Finally! 8 weeks in, tank in its last stage of cycling -water change?-

rpick

rpick

Member
yesterday, i did a water test. trates are up to 80. i also noticed that pods are coming back and i have very small worms floating and crawling on the glass. you can only see them with a magnefying glass, not too may pods but they're there.
stupidk question, is it safe to assume that pods and worms are also on the rock and substrate? how low does the trate need to be before doing first water change? how much for a 30 gal tank?
also getting calcium test kit this week to get the water ready for critters. besides the normal tests (amonia, ph, trite, and trate) what other tests should i take? i plan on having a reef only tank?
:thinking:
 
rpick

rpick

Member
amonia 0
trite 0
sg 1.026
buying test kit for calcium and alk this week. any other test?
 
diadema

diadema

Member
Assuming all traces of ammonia and nitrites are gone - I would do a 5-10 gallon water change and get yourself a hearty fish! :) Think damsel/chromis/clown/pseudochromis
Let him/her hang out for a week or so before you get another.
As far as test kits, you seem to have the list relatively complete. If you keep doing regular 10% per week waterchanges with RODI water and a good quality salt, the alkalinity/salinity/calcium tests should be the only ones you need.
If you start to get cynobacteria or other problem algaes you might want to consider getting a phosphate test kit - but other than that, you should be all set.
Some people suggest magnesium test kits - but I find that using Oceanic, I never have a shortage.
Good luck :)
 
rpick

rpick

Member
i started out with sera salt, but did a small water change about 3 weeks ago with instant ocean.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top