[AnotherLousy1]

Hello all - Happened to stumble across this wonderful site while out doing as much research as possible on my fairly new saltwater tank. Looking forward to chatting with everyone and learning techniques to ensure my tank can be the best possible.

I've been in the freshwater world for about 5 years now, having a 10 gallon Betta tank, a 58 gallon tank with Australian Rainbows, a mated pair of Kribenisis, Pristella Tetras and Monkey Loaches. Finally, an 85 gallon that happens to be my mix tank, with neon and cardinal tetras, a couple barbs (the ones that have survived over the years), rams, SAEs, etc. All tanks are planted as well.

As for my new small piece of the ocean, it's an Oceanic 29 BioCube that has been running for 5 weeks now. I have approximately 35/40 lbs of liverock and a CUC of 15 mixed hermits, 10 nerite/10 cerith, and 5 astrea snails, and 2 peppermint shrimp. Right now, I have a toadstool leather, pulsing xenia, zoos popping out from liverock, a small rock with mushrooms and a ricordea. The tank is sitting for the time-being as I am trying to be as patient as possible (although I must admit it is very difficult) prior to adding anything else.

I have upgraded a few things in the BC 29 to include adding a protein skimmer, and upgrading the stock pump to a Rio 6hf taking me from 243 gph @ 20 watts to 350 gph @ 15 watts. I've also increased the flow from chamber 1 to 2 by cutting the small piece of plastic that was prohibiting some of the flow. Last but not least, I've got my lighting upgrade from nanotuners.com which will add 2 50/50s to the existing 10K and acintic lighting along with upgraded fans. Learned all of this from a forum I am a part of from those who had already performed these "upgrades".

Since the orignal photos I've taken, I have re-aquascaped the liverock and will try to get photos as soon as possible. Sorry for the long post, but trying to introduce myself properly. Good to be a part of another forum.

AnotherLousy1