my 5o gal long tank is setup so its sticking out from the wall so you can walk around it and view it from both sides, but my questin is what would be the optimum placement of my equipment within the tank with asthetics and efficency in mind, and where should i put my maxijet i have for circulation
By your description it sounds like a Spaghetti Worm, or maybe a Micro Brittle Star. Either one is very beneficial. Sounds like your sand bed is coming to life! *Added any Rock yet? **Are you using Natural Seawater or a Mix?
As soon as you can, post a pic. Thanks
-- Edited by Monty on Friday 18th of September 2009 11:02:35 PM
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"Earth, our Water Planet, is the only planet in our solar system to be endowed with appreciable quantities of liquid water. Life, born in the water, must be at least as rare as water in the Universe, and as such must be revered, under any of it's forms, as a Miracle."
Thank you so much for your responses. I got my tank setup. Things are looking good! I'm about the 4th week into it and even though I don't have anything in my tank except a few chromis, I love watching it. I have some little critters already. I saw some kind of critter that was a greenish color walking around on the sand and up the glass. It was teeny tiny like a gnat, not sure what it was. I also have this thing that is living under the sand. Just saw it a couple of days ago. It kind of freaked me out. LOL As I'm watching my tank, I see these two cream colored tendrils creaping out of the ground. They were maybe 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length. After they were out for a few seconds, they slowly retreated back into the ground. Doe anybody have any idea of what this might be?
Hi ReefGRL, Yes, it is overwhelming, but keep in mind, it can be easy if you allow it to be. Forget everything you understand about Freshwater Aquarium Keeping, throw it in the trash.
This may seem "wordy", but bear with me.....
Take a look at the Ocean and think in a "Natural" frame of mind, all the support equipment is simply that...... Assuming that you want to do a Reef Type aquarium.
*Here are 3 fundamentals that are the most important; 1. Strong Flow (like the ocean) Powerheads work well, you can Google "Reef Tank Wavemakers" to get ideas on what products work at a good cost. An analogy; What if you have inadequate blood flow?....you die. The same applies with your tank.
2. Strong Light (like the ocean) Most Corals are Photosynthetic. Depending on what kind of Corals you want in your tank: A.Metal Halide Lighting will allow you to keep everything you want. B. T5 or Power Compact (PC) lighting will allow you to keep most Corals excluding Most Acroporas. note: Lower wattage Fixtures will allow some stuff like Mushrooms and some Zoanthids while Higher wattage Fixtures will keep many varieties of Corals and even Acroporas (Acros).
3. The Right Kind of Filtration; Let's park here, In the Ocean, the water is processed by very Deep Sand everywhere and Live Ocean Rock that have billions of Bacteria living in and on them. The waste in the water is converted to Usable byproducts that Plants and Algaes can use as food. Remember "Sea Foam"?, a Protein Skimmer does the same job removing crud from the water before it rots and pollutes the water. ***So the need for Sand and Live Rock are important. A. at least 2 inches of Aragonite Sand, Caribsea has several grades of reef sand (your pick) that can be found at most LFS's. B. Live Rock can be bought at most LFS's or ordered online. Shop Around for best pricing. Try to get "Cured Rock" if you can. C. You should buy a Protein Skimmer that will work for a tank 2 to 4 times your tank size (55g = 120 up to 250 gallon). The skimmer will also Aerate your tank. Marine Tanks need to Breathe.
I would recommend Reef Crystals or Oceanic Salt(cheaper and just as good) for your Tank if you live Inland. If you're near the Ocean, you could start the tank with NSW (natural salt water). If you decide to use a Synthetic Salt Mix, It's best to look around for a LFS (local fish store) or hobbyist who can sell (or give) you RO (reverse osmosis) water. Tap water usually has heavy metals, phosphates, nitrates and other fun stuff that will start an Algae bloom in your tank. *If you have a friend with an established tank (that is healthy), you could use their water for a start up.
You will need a Hydrometer or Refractometer to measure your amount of Salt in the water. Here's link: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_supplies.cfm?c=3578+4690
Start your tank by Adding Sand first.
Put a Bowl in the sand and pour your water into the bowl "Slowly" to keep from clouding your tank.
Add the right amount of Salt as needed: One Half Measuring Cup (of salt mix) Will Make One Gallon Of Synthetic SW. Maybe start to get a lower salt reading at first; leave out 4 or 5 gallons worth of saltmix. Your target Salinity should be from 1.020 To 1.025.
Add your powerheads, turn them on and let the tank Circulate until the water clears in 24 to 48 hours (sometimes longer).
Get water temp up to 76 degrees.
Add "Cured" Live Rock and allow the tank to settle for about 2 weeks. You will not need much light during this period or (Cycle Time), 2 to 3 hours a day will do.
I'm out of time for now, have to go to work. I'll finish Later this evening...... Monty
__________________
"Earth, our Water Planet, is the only planet in our solar system to be endowed with appreciable quantities of liquid water. Life, born in the water, must be at least as rare as water in the Universe, and as such must be revered, under any of it's forms, as a Miracle."
Welcome to the club. I would read as much as you can until you dream about it. First off what kind of sal****er tank do you want just fish or do you want coral? I would suggest getting most of what you need before adding water. What kind of filter are you going to be using. I would suggest a good protein skimmer. Next I would think about lighting. If you are going to do coral then you are going to need a descent light. I tried at first using crushed coral for substrate and plastic rock. Bad idea for me. Live rock and sand help filter, so unless you want to do a lot of water and filter changes I wouldnt use it. It helps so much. As for water changes I use a plastic trash can that I have set up with a heater and power head to mix the salt. You want to make sure that everything is close before doing a water change like temp and salinity. A good test kit is a must. I waited about 1.5 months after adding my sand, rock, and water before I put in anything like fish or coral. Slow is the key here and I know it is hard but the money you save makes up for everything. I know that is a lot of info but research and then do some more. Ask away I think we have fun answering, and plus we have made plenty of mistakes ourselves. I know I would love to help someone not make the same ones.
I just received a 55 gallon tank for my 40th birthday. I told my husband I would love a sal****er aquarium and here I go.
I've been reading on the internet about how to set up and get going and OH MY is it overwhelming... Can somebody please tell me what to do first? I'm am CLUELESS. Like, how do I make a salt mixture or what ever you call it to get the aquarium started or do I buy it? How long do I let it set before I can start adding stuff? Where do I get a PH tester and is there a site for what to look for as far as the levels in the water? Live sand or not? Where does everybody in the TC go to get their goodies for their tanks? I'm reading that Live rock is best...true? I also see that there are different types of live rock....hmmmm. What type is good for a 55 gallon and how much and what sizes?
I know, lots of questions. I have lots more, but I figure this is enough to start! I'm overwhelmed, don't want to overwhelm you.
I think it's a great idea that there is a club here for Reef tanks! I'd like to join and be in the loop with the goings on.
I want to encourage you guys that are "New To The Hobby" to Post and start asking questions and looking for ideas on your Tank setups, Problems, Crazy Ideas or whatever. *There's many Experienced Folks here that will be glad to help you. Please remember September for a Meeting, we'd like to see you there...........we will frag something for the New Guys to take home. Thanks
__________________
"Earth, our Water Planet, is the only planet in our solar system to be endowed with appreciable quantities of liquid water. Life, born in the water, must be at least as rare as water in the Universe, and as such must be revered, under any of it's forms, as a Miracle."
I'm overwhelmed, don't want to overwhelm you. 
