Beginner with ecosystem miraclemud

[kui loach]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I have a 58 gallon tank that I want to start up as a reef tank. So far have put in 50 lbs live rock with the eco system . Is anyone familiar with the ecosystem filter? Can I add distilled h20 instead of RODI h20 with changes? I started about 1 mth ago, when can I add fish, coral, etc. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Do I need to wait 6 mths? Do I need to do h2o changes prior to adding the fish? Any advice would be appreciated#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[graphixx]

I would wait at least 6 to 8 weeks for cycling, keep and eye on your parameters, you will see an ammonia spike at about 2 weeks and then you sill see a nitrite spike shortyly after. I would recommend water chages on these spikes after your ammonia and nitrite level off you can add a clean up crew and maybe a hardy fish like a clownfish or a damsel.

[graphixx]

I am not familliiar with the ecosystem filter where did you get it from. is it a type of protein skimmer.

[kui loach]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Thanks for the info. I found the ecosystem at a nearby aquarium store. Look at ecosystemaquarium.com for more details#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[graphixx]

I dont know about that system. I like the reefugium that is a nice product. That is something I am going to have to read about. but it says no skimmer huh that is interesting.

[graphixx]

it looks like a fancy sump/fuge to me. I would check out www.melevsreef.com he has some good stuff on sumps and refugiums and I am sure they are a lot less money and take up a lot less space than that ecosystem.