After 6 years away from reef tank i am back !!

[FindingNem0]

After 6 years away from marine, but stayed with freshwater, decided it was time to get back to the salt hobby again.

Cycling my Waterbox 20 Cube AIO currently. Decided to do it properly this time and not buy live rock from lfs.

Used Dr tims one and only, day 4 and test is showing
2ppm ammonia
0.05 nirite
2ppm Nitrate

Did do a water change because I noticed my salinity was off the chart about 1.045. Very excited to be back !!!

Will be uploading more photos of the tank once it's fully cycled. Have never in my life cycled with bottled bacteria. So this is very interesting.

 

[1112-425XL]

Welcome back!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Welcome back to the hobby!

 

[FindingNem0]

Thank you

Does anyone know if leaving the lights off for the first 1-3months help with the ugly stage? Or is that something we can't avoid.

 

[FindingNem0]

Better photos of my tank setup.

 

[Garf]

Did do a water change because I noticed my salinity was off the chart about 1.045.

How did that happen? I've got a link to Randy's DIY salinity solutions in my signature if you are interested.

 

[FindingNem0]

How did that happen? I've got a link to Randy's DIY salinity solutions in my signature if you are interested.

The refractometer I was using, wasn't reading it right. So I used my digital milwaukee and it was way off.

 

[revhtree]

Welcome back!!

 

[PharmrJohn]

Thank you

Does anyone know if leaving the lights off for the first 1-3months help with the ugly stage? Or is that something we can't avoid.

Absolutely that will help. You may still get an ugly stage, but it should be minimized. When I get my tank up and running again, the lights are staying off x2.5 or 3 months. And then only turned on when my parameters are such that algae can't grow out of control.

 

[FindingNem0]

After 4 weeks, I have added in 2 clowns which host the bottom corner of my tank LOL. Also added in 5 corals, nothing fancy.

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome back, glad you are here, tank looks great!

 

[FindingNem0]

I got too excited and stocked a little too quick.

 

[Uncle99]

Yes, keep your salinity stable at all times.
This aids the systems development.
Welcome back!

 

[FindingNem0]

Yes, keep your salinity stable at all times.
This aids the systems development.
Welcome back!

Yeah I made sure I bought a good salinity checker. The milwaukee brand one is so good

 

[Uncle99]

Yeah I made sure I bought a good salinity checker. The milwaukee brand one is so good

Your ATO should keep it stable.

 

[FindingNem0]

Your ATO should keep it stable.

Yes that also. I'm itching to try some sps. Even just small frags

 

[Uncle99]

Yes that also. I'm itching to try some sps. Even just small frags

Easiest one IMM is the green slimmer.

 

[FindingNem0]

Easiest one IMM is the green slimmer.

Yeah that is one of them I want to try and digi/birdnest.

 

[smitten with ocean life]

a warm welcome!

 

[FindingNem0]

Got some easy to care corals for now.

Blasto
Pink goni
Acan
Ducan
Torch
Hammer
Ricordia
Frogspawn
Pocci