Advise for starting a fish only Dymax IQ5 Tank

[ETHANLEOW]

I'm new to marine fish keeping. I'm intending to start a tank with the following:

Fishes: 2 to 3 false percula clown / ocellaris

Substrate: Fine Coral Sand

Others: Live Rocks

No corals / anemone

Due to my freshwater keeping hobby.. I already have some of the following:

1) API Ammonia test kit

2) API Nitrite test kit

3) APT Nitrate test kit

4) Petfran PH Pen

Some other solutions such as Seachem Prime and different BBs.

I've bought a Dymax IQ5 (tank, led, pump) together with its protein skimmer. The shop where I went to had no idea on how to use the protein skimmer, they don't even bother to answer me and there are no instructions or anything within the box. I will be using NSW to start my tank instead of salt mix and will cycle my tank with Waterlife Bio-mature(ammonia actually) before I introduce any LS in. My Questions are:

1) How do I install the protein skimmer (for those who've used an IQ5 Protein skimmer)

2) Can any seniors here advise me on what else do I need to get for the setting up.

3) I need a hydrometer.. any good hydrometer to recommend for the IQ5 tank?

4) Any good LFS to go to for good advises into starting marine fish keeping?

5) What are the recommended medias for the IOS of IQ5? I've bought a pack of mini porous CR. Intending to use Seachem De-nitrate as one level too. Will cut the black form shorter so can't place more different type of medias.

Thanks all for your attention and your help!

[Marine_fanaticz]

I'm new to marine fish keeping. I'm intending to start a tank with the following:

Fishes: 2 to 3 false percula clown / ocellaris

Substrate: Fine Coral Sand

Others: Live Rocks

No corals / anemone

Due to my freshwater keeping hobby.. I already have some of the following:

1) API Ammonia test kit

2) API Nitrite test kit

3) APT Nitrate test kit

4) Petfran PH Pen

Some other solutions such as Seachem Prime and different BBs.

I've bought a Dymax IQ5 (tank, led, pump) together with its protein skimmer. The shop where I went to had no idea on how to use the protein skimmer, they don't even bother to answer me and there are no instructions or anything within the box. I will be using NSW to start my tank instead of salt mix and will cycle my tank with Waterlife Bio-mature(ammonia actually) before I introduce any LS in. My Questions are:

1) How do I install the protein skimmer (for those who've used an IQ5 Protein skimmer)

2) Can any seniors here advise me on what else do I need to get for the setting up.

3) I need a hydrometer.. any good hydrometer to recommend for the IQ5 tank?

4) Any good LFS to go to for good advises into starting marine fish keeping?

5) What are the recommended medias for the IOS of IQ5? I've bought a pack of mini porous CR. Intending to use Seachem De-nitrate as one level too. Will cut the black form shorter so can't place more different type of medias.

Thanks all for your attention and your help!

Bro, this is my second attempt at keeping a marine nano tank, and all have been well so far simply cos Im making sure I didn't make the same mistakes the last time. So the answer to your questions...

1)I believe you place the IQ 5 skimmer at the back of your IQ5 tank. There's a compartment on the extreme left. place the skimmer in the water with the cup above water level. then observe. If the foam is forming fast and water is spilling into your cup, adjust the skimmer higher, vice versa, lower, or adjust your air pump power. Should be yellow skimmate. Also needs time for the skimmer to break in and produce results. Change the standard wooden block to a sanders 2 one, I heared it's better.

2) since you're not keeping corals, I would worry so much about the lighting and the temperature. Just make sure the temperature don't get too warm. Should focus more on the cycling of the tank. Your equipment seems fine for the basic set-up

3) I use an external hydrometer purchased from LFS, china made one cheap. I measure my salt content every two dys and make necessary changes to it. Top up daily evaporated water loss

4) The nearest LFS dealing with marine fish for me is aquastar and they suck at giving advise. They always appear busy and unwilling to talk to you. I think this forum gives the best advise about how to successfully keep a nano tank.

5) I like how the IQ5 has different compartments for you to make easily make changes to your tank.( although im not using one) or me, I use a sponge or wool for the mechanical filtration, glass rings and bio ceramic rings for bio filtration. I don't use carbon for chemical filtration as I do 10% water changes per week.

Good luck, and remember, patience is the key. Add your LS slowly and not all at once. This gives time for the tank and beneficial bacteria to adjust to the changes in the bio load. As your tank matures, you can do less frequent water changes and less Maintanance. Peace.