[colleen78]

So. I've been drooling over having a reef tank for about 4 years and my husband finally bought me one last Sunday for my b-day. I'm really excited!! We have a mom and pop store here in town that just opened a year ago. We've been getting all of our advice and supplies from them.

My hubby bought me a 29 gallon biocube. The LFS sold us some live sand and told us to put it in the tank and wait until the dust cleared to get the live rock. We went and got the live rock last night.

I've been reading (yes my eyes are bleeding) in here and other places and I'm afraid we didn't start out right. Is it okay to have put everything in all at once? Is it okay if I leave the lights on while it cycles? (I am probably weird, but I like to watch the feather dusters!) Should I leave the filter running as well? Should I get a protein skimmer, and if so, which one will fit in out little cube?

I know, so many questions, I just don't want to kill anything. Oh, one more - there was a sunburst (I think that's what it's called - it's orange) coral on one of the live rocks we bought. Is there any way to help it survive the tank cycling? I don't think it's getting enough light right now because it's on the underside of the rock. Is there any way to move the little bugger?? Thanks so much! I'm hoping to one day be of some help to the noobs who follow after, but I appreciate the wisdom from all of you while I get started!

Colleen

[pyromaniac398]

Lol. So to answer your questions. Yes it is ok and prefered if you put everything in at once, you generally want to put your LS and LR in at the same time, but it really doesn't affect much besides possible extending your cycle. You can leave the lights on but, I wouldn't leave them on for extended periods of time. Turn them on for when your looking at the tank but then turn them off after your done. Yes you want to run the filter because that will be giving you your water movement, and your need that for the cycle. Yes I would get a protein skimmer, I have the Oceanic skimmer especially designed for biocubes( I have a 14g). It goes an ok job of skimming and for 30 bucks you can't loose, it keeps my nitrates and such in check. You having the 29g means you can get the sapphire: Here. Oh ya if this is the coral your talking about:
Then no I doubt it will survive the cycle, but hey you may be lucky

[colleen78]

Thank you!! I'm bummed about the coral - and yes - that is the same kind. Oh well. It's a really little one. Okay, it's good to know I haven't messed anything up yet. I will look into the skimmer you suggested. Thanks so much!!