test kit, I'd suggest the Hanna brand) and then allow it to come down to nearly zero, then you'll be in good shape to start to slowly add some livestock.

This article may help:

Cycle your saltwater aquarium. Step 1: A new reefer's guide to ammonia and the nitrogen cycle

This is the first of our two episodes created to show you how to successfully cycle your new reef aquarium. You will not only learn how to make the water safe for fish but also get valuable advice to avoid a slew of challenges new aquarists often run into. We split this up because there are two

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Good luck!

 

[lakesidesurfer]

update on the tank. its been a while. i still haven't put anything in the tank, just tried to dial in the automation side of it. ended up doing a fleece roller filter. and a red sea ATO+. this made my small tank very easy to deal with now. i was not interested in cleaning the sock filter as much as i should. so the Reef Mat nano sounded good to me. i had to have a 3D printed adapter made but that was easily found on Makerworld. this adapter fit right in and directed the flow perfectly in the middle of the filter. i was warned this could clean up the water a little too good and its a huge difference already. my only disappointment is the nano mat is not connected to the app. it would be nice to know what the health of the filter is when i am busy at work. or if its not advancing when it should. the ATO+ shows me everything, temps, leaks, fill log. i am considering changing the power head out to a AI30 or orbit. let me know what you guys think. trying to make it a perfect habatat for soft coral and some clowns.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Welcome to R2R !!!