Water Testing Result

[healerhand]

Hey Gang,
I tested the water this morning and the results as follow:
1. pH = 8.4 to 8.6 (very close to 8.4)
2. Nitrite = 0.0
3. Nitrate = 0.0
4. Ammonia = 0.02
With the above results, is it safe to add fish? This tank has been running for about 3-4 days now.
Tank = 110 gal
Live rocks = 70 lbs
Live sand = 60 lbs
Filtration = wet-dry

 

[mr. limpet]

I would think the ammo shouldn't be present, with a tank that size. I would prolly add 6-8 green chromis as they arent agressive, but hardy. And take readings each day to see if there are changes. They are cheap.
Mr. Limpet

 

[mr . salty]

Wait one week till you add fish. The tank hasn't hardly even started to cycle yet. It really would be best to wait till the ammo spikes and drops,then add them.Then use Green Chromis as Old Yeller said.

 

[jimi]

Your tank may not cycle because of the live rock and sand which is a good thing. I would add 3or 4 chromis and check your water everyday if you dont get a spike your rock was cured and your pretty much ready to begin adding fish to your tank slowly.

 

[healerhand]

Well,
I got the first answer and i got two damsels. The shop when out of green chromis. Anyway, after a few hours, one casuality had occurred. Luckily, the shop will replace my fish if it die within 24 hrs. but still a bad thing... meanwhile will just have to wait until the ammonia level goes down..... thanks

 

[mr. limpet]

A casualty that quick most likely didnt come from ammo (especially a damsel)
What proceedure for acclimating the fish did you use, if any?
Mr. Limpet

 

[healerhand]

I used the 15 minutes in the tank and 5 minutes with the bag slightly open and slowly release. I tested my salt level today. It was at the lowest mark of the hydrometer. I need to add more sea salt.....
I will let you guys know the progress...
David

 

[mr. limpet]

David,
In the future try not to allow any of the bagged water into the tank.
The float for 15 is good,
Then open the bag and add an ounce or two.
wait 2-3 minutes, then repeat.
If the bag had an excess amount of water to start u can drop the level in the bag before you start adding "your" tank water.
This is pretty much the same procedure this site recommends for there products.
I personally use a turkey baster for adding the water to the bag, I also use it to feed the fish. I also keep a bucket to empty the bag into near me.
Some recommend pouring the water thru a net then transfering the fish to the tank, my personal belief is this. The net is more harm then a little water(that has been diluted with my tank water)so i empty as much as possible prior to the addition to the tank.I feel its less stressful this way.
I'm sure we all have different beliefs in that matter but for a F/O the small amount of water i introduce isnt bad.
You will hear of fresh water dip and quarantine tanks, I havent hit the point were I needed to q/t or fw dip. But with the remaining fish I want to add I will do so.
Mr. Limpet

 

[wrassefan]

Could have died from the salinity shock. I've acclimated fish for over an hour ( which is not real good) but because the LFS had it's salinity at around 1.010 and my tank was 1.023, I had to empty half the bag of water after the first 5-6 cups of water went into the bag and the salinity was still around 1.017 . It helps to check the bags water before you put the fish in just because the 20 min. are up.

 

[healerhand]

I think the same as above. Salinity was the problem. My salt concentration was very now.... I have to add a least another half bag of salt (one bag mix 50 gal). Well, shop not only replace my dead fish, but they also give me an extra green chromis. Now i have three live and one dead. Should take out the dead fish or leave it in the tank. My fish shop told me to leave it in to stimulate bacteria growth. Any comments?
David C. Phan, D.C.

 

[healerhand]

Hey Gang,
Today water testing result are at follows:
1. Ammonia = .02
2. Nitrite = .02
3. Nitrate = 10
Currently i have one damsel and one green chromis. One missing and one dead..... How much longer until i can add more fish.......I know.... Wait until everything is zero.....
David

 

[mr . salty]

Those water readings tell me the tank IS cycling. You WILL have to wait. Please be patiant It will pay off in the long run.STEVE

 

[healerhand]

Hey Gang,
I just tested my tank today and the followings are observed.
1. Ammonia =0.00
2. Nitrite = 4.0 ---very very high
3. Nitrate = 10
I think its in the mid-cycle and almost ready for more fish.....
Death Update:
1 demesal....dead
1 demesal missing....
Live Update:
1 green chromis
1 demesal... still kicking
I can wait until all the chemicals are zero... so we can get some more and beautiful ship.... take care and.. you comments will greatly appreciated...
David

 

[wrassefan]

NO MORE FISH. With the live rock, you should be able to finish the cycle without any problems. Don't sacrifice any more.

 

[healerhand]

Today the test results are as follow:
1. Ammonia = 0
2. Nitrite = 0
3. Nitrate = 0
4. PH = 8.2
for the pass few days my tank is cloudy again with excessive bubbles at the sump....
what is the deal here?????
something for sure... i have a lot of algae. I currently have 2 demsals and 3 yellow tangs...... and bunch of cleaners..........