New Bees

[TKAquarium]

Hey yall! We're New to reefing. Starting off with a 29 gallon - dry rock and live sand. Levels were good. We got 2 cute clowns last week. Ammonia is now at .50. Looking to add some corals and candy cane shrimp next. I know we have to wait but we also really want to add an anenome as soon as we're given the green light.

Mainly looking at soft corals but would like a variety need to do more research, ask more questions and any/all advice is appreciated.

Set up is:
1 sine wave pump
1 Glowrium LED Light
Tidal 55 Filter
Bacto Surge Spone Filter
+ heater.

(We're adding live phytoplankton 1 ounce per day
1x dose of turbo start
Full bottle of microorganisms) Advised by local reef store.

Questions-
Protine skimmers? Needed or not for this size tank - what's the thresh hold of it being a necessity

When we can add corals or shrimp. Should we add one before the other?

The new Ammonia levels being at .50 is that normal for adding 2 clowns - will it adjust on its own or should we do a water change?

Any advise or changes advised? I know slow and steady is the only option. But... what's the next steps from an experienced reefer?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Brisk]

Welcome!

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome to R2R!

 

[1112-425XL]

 

[gnarlydudecory]

Welcome!

 

[dschuffert]

Welcome! Regarding the protein skimmer question, they are not necessary but are nice to have if you have a lot of nutrients to remove from the system. Whether you need one depends on your bioload. I would hold off on adding any corals until your system is further in the cycle and stabilizes.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hey yall! We're New to reefing. Starting off with a 29 gallon - dry rock and live sand. Levels were good. We got 2 cute clowns last week. Ammonia is now at .50. Looking to add some corals and candy cane shrimp next. I know we have to wait but we also really want to add an anenome as soon as we're given the green light.

Mainly looking at soft corals but would like a variety need to do more research, ask more questions and any/all advice is appreciated.

Set up is:
1 sine wave pump
1 Glowrium LED Light
Tidal 55 Filter
Bacto Surge Spone Filter
+ heater.

(We're adding live phytoplankton 1 ounce per day
1x dose of turbo start
Full bottle of microorganisms) Advised by local reef store.

Questions-
Protine skimmers? Needed or not for this size tank - what's the thresh hold of it being a necessity

When we can add corals or shrimp. Should we add one before the other?

The new Ammonia levels being at .50 is that normal for adding 2 clowns - will it adjust on its own or should we do a water change?

Any advise or changes advised? I know slow and steady is the only option. But... what's the next steps from an experienced reefer?

Welcome to Reef2Reef!
Wait til your tank is a little established before adding coral.

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome!

 

[zheka757]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[MDAquatics]

Welcome! How old is the tank?
Without knowing that I would refrain from dosing anything at all and letting that tank establish its rhythm.
The need for a protein skimmer on a nano depends on the bioload. As a nano enthusiast, I have done both. My current system has two fish, a full and heavy clean up crew and a macro fuge. No skimmer.
Arguments can definitely be made against skimmers in a tank this size but it all depends on your nutrient goals and feeding schedules.
My guess based on what I have heard so far....no skimmer, regular small water changes. Anywhere from 10-20% once a week should give you low nutrient readings. You will have to confirm this with testing.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I think most would advise to wait a good six months before adding an anemone.

Good luck with your tank!

 

[phillyb614]

As far as the skimmer goes, it could never hurt to have one once your tank is more established and has more of a bioload. If you’re unsure about what people are referencing when they keep saying bioload, essentially means the amount of livestock that you’re going to have in your tank. Which currently, with just two clown fish, you do not have a heavy bioload.

If you’re ammonia is it .50, I would definitely do a water change. You don’t want to get above 0.25 really.

Has the tank been cycled without fish already? Or are you currently cycling the tank with fish? Both work, but letting people know that, will definitely help with the advice you receive.

You do not want to add an anemone until at least six months of the tank being up and running. Anemones require very stable conditions and new tanks do not offer that type of condition.

Welcome to this amazing hobby! You’re in the right place for plenty of great advice. Good luck, and have fun!

 

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

As others have said, waiting a little bit longer for coral is probably best at this point. I'd give your tank a solid 6-8 months before adding an anemone to give it a better chance of being a happy camper. :)

You can look into Zoas, Toadstools, Mushrooms, & GSP for some great starter corals. Good luck, and glad you're here!

 

[B&CinB.C.]

Hi . Welcome to Reef 2 Reef

 

[Blennioidei]

Welcome here, and yeah, +1 vote for being patient :)

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board. hello from PA!

 

[PharmrJohn]

Greetings and Welcome to our collective obsession!!!!