I've Been Thinking!(NEVER A GOOD THING)

[b125killer]

Patience I have, restraint is another story. I'm hoping i can add life before Christmas. I need to restrain my self from not over stocking the tank.

[LizStreithorst]

Restrain yourself.  This is salt water,  It's not like fresh where you can change water at will.  Go slow.

[Mugwump]

Restrain yourself.  This is salt water,  It's not like fresh where you can change water at will.  Go slow.

+1....ditto......slow and easy....

[wsantia1]

Restrain yourself.  This is salt water,  It's not like fresh where you can change water at will.  Go slow.

+1....ditto......slow and easy....

+2

[b125killer]

Found a hitchhiker today a Asterina sp. star. I took him out, there like Trumpet snails in fresh water. Given the chance they will take over the tank. It's a good sign, the tank is supporting life.

[Mugwump]

surprise!!!.....hopefully the only one too...

[b125killer]

I also got a fist full of macroalgae for the refugem. I figured with the nitrate being high the plants should help out. It was also the last thing I needed to get the refugem complete. Things are looking good in there, I'm happy with it so far.

[Mugwump]

...Nice....I like it.....sweeeet !

[b125killer]

It was a nice surprise but he had to go. I'm thinking it might not take as long as I was thinking to cycle it.

[b125killer]

Starting week three, things are starting to turn green. It's a good sign, pretty soon I'll need a clean up crew. I also need a different protein skimmer.  The one I got is a piece of poo! Unfortunately the spot I made in the sump is rather small for a skimmer. I have found a few but there kind of expensive.

[Mugwump]

...great, it's coming along nicely.......slow and steady, as it should be....nice job, Scott...

[b125killer]

Thanks, it has been slow. Things are starting to happen so that makes me happy.

[Mugwump]

Thanks, it has been slow. Things are starting to happen so that makes me happy.

+1....

[wsantia1]

Looks good Scott.

[b125killer]

Thanks Guys, It took 4 weeks to cycle the tank. My water parameters  dropped to 0. I had a friend price a clean up crew package for me. It had over 200 critters in it! and he wanted $125. plus $50. for shipping! I told he he needs to put down the pipe!  I asked why he would put so many critters in a newly cycled tank. He said to clean up the algae quickly. I asked what happens when they clean everything and there's no algae left. he said that half of them will become food for the other half. That just doesn't sound right to me. More likely most will die and spike my parameters. So I got my own clean up crew, There doing a good Job too. There's also a purple feather duster in there. She is a filter feeder but she needs to be fed. I wouldn't consider he part of the clean up crew. the rocks where completely covered in algae Friday.   
2 emerald crabs, 12  Hermit Crabs, 3 Turbo Snails, 3  Cerith Snails, and 4  Nassarius Snails.