new tank set up

[melsmom]

I have a question that I thought you guys could help me with. I am setting up a 29 gallon bowfront for poison fish. Only 2. the question is this...I have cycled the sand (was in a different tank) for close to 3 months, took rock from main 55 gallon tank, (there was pleanty to spare in fact I probably still have too much) filled 1/2 way with water from 55 the remaining water was newly made. Oh the rock is BRIGHT purple with algea. does this tank still need 2 mos of cycling? I think I know the answer, but not totally sure. if not that long how long? it's been up 2 weeks like it is and so far everything is stable. planning to put in 2 fuzzy dwarf lions.
Thank You

 

[returnofsid]

Depending on how stable the 55 was and the health of the live rock, you'll probably be just fine. Regarding the sand, normally you don't want to move large amounts of sand from one tank to another. Under the first 1/2" or so of sand, there's all kinds of nasty gasses and detritus trapped. Stirring this up can release these nasties. However, in 3 months, there probably aren't many nasties present. If it's been set up for 2 weeks with no spikes, I think you're safe. In the past 2 weeks, what have you been testing for?

The only other thing I'd consider is if 2 fuzzy dwarf lions might not be too much for a 29 gallon tank. Also, will 2 get along with one another in that small of an environment?

 

[melsmom]

the 55 is very stable everything always checks out fine. (I take water in to be tested, I'm told the next day of the results) The rock is doing well I am assuming as there is lots of life, ie those stinking little anemone popping up EVERYWHERE that's my next battle) and lots of little featherdusters as well. That's my assumption that it's doing well. not to mention very purple. the sand is not a huge deep bed as well. it's very shallow infact, so I'm sort of wondering if I should add more. maybe only 1/2 to 1/4 deep. I'm still confused with the sand issues as one person will say dont use, everyone else says use. I have crushed coral in the 55 but clean it really well once a week. not much dirty comes out. as far as testing I am using the little strips here at home, and it's reading just as my 55 does. everything is where it should be. of course as I mentioned weekly the lfs is testing.
I dont know if the 2 will be fine or not. that's sort of another question I suppose, but from what I read it is. Of course probably not if I use my common sense. I dont want a lot of fish in there really. One cool one. (it's in my bedroom) and some rockwork, then would like to add in some corals eventually as well. Maybe I should probably wait. I'm worried that I will be getting ahead of myself and add that fish too soon and end up harming him. ???? Love the Lion fish!!! Thanks. I really appreciate your opinions and knowledge!

 

[returnofsid]

Another thing to consider is how reef safe Fuzzy Dwarfs are. I recall doing some research on them because my son wanted one...lol. Seems that there were varied opinions. I do remember that they're not very active and like to hide in caves, so make sure to supply them with rockwork with hiding places. Here's a great write up on them. Seems to indicate that the Dwarves are reef safe for the most part, but that you'll need a larger tank to keep more than one. However, I have also read that they're harder to feed than other Lionfish. Might have to wean from live food to frozen.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/fm/feature/index.php

As for adding more sand, if you do, don't add it all at once. Don't want to suffocate what life is in the existing sand. There's an easy way to add sand to an existing tank that minimizes sand storms as well. Use a funnel and length of PVC pipe. Put pipe in tank and just above bottom of existing sand, place funnel in top of pipe and slowly pour sand in. This will allow you more accuracy in placement as well.

 

[Sascha D]

Great advice Returnofsid

I just wanted to drop alittle line on the dwarf lions. Yes they will be harder to get on dead food than the larger species. Make sure you do alot of research on converting them. I completely suggest using a feeding box / basket..

Also dwarf lions aren't going to swim around alot. Many times you are going to look in the tank and not notice a single living thing. They are primarily ambush predators and will spend alot of time just chillin in their favorite place. For a kid it is not going to be very exciting.

 

[Sascha D]

...I dont want a lot of fish in there really. One cool one. (it's in my bedroom) and some rockwork, then would like to add in some corals eventually as well.

The rockwork is going to be very important. The more caves and corals you have the less you are going to see your lions and the harder it will be to feed them. Also the more you have to put your hands in the tank, the more likely it is that you may get stung. All it takes is that one time you want to attach a coral to a piece of LR, grab the rock and realize that your dwarf is sitting on the backside of it. It will ruin your day

Thats usually why people put them in FOWLR and FO tanks. The reason they may or may not be "reef safe" is because they will eat your inverts but I wouldn't worry about the corals.