new saltwater tank and something has appeared

[shella]

I started a 29 gallon saltwater tank about 6-8 weeks ago. I have had trouble with cycle, my ammonia is at 3 and I can't get it to reach 0. My LFS suggested I do a partial water change and wait another week. I haven't had the time to do this, but tonight I came home, turned on my light and there are alot, I mean a lot of little tiny what looks like minnows swimming in my tank. Any ideas what this is?

 

[hipskipne]

they're sharks, be careful not to stick your finger in the fish tank

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by shella
http:///forum/post/3085838
I started a 29 gallon saltwater tank about 6-8 weeks ago. I have had trouble with cycle, my ammonia is at 3 and I can't get it to reach 0. My LFS suggested I do a partial water change and wait another week. I haven't had the time to do this, but tonight I came home, turned on my light and there are alot, I mean a lot of little tiny what looks like minnows swimming in my tank. Any ideas what this is?
Any chance for a picture? Most likely they are copepods.
BAck to cycle problem....Are you seeing nitrites/nitrates?

 

[reefforbrains]

Amonia in the 3 range should be nealy atomic to most life if there is prolonged levels so high. Who tested?, and when was this water tested?

 

[flower]

I know my eyes are bad...but no way can a person see what looks like minnows, and someone say it is copepods...copepods to a good eyed person still looks like dots swimming.
Minnows are little fish

 

[shella]

I have been at a 3 for over 4 weeks and the nitrate is at 5. I tested it and so did the LFS with the same results. I have LR and LS and started off on the cycle.... don't yell I didn't know..... with 2 Damsels. Went along with the LFS owner and didn't do the research first, shame on me. Too late now, couldn't get them out if I tried... those critters are fast. I was also told I didn't need to clean the Figi rock or the Tonga rock that I originally put in the tank and I have to wonder if this isn't the problem. The owner said to do a 5 gallon water change now and clean the rocks.... now she tells me

On to the "minnows". They do look like tiny minnows and they are not copepods, I have researched that and am sure. Could my Damsels have babies? I would have thought not with the tank in the shape it is. I am trying to be patient but I am just about ready to give up. I took pictures last night and they all came out as little neon lights, can't see the detail. Any help is appreciated... starting to think my LFS advise is failing me.

 

[deejeff442]

fish need perfect water to breed and dont sound like you have it.
damsels can almost live in toilet water,i have one for probably 10 years he has been through a 1500 mile move and 3 houses after that and 5 times of ich infected tank with him being the only one not getting it.
i have no clue what the minnows could be excet maybe a mantis hitchhiker from the rock.
seems you had a ton of die off from the rock,a small tank like yours will show that much ammonia ,i would do 50% water changes every few days .
when a tank cycles first comes the ammonia then it is converted to nitrites if you have 3 on the nitrites the cycle has started but with so much die off from the rock it just went nuts.
sounds like you got some uncured rock.
uncured rock can take over 6 weeks to stableize.
also make sure there is alot of water movement via powerheads i suggest at least 2 #1 koralias.