Comments/suggestions/new tank

B

billb

Guest
This is how it's looking at this point. Anyone with knowledge and the time to go over what I have so far, comments and suggestions would make me feel better. I'm sorry this is long but, I felt the more info the better as to give what I can for recomendations. Everything SEEMs to be alive and well..I am wondering about my chemistry at this point. I'' also dig up an over-all tank photo in a few minutes to show...
Thanks for all the help...
Aquarium Readings
start4th day8th day
Date:4/11/044/14/044/18/04
Temp:76.3 78.477.6
Salinity:1.02271.02431.0247
Ammonia:< 0.00.40.2
Nitrate:< 101010
Nitrite:(not mixed)*< 2210
Nitrite: (mixed)*< 0.20.2.8
Ph:8.17.807.80
Notes:
*This NitrIte test (Not Mixed) is using raw tank water according to the
Fastest Kit.
*This NitrIte test (Mixed) is using .5ml Tank water mixed with fresh
tap water.
Tank Mechanicals:
29 Gallon Tank (Eclipse 3)Apx. Flow rate: 250 gph)
3 PowerHeads (2 Powersweep 214s (160gph))(Maxi-Jet 900 ( 230gph))
LifeGuard Temp Alert
Heater (unused)
Stocking:
2 Damsels
1 Serpent Star
1 Brittle star - Spikey w/paddles
1 Chocolate Chip Star ( to be removed at later date)
8 small Florida Turbos
3 Large Mexican Turbos
2 red leg crabs
2 Blue? Leg crabs
2 Cleaner Shrimp (1 sm and 1 Lg)
1 Feather Duster
Approx. 18 - 20 Lbs. Tonga Live Rock
Approx. 5- 10 lbs. Unknown Live rock
Feeding: Twice daily (Total Color Marine Flakes..only a small amount)
Once this week, Raw shrimp pieces near Brittles
Twice this week: one mysis shrimp cube, thawed and dropped in water
Plants: 2 small bunches, types unknown
Lighting (for now): One Ocean Sun 24", 18 watt, 10000K,
One Coral Sun 24", 18 watt, Actinic 420
 
cindyski

cindyski

Active Member
looks nice, but how long has this tank been up?
it looks like you are saying that you are cycling with all that live stock in there :eek:
you shouldnt have anything in there (except possibly the damsels) until the cycle is complete.
 
B

billb

Guest
It's only been up a week...I was told by my LFG (Local Fish Guy and friend) that putting in the damsels would be ok, along with the cleaners...he has a couple of Reef tanks that look great. Maybe hes just lucky, but they are a few years old. The Choclate chip and damsels will be removed when it comes time to put real fish in..and later corals. The Feather Duster was my bad idea, but it's been ok for the last few days. I'm not planning on putting anything else in till after I'm sure it has all cycled...
Thanks,
Billb
 
cindyski

cindyski

Active Member

Originally posted by cazmento
the damsels will live, probably..., but i think your inverts will be gonners :nervous:
yea i'm sure the damsels will make it, mine did as i also used them to cycle my tank. but i dont know about those poor other little guys i am afraid you may have to prepare yourself for the worst on those
(unless you get awfully lucky)
anyway, amnia, trites & trates should read 0 when the cycle is complete. and that should take 4-6 weeks
 
B

billb

Guest
anything else? The ammonia seems to fluctuate..and the PH is low should I do anything to it, or just leave it alone...
 
stapler

stapler

Member
The ammonia takes time to go away after it has spiked. When setting up a new tank, you want to wait till the ammonia drops...then the nitrite will drop...then lastly nitrates.
 
cindyski

cindyski

Active Member

Originally posted by BillB
anything else? The ammonia seems to fluctuate..and the PH is low should I do anything to it, or just leave it alone...
leave it alone and let it do its thing, trying to fix it wont let it go through its natural cycle and kinda would defeat the purpose :happyfish
 
razoreqx

razoreqx

Active Member
1. 4 - 6 weeks for Cycle. Plan to see an empty tank for at least that long.
2. get the substrate (your crushed coral or Sand) in the tank. You need at least 4" of substrate. Water/salt mixed and in the tank. If you plan to use Live rock, put this in now also.
3. Get all your equipment up and running. Turn on the lights.. get the water temp up 80... and If you have a skimmer leave it off..
4. Drop a piece of uncooked shrimp into the tank.
5. The first two weeks dont do anything.. There is no point in wasting your test kits during this time..
6. on the third week start to monitor your water chemistry.. Its also at this point you want to start breaking in your skimmer... You need to check levels on ammonia and Nitrites. When both reach 0 your ready to slowly add your fish.. One fish per week.
"What do i do for 5 weeks with an empty tank?"
READ READ and READ.. soak in all the information you can on Saltwater .... You'll be so glad you did!!
 
B

billb

Guest
Thanks much for the replys...
I'll tie my hands and sit back as far as the tank goes.
Good time to read as you have mentioned. I picked up:
The New Marine Aquarium (Paletta)
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist (Fenner)
Natural Reef Aquariums (Tullock)
Water Chemistry for the marine Aquarium (Tullock)
Plus I want to build a new hood to accomidate fans and proper lighting, for down the road..
that should keep me out of trouble for a while...
Thanks again..
Billb
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top