Puzzled

[mbenson]

My tank is now over 7 weeks old and has had the same readings for about 3 weeks. Do you think think that it has cycled or do some just take a long time. I have no live rock. I have a yellow tank (4 weeks old) (please no comment on the tang, I made a mistake and can't take it back), a yellow tail damsel (5 weeks old), and a percula clown (4 weeks old). My readings are and have been PH 8.2, Amo .50, nitrite 0, nitrate 25, alk a little high by color chart. Should I just keep sitting it out. Every once in a while the tang turns a little red on top and then clears up and the perc has spells where he swims next to the top. I admire this site and have complete faith in your advice.
Thanks.
Mike

 

[sebae0]

what kind of filtration are you using? i think if you get some live rock it will help with the bioload. also i think you added to many fish to soon, albeit you only have a couple but with no live rock or a dsb your filtration is not keeping up. take it slow and ask alot of questions and i'm sure you"l get the help you need good luck

 

[mbenson]

My filter is a Tetratec PF150 Bio-filter. I usually have to add about 1 gallon of water every other week.
Mike

 

[jarvis]

hum........7week old tank and a 5week old damsel. Did you do anything in the previous 2weeks to start an amonia spike? I dont think you reading are that uncommon for a freshly stocked imature tank with the bioload already at its brink. All cycles are vary but achive the same goal. I did now notice that you have no powerheads listed in your signature. By adding a power head you will get more circulation in the tank and have a better chance of getting waste and uneaten food to break down and get to your bio filter. Dont get a rio powerhead. I have to say you are rather fortinate so far for having them last this long. Everything a I see at ***** is hanging on by its last leg to begin with. I am still saying a little live rock and some live sand would go a long way. One thing is that I have learned is cutting corners on filtration and over stocking only weens people away from the hobby due to constant complications and poor health of fish. They never get a chance to admire the true beauty of it. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[mbenson]

I have considered some lr. How much would be enough for a tank of my size? And what kind of a powerhead do I need. I know nothing of powerheads. Thanks.
Mike

 

[rabiasjewell]

I must agree with seaba0 and jarvis. You definitely need some lr. As far as lbs., I'm taking a stab at atleast 20lbs. More if it's in your budget. A powerhead is also a good idea but I don't know much about specs but I'm sure someone here will help you out. Good luck and you've lucked into an awesome board for advice. Keep us informed and hang in there.
p.s. Sounds like you need a good reference book. I know there are others but 'The New Marine Aquarium' by Michael Paletta has been a good, straight forward easy read. He writes a lot about equipment and natural filtration. Keep on asking questions, it's the only way you'll get answers.