I messed up what do I do?

K

kristia_2004

well I wasn't wanting to start my tank up till next month, but i went and bought my wet/dry filter, overflow, 20gl fuge, protine skimmer.... Well i didn't know that my fuge was gonna come with the water, plant, live sand, live rock.... the plants look like they are dieing... should i cut my loses and take all the water out of it and let it dry out? or should i just start my 55 gl up to it? a friend of mine is giving me 45lbs of dead sand to put in my tank.... ALSO what do i put for food wise in my fuge to feed the crabs and what ever else is in it? I picked up so shrimp should i mush that up and put it in there?
THanks
Kristina
 
I think the crabs should do ok on the mushed up shrimp and the pods will munch on it too.

You need to get a light on the fuge though. THe plants need it to photosynthesize. Flourescent 6500K day light bulbs are available at Home Depot. They are the corkscrew type bulbs.

A 2 pack is maybe 6 dollars. Then get a small clamp on light fixture to screw them in to.....also at HD...maybe 8 dollars or so.

Here is a pic of mine on my sump/fuge (better a pic so you know exactly what Im talking about)

Day1003.jpg
alt="">

OR You could also go with a small inexpensive regular type flourescent light fixture at Walmart.

I would also get a little water flow but not too much through it. Maybe a cheap HOB filter would be helpful until you get the tank up. You dont want the water just sitting there though as there wont be very much if any, gas exchange and it will stagnate.

A small cheap HOB filter would provide at least some minimum filtration and provide some flow in the tank.

I would also go ahead and do about a 20% water change and then another one 3 or 4 days later.

Maybe some others might give you some additional advice.

PS.
I bought a bunch of rock from the same guy you got your fuge.
:)
 
Kristina, I would also say get a test kit or take some of the water up to your local LFS and have it tested. This will give you an idea on where your tank is on it's cycle.
As far as screwing up... be GLAD you did it now and not when you have 1500 bucks worth of livestock and 5 years invested. it hurts ALOT more then.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top