starting out new tank need advice

[samdizshiz]

im starting out a 10 gal reef i have dry rock,agro,led light, hob filter,power head,
everything i need for right now. i just need to make sure im starting out correctly and i need to know what a can and cannot mix
so any help would be great

 

[CodyRVA]

Have you cycled the tank yet?

 

[Jmas4]

Like Cody said cycling is key

 

[samdizshiz]

im runing a fluval with just media and sponge i just mixed my salt and added dry rock i was wondering if i should do a fishless cycle and make tank is super cloudy almost as if the salt is falling out of solution

 

[CodyRVA]

Definitely do a fishless cycle, no need to torture a fish. It will be cloudy for a while, will take a day or two to clear up unless you have polishing pads, filter socks, carbon, etc.

 

[samdizshiz]

i just added purigen and carbon im just gunna show yall everything so you can tell me if ive done anything wrong

 

[samdizshiz]

 

[samdizshiz]

where would yall suggest getting ammonia for a tank ?

 

[CodyRVA]

where would yall suggest getting ammonia for a tank ?

Some people do the "shrimp" thing. I'm all for adding pure ammonia. You can get it at most local hardware stores like ACE. The key is to make sure it has no detergents. It must be clear, but even if its clear, shake it vigorously. If it doesn't foam up, then its pure, if it does, then its a no go. I did a cap for every 10 gallons, so i tested this with a 46G bow front. Total volume minus rock and sand meant my tank was around 30-35G total. I added 3 caps, pushed my ammonia pretty high, but it eventually dropped and started to cycle.

 

[samdizshiz]

so what get it to around 5 ppm ?

 

[samdizshiz]

Some people do the "shrimp" thing. I'm all for adding pure ammonia. You can get it at most local hardware stores like ACE. The key is to make sure it has no detergents. It must be clear, but even if its clear, shake it vigorously. If it doesn't foam up, then its pure, if it does, then its a no go. I did a cap for every 10 gallons, so i tested this with a 46G bow front. Total volume minus rock and sand meant my tank was around 30-35G total. I added 3 caps, pushed my ammonia pretty high, but it eventually dropped and started to cycle.

do you add anytype of bacteria ? what kind or brand

 

[CodyRVA]

I think mine was as high as 8, but i think 6ish is good, if you get it too high its fine, it'll just take longer to cycle. I have used Bio Spria by instant ocean and the one that Fluval makes as well. I didnt add fish immediately like it says you can and i wouldn't suggest you do if you're adding pure ammonia. The key with the shrimp is it slowly releases ammonia in small amounts and your fish can tolerate it if you cycle with fish, again i don't recommend doing this regardless.

 

[samdizshiz]

okay ima go buy a bottle of ammonia

 

[samdizshiz]

other than that dose it look like im setup good by looking at the pics ?

 

[CodyRVA]

other than that dose it look like im setup good by looking at the pics ?

Yea i would focus on cycling at this point. You'll likely need to make upgrades along the way, but take it one step at a time. It's easy to get overwhelmed and ahead of yourself.

 

[samdizshiz]

okay will do thanks