Oh no, another Noob!

[zombie]

I was going to start with first livestock this weekend. I was thinking one Ocellaris, but you say shrimp; recommendation? Thanks.

He was referring to a frozen shrimp as an ammonia source. It's best practice to precycle the tank for about 2 months before livestock is added.

 

[Shredder]

Agreed, however, I prefer this approach. 20% weekly water changes throughout.

1. 2-4 weeks (until ammonia and nitrites are zero) just cooking the rock

2. Add a couple snails and bottle of copepods. Run 4 weeks feeding 1 or 2 pellets a day and a couple drops of phyto.

3. Start adding fish one at a time.

Sounds good. I was planning to do my first tests at the end of the week to see where I am sitting.

While I am familiar with them, I have never used copepods or phytoplankton. I know Algae Barn has both and I like the idea of using a local company. Dosing recommendation for each?

Thanks!

 

[Shredder]

Welcome. Looks like you have a great start. If you get a chance come down to Aquatic Art on Fridays or Saturdays and take a look around. We always have some great deals.

Thanks! I live in Central Denver, but my monster-in-law is in Highlands Ranch and it seems we come down every other weekend or so. Looking forward to it.

 

[zombie]

They will reproduce on their own, you just need to seed the tank and occasionally replenish to ensure species diversity. I add a bottle of copepods at the start of a tank and then add another bottle every 6 months or so. Phyto is good to get the population booming, but won't need to be dosed at a regular interval after the tank matures (about 3-6 month mark).

 

[Shredder]

He was referring to a frozen shrimp as an ammonia source. It's best practice to precycle the tank for about 2 months before livestock is added.

LOL! I did say I was a noob! Thanks.

 

[ReeferMatt]

I mean a whole shrimp from the grocery store. You should really cycle the tank before adding any livestock.

 

[Miah2bzy]

I mean a whole shrimp from the grocery store. You should really cycle the tank before adding any livestock.

I like using bactiv for a bacteria supplement and the use sinking pellets or some fish food for ammonia. That's me though. Also, can't go wrong with algae barn, I used them on my latest build for my 60 and its worked well.
Pictures?