New to Reefing! Need help

Aqua_boi

Aqua_boi

New member
I'm new to the whole salt water Reefing. Always wanted to start my own salt water aquarium, but after doing some research I thought it was going to be difficult and never did. But anyways went ahead with it now and I have a 5 gallon fluval v spec nano aquarium and need some help getting started. I've searched a couple pet supply shops, and I found that 10 lb live sand is $20! Pretty expensive i think. Was wondering if anyone can sell me some of there live rock, or has any live rock or know anyone who might be giving some away to get started?


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That is about the going rate for live sand, I would suggest buying that because you never know what you are bringing into your tank when you purchase used live sand. But i am sure there are others on here that would think otherwise but up to you
 
I agree with dgagvgeg and say start with new live sand and rock. You'll find that it's best to be patient in the hobby. Good luck and looking forward to seeing pics of your progress and setup!


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By any chance does anyone know how much aragonite, live sand and live rock do I need for my 5 gallon fluvalve v spec tank? And is aragontite ok instead of live sand? Sorry, just really new to this.


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I think you should go with dry rock and dry sand to start your tank. I'm guessing you'll need around 5 to 7 lbs of sand depending on how deep you want your sand bed. The old rule used to be 1 lb of DR per gallon it's up to you with a tank that size.
 
Livesand and Aragonite sand are the same, some sands are more coarse or fine then some but neither are more or less beneficial then the other. The only sand i have heard to stay away from is the black sand something about it grows algae. Also starting out with dry rock and sand you will need to put eventually a small piece of live rock so it can turn the dry rock and sand live. Also i wouldn't go more then 3pounds of rock and more then 1'-11/2' of sand. Do water changes every two weeks at the most. Also your fish selection is going to be very limited.
 
Go bare bottom. I went from sand to bare bottom on my Spec V and tank never looked better. And even if you go with sand, you need like only 5lbs for the Spec V. It has a narrow footprint and most of the tank volume is vertical.
 
I actually got my hands on some 15lb crushed coral for $12.99 at petsmart. I Like the look of it to. And got a few things. Just need live rock. anyone giving away 1 or 2? or know of anyone??
 
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[MENTION=2045]ninjamyst[/MENTION] I just don't like bare bottom though. Like them looking fuller :/


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Aqua_boi said:
[MENTION=2045]ninjamyst[/MENTION] I just don't like bare bottom though. Like them looking fuller :/


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Click to expand...

I'd be willing to give you some small LR to use to seed DR if you end up going that route. It will include a few Copepods guaranteed!


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I think u should get bigger tank they easier lol . Good luck lots of good guys that can rock a nano me ive been doing this 10 yrs and nanos rock me dam small tanks kick my azz . Maybe dont do fish make it a coral invert tank
 
I like madjoes idea of corals and inverts, less bioload. What were you hoping to include in your tank?
 
You'll learn to hate the crushed coral. Had it in my tank for a year and I just syphon 1 tank our and it's barebottom now until I get the other done and buy new sand
 
i have a 16g and 37 gal and i can not wait to shut them down and finish u my 105 for the fact it will be way easyer to take care of
 
Hey sup my brother happy to have you here this is an alsome place lots of cool people's that are welling to help and guide you all the way. cant wait to start my nuvo 40 thats for the summer time i bet by then you will have a biger tank also small is nice but biger is sexy my nuvo 10 aint pleasing me anymore lol

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Thanks for the advice and hooking me up with the tank bro. Yea awesome ppl here on Chicago Reefs! And thank you everyone for your advice and help. I just purchased some beautiful premium Caribbean LR on eBay from Puerto Rico. Also, If anyone has some soft corrals there giving away let me know. I'll be having some of the extra live rock, so I can def trade or whatever. View attachment 14516View attachment 14517View attachment 14515


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