Crazymman's 55 Gal Build

[crazymman]

So since I'm redoing basically my whole tank, I figured I should start a tank build thread. Just got back from picking up 53 pounds of fiji at 2 dollars a pound off of CL!!!
Also went to my LFS today and got 2 Geissman bulbs. One aquablue plus and one Acitinic plus. Since there 35 bucks a pop I'll have to wait on the other 2 til next payday. Lots of pics soon to come.

 

[Smitty]

Cool...we look forward to it. :)

 

[crazymman]

I've got a question already. Since I'm redoing all my scape and adding some more substrate should I take out my fish and put them in a holding tank til I am done?

 

[coolhandgoose]

I don't think you have to as long as all the rock you got won't set off a cycle, just add the sand slowly

 

[crazymman]

Ok, the rock should be cured. She said it was in her tank for 3 years I believe and she had it in a big tub with heaters and power heads. I'll be sure to keep an eye on my levels and do water changes as needed though.

 

[DJ404]

Sounds like you got a good deal!

 

[crazymman]

Well, just finished getting all the rock in. Had about 3 or 4 pounds left that i just couldnt find a spot for. Did a water test and my nitrates are at 20ppm so I'll be doing a big water change tomorrow. To tired to post pics tonight so I'll post them tomorrow. There is what seems to be quite a bit of dead hair algae on the rocks. Could this cause a problem? Theres also a few spounges that look dead to me as well. She didnt have any lights on the rock. Could this be why that stuff died?

 

[reeffreak]

How come you are starting over?

The dead sponges and hair algae can add nutrients to the water.Having no lights wouldn't of kill the sponges but will kill the algae.

Good luck!

 

[mikewurtz]

Can't wait to see the progress. God speed.

 

[crazymman]

Not really starting over just adding rock. Because my tank had alot of lava rock in it and I took it all out.

 

[crazymman]

Just did my water change and now I'm gonna start uploading pics. Also picked up a yellow watchman goby! He's aclimating now.

 

[crazymman]

Was aslo gonna get a 6 line wrasse. Had him bagged up and ready to go when I saw what appeared to be possible Ich spots on him. So I didnt get him, I really wanted it too.

 

[crazymman]

Well I had to use pics from my phone because I cant upload pics from my camera for some reason.
Here's a pic from before i added the rock.
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad230/crazymman/FTS/DSCN0413.jpg

 

[DJ404]

Lookin good so far!

 

[crazymman]

Here's the new rock still in the tub.
http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad230/crazymman/FTS/DSCN0415.jpghttp://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad230/crazymman/FTS/DSCN0413.jpg

 

[crazymman]

And the rock in the tank.

 

[crazymman]

It's still not just how i would want it but it's alot better than before I think.

 

[crazymman]

Here's my Goby

 

[coolhandgoose]

Good looking tank. Good call on the six line, you definately don't want to start introducing things to your tank that are obvious when you don't have a QT.

 

[yote]

Your right.It looks a whole lot better without that lava rock.
Looks great.