[tomc1980]

Got my new 55 gallon tank yesterday got 20lbs of live rock and 50 lbs of live sand in it at the moment. Plan on taking some pics of it as soon as i figure out what i did with my camera. So far my readings are specific gravity of 1.022 with .2 ppm of ammonia not sure on the nitrites yet as my kit neglected to include instructions on that particular one. Will try and get some pictures up after work this evening. Got my protien skimmer today to still trying to figure out how to rid myself of those dang micorbubbles.

[e_baer]

Before you do any more work to the tank, you may want to look into getting a sump. I started my 55g without a sump and soon realized how useful they are!

I would SERIOUSLY rethink a sump!!!

cant wait to see the pics!

[tomc1980]

Yeah im thinking about a sump or a refugium when i can afford it but as for now the money is limited an one of my managers donated alot of gear to me to get me started. So many things i want to do so little money

[Lowej82]

Originally Posted by tomc1980

Yeah im thinking about a sump or a refugium when i can afford it but as for now the money is limited an one of my managers donated alot of gear to me to get me started. S

See if they dont have a old 29 gal with a bad seal or scratched or something like that and build your own sump/fuge for next to nothing.

[tomc1980]

Yeah ive been giving that some consideration the next step for me is finding a place to put a sump/refugium. Got a few ideas im toying with though.

[Lowej82]

What brand Nitrite test kit?

[tomc1980]

Aquarium Systems Nitrite Test

[Lowej82]

Did it include the color chart?

[tomc1980]

Yeah it came with a color chart just not how long i wait after mixing my stuff.

[e_baer]

You usually need to wait around 5 minutes.

[tomc1980]

Heres my new aquarium btw water just cleared up enough to warrant taking a picture. I know its a bit light on the live rock but im adding it over time as funds are limited. Other than that let me know what you think.

[ilovemash]

Welcome to the Hobby, get used to the empty wallet! Tank looks great, definitely keep us posted!!!

[tomc1980]

Heh i found what looks like bubble algae on my rock this afternoon water finally cleared up enough for me to notice it. Kinda clear/greenish looking pretty hard to squish between yer fingers. Tried to take a picture but it came out too blurry should i remove em as i find em?

[Lowej82]

I just picked up a algae book by bob goeman ph.D.

Can you get that piece of LR out, you dont wanna pop that bubble inside the tank.

The book says this...."Bubble algae cells or bubbles are held to the rock by tiny root~like appendages. A pointed, yet dull knife blade slipped under the cells can pop them loose and the entire cell or group of cells can easily be removed from the aquarium unbroken. Try not tobreak them as the bubble contains many new little bubbles that can spread the problem"

Check out the www.Saltcorner.com for more stuff from bob

[tomc1980]

Thank you lowe very helpful.

[tomc1980]

Another question how long does it usually take before you start getting alot of phosphate in the water i was told i wouldnt need a test for it yet as my tanks only been up and running about 2 days.

[e_baer]

phosphate is in the tap water most of the time. If you are using tap water, you should look into an RO/DI unit.

[tomc1980]

Im ordering a mighty mite RO/DI filter in 2 weeks when my next check shows up thats prolly whats causing the hair and bubble algae guess i was just suprised at the speed.

[e_baer]

Well, since you have just set the tank up there will be a cycling period. In this period there is lots of bacterial growth that will benefit the tank. There will also be some die off causing unstable water conditions and thus causing algae outbreaks.

[tomc1980]

Yeah i noticed today that my ammonia was a bit higher than yesterday went from .2ppm to .6 ppm still no nitrites though. Gonna see about buying a phosphate test from work tomorrow. I also read that Blue legged hermit crabs would help keep the hair algae under control but its probably too early for them anyway.

[e_baer]

yeah, its too early. You do not want to add any animals until your levels are all stable and the nitrates and nitrites go down.

[casino royale]

u said something about a sump ... how would i set up a 30gal to b a sump refugium WITHOUT drilling either tank? (the sump or DT)

[e_baer]

You would need to get an overflow box and an aqualifter pump, as well as a return pump.

[tomc1980]

Tell me if it sounds like i got a good price on my set up or not i got a 55 gallon all glass tank my glass top a seaclone 150 protein skimmer a penguin 140 power head 50lbs of live sand and 50 gallons of oceanic salt mix and a salt water master test and a 200 watt heater for $300 dollars even. Sounded like a pretty decent deal to me.

[e_baer]

Yup, that is a good deal. My tank and stand alone was 275.