Setting Up My First Tank

no I dont ...lol I drillrd my rock and used fiberglass rods that you would use at the end of your drivway.works really well. checkout bulk reef supply down in the cities before you head up here that eco-roxs is some nice stuff ,I have some in my tank.

Nice thanks! if I ever start over i will be going with drilled route !

I'll take a look at them, I had no idea they were even local, lol.

My next question is what do I need for a cleaner crew? I'm trying to keep the amount of snails as low as possible, I just don't find them appealing. Suggestions??

Also, has anyone ever ordered fish from Friendly Fins in Bemidji? I was in there the other day, and the lady at the counter said they could order pretty much any fish for me. Has anyone had experience with these guys before? Or know where they get their fish from?

order a pre set cleaning crew from Live aquarium or similar or jump in on group invert order I think they were doing blue zoo ?

A group invert order?

In the group order topic yes i don't think they have ordered yet ?

Is your tank cycling yet? When you get your rock you will need to start the timer over again anyway, but it would not be a bad idea to put in your sand (if you want to use sand, some people go with a bare bottom) and salt water, start your pumps and lights and timers. Do you understand "cycling"? It took me months to understand just what cycling is. You will also want to join one of the big clubs. (Just more information at your finger tips) thereeftank.com or www.3reef.com or reefcentral.com tcmas.org for a twin cities club. And of course we ain't chopped liver. We are a great resource and most clubs have the "pay it forward" philosophy, and I can only speak for myself, I OWE the folks on frozen ocean more than they ever got from me. So I for one will be happy to help with ideas, info, and many spare items that will accumulate with this hobby. I have only been reef keeping for a year.

I belong to several clubs and live in Duluth. (www.lsmac.org) aka Nannook, (club sectretary) we are having a club meeting (and bbq this weekend, let me know if you want to road trip and if there are things you need. I will give Jay and Lori a heads up on extra plate or two.

So bring me up to speed, is there water in your tank yet? Be careful with used sand, LR (live rock) etc, many fresh water items can be contaminated with copper, (deadly to saltwater life forms). I have a fairly large amount of aragonite sand that I will give you. Enough for your cube anyway, let me know if you want a deep or shallow sand bed. If you don't have plans to come to Duluth in the next few weeks we can try to do a relay. I drive a bit with my job and I can try to get some LR or sand relayed to Grand Rapids. 219-721-4692 cell number, email nicholas.krumrei@xerox.com will come across my blackberry. c'ya Nick

Thanks for the offer! I bought 30lbs of sand from Petco, non-live, just saltwater aquarium sand. I was planning on buying my rock dry from Bulk Reef Supply (I'm fairly close to them), and just adding some bacteria formula and maybe the shrimp method to get it going. But I might take you up on that relay offer in a couple weeks when I'm up in school. Maybe a couple pounds of rock or a cup of sand to help the cycle get going? Thanks again.

FYI my tank was started with all dead sand and dry rock from BRS. It took longer to cycle but it was worth it to not have any pests...

I tried the bacteria suppliments and it just made it worse. Just use one bit of it then let it go on its own. It will work out in the end for sure.

The BRS rock is nice because you can drill it easy to get the placement you want. I wish I did that in mine and will be doing it when I upgrade for sure.

So you recommend using just a tiny bit of the suppliment, or do you mean just add a little live rock/sand?

I agree wit cdness

Just get some sand from a fellow reefer and call it good... it will still take awhile to cycle. Also I didn't see an end to the cycle until I stopped adding the additive... Kinda odd since it says to keep adding it.

Simple is better for sure.

So do you understand about "cycling". I will go out on a limb and say it is one of the most important things to you right now and usually the least attention. It can mean the difference in a successful tank or a crash in coming months. It's important, do you understand?

yes i do ! LOL sorry couldnt resist !