Updates Pictures - 30gal

[kouma]

Full tank shot.

[kouma]

What is the name is this fish? and what does it eat? and does it get along with damsels?

[kouma]

my FOWLR setup

[cich1]

in the second pic the name of that fish is a pajama cardinal its a pretty timid fish and probably won't do well with the damsels, also i notice you have a blue chromis in there, they are a schooling fish and do best in groups they are pretty timid also and probably won't well with the damsels even though i believe they are a type of damsel too, has your tank finished cycling yet?

[upstoday]

Is that one of the mini CPR fuges you have in the front of the tank? The little clear box? Let me know it how works, I might have to go that route myself for a bit.

[kouma]

That clear box is used in case I needed to divide a fish, i.e. I really mean one or a weak one.

The tank hasn't exactly cycled yet, but my LFS had a deal on all marine fish %20 off, so I though of buying couple of more hardy fish to help my tank cycle, I also bought 3 lbs of LR too.

[FishinInTheDark]

What are your levels now? I recommend getting some fresh saltwater ready now, so that when you have to do an emergency water change in order to save your fish, you'll be ready.

Reef chromis are either really hardy or really sensitive: the latter being more common. Even though they are damsels, they tend to up and die even in established systems.

PJ cardinals are fairly hardy, but pretty shy. They are easily bullied, and you should expect it to be stressed by the cycle and aggressive tankmates.

You're fully stocked now. Don't be tempted to get more fish. When one dies, you can replace it, but let's make sure the cycle is done first. Try to remember: even though you saved 20% on these fish, if they die, you're flushing that money right down the toilet!

Keep us apprised, and we'll help every step of the way!

[kouma]

Thanks for all the help. My Nitrite was .50ppm 2-3 days ago, now its down to zero. What does that mean? could my tank be cycled already. As for Ammonia and Nitrates, I didn't measure these yet as I still haven't purchased a test kit for them.

Before I started my SW tank I used a FW established Penguin 330 bio-wheel filter, but I made sure I cleaned the bio-wheels with tape water first, and I guessed the chlorine in tap water would kill all the FW beneficial bacteria. I also used bio-balls (those cement thingies in Fluval filters) from an established FW fluval 303.

Could the bacteria from my FW tanks still be alive and actually helped cycle my current tank faster? Also what is the different between a FW and a SW cycle? since they both go through the Nitrogen Cycle.

[kouma]

Final question, all my fish are eating flakes except for my bajama cardinal; don't they eat flakes? what do they eat?

[Zack]

Final question, all my fish are eating flakes except for my bajama cardinal; don't they eat flakes? what do they eat?

I found myis shrimp works very well for them.

[Kent_the_Fish]

that is a beautiful tank

it's amazing, that's what it is

[kouma]

I just tried brine shrimp and the pajama cardinal ate!!

[Zack]

:D :D

[FishinInTheDark]

Freshwater nitrifying bacteria die in saltwater, and vice versa. The cycle between FW and SW is the same process, but live rock makes it go faster.

It sounds like your cycle might be coming to an end if the nitrites are zero, but we couldn't be sure without ammonia and nitrate readings. Luckily, nitrites are the most toxic of all the nitrogen biproducts, so your fish should do fine.

[nanoman123]

what is that blue and black fish in teh middle? i LOVE it :D


~Matt~

[Zack]

That is a damsel, blue striped is what my LFS calls them. That what they called them at yours kouma?

The Blue one is a Neon Damsel (Neoglyphidodon Oxyodon). It gets to about 5.5 inches in length and looses the nice colors as it darkens up with age. This guy can be expected to be pretty dominating in the tank as it grows.

[kouma]

yep, my lfs calls them stripped neon damsels

They are pretty sharp looking as a young fish. Too bad they dont stay that way....

[MikeS]

Looking good....

However, I'd remove those large volcanic rocks. Often they are high in metal and other things you don't want leaching into your tank. You can replace them with the dry coral rubble rock, that works much better and makes a decent base for LR...

Mike

Oh you right Mike, I must need anopther cup of coffee to have missed that one.

Reef Bones from Premium Aquatics seems to be a good deal. I think it was 40 lbs for 55.00 or so...Thats a buck twenty five a pound. You could always trade the rest of the unused rock for something you need or save for when you upgrade in tanks if thats a possibility later on....