Need Help?

KND32 · 02-14-2007, 01:44 AM

I just set up a 55 gal. last week I bought everything they suggested at the pet store. I plan to have It scaped with live rock and eventually adding Anemones and a few fish such as clowns, tangs and some star fish. Since this is in the beginning stages I do not want to get to outrageously costly, I have already invested about $700 but I would like it to be decent. I have I added live sand & added a large live rock 2 days ago. I have kept the salt levels & temp stable. I was wondering why the rock has darkened and there is abrown layer on the sand? Is this normal ? And what do I do next?

Chitown1 · 02-14-2007, 06:37 AM

That is completely normal, the tank will go thru several stages for the next couple months. The diatom bloom (brown) you have now is usually the first stage, then you should get red slime, then green, its part of the natural process. I would go ahead and add any LR you want to now so it can cure while the tank cycles, as for the fish, you need to be careful not to overstock, the only trigger IMO that os small enough for a 55 is a Humu Humu the rest get to big and for tangs, the only one there that stays small enough for a 55 is a Kole, unless you plan on trading them in as they mature I would not go with other tangs or triggers, they need lots of room to swim. A yellow tang for example really should be kept in a tank no smaller than 100 gallons once it is mature.

What kind of skimmer do you have?

Lighting?

filtratinon?

Nereaga · 02-14-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chitown1

That is completely normal, the tank will go thru several stages for the next couple months. The diatom bloom (brown) you have now is usually the first stage, then you should get red slime, then green, its part of the natural process. I would go ahead and add any LR you want to now so it can cure while the tank cycles, as for the fish, you need to be careful not to overstock, the only trigger IMO that os small enough for a 55 is a Humu Humu the rest get to big and for tangs, the only one there that stays small enough for a 55 is a Kole, unless you plan on trading them in as they mature I would not go with other tangs or triggers, they need lots of room to swim. A yellow tang for example really should be kept in a tank no smaller than 100 gallons once it is mature.

What kind of skimmer do you have?

Lighting?

filtratinon?

I just got done reading about Humu Humu and this site said at least a 75 gal tank for them. I saw that you put 55, will they be more aggresive in a smaller tank? I think these fish are beautiful specs. and I would eventually like to get one.. But only have a 55 gal. thanks Chitown

Chitown1 · 02-14-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nereaga

I just got done reading about Humu Humu and this site said at least a 75 gal tank for them. I saw that you put 55, will they be more aggresive in a smaller tank? I think these fish are beautiful specs. and I would eventually like to get one.. But only have a 55 gal. thanks Chitown

I have had one in a 55 for 3 years and he is not aggressive at all he is now about 5" long, he shares the tank with 2 damsels and a coral beauty angel and they all get along great. The Humu eats from my hand and loves to swim up front when anyone is near the tank to be the center of attention, he is def. one of my favorite fishes.

KND32 · 02-15-2007, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the replies.

More info: I have not yet purchased a skimmer, I was not sure if it was absolutely needed and wanted more info on them.
Filter: Penguin 350 bio wheel filter 300 gal (350 gal per hr)
Lighting: 48in Zoo Med Ocean sun 10,000k
Heater: Marineland submersible 200 watt

Chitown1 · 02-15-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KND32

Thanks for the replies.

More info: I have not yet purchased a skimmer, I was not sure if it was absolutely needed and wanted more info on them.
Filter: Penguin 350 bio wheel filter 300 gal (350 gal per hr)
Lighting: 48in Zoo Med Ocean sun 10,000k
Heater: Marineland submersible 200 watt

I would strongly recommend you get a good skimmer, it is IMO the most important part of a salt tank set up, it will help you maintain better water quality and remove some of the nutrients that cause algae issues. But is is important to get a quality skimmer, less expensive models do not remove nearly as much un-disolved organic waste as a decent unit will, you do not need the $1000 model, but you want to avoid the $99 specials like Prizm, jebo etc. or you will just need to upgrade later resulting in spending more money than just doing it right the first time. For hang ons, a Ramora C, Ramora pro and CPR BakPak get good results and in sump I use ASM, they are not overly expensive and all work much better than cheapies.