marysantos
Member
Nothing in the tank but sand. That's why I was confused about yesterday because my ammonia was at a .5?? I don't know. Should I just start over???
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marysantos
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357510
When are you getting the rock? ~I haven't exactly figured out which rock I like and where I'm going to get it. Someone here is selling their Fiji rock, 25 lbs, but a) I don't think that enough and b) he says I can pick it up, then changes his mind??? and c) I heard its really sharp so I don't know if it would be a good idea anyways??? I'm going to try though.
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357510
When are you getting the rock? ~I haven't exactly figured out which rock I like and where I'm going to get it. Someone here is selling their Fiji rock, 25 lbs, but a) I don't think that enough and b) he says I can pick it up, then changes his mind??? and c) I heard its really sharp so I don't know if it would be a good idea anyways??? I'm going to try though.
spanko
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/60#post_3357448
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/60#post_3357406
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/60#post_3357385
time to take the shrimp out.
Why if there is nothing in the tank?
Why let the ammonia get higher than 1? It doesnt make any sense to me.
With nothing else in the tank it really will not harm anything. And if you think about how the bacteria populate, the additional ammonia will increase the amount of available bacteria to deal with it.
Granted this additional bacteria will die off if the level of biodegradable mass is not enough to keep it "fed" however IMO as the OP adds her rock any die-off that would not have been taken care of before may have enough biofiltering capacity to deal with it thus avoiding a potential additional spike in ammonia. This all depends on what die-off is on the rock and how soon the Op adds the rock but IMO a reading of 1 for ammonia in a more or less sterile tank does no harm. And why waste the expense of a water change in that scenario?
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/60#post_3357448
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/60#post_3357406
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/60#post_3357385
time to take the shrimp out.
Why if there is nothing in the tank?
Why let the ammonia get higher than 1? It doesnt make any sense to me.
With nothing else in the tank it really will not harm anything. And if you think about how the bacteria populate, the additional ammonia will increase the amount of available bacteria to deal with it.
Granted this additional bacteria will die off if the level of biodegradable mass is not enough to keep it "fed" however IMO as the OP adds her rock any die-off that would not have been taken care of before may have enough biofiltering capacity to deal with it thus avoiding a potential additional spike in ammonia. This all depends on what die-off is on the rock and how soon the Op adds the rock but IMO a reading of 1 for ammonia in a more or less sterile tank does no harm. And why waste the expense of a water change in that scenario?
monsinour
Active Member
I didnt say to do a water change, I just suggested to take the shrimp out. I see the point, but who knows how long it will be before there is rock in there.
@OP: dont do a water change until you are ready to put in your first set of CUC. Any water chagne before that is counter productive.
@OP: dont do a water change until you are ready to put in your first set of CUC. Any water chagne before that is counter productive.
gemmy
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarySantos http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357532
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357510
When are you getting the rock? ~I haven't exactly figured out which rock I like and where I'm going to get it. Someone here is selling their Fiji rock, 25 lbs, but a) I don't think that enough and b) he says I can pick it up, then changes his mind??? and c) I heard its really sharp so I don't know if it would be a good idea anyways??? I'm going to try though.
I have mostly Fiji and branching Fiji live rock along with some Caribbean and dead rock in my tank. I have had no issues with any of the types. 25 lbs is a great amount to get started and if you want more, you can always get either base rock or dry rock. Is the rock that is being sold live?
Originally Posted by MarySantos http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357532
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357510
When are you getting the rock? ~I haven't exactly figured out which rock I like and where I'm going to get it. Someone here is selling their Fiji rock, 25 lbs, but a) I don't think that enough and b) he says I can pick it up, then changes his mind??? and c) I heard its really sharp so I don't know if it would be a good idea anyways??? I'm going to try though.
I have mostly Fiji and branching Fiji live rock along with some Caribbean and dead rock in my tank. I have had no issues with any of the types. 25 lbs is a great amount to get started and if you want more, you can always get either base rock or dry rock. Is the rock that is being sold live?
marysantos
Member
I'm very confused right now... I did my water test today and it is the same results as yesterday. I'm hoping for a difference tomorrow. I'm just going to let everything stay as it is, and cross my fingers there is a difference tomorrow. I haven't changed the water, and I'm going to pick up live rock on the 11th. I'm hoping the ammonia is down by then, because the rock is live, and has been in this person's tank for over 5 years. I will let everyone know what my test results are tomorrow, so that way I will know a little more to see what needs to be done. The water is clear now, and the water movement is good. Temp is at a 78 with little fluctuations.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarySantos http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357662
I'm very confused right now... I did my water test today and it is the same results as yesterday. I'm hoping for a difference tomorrow. I'm just going to let everything stay as it is, and cross my fingers there is a difference tomorrow. I haven't changed the water, and I'm going to pick up live rock on the 11th. I'm hoping the ammonia is down by then, because the rock is live, and has been in this person's tank for over 5 years. I will let everyone know what my test results are tomorrow, so that way I will know a little more to see what needs to be done. The water is clear now, and the water movement is good. Temp is at a 78 with little fluctuations.
Oh how I know how you feel...this is sort of like watching the pot..it never boils as long as you watch it. I kept thinking it only takes a day or two, that something was wrong. Toss some cycle in there and wait 3 days..the ammonia will drop and nitrite will show up off the chart high, then in another 3 days everything is 0 except nitrate and the cycle is complete.
Originally Posted by MarySantos http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357662
I'm very confused right now... I did my water test today and it is the same results as yesterday. I'm hoping for a difference tomorrow. I'm just going to let everything stay as it is, and cross my fingers there is a difference tomorrow. I haven't changed the water, and I'm going to pick up live rock on the 11th. I'm hoping the ammonia is down by then, because the rock is live, and has been in this person's tank for over 5 years. I will let everyone know what my test results are tomorrow, so that way I will know a little more to see what needs to be done. The water is clear now, and the water movement is good. Temp is at a 78 with little fluctuations.
Oh how I know how you feel...this is sort of like watching the pot..it never boils as long as you watch it. I kept thinking it only takes a day or two, that something was wrong. Toss some cycle in there and wait 3 days..the ammonia will drop and nitrite will show up off the chart high, then in another 3 days everything is 0 except nitrate and the cycle is complete.
mproctor4
Member
Waiting is the hardest part. Sometimes you will get the same reading several days in a row, it is just part of the process. We are currently cycling a tank also, so I feel your pain. Personally, I think that testing your water everyday just makes it more frustrating and wastes your testing supplies. Even if you test every 2-3 days there will be times you won't see any changes. Adding live rock will help speed things up and it gives you something to watch. Just use this time to plan. Get a magnifying glass, flash light, and a glass of wine and try enjoy looking for new little critters in your live rock. You might be suprised how much life there is in the rock and how much time you will spend watching it. When my last tank cycled it seemed like FOREVER before there were any changes and then it finished very quickly.
spanko
Active Member
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357748
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
Cycle isn't a chemical its just good bacteria. It doesn't do a thing but kick start the good bacteria, since there isn't any rock I thought it might help. It isn't that she doesn't have patients, she EXPECTED to see some results after the ammonia spike.
The good bacteria is not so much in the water as it is on the surface of things, like the sand and rock.
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357748
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
The good bacteria is not so much in the water as it is on the surface of things, like the sand and rock.
spanko
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357749
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357748
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
Cycle isn't a chemical its just good bacteria. It doesn't do a thing but kick start the good bacteria, since there isn't any rock I thought it might help. It isn't that she doesn't have patients, she EXPECTED to see some results after the ammonia spike.
The good bacteria is not so much in the water as it is on the surface of things, like the sand and rock.
She has an ammonia reading. The cycle will take place with no intervention by her. I am saying there is no need for the addition of anything.
I am not sure what you statement about the bacteria populating the hard surface areas in the tank has to do with anything here unless you are just imparting more information to the OP.
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357749
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357748
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
The good bacteria is not so much in the water as it is on the surface of things, like the sand and rock.
She has an ammonia reading. The cycle will take place with no intervention by her. I am saying there is no need for the addition of anything.
I am not sure what you statement about the bacteria populating the hard surface areas in the tank has to do with anything here unless you are just imparting more information to the OP.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357751
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357749
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357748
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
Cycle isn't a chemical its just good bacteria. It doesn't do a thing but kick start the good bacteria, since there isn't any rock I thought it might help. It isn't that she doesn't have patients, she EXPECTED to see some results after the ammonia spike.
The good bacteria is not so much in the water as it is on the surface of things, like the sand and rock.
She has an ammonia reading. The cycle will take place with no intervention by her. I am saying there is no need for the addition of anything.
I am not sure what you statement about the bacteria populating the hard surface areas in the tank has to do with anything here unless you are just imparting more information to the OP.
That's allI was doing ...
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357751
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357749
Quote:
Originally Posted by spanko http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357748
IMO there is no need to add any chemicals or other products to the tank at this point. Let the natural cycle completer. If you can't or don't have the patience to then you might be better off setting up a fresh water tank. Here is a good read for you on the maturation of a marine tank.
The Building of a Reef (tank) by Eric Borneman [Archive] - CVR Forums!
I agree with mproctor4, let it sit. Once your live rocks go in there will things to see that will help with the waiting. Your tank and you will be better off not using any chemical additives at this point and let the biofiltration grow of its own accord.
The good bacteria is not so much in the water as it is on the surface of things, like the sand and rock.
She has an ammonia reading. The cycle will take place with no intervention by her. I am saying there is no need for the addition of anything.
I am not sure what you statement about the bacteria populating the hard surface areas in the tank has to do with anything here unless you are just imparting more information to the OP.
marysantos
Member
It's not the cycling that I'm worried about, I'm worried if I add anything else that's "live" the high ammonia will just kill it. I don't want to add live rock just yet until the ammonia spike goes down, because then it seems a little pointless to have bought live in the first place. I don't want to end up destroying something someone took care of for so long. It's just I hear I should get rock, then I shouldn't add anything to the tank, I read that the high ammonia will kill anything live, I doubt my live sand is alive. I read that keeping the ammonia down to .5 would be best during the cycle to keep live things living. And to do that I would need to do frequent water changes to keep it down. I don't have a lack of patience, I know it's going to take time, I wasn't planning on adding anything for at least 2 months. I think I will wait for the cycle to be done to add rock, and if adding the rock makes the process longer, as long as it doesn't die, I'm fine with the time. I don't like destroying things, and I hate the idea of anything getting destroyed by my actions. At this point I feel it is better to let the cycle take place, and add the live rock after everything has spiked, gone down, and is non existent. Then if more time is needed, I'm fine with it.
spanko
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarySantos http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357774
It's not the cycling that I'm worried about, I'm worried if I add anything else that's "live" the high ammonia will just kill it. I don't want to add live rock just yet until the ammonia spike goes down, because then it seems a little pointless to have bought live in the first place. I don't want to end up destroying something someone took care of for so long. It's just I hear I should get rock, then I shouldn't add anything to the tank, I read that the high ammonia will kill anything live, I doubt my live sand is alive. I read that keeping the ammonia down to .5 would be best during the cycle to keep live things living. And to do that I would need to do frequent water changes to keep it down. I don't have a lack of patience, I know it's going to take time, I wasn't planning on adding anything for at least 2 months. I think I will wait for the cycle to be done to add rock, and if adding the rock makes the process longer, as long as it doesn't die, I'm fine with the time. I don't like destroying things, and I hate the idea of anything getting destroyed by my actions. At this point I feel it is better to let the cycle take place, and add the live rock after everything has spiked, gone down, and is non existent. Then if more time is needed, I'm fine with it.
You will be fine with this approach.
Originally Posted by MarySantos http:///forum/thread/383634/hello/80#post_3357774
It's not the cycling that I'm worried about, I'm worried if I add anything else that's "live" the high ammonia will just kill it. I don't want to add live rock just yet until the ammonia spike goes down, because then it seems a little pointless to have bought live in the first place. I don't want to end up destroying something someone took care of for so long. It's just I hear I should get rock, then I shouldn't add anything to the tank, I read that the high ammonia will kill anything live, I doubt my live sand is alive. I read that keeping the ammonia down to .5 would be best during the cycle to keep live things living. And to do that I would need to do frequent water changes to keep it down. I don't have a lack of patience, I know it's going to take time, I wasn't planning on adding anything for at least 2 months. I think I will wait for the cycle to be done to add rock, and if adding the rock makes the process longer, as long as it doesn't die, I'm fine with the time. I don't like destroying things, and I hate the idea of anything getting destroyed by my actions. At this point I feel it is better to let the cycle take place, and add the live rock after everything has spiked, gone down, and is non existent. Then if more time is needed, I'm fine with it.
You will be fine with this approach.