Help with sequence of events

kropa008 · Apr 20, 2022

Hello everyone, I would love the opportunity to pick your brains a bit. So I am in the process upgrading from a 54 gallon corner tank to a 125 gallon I bought off of Facebook. (Pictures to follow). I cleaned it up, drilled it, and modified the stand. I now have a 30 gallon three stage sump and a 10 gallon quarantine tank underneath the main display. From my old 54 gal tank I transferred a lawnmower blenny, 3 hermits, a zoa, 50lbs of sand, 50 lbs of rock, and ceramic media of which I have in what is to be the refugium. In addition to that stuff I have bought and added 100lbs of live sand, ~70lbs of dry rock, Dr Tim's, and a pair of clowns to help cycle. I have not added a skimmer or chaeto yet in order to let the nutrients build up. My questions are at what point should I introduce the skimmer and/or chaeto? How long should I wait until adding new fish to the system? What's the bare minimum lighting I would need to keep softies only? I know my current lighting isn't sufficient. And lastly is two power heads enough flow or should I add more? Thank you for your time!

lapin · Apr 20, 2022

You can add the skimmer now. The old rock will be enough to support a few new fish even without the Dr Tims.
Not knowing what lights you have now its hard to tell how many more you need.
3 AI 16hd's would work for softies

kropa008 · Apr 20, 2022

lapin said:
You can add the skimmer now. The old rock will be enough to support a few new fish even without the Dr Tims.
Not knowing what lights you have now its hard to tell how many more you need.
3 AI 16hd's would work for softies

2 kessil 180s right now and just some aqueon led bar that came with the tank. I'll check out the AI's thanks!!