What's next after LiveRock???

[Interocean]

Hi !I'm a newbie as far as setting up of a marine tank is concern

But so far I hope I've did most things correct........
My 3 feet tank already has a Remora Pro skimmer & a 6" DSB with 66lbs of cured Liverock /all these liverock has full coraline algae on them.
I've also started to drip calcium onto my sump & has checked the calcium level in my tank to be around 450- 500 ppm.

So the ques. here is what's next?

1.do I need & how long if needed to on lights while Liverock is
cycling?

2. do I add fish 1st or invertebates after my tank has gone thru nitrogen cycle?

3.also when can I started also to add some soft/hard corals into my tank

Hope I've asked the above ques sensibly........

All advice is much needed & appreciated!

[DgenR8]

Originally posted by Interocean
Hi !I'm a newbie as far as setting up of a marine tank is concern

Don't let that get you down, we were all in the same place at one time

But so far I hope I've did most things correct........
My 3 feet tank already has a Remora Pro skimmer & a 6" DSB with 66lbs of cured Liverock /all these liverock has full coraline algae on them.
I've also started to drip calcium onto my sump & has checked the calcium level in my tank to be around 450- 500 ppm.

So the ques. here is what's next?

1.do I need & how long if needed to on lights while Liverock is
cycling?

If you want to keep that coralline alive, yes you do need to provide light

2. do I add fish 1st or invertebates after my tank has gone thru nitrogen cycle?

Once the cycle is complete, start with a clean up crew. I prefer snails over crabs, but you will get mixed opinions on that.

3.also when can I started also to add some soft/hard corals into my tank

I say start with a hardy fish or two so you can get your feet wet. Corals are a little more particular, and you should get some practice in keeping water quality stable first.


Hope I've asked the above ques sensibly........

All advice is much needed & appreciated!

You did just fine

[bennerkla]

If you have a 6" DSB you should try a Sand Shifting Starfish.

[DgenR8]

I prefer to have Nassarius snails sift my sand, those stars sift in search of the fauna that we try so hard to maintain in the bed, and are counter productive in my eyes.

[naesco]

I would add to DgenR8's post.
IMO wait until a month after your tank cycles before you add your first fish and add one fish per month thereafter.
The biggest mistake many reefers make is going to a LFS and getting sucked into buying several fish at a time.
Or, ordering online where you are forced to buy several fish to justify the shipping costs.

REEForm: Never buy a fish from the Philippines or Indonesia where the use of cyanide is rampant.

[R33f3r]

I wouldn't get a sand sifter of any type, you wait from months trying to get your sandbed seeded with life and all it does is eat the good stuff. IMO, I would get a conch instead. I have seen the damage the sand sifters can do.

After LR, you should think about a cleanup crew.

[Interocean]

Hi guys.........

Really great replies I've had received from you guys

Yah, heard a lot about this cleanup crew but can I've some pics posted here to know more about their species.......

And btw, can this cleanup crew be mixed with all kind of fishes or clam later on???

Still searching for the right combination........

Really appreciated those valuable replies you guys posted!

Thanks