Newbie Asking For Advice

[kaz2410]

My local fish shop have just collected my juwel 180L tank to convert to marine. They will be bringing it back in approx 1 week.

I have kept tropical fish for 6 years but have decided to change to marine.

I have researched on the net but its all a little confusing.

Please could someone explain the sequence of events for setting up a marine tank.
Am i right in thinking that you just keep water in for 4-5 days to reach the right temperature then can I start to add live rock?
Do you add it all at once or in stages?
How much would I put in a 180L tank.

Is this the start of the nitrogen cycle? (I am familiar with ammonia, nitrites, nitrates etc from tropical setup, does the same apply in marine)

At what point do you introduce shrimps, crabs etc

and finally fish!!!!

sorry for all the questions

 

[-Nemo-]

Questions are good

Once you have your tank back you'll obviously want to set it up with the equipment, and then add the sand and saltwater. Make sure the salinity and temperature are correct.

I would have the tank sit like that for a couple days, and then go and get your live rock. For that size tank, you would ideally want around 20kg. It's perfectly fine though to start off with around 10kg and then work way up to 20 as you go.

The live rock is exactly that, live. It has a ton of life on it most of which you will probably never see. This is what you use to cycle your tank with. Good, cured live rock will usually cycle your tank in less than a week. As soon as your ammonia and nitRITe are at 0, your tank has fully cycled. Then you are free to add any livestock (fish or inverts) to the tank. As to which to add first, that's personal preference. Some people add inverts first as a clean up crew (CUC) because your tank starts to become infested with algae and the like. But then others believe that inverts are more sensitive, and the fish should be added first.


Welcome to the Salty Side

 

[kaz2410]

Questions are good

Once you have your tank back you'll obviously want to set it up with the equipment, and then add the sand and saltwater. Make sure the salinity and temperature are correct.

I would have the tank sit like that for a couple days, and then go and get your live rock. For that size tank, you would ideally want around 20kg. It's perfectly fine though to start off with around 10kg and then work way up to 20 as you go.

The live rock is exactly that, live. It has a ton of life on it most of which you will probably never see. This is what you use to cycle your tank with. Good, cured live rock will usually cycle your tank in less than a week. As soon as your ammonia and nitRITe are at 0, your tank has fully cycled. Then you are free to add any livestock (fish or inverts) to the tank. As to which to add first, that's personal preference. Some people add inverts first as a clean up crew (CUC) because your tank starts to become infested with algae and the like. But then others believe that inverts are more sensitive, and the fish should be added first.


Welcome to the Salty Side

 

[kaz2410]

Thanks for that. I'm pleasantly suprised since i thought the cycle would take a lot longer.

I'm getting the water from the lfs.

Is live rock.... live rock, or are there different sorts. (sorry if this is a daft question)

I don't want to sound hasty but am trying to get a feel for working with marine. How long before you can add corals and anenomes.

Which ones are best suited for a beginner.

My kids are wanting clown fish, a yellow tang, a royal gramma and powder blue surgeon. I realise these will need to be added one at a time but does anyone see any problems with the mix and a 180L tank.

 

[-Nemo-]

There are different types of live rock, in regards to where it is from (ex: fiji or florida rock). While most consider Fiji to be the "best", I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just get live rock that has lots of growth on it, lots of color, and if possible is more porous.


Coral is partially going to depend on what type of lighting you have. Some people say to wait for corals to be added, but I don't see any reason to wait to add soft corals.
As to anemones, it's best to wait until your tank is mature to add one (around a year old), you must realize not only the large size they can achieve (around one foot in diameter for most), but also their needs and un-suitableness with coral. Expect any coral within reach of them to be stung and most likely killed.


As for the fish, clownfish and royal Gramma would make great choices, but the yellow tang and powder blue will not. Any type of tang should never go into a tank smaller than around 240L, 300L being even more suitable.

 

[kaz2410]

We'll re think the tangs then.

Thanks for your help. I can't wait to get started.

 

[seffieuk]

Kaz nice to have you on board

Whilst you are waitng for your tank take a look at the many threads on here about peoples journeys with their tanks. they will give you lots of hints and tips

Seffie x