Goldenmean's 55G Golden Path

goldenmean · #1 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007, 05:42 AM

The planning is over!
There is life in my new tank.

It is a 55g acrylic tank of old school dimensions.
I have DIY'ed a simple sump for a 15g tall aga tank and running a Tunze 9005 skimmer.

Click this Link for the
Prologue to This Tank AKA the planning stage

I choose to order LR from Tamba Bay SaltWater and ordered a 45g "package" (90 lbs LR, 45 lbs LS, 45 hermits, 23 snails, 2 Tigar tail cukes, 1 star, 1 peppermint shrimp) plus an extra 40lbs LS.
Less than 18 hours after I placed my order on line Part 1 was in the tank.
After Part 1 cycles (usually in less than 2 weeks) I will get part 2. Actually I have a mini vacation planned so Part 2 will arrive when I get back after Sept. 10.

Here are a few pics 24 hours after the LR/LS was added.

Tangboy · #2 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007, 07:34 PM

Looking good..

**DaveK** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 01:30 AM

I agree with the others. The tank looks fine.

However the live rock looks on the low side. I would have expected a greater volume of rock for 90 lbs or rock.

Octoman · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveK

However the live rock looks on the low side. I would have expected a greater volume of rock for 90 lbs or rock.

TBS ships half of the rock first, they'll send the other half once the first half cycles, less die off that way.

Looking really good so far Golden!!

goldenmean · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 02:15 AM

From Tampa bay salt water web site.

Quote:

We send all the live sand and half of the live rock on the first shipment, you wait until the tank cycles, call us back and we send the rest of the rock and all the critters. This way the tank cycles without stressing the full amount of rock and sand stirring critters. The second shipment is the rest of your rock, some with hard corals, and the sand stirrers which are introduced to a cycled tank and do much better than adding everything at once!

Here is the link to their website
Live Rock - Tampa Bay Saltwater Aquacultured Live Rock - The Package Setup

**DaveK** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 08:28 AM

That explains it all. I thought you had the full 90 lbs in there.

atlantic reefer · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 02:14 PM

looking good, might want to get a head start on the caulpera by removing it unless your going to have a tang.

goldenmean · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

looking good, might want to get a head start on the caulpera by removing it unless your going to have a tang.

Thanks for the heads up.
I was wondering about that but thought I would leave itthrough the cycle.

No tangs in the 55.
Too small.

olsaltybastard · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 04:27 PM

I kind of like the scaping how it is right now. Wouldn't the Culerpa inside the tank outcompete other algae for the available nutrients during a cycle? I'm just guessing, but then I have two tangs to deal with any unwanted algae.

I think it's neat how TBS sends you several shipments versus one big one. It gives you something to look forward to.

ChuckG · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 04:36 PM

I think the biggest concern with the caulerpa would be with it going asexual and releasing toxins back into the water.

If it were me, I'd start removing it asap.