HELP! Did I kill My LR?

scuba-raru

scuba-raru

Member
Sup guys,
I have a 10gal nano, bought it started from a friend as my 1st SW tank...knowing then what I know now I'd have gottena 50gal. instead. Anyway, I went of vacation, came back and all was dead.
So I cleaned it all out, dumped it and started from scratch. I went to my LFS yesterday and bout 10lbs LS and 3lbs LR...mixed my water, added the sand, filled up tank and then added LR...
Did I kill my LR by adding it shortly after putting in the new sand? water was cloudy from the sand but it cleared up after an hour.
In the tank now I only have LS/LR/one tiny blue legged hermit & 2 Turbo Snails. What should I add next and when (starfish?crabs?shrimp?)
any tips would help
Tanks Alot
R.
 
malounsbury

malounsbury

Member
I agree with Salty. You're now starting a new cycle. I would remove anything you have in the tank. You'll need to get some test kits; click on dry goods on the left, and go down to test kits, salifert kits are recommended, you'll need a nitrate, nitrite and ammonia at least. Once the nitrate and nitrites spike and go down, you'll have an ammonia spike and then once the ammonia goes down you'll be good to add livestock. Usually a cycle lasts 3-4 weeks, but some may last longer.
I would add a fish first before I would add inverts, as there probably won't be much in the way of algae for them to feed off of.
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member

Originally posted by malounsbury
Once the nitrate and nitrites spike and go down, you'll have an ammonia spike and then once the ammonia goes down you'll be good to add livestock.
This absolutely wrong! Your ammonia will spike first, followed by your nitrites, then nitrates. Salifert seems to be the preferred test kit of most people who use this board, but your LFS likely sells others that will work as well. I would suggest testing at least every other day while the tank is cycling.
The advise of removing any living animals is good. It isn't worth making them suffer, and possibly die because you added them too soon.
 
scuba-raru

scuba-raru

Member
OK, testing every other day for about a month, sounds good. What fish should I introduce first? Im tired of clowns and blennies, what would be a hardy fish to put in? Im thinking of only putting in one fish, any ideas?
 
malounsbury

malounsbury

Member

Originally posted by mbrands
This absolutely wrong! Your ammonia will spike first, followed by your nitrites, then nitrates.
Sorry, I just re-read what I wrote and realized that I had it backwards. Guess I shouldn't be posting when I'm supposed to be working. :rolleyes:
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member

Originally posted by malounsbury
Guess I shouldn't be posting when I'm supposed to be working. :rolleyes:
I was surprised that you posted that. I didn't want scuba getting confused. Now, back to work!
 
scuba-raru

scuba-raru

Member
Good Looking out guys ;). Thanks for clearing that up. NOW GET BACK TO WORK hehehe
Now about those fish...What can I put into the tank (10gal) once the cycle is complete of course; that will be cool to look at? (no clowns or royal gammas plz)
ideas...
 
mbrands

mbrands

Member
Its really personal preference, but you are limited by the small size of your tank. I'd just suggest doing some research, then post what you are thinking of getting on here. If someone has a suggestion or advice they'll let you know.
 
cbort

cbort

Member
i would maybe go with a damsel of your choice first maybe even 2, see how they do first, and then trade them in for a firefish goby, they are an awesome fish! and just about one of the only fish that won't get stressed out or run out of food in a 10 gallon, besides a clown goby, but they aren't as much fun as a firefish! Good luck! And do like what they said above! Check your water before putting anymore fish in!
Curtis
 
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