very new to this

[ckjess19]

This is my first time on this site. I just wanted to ask some questions about the water in my tank. It is a 36 Bow that I have had all set up for about three weeks now. I have 10lbs of live rock and 5 damsels. I bought two test kits last night. I tested the water last night and again this morning. Here are my results:
Last night before partial water change:
Amonia .25
No+ 10
NO- 2.0
KH 300
pH 8.4
Salinity 35
Today after partial water change:
Ammonia between .5 and 3.0
NO+ 10
NO- 4.0
KH 300
pH 7.8
salinity 30
According to my kits I am in the danger fields for ammonia, nitrite, and pH. How do I fix these? I had the water tested over the weeked at an aqarium store and they said my water was perfect, but then I bought the LR from them and put it in the tank. Someone please help me out. Thanks

 

[thereefkeeper]

Water changes. The LR was proably not cured based on what you said and is experiencing die-off. Eventually the die off will quit and the levels will moderate and drop. Always keep in mind that LR will die-off unless it is transported from your LFS to home in water. Sponges on LR last about 1/2 sec in the open air. They will grow back from spores on the rock, but they are still going to polute your tank in the process.

 

[ckjess19]

What is FLS and How much water do I change? Also, I am having a hard time keeping my water temp the same. Everytime I check it is has changed by at least a degree or two. My heater is on 73, but the water temp is at 78. How do I keep it constant and what is the right temp for my tank right now?

 

[earlybird]

78 is a good temp. LFS= Local Fish Store. I'd change 10g today and retest tomorrow. Since you are cycling you might consider adding about 30# of LR (live rock). Your rock and sand will be your biological filter.

 

[ckjess19]

Ft. Meyers, huh? I am from that neck of the woods. Just moved last year actually. I will do the ten gallon change today. Do I leave my fish in there while doing the change? Thanks for the help.
Jess

 

[promisetbg]

Why did your salinity drop with your water change? You do know about topping off the tank? Take the fish back to the store, and let the tank cycle. It is cruel & harmful to the fish.

 

[ckjess19]

When I added the new water last night (about 5 gallons) I just used the water neutralizer (aquasafe). The salinity changed because I did not add salt to it. What do you mean do I know about topping off the tank? Please explain. I had my water tersted before I added the fish and the guy at the LFS said my water was perfect and ready for a fis, so did the girls at the pet store. I assumed they knew what they were tlaking about and added the damsels. I welcome all advice.

 

[beatlesfan]

Topping off adds regular water and lowers salinity and after evaporation, is a good thing although nbot all the time. Adding mixed saltwater makes the salinity stay the same while still getting fresh water in. Take the fish back now and do not listen to your LFs. Usually I do not say that but from what you have told they are just trying to get you to buy stuff. Also pick up more rock. Regardless you have to take out at least 1 fish. If you want to keep the fish.... well... Welcome to Your Stock Limit! (although I am not saying you want to) If you have any other questions please ask.

 

[ckjess19]

So I should bring the fish back and do what with my tank besides adding the LR. I am not a fan of the LR, is there anyway around that. I would like to have a fish-only (mostly) tank. The guy at the Fish store isnt trying to sell me anything. In fact he has been the most helpful with everything. He just thought that my tank was ready based on the water testing. I haev tufa and lava rock besides the 10lbs of LR. I didnt want to ad dmuch more rock being that it is my first tank and on the small side.

 

[promisetbg]

Adding 5 gallons of fw at once to a tank with fish in it is going to stress the fish out & drop the PH . The tank has not fully cycled, that's why I suggest you take the fish back. Some people still cycle with fish, as I said it is cruel to the fish as it burns their gills. Damsels are tough, so they can often tolerate it. Damsels are also very territorial and can get more aggressive as they age. Now is the time to decide if that's what you want. Tufa & lava are for fw setups, and will leach out unwanted properties in saltwater. I recommend you find an LFS geared towards sw.

 

[ckjess19]

OK, I was just cleaning the glass and noticed that my live rock has this white stuff growing on it. It almost looks like mildew that you would find growing on something. I rubbed it with my fingers and it came off. What is this and is it Ok? Could this be causing the ammonia, nitrite and pH to be off?

 

[promisetbg]

Probably dieing coraline, or possibly sponge. The tank just has'nt finished cycling. How much surface movement do you have, and do you have a protein skimmer? These affect PH. But as I said, if you added 5 gal of fw at once that was not airated first, or adjusted...it would also have an effect on PH. Also, was the light on for hours when you tested the PH?

 

[ckjess19]

I tested the pH first thing this morning. I have a fluval 250 filter that is moving the water. I was looking into other sources to move the water, but as I said I am new to this and am trying to learn what I can. Should I worry about the whitish substance growing on the LR? My ammonia is now down to 0 the Nitrate is 20 and the Nitrite is 3.0 everything else seems fine.

 

[cam78]

Don't worry about the white stuff. It is normal to see on LR that is cycling. Next you will proboly start to get diatoms. That is what people call the brown algae. From what your saying, this LR is making your tank go through a cycle.

 

[promisetbg]

You tested the PH first thing in the morning, that's why you had such a low reading. As photosynthesis quits at night, the PH will drop. That's why many of us run our refugium opposite daylight hours...to keep the PH constant.

 

[gmford1979]

Also, one of the most important things about this hobby that you need to know now is this ---- LFS will tell you anything to get you to spend money. trust this board. if you want to do something to your tank. ie buy fish, change lights, add corals; check here first and get some info. then go to the LFS. people on here will tell you how it is, not what you want to hear.

 

[promisetbg]

Originally Posted by gmford1979
Also, one of the most important things about this hobby that you need to know now is this ---- LFS will tell you anything to get you to spend money.
Gosh I wish this were'nt true of so many. I work at an LFS, and we will NOT do this. We will not sell it to you without asking about your set-up..and if it's not right..not at all. Wish they were all that way.