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MY New Red Sea Max 250

N

newsaltwater

Hello All”
I am new to saltwater tank. I have read a lot and but still have a lot to learn. I recently purchased a Red Sea Max 250 (RSM250) and so far I love it.
I put in the tank:
65 pounds of Dry rock
20 Pounds of live Rock
40 pounds of dry sand
1 bag of live sand
RO/DI unit with float and shut off
3 raw shrimp
I filled the tank on Sunday, April 25, 2010 and now I am waiting. On Wednesday I saw something in the tank moving I think it was a crab. I am really enjoying watching the ecosystem mature. I am still cycling with No lights. I am waiting for an ammonia spike so I added the 3 raw shrimp hoping to kick start it. Well for now I am being patient, watching and trying to learn as much as I can. If anyone one can offer me advice I would appreciate it.
 
M

Mbodell

Sounds great, just remember to take it slow and ask lots of questions.

Feel free to post up some pics and Welcome to the club!
 
Phyl

Phyl

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
You must have done plenty of reading before getting started. You're off to a fantastic start! From base rock v. live rock to the shrimp for cycle. I'm very impressed!

The tank will go through some ugly phases in its first 30 days or so. There will be a diatom bloom (brown "dust" on the sand and rocks) and an ammonia bloom (cloudy water) at the very least. Don't let it bother you when it happens. Just wait out the storm.

Do you have stocking plans yet?
 
SirFragalot

SirFragalot

newsaltwater said:
Hello All”
I am new to saltwater tank. I have read a lot and but still have a lot to learn. I recently purchased a Red Sea Max 250 (RSM250) and so far I love it.
I put in the tank:
65 pounds of Dry rock
20 Pounds of live Rock
40 pounds of dry sand
1 bag of live sand
RO/DI unit with float and shut off
3 raw shrimp
I filled the tank on Sunday, April 25, 2010 and now I am waiting. On Wednesday I saw something in the tank moving I think it was a crab. I am really enjoying watching the ecosystem mature. I am still cycling with No lights. I am waiting for an ammonia spike so I added the 3 raw shrimp hoping to kick start it. Well for now I am being patient, watching and trying to learn as much as I can. If anyone one can offer me advice I would appreciate it.
Click to expand...

+50 on the fishless cycle. I remember when I started, I was at the tank every night with a flashlight to see what life would come out of the rocks and sand. What you saw was probably a hitchiker from one of the live rocks you got. I'm sure there are many more. Congrats on getting into the hobby and good luck.
 
N

newsaltwater

Thank you all for the warm welcome

I know patience is a virtue in this hobby. It is funny that SirFragalot stated he was at the tank every night with a flashlight to see what life would come out, well I do that now. Lol
I would like to have 1 tang , a clown or two put I am still studying what fish goes with what and the most amount of fish will probably be 6 or less. This will be a reef tank one day and I am now trying to find out about corals. I like the corals that wave in the water and colorful corals. I do not know what the names of all the corals are yet but it is in my studies. I have 2 korlia #3 power heads to place in the tank for even more flow. I am sure I will be asking about placement of the extra power heads and how to work the protein skimmer when that time comes. Right now I only have the sponge filter going. I will try and post a photo our 2 once I figure out the size thing.

Any advice will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Rich L
 
N

newsaltwater

Trying to upload photos but I get this Error msg
An Error Has Occurred!
The upload folder is full. Please try a smaller file and/or contact an administrator

The photos are 117kb

I will keep trying
 
JRWOHLER

JRWOHLER

I would open an account on site like photobucket.com.
I have some Kenya Tree for you....if you like wavy in the water sorts....but read about it because it is almost invasive. In any case I have some 6 inch ish trees that I need to give away.
 
N

newsaltwater

Well thank you

I will read up on them. I do not think I can store them until the tank is ready. I do not want to put anything in the tank before its time. Any Ideas?
 
N

newsaltwater

The water is starting to smell I guess the raw shrimp is doing its thing. I will be taking a water sample to Ocean Gallery to let Brian test it for me. He has been a great help with helping me select the tank for my budget and experience level (I am almost 1 week old in saltwater tanks lol)
 
M

Mbodell

You don't need to leave the shrimp in for more than 24 hours. Also it will smell terrible when you take it out, so I would recommend a ziplock or something so you don't have to smell it.
 
R

rgarofalo

give the shrimp a few days you will see a bacteria bubble around it. when it looks like that take it out. Its kind of like its own little forcefield
 
N

newsaltwater

Wow this hobby is so cool! I put raw shrimp in on Thursday and I now have an ammonia spike (1.0) yea ;D . The temp is always between 78-80 I have noticed. Will Sunday makes a full week of cycling the tank.

For planning a head reasons I have some questions.

- Is there any type of GOOD auto feeders?
- What is a good combination for a clean up Crew.
- What do you think about these fish for a reef tank
Bi-color Dottyback
Blue Chromis
Percula Clown
Blue Tank (are there any shrimp the help with itch on a tank? Something I heard)?
- I like the Corals that wave in the water or colorfull can anyone make any suggestion?

I know I only have a 65 Gallon tank and If any of the fish grow to big I may have to trade or talk the wife about a bigger tank.

Thank you everyone for your time
Rich L
 
greybolt03

greybolt03

i have had my red sea max for just about a year now and have to say i love it the only problems i have run into is the skimmer is hard to keep adjusted and the heat is very high on the tank people say it is cause of the pump for the skimmer putting off so much heat...

i am in plainsboro nj and have some beginner corals like leathers pom pom xena zoes if your interested let me know
 
N

newsaltwater

Your tank looks very nice. Right now I am still cycling the tang. I have not ran the protein skimmer pump except to check it. I heard I was going to have a problem with adjusting the skimmer but I am sure that will be another learning experience. Once my tank cycles I may take you up on the corals. I am in Somerset NJ

Thank you
Rich L
 
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