After owning FW tanks for many years and always wanting to do SW, I figured now is as good a time as any. I have been collecting all of the equipment over the past 2 weeks. I am starting this chronicle from the very beginning.
Here is what I have gathered so far:
- 14g BioCube
- 48W PC Lighting - 24 10000K, 24 Actinic
- Oceanic BioCube Skimmer - Not expecting miracles, but I figure any little bit will help.
- 50W Hydor Theo Heater
- 137 GPH pump
- Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, pH, kH, Calcium. Phosphate test kits.
Here is what I am looking to get in the next week in order to set up:
- 20 lbs LS
- 15-20 lbs LR
- LR Rubble
As I bought the tank used, about 2 months old, I have already rinsed the tank out and wiped it down with vinegar. I removed the bio balls in the center chamber and I plan to replace them with LR Rubble. The heater and pump are located in the third chamber. I removed the filter cartridge and sponge filter. I plan on running filter floss which will be changed weekly and carbon periodically.
My plan is to stock with only 1 or 2 fish, CUC, and different softies. I am in no hurry and will not be adding anything for at least a month. I have read enough posts here to realize what can happen by rushing.
These pictures were taken as I was performing a leak test, which it passed, before putting the tank in its final location.
I will be posting pics when I finally get some SW into this thing with LS and LR. Wish me luck.
