WheresTheReef July 10, 2014 July 10, 2014 I currently have a 40g breeder mixed reef that has been running for about 1 year. It has inspired my 6yr old son to get a tank of his own. He would like nemo (of course) with an anemone (e.g BTA), shrimp, and a few easy corals. I have a 20g long that I want to start up for him. Do you recommend starting with dry rock or buying used rock? I started my 40 with dry rock and went through the diatoms, cyano and all the crappy stuff that goes along with it. If going with used rock, would you use a bleach/acid wash to kill all the stuff off to avoid leaching and unwanted hitchhikers? I am thinking of running my son's 20g separately next to my 40 until it is established, but eventually tie it into my sump for ease of maintenance. Would you instead recommend to tie it in from the beginning? I am concerned about it messing with my 40 (especially those darn sensitive colorful sticks aka. SPS). Any advice from your experiences is greatly appreciated.
gwweber July 10, 2014 July 10, 2014 Would be more then happy to give your tank a jumpstart. Doing a water change soon and my water is very healthy and I have a lot of rock in my sump that is ready to go. You can replace the rock you use or throw in a few bucks as I am getting ready to order some more. I live in boyds so we are close. I also run multiple tanks off of one sump, it is very easy to maintain that way, but you take the chance of having issues with more then one tank if you have problems. I would not tie the two tanks together till it is totally stocked for at least a month to make sure you don't have any thing in the tank that can harm the 40
nova423 July 10, 2014 July 10, 2014 Take your time and follow the 7ps, prior proper planning prevents pisspoor performance!
WheresTheReef July 10, 2014 Author July 10, 2014 Would be more then happy to give your tank a jumpstart. Doing a water change soon and my water is very healthy and I have a lot of rock in my sump that is ready to go. You can replace the rock you use or throw in a few bucks as I am getting ready to order some more. I live in boyds so we are close. I also run multiple tanks off of one sump, it is very easy to maintain that way, but you take the chance of having issues with more then one tank if you have problems. I would not tie the two tanks together till it is totally stocked for at least a month to make sure you don't have any thing in the tank that can harm the 40 Sounds great. Not ready just yet. I am planning to order an overflow box, drill the tank, and build the stand between this week and the next. Take your time and follow the 7ps, prior proper planning prevents pisspoor performance!Thanks, I learned that with the first tank.
treesprite July 10, 2014 July 10, 2014 Good luck with the new project. I hope you make your son do most/all of the work, and make him stand by and observe anything you do for it.
Tracy G July 10, 2014 July 10, 2014 Honestly if you attach it to your current tank you can avoid a real cycle. In fact will add stability to the tank increasing the volume of water. What you need to be carful is as you add rock or sand you may have die off on that but if your tank is established well it should not be too bad. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
WheresTheReef July 11, 2014 Author July 11, 2014 Thanks for you comments. I plan to have my son help every step of the way. He is super excited!
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