AllenIsbell's Marine Aquarium Experience

**AllenIsbell** · 01-22-2013, 10:10 PM

Wow. Last night, I recorded a 10 minute video clip introducing my aquarium and it got currupt during the transfer to my computer.

*sigh*

I guess I'll be redoing it tonight.

**AllenIsbell** · 01-23-2013, 12:48 AM

Pictures! Video will probably be tomorrow... :(

Tank shot:

Full shot:

Another full shot with the exposure lowered to show the stand:

**Cliff** · 01-23-2013, 01:11 AM

I really like how you arranged the rocks in your tank. There are a lot of cave like structures that will help to provide more surface area to grow more BB and give your fish a hiding spot if they feel threatened. Good job

The stand also looks really good as well

**AllenIsbell** · 01-23-2013, 03:36 AM

Thanks, Cliff! Thanks for the gift, too!

The tank video is uploading now. I will post it on here tomorrow. I won't be up when it's finished.

Good night, all.

**AllenIsbell** · 01-23-2013, 10:22 AM

Aquarium Vid:

Watch in HD!

**jeffs99dime** · 01-23-2013, 05:21 PM

Very nice. Looks good. Should be interesting to see how it progresses.

**AllenIsbell** · 01-24-2013, 02:05 AM

Yeah, man. Same here.

I tested the PH, and it's at 8.3.

I haven't seeded the tank with anything, but I did notice that there were a good many dead worms in there from the rocks. Maybe they started the nitrogen cycle? They are clear with black sections. Maybe it's a digestive tract of a worm or something.

I am going to test for nitrites and nitrates tomorrow.

Also, I THINK I am seeing some green algae on the top of the rocks. I have the lights on for 9 hours a day.

The protein skimmer is making lots of bubbles. The collection cup has about 1/2" of liquid.

**Cliff** · 01-24-2013, 03:20 AM

Cycling a tank always seams like the home stretch for me

What are you using or planning to use for a ammonia sourse to cycle the tank ?

**AllenIsbell** · 01-24-2013, 10:36 AM

Maybe a piece of shrimp.

**Cliff** · 01-24-2013, 11:43 AM

Pure ammonia would certainly be a lot better as you won't be adding any additional nitrates and phosphates into the system that way. If that happens, the nitrates and phosphates will get soaked into your rocks and leach out back into the water over time. These types of situations can lead to long term algae battles which are not fun.