First Saltwater Aquarium

M

mikewoolsey

Hi everyone and thank you for letting be a new member of your group discussion. I recently got a 55 Gal aquarium that I set up for the first time last night. After doing research I noticed that the cloudiness is normal after putting in your live sand, water, salt etc. I have not added any livestock yet as I am waiting for the cycling to clean it to clear. Since last night it has cleared up rather quickly with a slight cloud to it. I have read that it can take anywhere from 5-10 days to cycle? I have also noticed something I don't know how to take care of, since the cycling phase has began, this morning I noticed a dull film on the inside of the glass which I assume is related to the sand and dust being kicked up yesterday? How do you clean that film off the glass?

Aslo, I live in the Euless area, I am looking for some reasonably priced chunks of live rocks that I can put in there, does anyone have some chunks for sale and how much? I am also wanting to put in other exotic type stuff that I see in so many pictures to accompany the live rocks. Anyone here in the Midcities area and Fort worth area have anythin gto get me going?

The other question is when can I put this stuff in the tank (Live Rocks)?

I also have a testing kit, and hydrometer. when would be a good time to start making readings?

Please see attached pic for what I would like to accomplish in the long run.

All help is appreciated!

Thanks, Mike

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Hello. You can put live rock in immediately following the live sand and water. As far as testing, it usually takes about six weeks for the tank to cycle. I wouldn't add any fish or anything until the cycling process has completed. What type of filtration, lighting, water movement do you have? Before anything, start adding live rock. That's alot of filtration right there. Good luck.
 
Good Luck in your endevours Mike. I am pretty new to the hobby as well and the first thing you will learn is patience, and you will be rewarded for it too ! Mid Cities aquariums just opened up recently and they have a large stock of live rock if you would like to stop by. Good staff too.

Steve
 
welcome to dfwmas. As already been stated patience is important even when being made fun of for only having pet rocks during the cycle. Keep an eye on the for sell forum if you can find someone selling live rock from a well established tank you can minimize the cycle period and save some money as well average here about $3/lb at stores $7/lb.

As for livestock give it some time and research anything before putting it in your system (lighting, feeding, compatablity, special needs, etc.)

And for that film once your sand settles you should be able to just go back and scrape it off. If glass you can use one of those cheap scrapers with a handle from any pet store alot of people use the magfloats to clean the inside but if its acrylic be careful what you use as it can easily get scratched.

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Oh and don't forget to sign up for nextwave 09 by then you should be ready for livestock and will be able to get some great deals. But sign up soon the price will go up in 5 days
 
Hey mike, I agree with the last post. Search around on these forums for cheaper live rock. A lot of people are selling it for about $3.00/lb instead of the $7.00 or $8.00/lb at the fish stores.

I would also like to recommend Mid-Cities Aquarium. Bring them a good size sample of your water and they will test it for everything. They are very helpful in telling you how far along you are approximately in your cycling. Also, bring your questions to these guys. They are very polite and love to answer questions no matter how many times you need the explanation :).

Keep doing your research. The forums here have a TON of information and I would recommend reading most of the stickies in the tops of forums for general information. This should be your reading material in the bathroom :D .

Last thing, always double check yourself before buying or putting something into your tank. There are a lot of great deals for buying things on the forums. Alot of things are very hardy when you put them in your tank, but if you are unaware of how to care for them, things can go wrong quickly.


Good luck!!!!
 
P.S. Take it slow, and sit back and enjoy watching the small things grow in your tank while it cycles :).
 
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