cycling question

[andrewmack]

i am getting my tank within the next few days and wanted to know about two things.What does the dead shrimp thing do and how? and i was told if i put a clam in the tank it will lower the nitrates. true or false? how soon can i add a clam?

 

[blemmy_guy]

Wow. ok first the dead shrimp helps create bateria, and get your cycle started. and second, yes the clams help reduce nitrates as they eat but you cant have one till your tank has finished its cycle, you should probly wait 6 months on one so it will have enough food, there filter feeders. hope that helps. todd

 

[andrewmack]

ok. thanks. but what was the WOW for? i talked to my LFS an the guy there told me if i get a 25gallon tank i should change 1-2 gallons of water every two weeks. is that correct? im just trying to make sure the LFS isnt trying to play me so i end up with dead fish an spend more money.
Andy

 

[snipe]

2.9 weekly 5.8 bi weekly that is 10% weekly and 20% bi weekly.

 

[blemmy_guy]

You know i dont remember why i Wowed ?? must have just been the mood i was in!! sorry lol, and yep after your tank has cycled you start the weekly water changes, just like they said. i do a water change weekly myself, but some do it bi-weekly or even monthly with a larger amout. i found the weekly to be the easiest. good luck sorry biut the wow thing :thinking: m Todd

 

[snipe]

I guess since my tank dont have a very big bioload I only have to do a 10% monthly. When I get corals I will probly bump it up to bi-weekly.

 

[mudplayerx]

If you plan on keeping a clam, plan on spending a lot of cash on lighting. You are going to need metal hallide lighting (about $500-$600 worth for a 55 gallon tank). The clam will die without metal hallide lights.
Keep in mind that when you get the clam that the healthier it gets, the more drab in coloring it will become.... this is normal. Generally speaking, if your clam is brightly-colored and/or opened very wide and extending it's mantle, you need more lighting.

 

[snipe]

If you get a cleaner clam then you dont have to worrie about the lighting thing.