Newbie Needs Critiques

[Dave Dobson]

Hi all, I am very new to this and the more I read the farther back I feel. I bought this established tank on kijiji a few months back and it seems to be going well but I'm wondering if there's anywhere online that someone has seen with a good step by step or an explanation of all the parts used in tanks and how they work as I feel I'm just kinda changing water and cleaning things off each time but not really knowing what I'm doing
And as far as the tank itself, I'd love any input as to things I might try, coral placement, anything you think might help? All is appreciated!

 

[heath]

looks good, nice display. What is on the back glass of the tank..Are you asking what the different pieces of equipment are for and how to use it.. the thread was a little vague, there are a lot of great people here with years of experience here that are always willing to help..

 

[Jewel]

That's pretty much what we all do, Clean, Clean, Clean. Water Changes and more cleaning, The tank looks great so you must be doing an awesome job. Check out wetwebmedia it's a great site that'll answer a lot of questions. And have fun

 

[Dave Dobson]

Thanks Heath! The back wall has some kind of mirrored paper fastened to it on the outside, is that what you meant? There is some algae growth on the right side but I was hesitant to remove it as my large snails seem to be enjoying eating at it.

As far as equipment, yes any help as to what certain things do and are used for would help. I just hear a lot of things being thrown around like protein skimmers and different kinds of lighting... I just kind of have what I have and I'm not sure if I have the right things for everything to be thriving...

 

[Dave Dobson]

Thanks Jewel I will check it out!

 

[Jewel]

First off, Your tank would be considered a Nano, Nanos are usually under 20 gallons, nanos can be extreamly hard to look after. Why? because they have less water. More water is more forgiving. If you had a 100 gl tank and something went funky, chance are you wouldn't notice it but in a smallish tank you will. Funky is low Salinty or low PH or high in Nitrate or Phosphate. You should get some test kits if you haven't already. Test kits you need are.

Phosphate Checker by Hanna, PH , Ammonia, Nitrate, Get a Refractometer, Do water Changes, 20% weekly, Use a good salt, like Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, An Auto Top Off and use RO/DI water. Water quality is the most important aspect to a Reef Tank. Get a RO/DI system and use it religiously, Very Important. Don't worry about a Protien Skimmer. Water Changes will look after that if done regulary, Every Week.

Keep cleaning, Nanos are difficult like I said but can be very enjoyable, You'll likely upgrade down the road. We all do, but this is where you'll learn. There are no quick fixes in this hobby, No magic cures. Patince is number 1 and ask questions here. on this site. We want to help, We've made every mistake going and we like to share. Thank you for sharing the pic of your tank. And have fun Wecome

 

[averhoog]

Do you have a skimmer the skimmer is the filter looks like the pump on the back is a floss filter would think you will want a hang on back skimmer

 

[heath]

do you know anyone in your area that has an existing sw tank ? It can be a bit intimating when you first start out, I know if was for me..Everyone has a different way of doing things and as long as what you are doing works for you then you are ok.. I believe in the kiss theory, (keep it simple stupid ) I found it very helpful to have a mentor, one that you can trust.. good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions, there are no stupid questions, just stupid answers..people here will be more than willing to help, this is the best site..

 

[Dave Dobson]

No I do not have a skimmer at this time - This is a 35 gal bowed front tank. I do have a test kit (very basic) as well as a refractometer. I have been using bottled water from a pure water solutions store in my area so hopefully I'm in the right direction. Are there specific lights I should look into for ideal lighting conditions both during the day and for at night when the corals are all lit up? I'm currently using a small black light type led strip light to give the vibrant colours... (my tank is 24" wide if that helps at all)

 

[heath]

I love the bow fronts but, I found them very hard to light.. I have a 46 gal sitting in my spare room...

 

[EricTMah]

Your best sources here. Tons of knowledgeable people here.

List the equipment that you know the name of and if you don't. Post pictures. People will identify and explain.

Also start be telling us exactly what you're doing to the tank now in a step by step method. This will help us get a handle on what you're doing and offer suggestions.

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[Jewel]

Excuse me, I thought it was a Nano but no biggie. Your lights look adequate for what you have in the tank at the moment. The water you are using would be RO and that's the basics so that's ok for now. I'd look into a good Ro/di unit. Saves carrying jugs and the DI would be better. No need for a skimmer at this point either. Water changes would do it. You're tank looks amazing really. I do wonder what that piece of equipment in the back is though?

 

[Dave Dobson]

In the back is a canister filter and either side is a power head... all 3 seem to move the water around enough. thanks all for all of your input! greatly appreciated.

 

[Jewel]

I think you should take that Canister filter out, they aren't supposed to be in the tank. Maybe you should just take it out and take a picture of it so we can see it.


Make sure you un plug it, Wouldn't want an accident

 

[jeffopentax]

I think you should take that Canister filter out, they aren't supposed to be in the tank. Maybe you should just take it out and take a picture of it so we can see it.


Make sure you un plug it, Wouldn't want an accident

Looks like some type of internal filter. A google image search for "internal aquarium filter" brings up a bunch of similar looking filters. I'm sure it's fine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jewel]

ok sounds right, just couldn't see it and since he said he wasn't familiar with equipment and that it is a canister filter, just making sure.

 

[Jewel]

I did a search and it looks to be ok but not something that is utilized in Salt Water usually. Most might consider it an eye soar. Just saying you could probably remove it if you wanted to. But your tank looks great and I hate to fiddle with whats working.

 

[yveterinarian]

to the Frag tank! You have picked a great forum to join. Your tank looks great! Often times people buy an established setup then get it home and the transportation alone causes deaths etc, in the tank. Things seem to be looking as if they are doing well so you are definitely doing something right. Do you have any clean up crew in there?

 

[Dave Dobson]

Yes I do. I have 2 very active jumbo snails. 2 horseshoe crabs and a few smaller snails and a peppermint shrimp