Author Topic: Let’s get started - 30 gallon rimless (Read 3895 times)

Amstar · « **on:** May 16, 2020, 10:32:08 »

Was out of the hobby for awhile while my wife battled breast cancer - 5 years cancer free next week

In the past I had a 150 gallon reef that has since been converted to fresh water (see pic of the reef and what if looks like now)

Amstar · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:34:30 »

Pic of the freshwater

Amstar · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:36:27 »

So the tank I got is a used jbj 30 gallon rimless tank all in one tank

Amstar · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:42:49 »

Equipment:
Sicce 1.5 return pumps (x2)
Aquamaxx FR-S reactor filled with seachem matrix
Inkbird wifi dual controller
200 watt heater
Hygger wave maker
Ocean revive t247-b led light (thanks lazy)
Two media basket compartments (filled with seachem matrix, poly filter and sponges)

Other:
30 pounds of Fiji pink live sand
30 pounds of Fiji live rock

Need to build a stand and continue to go

Amstar · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:43:32 »

Water test - it holds water

Amstar · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:44:37 »

Let the cycle begin (light are on just for pics)

Not sure about my rock placement yet (this way)

Amstar · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:45:05 »

Or this way

Amstar · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:45:41 »

From the left side of the tank

Amstar · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:46:27 »

Right side of the tank

Amstar · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2020, 10:47:45 »

First parameter(s) test

dbowman · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2020, 11:39:44 »

so it begins da,da da,da well i cant carry a tune so that is nothing new.
what are you using as a cycle method?

Amstar · « **Reply #11 on:** May 16, 2020, 11:49:54 »

Was going to rely solely on cured live rock, live sand and instant ocean bio -spira

If that is not working, maybe then add pure ammonia (small dose) to kick it along.

cleaning crew at some point and feed them to continue the cycle

Thoughts

dbowman · « **Reply #12 on:** May 16, 2020, 12:37:41 »

that will inoculate your tank with bacteria. you will need an ammonia source to kick off the growth of bacteria to grow enough to accommodate a bio load so it isn't a case of if that doesn't work add ammonia. if there is no die off of your live rock something. either ammonia or something dead will need to feed the bacteria then support the nitrite eating bacteria. I used frozen mysis shrimp.

Amstar · « **Reply #13 on:** May 16, 2020, 13:32:32 »

Good point. I don’t think there is enough die off on the rock from the place of purchase to the drive home 15 minutes away.

Going to start ammonia dosing- fish less cycle

lazylivin · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2020, 21:59:55 »

If the rock was already live in a mature tank then it is cycled. There will not be a new cycle. Meaning it is already good to go. Tell us a bit about the rock. Do you happen to know how long it has been in saltwater?

Amstar · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2020, 13:24:30 »

Not sure how long it had been in saltwater - enough to have two or three aiptasias, a mushroom and I can see numerous amphipods running around

Added ammonia (dr Tim’s) last night. Waiting to test tomorrow to see if ammonia has dropped at all

Amstar · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2020, 14:12:34 »

Added ammonia (tested at almost 5ppm) two days later ammonia had dropped to below 1ppm. Added more ammonia tested the next day and ammonia and nitrite down to Almost zero zero

Was going to do a 20% water change then check again..... should be ready to go then

dbowman · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2020, 18:18:21 »

cool what is your nitrate?

Straasha · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2020, 18:57:47 »

Awesome. Looks like things are progressing very well.

lazylivin · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2020, 19:32:29 »

Yeah I agree it is ready. No need to add any more ammonia.

sharkkeeper · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2020, 18:08:41 »

looking good

Amstar · « **Reply #21 on:** June 20, 2020, 13:12:23 »

is my filtration enough

left side compartment aquamaxx fr-se reactor with seachem matrix (1st compartment)

2nd compartment ceramic rings in a bag

middle compartment return pumps, ato, heater

3rd compartment ceramic rings in a bag

4th right compartment filter floss, seachem matrix, sponge In a media basket

then I have about 25-30 pounds of live rock

any suggestions? Protein skimmer? Reactor with carbon? Different things in the media basket

lite fish load currently

dbowman · « **Reply #22 on:** June 20, 2020, 13:38:54 »

the question is: Are you comfortable with your set up? If you have enough surface to hold enough bacteria, enough mechanical to keep the water clear, and the ability to spot treat any transitory conditions, I would say you have enough filtration. if you develop filter feeders then your biological filtration will have another dimension. I am 9 months into my first SW tank, and 4 months into my second. They both have skimmers, rock, and sand. I have a piece of floss in the big one, temporarily, no socks in either. I am seeing a lot of wild organisms in them.
There are no fish in the first since i moved them to the second. Good luck, and let it rip! lol

Amstar · « **Reply #23 on:** July 28, 2020, 15:08:31 »

So the tank is doing well. Still waiting on my brother in law to finish up my stand for the tank. In the process of building a cheato reactor for the tank, not sure if I am going to use it or not.

Amstar · « **Reply #24 on:** July 28, 2020, 15:10:26 »

Tank June 6th