hi every one i am currently setting up my first saltwater tank i have alot of the main componets i just need some more things to get it up and running(like 30-35lbs. of live rock wich i will be getting very soon).I have had freshwater tanks for years but now i am able to take the leap to saltwater.I heard about this site through a guy i ran into at petsmart(thanks for the info plus letting me know about the site whoever you are.)there are a couple of questions i'd like to ask first.when i get my live rock should i set it up in the display tank before i add the water or add the water first.Plus i was thinking about an anemone because im probabably going to get a pair of clowns,are anemones hard to care for i heard that they need alot of light.i just orderd a t5 HO fixture, my tank is a 30gal and the lights are putting out 72watts. any help would be fantastic.thanks.
my first saltwater tank in progress.
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I've had big tanks and small ones for over 10 years and not an expert by all means but I would suggest 3 things....
1. Take it slow as Andy said.. its very much about consistency.. much more than accuracy in my opinion.. you can be a little off in areas as long as you're not up and down on the charts.. It's better to be hands off at times even if you feel an urge to change something - less stress on fish..
2. Invest in a Refractometer - most places have them for $40-45.00
3. Do your water changes smoothly weekly NO MATTER WHAT anyone says about going longer or affecting the balance. It is your friend..:up:
-Eric
1. Take it slow as Andy said.. its very much about consistency.. much more than accuracy in my opinion.. you can be a little off in areas as long as you're not up and down on the charts.. It's better to be hands off at times even if you feel an urge to change something - less stress on fish..
2. Invest in a Refractometer - most places have them for $40-45.00
3. Do your water changes smoothly weekly NO MATTER WHAT anyone says about going longer or affecting the balance. It is your friend..:up:
-Eric
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Sounds like you're doing things right, with the research and reading. When setting up the tank, I think it's easier to put the water in first, then get your rock-work setup. Others will differ on whether the sand should be added before or after the rock.
How many bulbs does your T5 fixture have? If I found your dimensions, it's about 16" or 17" deep, right? Not sure if 72 watts is enough to support an anemone or not, someone else will have to chime in.
Welcome, by the way!
How many bulbs does your T5 fixture have? If I found your dimensions, it's about 16" or 17" deep, right? Not sure if 72 watts is enough to support an anemone or not, someone else will have to chime in.
Welcome, by the way!
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I don't think that'll be enough for an anemone. You might need to upgrade in the future, but with that you should be able to keep most soft corals and a number of LPS corals.
Ok....have to say something here....don't sacrifice a damsel or 2......there's many more ways to have your tank cycle without putting anything living at risk.....(I.e.:a uncooked shrimp from the grocery....)....besides....if you do put a damsel in your tank....they can be very aggressive towards other fish....and you may end up not wanting them in there after....cycle the tank without the use of a fish and then you won't have any "unwanted" inhabitants later once everything gets situated....and like Andy said....GO SLOW.....and welcome to the club....
Thank you for catching that.
You can also get a few gallons of water from another member to start the cycle, skimmate, used filter pad, filter sock, get some rubble or lr from a well established system and wait.
There are plenty of tests kits out there to make sure your tank is ready without putting a live creature at great risk. Great investment as well. If you don't have one yet plenty of members around you do as well as the sponsor stores who love to help and watch your tank grow
rolo and Smoothie, thanks. I was afraid I was gonna have to be the one. 
Besides the issues of a) the damsels dying and b) having a damsel in your tank that you don't want, there is also c), which is that even though a damsel is hardy and will probably live through the cycle, it is cruel and totally unnecessary!
Besides the issues of a) the damsels dying and b) having a damsel in your tank that you don't want, there is also c), which is that even though a damsel is hardy and will probably live through the cycle, it is cruel and totally unnecessary!
thanks everyone for all of the great advice.1 quick question is a RO/DI unit a must or is there any way i can use regular water and put some seachem prime just until i can get one.if anyone knows where i can get one for a good deal please let me know.thanks again everyone
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If you are setting up a fish only, you might be able to get away with using dechlorinated tap water, but I highly recommend against it.
If you're setting up a reef, you really must use RO water. For a long time I was buying water from publix in the gallon jugs (I have a 20 gallon system) but that got old and I got a great RO/DI unit from Bulk Reef Supply for $110. There are a few (a very small few) that will tell you they have had success using tap water, but it is strongly discouraged, because tap water is full of additives and nutrients (that will feed algae) that you don't want in your system.
If you're setting up a reef, you really must use RO water. For a long time I was buying water from publix in the gallon jugs (I have a 20 gallon system) but that got old and I got a great RO/DI unit from Bulk Reef Supply for $110. There are a few (a very small few) that will tell you they have had success using tap water, but it is strongly discouraged, because tap water is full of additives and nutrients (that will feed algae) that you don't want in your system.
