Reef Build JBJ 24g HQI

[insane_reef_keeper]

I just got a JBJ 24g Hqi from Jeff... Can't remember your screen name buddy :doh:

I've decided I'm going to do a SPS,LPS seahorse tank. Which this will be my first attempt with Seahorses,I hope things go well lol.

Jenn if you read this I'm probably about to drive you crazy with questions, being I know you have(had) Seahorses lol.
I will post picks later with my progress.

 

[cr500_af]

Do you think you can get enough flow to make SPS happy but keep it where the seahorses can stand it?

 

[insane_reef_keeper]

I thought what I would do is split the lockline and upgrade the pump enough to make the sps happy but not so strong to harm the ponies.It's not going to be a full reef just some choice sps and lps.

 

[insane_reef_keeper]

Update: Decided not to go with ponies.
I added the sand and live rock today, so let the cycling begin.

 

[insane_reef_keeper]

Sacrificial damsel added

 

[hnguyen]

insane_reef_keeper;620685 wrote: Sacrificial damsel added

Sacrificial? That doesn't sound too good. How long has your tank been cycling?

 

[KrisDeitz]

Lol its been two days...

 

[insane_reef_keeper]

Yep two days. A friend of mine said if you add something like a damsel it well help jump start the natural process of the cycle. So I thought I'd give it a try.

Edit: and see what happens. I'm not however going to add anything else for about another 5 days.

 

[KrisDeitz]

Amici;620868 wrote: Please take the damsel back...what you are doing is using his lungs as a filter for the ammonia. Its kind of like if someone locked you in a smoke filled room and used your lungs as a filter.

A small piece of shrimp or even a few drops 100% ammonia available at any grocery store will do the exact same thing and wont be cruel to the fish.

I would highly suggest taking it SLOWER and researching a lot more before progressing or else this will be a long frustrating road for you. Best of luck. Adding anything within the first two weeks is just risky and moving WAY too fast. Please don't add anything in 5 days, you tank will still be in full cycle.

For real. It may be just a fish but thats kinda messed up

 

[sonofdagon]

I would not stock the tank for a couple months. And then slowly. A good indicator that a tank is seasoned and cycled is when you start to get spots of pink coralline algae throughout the tank. Patience. You know "nothing good happens fast in a reef tank." I forgot who said it but it is true.

 

[hnguyen]

I hope your friend, whoever he or she may be. Has done the same thing with his or her tank and now have a great and successful reef tank because what your doing is setting yourself up for disaster.

 

[liverock27]

Have to agree with everyone that you need to take the damsel out. Not only are you hurting the fish, but after the cycle what are you going to do with it? Damsels can be very aggresive especailly after they are established in a tank and good luck catching it without taking apart all your rocks.

 

[insane_reef_keeper]

Ok, ok I get it lol. I took him out and put him in my holding tank, which has been established with some live rock and sand for about 6 months now. So no harm, no foul.

Edit: It's just a 10 gallon tank.

 

[insane_reef_keeper]

Damsel is still live and well.