My progress so far!

[hoopsdaddy]

Yes you can and welcome to a great forum!

 

[TRAUMA]

welcome

 

[txfan]

Just checking in. My cycle is complete but I still haven't added fish yet. I'm waiting on my CUC to get here next week before adding anything else. I've noticed a few brownish spots on rocks and sand. I'm assuming this is some sort of algae bloom, and if I remember right this is common after the cycle isn't it? I've been running my lights for a week now. 10 hours actinic, 8 hours regular. The actinics come on an hour before and stay on an hour later. Anything I should change?

 

[ErinCahir]

Nope. The bloom you are seeing is diatoms. Totally normal.

 

[txfan]

Nope. The bloom you are seeing is diatoms. Totally normal.

Awesome. Thank you.

 

[lilmatty5dimes]

Do you have any pics of your tank? I'm sure every1 here is also waiting. Thanks lil matty

 

[txfan]

Do you have any pics of your tank? I'm sure every1 here is also waiting. Thanks lil matty

To be honest I haven't posted one because I am 100% not satisfied with my rockscaping. It drives me absolutely crazy and i'm afraid i'm going to mess with them so much i'll fumble one and crack the class. BUT I will swallow my pride and post one after work today. I have about 60 pounds in there right now and am aware I need another 20-40 pounds. I believe most people recommend 2 pounds per gallon and right now i'm only about 1.3 pounds per gallon.

 

[lilmatty5dimes]

I'm sure it'll be just fine. If anything maybe some1 can give you an idea of placing rocks and helping you with your rockscaping. Thanks lil matty

 

[txfan]

 

[txfan]

First try at uploading pics...

 

[txfan]

Sorry about the phone pics but its all I have so far.

 

[little_fish]

Looks good, I like the arch. Just make sure your rocks are stable. Snails, crabs and fish can all shift your rockwork around.

 

[lilmatty5dimes]

+1 on lilfish.

 

[txfan]

Yeah I need to do something about that when I get them where I want them. Most people use some sort of silicone don't they?

 

[little_fish]

I would actually use zip ties, that way you can change the rock work if you ever decide you dont like it. But a more permeant method is to use epoxy and superglue. Silicon wont cure fast enough be useful.

 

[txfan]

I never thought about zip ties. I'm guessing you are supposed to use the 100% plastic kind? I'm sure the kind with metal in them is bad for a tank.

 

[little_fish]

yes sir!