Hello, I’m new to the forum, but I’ve been following along for a long time now. I’ve had a fluval evo setup for around 4 years now and I’ve loved it. It was my first reef so I didn’t go too crazy with it. All it has is some zoa’s and softies with a single clown and watchman goby. But, I’ve had the urge because of space reasons, to start another small tank. I have a small 6 gallon JBJ reef AIO I bought a long time ago but I only kept freshwater fish and plants in, then I just had to put it away once I focused on saltwater. So after keeping an eye out for local deals, today I found a par38 bulb and gooseneck at my local hardware store on sale for only 9 dollars. It has impressed me so far with many different natural colors and dimmable options. After I picked up the light I took a trip to my pet shop and I was talking to the owner for a while and he offered me a couple pieces of live rock, a few pounds of live sand, and some RO water from their main display tanks for just 10 bucks. So feeling like a kid at a candy store I rushed home and through all of it together. I’m running the stock pump because it was way too strong for my plants and betta, so it was just put away as well unused and seems to be working fine. I researched the pump and it says it flows at 166gph. I used the API test kit to measure the parameters and this is what it came out to.
Ph-8.3
Nitrate-Undetected
Nitrite-Undetected
Ammonia-Undetected
Salinity-1.024
The only problems now is I have some questions about the cycle.
I am using established live rock and sand, with RO water, so if there is a cycle, how long will it take and what should I expect with algae blooms?
I know it is a small tank, so I’m not opposed to fish, but my main focus is coral/inverts. So maybe a small clown goby as far as bioload purposes?
Also, I am going on vacation(perfect timing) in a little less than two weeks. So what do you guys think my plans going forward should be for this tank?
But I wanted some more opinions in advance and I don’t think I can beat a small pico setup for just 19 bucks.
Thanks in advance and here are some pics.
Ph-8.3
Nitrate-Undetected
Nitrite-Undetected
Ammonia-Undetected
Salinity-1.024
The only problems now is I have some questions about the cycle.
I am using established live rock and sand, with RO water, so if there is a cycle, how long will it take and what should I expect with algae blooms?
I know it is a small tank, so I’m not opposed to fish, but my main focus is coral/inverts. So maybe a small clown goby as far as bioload purposes?
Also, I am going on vacation(perfect timing) in a little less than two weeks. So what do you guys think my plans going forward should be for this tank?
But I wanted some more opinions in advance and I don’t think I can beat a small pico setup for just 19 bucks.
Thanks in advance and here are some pics.