NExt Step Question

[J McCauley]

I now have RO/DI water at the right salinity, 180 pounds of "dead" rock in tank from ReeferRocks (looks great!!!), 60 pounds of cured LR in refugium, and water temp is 78 degrees. If the LR in the refugium is already cured and the other rock I have is "dead" can I start adding few hardy soft corals? There are no fish in the system at this time.

 

[snobanker]

How long has it been set up? What are your water params? As long as the tank has cycled you should be able too.

 

[wrightme43]

That is a very good question. In my experince I have found it is better to be very patient with a reef tank. (I hate it too) If it were my tank I would add the live rock, and let the tank stabilze. It is my understanding that it is best to add the fish slowly at first and let them get stable in the tank, then add the corals. What happens (my opinion) is that each time you add a fish the tank goes thru a mini cycle. Corals dont like any cycles at all. If you just have to add a coral, I would add some green star poloyps or some green mushrooms. They seem to be the hardiest I have found. Even when live rock is cured it changes in a new enviroment, My brain says it shouldnt, but test kits tell a different story. Hope that helps you in some way. Steve

 

[wrightme43]

Well I may be off base here, I reread your post, is the refuguim in line with the tank with the reef bones? if it has been running in tandem and all tests are good. then go for it. If you are moving the rock from one seperate system to another I would wait. Sorry about that. Steve

 

[J McCauley]

The refugium is in line with the main tank and the LR was from someone elses tank. So with what you have told me I think I need to wait. I might even add some new LR to the main tank, which will make the sytem go through a regular cycle. This make sense?

 

[wrightme43]

It makes good sense, There is a tremendous reward for paitence in reeftanks. I know I have failed in the past and paid a heavy price for it. I am sure others have as well. If you can do it, you will have a great experince. Glad your here. Keep coming back. Steve

 

[gobie]

if your fuge is running inline with your system than I would aquascape the tank let it run for a week. test your tank for ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate. if there is any question about your system it will start to show then.