I haven't posted anything for quite a while as I am in the start-up phase. But here goes.
My tank is 70 gals w/center overflow and 70 lbs LR w/a 2 1/2" layer of LS. The LR has a lot of calcerous algae covering most of it with more growing daily. I have added 30 snails and 4 hermits to combat some of the algae growth. There are also many amphipods, a few spagetti worms, and least one bristleworm. Lighting is T-5 w/234 watts total. The temp is 77, Ph 8.22, and Salinity 1.025.
The sump is a refugium w/filter sock (I make my own), skimmer, LR rubble and LS and Chaeto. Returns are 2-500gph pumps (500pgh when entering the tank). The heater is rated at 200 watts.
The water parameters are as follows utilizing Salefert tests: NH4-<.25, NO2-.01, NO3-.1, Calcium-425, Alk-8.8dkh
I think that covers it. So, am I ready for fish or corals? Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
How long has it been going? I would wait at least 6 months for corals. You can go with some cheap fish. Damsels are real mean fish. If you had to have corals then go with soft leather but only a very few.
I have had the tank up and running since Nov, 2007. I thought about purchasing some damsels to start it off and then proceed with softies. I don't think I have enough lighting for SPS or LPS, so will stick with softies for now.
If the tank has been set up for 8 weeks, you may be good to go with adding some livestock. Damsels are notoriously territorial and will most likely harass anything that won't eat them. A few chromis might be a good place to start. As for corals, it's kind of hard to say. 234w of T5 lighting should be enough to keep just about anything in that tank (provided you have individual reflectors over each bulb.) Why not check your local reef club and see if anyone is selling frags. It's a good way to check your water quality without buying (and killing) the really nice corals.
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Since you have a algae problem anyway I would start with 1 fish that eats algae. A lawnmower blenny might do the trick. Do some research on algae eating fish.
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The water parameters are as follows utilizing Salefert tests: NH4-<.25, NO2-.01, NO3-.1, Calcium-425, Alk-8.8dkh...
Generally, I think you are doing fine, but I worry a little about the ammonia and nitrite readings. Generally these should be zero before you add any serious livestock. Since you have had the tank set up for some months, and you have a cleanup crew, you may have a system that it not quite through it's initial cycle.
Next time you mix water for a water change, test ammonia and nitrite in the newly mixed water. If the readings are the same as the tank, it's safe to assume that what your seeing is simple the test kit. If you get a reading of zero for the new water, then you have to look for a problem to resolve in the tank.
Thank you for your thoughts and advice. I think I will allow the tank to cycle a few more weeks, then look at adding some chromis. I will also look into the lawn mower blenny.
I just finished viewing the tank with lights off. The snails and hermits are busy working on the algae. Spotted 3 more bristleworms. They are still small (1 inch or less). The amphipods are everywhere. Have seen some carrying eggs, too. There are also a large number of extremely tiny snails. They must be about 1/64" in size but they are busy grazing the sand bed.
It is great to have friends in the salt water hobbie. I don't know what I would do without all of you. You are all just Great!
Am I Ready for Fish and Corals
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