After doing some well needed research and purchasing as much of the materials I will need to start and maintain the fluval evo, I finally took the first steps to start my first saltwater tank. Here is a photo of my tank. It's currently in the middle of the week 2 cycling process. I have 0 experience fish keeping and would appreciate any feedback. There are a few pieces I am still waiting to add to the tank such as the protein skimmer, and ATO unit recommended melypr1985. I am currently running stock equipment and will make some upgrades in the future. For right now I'm just enjoying the fact that I have gotten this far and, also utilizing this time to understand the cycling process and water requirements to sustain the environment in the tank. It is definitely an awesome learning experience, and I'm looking forward for what is to come.
Fluval Evo 13.5 Finally Started
- Thread starter Zoasis
- Start date
- Tagged users None
I am liking the looks of the tank thus far; those little Fluval tanks are awesome! I have a fluval evo 5 myself running for about 3 months so far. I really like the rock work you have going though so I will be following along to watch this tank develop and provide the little knowledge I have gained thus far as I am quite new to the saltwater hobby myself.
Hey money88. Thank you for the reply. It is definitely a neat tank and I am glad that I went with it for my first saltwater experience. As soon as I get some live stock in there, there will be photos to follow. Thanks again.
Hey, this doesn't look like stock equipment....I one extra powerhead in there?
jk...it's a nice base to start for sure. I am joying mine. Tagging along to see the different variations this nano can become.
jk...it's a nice base to start for sure. I am joying mine. Tagging along to see the different variations this nano can become.
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2017
- Messages
- 747
- Reaction score
- 615
Have a fluval 13.5 and it's not bad but watch ammonia and test daily, it doesn't take much for it to raise. I'm upgrading from it to a 120 as I can't get my ammonia to drop to zero even with weekly water changes
Thanks for the replies and helpful tips everyone. As I'm approaching the end of my 3rd week of cycling, I have a few questions I'm hoping someone will be able to answer. I just tested my water and am wondering what the next step should be. I have heard and read a number of things, but would love to hear some other opinions. I did not notice any diatoms in my tank like others have mentioned. Am I supposed to? I am by no means trying to rush the process. I am trying to understand the process before I add any live stock.
In regards to the water parameters. Am I on the right track based off the following information? My other question is in regards to water changes. I have heard that at the 3rd week I should perform a 10%-15% water change. What would you suggest? Thank you in advance.
Water Paramter Readings:
Nitrate - 10 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
pH - 7.8
Ammonia - 0 ppm
In regards to the water parameters. Am I on the right track based off the following information? My other question is in regards to water changes. I have heard that at the 3rd week I should perform a 10%-15% water change. What would you suggest? Thank you in advance.
Water Paramter Readings:
Nitrate - 10 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
pH - 7.8
Ammonia - 0 ppm
Your parameters look good. A water change will be fine. I do about 2 gallons on mine weekly.
Was not sure if you are using any bacteria (red sea reef mature pro kit or BIO-Spira) earlier to start the cycle. I know with those you can introduce clean up crew (CUC). Regardless if you are or not, CUC are usually recommend before you start adding fish. I would consider adding 1-2 (Trochus Snail) for cleaning rocks and glass + 1 (Cerith Snail): for cleaning sandbed mostly but does do rocks and glass too. These are better imo than margarita snail who are usually helpless when they fall over. These numbers of snails are based on a 1 to 10 ratio. 1 snailshermit crab to 10 gallons of water. imo this ratio serve well to help avoid overstocking CUC like hermit crabs. Long term CUC may starve if the tank does not have sufficient food.
Also consider adding later or along with the snails 1 shrimp (like perppermint). With all these I would recommend you get the smallest you could find as they'll grow fast on you
. For a nano...space is limited plus I am sure you'll like to see your critters grow ;SmugHTH
Thanks for the reply, reef-rc.
Based off of a suggestion, the only thing that I put into the tank when beginning as well as during the cycling process was the fluval cycle concentrated biological booster. In regards to the CUC, when would you suggest adding them in? I have been told to wait an extra two weeks or so before adding anything to the tank. Thank you for the quick reply and awesome recommendations. I am going to begin shopping around to see what the best option is for purchasing my CUC.
Based off of a suggestion, the only thing that I put into the tank when beginning as well as during the cycling process was the fluval cycle concentrated biological booster. In regards to the CUC, when would you suggest adding them in? I have been told to wait an extra two weeks or so before adding anything to the tank. Thank you for the quick reply and awesome recommendations. I am going to begin shopping around to see what the best option is for purchasing my CUC.
Most will say patience is key in this hobby but we're only human so being excited and implusive at times is only human [emoji6].
With red sea for example I was able to add CUC day 10 per instructions although I recalled I held till day 12....talk about will power [emoji41].
If you can hold off than it's better. Worst scenario you can add just 1-2 snails and see how it does. Plus it'll buy you time while you're scrathing that itch to put things into the tank [emoji4].
With red sea for example I was able to add CUC day 10 per instructions although I recalled I held till day 12....talk about will power [emoji41].
If you can hold off than it's better. Worst scenario you can add just 1-2 snails and see how it does. Plus it'll buy you time while you're scrathing that itch to put things into the tank [emoji4].
Last edited:
L ike reef RC said it is most likely wise to put in a clean up crew asap. It will help with any algae blooms which happens a lot the newer tanks. As an evo owner myslef there are 2 people: people with protein skimmers, and people with out. I have had tons of success with bi monthy water changes, and I do not have the skimmer. IMO the only reason why you would need a skimmer is of you had more than 3 fish in there which in that case, you would need extra nutrient export. Second thing would be getting rid of that pesky ole sponge. Watch Nano_joe's video on yotube or look at my tank thread to find out how to build it. Hope this helps, tagging along!
Thanks for the suggestion bir4y, hopefully I am able to get the CUC in there sooner than later. It has been challenging finding the opportunity to. Once I get that going updates will most definitely follow. What are your thoughts on putting a halloween crab in the tank?
I also have a fluval sea evo 13.5 gallon tank. I'm also new to the hobby also. All I had in mine when I started my cycle was dry rock/live sand and I dosed with fluval cycle as the instructions said. It took mine 17 days to cycle and I kept a log of it and I keep my log going for my own records. When it cycled that's when I did a 2 gallon water change and wait a day or so then added a clean up crew to get rid of the algae. About a week ago I added 2 clowns and a BTA. I plan on adding more later but just enjoying what I have right now.
Similar threads
- Question
New Posts
-
-
-
-
Black Friday Cyber Monday SBB- Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Blowout- 1500 Corals!- Latest: VintageReefer
-
