Tips from the pros?

Johnny Reefer · #1 02-16-2009, 02:46 AM

What type of fish are you planning to keep?
What parameters are you going to have the LFS test for?

Lodilo · #2 02-16-2009, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

What type of fish are you planning to keep?
What parameters are you going to have the LFS test for?

Something small, nothing that will get too big for comfort and not too many either, possibly goby, peppermint shrimp, clown. More concerned with not screwing up the water.

Johnny Reefer · #3 02-16-2009, 06:45 AM

Right, well I agree with Amodeus. You should be good to go right away, provided the water tests are okay. Start slow, with a few specimens and work up from there.

Myka · #4 02-16-2009, 01:17 PM

I say wait at least 2 weeks before adding anything no matter what your test readings are. If your tank shows a cycle (shows ammonia and/or nitrite readings, even if really low), be sure that ammonia and nitrite test 0 for one whole week, and nitrates are less than 10 ppm. Then add a small cleanup crew.

I would suggest you raise your sg to 1.025-1.026. 1.0264 is the average sg of the worlds reefs.

Personally, I think that Cycle product is taboo. Just like the bagged "live" sand. Well advertised marketing scheme.

Johnny Reefer · #5 02-16-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myka

I say wait at least 2 weeks before adding anything no matter what your test readings are. If your tank shows a cycle (shows ammonia and/or nitrite readings, even if really low), be sure that ammonia and nitrite test 0 for one whole week, and nitrates are less than 10 ppm. Then add a small cleanup crew.

I would suggest you raise your sg to 1.025-1.026. 1.0264 is the average sg of the worlds reefs.

Personally, I think that Cycle product is taboo. Just like the bagged "live" sand. Well advertised marketing scheme.

As many as there are aquarists, there are differing opinions. Now? Two weeks? Ultimately, it's your decision Scott.
Re: The SG....it's a FOWLR, so IMO it doesn't need to be that high. I kept my FOWLR at 1.022 (pre Zeovit) with no problem.
Re: The Cycle product. Agreed that it's a waste of $.

Cheers,

Lodilo · #6 02-17-2009, 12:20 AM

Went and talked to the very knowledgeable Len at Hillside Tropical and he tested my water. Tests were good and he suggested a pair of green chromis to start. Just floating them now. I will monitor daily and return on Thursday for a retest. Thanks for the input and I am very excited to be finally making the cross over to the salty side!

Myka · #7 02-17-2009, 02:56 AM

I don't like to say it, but Green Chromis aren't a very good fish to start with! They are mean little bastards, and will probably pick on other fish when you want to add, and then they are a pain in the butt to catch when you decide you want to get rid of the little pricks. Some people recommend them as starter fish because they are very tough little fish, but the reasoning behind it is hugely flawed. If you need tough fish to survive the first few weeks of your tank, then you probably didn't wait long enough to add them in the first place!