Live Rock

[cooper1973]

i have set up my new nano tank its been running since sat will it be ok at this stage to add live rock or will it kill of anything thats living on it. i have heard 2 different storys the guy at lfs has said leave ya tank running for about 2 weeks first and then i hear you can put it in while the tank is cycling. which is true

 

[seffieuk]

Firstly to the salty side

If I am understanding you correctly you have a tank with water in, is this correct?

If it is correct, the water is up to the correct SG and temp and you have a powerhead in there then get your live rock now - the tank can't cycle without it unless you are going the external filter route which is not to be recommended imo.

Can we hear about your tank, your plans and maybe a photo?

Seffie x

 

[cooper1973]

oh dear looks like the lfs does not have a clue. i think i will get some asap. yep all i have is a tank filled with water the temp is fine and sg is good too.

 

[seffieuk]

oh dear looks like the lfs does not have a clue.

Mmmm where have I heard that before ................

Seffie x

ps

dont forget to tell us about your tank and plans

 

[cooper1973]

i have now added live rock into the tank. i have also put some into the back where the bio balls are.....problem i have now when should i turn skimmer on as i have it on but as soon as i open there are valve i get lots of micro bubbles.

 

[Harry1996]

what is the tank called? i would turn it on when you add your cuc or fish well thats what i was told

 

[cooper1973]

its an orca 450 i read in sevral places these do have problems with stock skimmer

 

[seffieuk]

First take out the bio balls and any other filter media except live rock, rowa activated carbon

Yes, its good to put live rock in the back as well.

As for the skimmer, yes turn it on now - however you are right the orca 450 does have problems with micro bubbles. So if it were me I would leave it off until Barney comes along, he had the same problem but I can't remember how he sorted it out, he will let you know - you could even PM him Not running the skimmer will not cause much of a problem, so don't worry. The first thing we need to get done is the cycle

So, do you have test kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and do you understand the process?

Have fun watching your pet rocks, oh how much did you get?

Seffie x

 

[cooper1973]

hi seffie

i got almost 2kg of rock and some rubble for the back. i have removed the bio balls i have some activated carbon that i use in my tropival tank its the one you poor into a little net bag can i use this type of carbon? any help appreciated................also to let you know there is live on the rock as i was sat watching it tonight and there are little thing that pop out and then they hear a noise they like shoot back in

 

[seffieuk]

How many litres have you got - about 58? If so you need approx 6 k of live rock to filter the tank so you need a bit more

Yes you can use activated carbon

Live rock watching is pretty cool sounds like you have some feather dusters

Don't forget to start your journal so we can watch you tank progress

Seffie x

 

[cooper1973]

well here we have it after reading over and over different threads on the way ppl are setting there orcas up i have finaly added all me rock now just waiting for skimmer to arrive got the wg310 coming which what i read is a good skimmer but anyway here is a pic of me tank

 

[Harry1996]

nice what are you going to put in the tank then?

 

[seffieuk]

Agree with Harry, looks nice

Seffie x

 

[cooper1973]

plz ignore the couple of screws laying beside the tank but had problems with the leds...........the stopped working so i ended up putting cold cathoid tube under the hood it looks really good now. actualy better than the leds that were only showing the middle of tank when they were on lol

 

[cooper1973]

tested water today and here are the results tell me what you think as its only been running 1.5 weeks nitrite 0 nitrate 5 amonia 0 ph 8