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New to this...
Hi
I'm new to the hobby.
I started a 55 gal SW tank in early December by addiing live sand and 75 lbs of live rock. Then on Christmas eve I added 2 clown fish. last week I added a cleaner shrimp, I also have what looks like teddy bear crab that came with the LR.
I have been testing on a weekly basis and as of last night I have nothing, no ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. I'm not too worried about it as all the livestock seem very happy and heathly-just curiuos, I guess, as to why nothing is happening WRT cycling yet?
Any sugestions?
I'm new to the hobby.
I started a 55 gal SW tank in early December by addiing live sand and 75 lbs of live rock. Then on Christmas eve I added 2 clown fish. last week I added a cleaner shrimp, I also have what looks like teddy bear crab that came with the LR.
I have been testing on a weekly basis and as of last night I have nothing, no ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate. I'm not too worried about it as all the livestock seem very happy and heathly-just curiuos, I guess, as to why nothing is happening WRT cycling yet?
Any sugestions?
StuKatz- Number of posts : 4
Tank Size- Gallons : 55 gal
Reefer Reputation : 0
Registration date : 2009-01-14
Re: New to this...
How long after setting up did you begin testing?
It is possible that is the rock you added was 'experience' (previously used in someone elses tank) and the cycle period was extremely short due the rock being very clean and there being little die off when you transfered to your take.
It is possible that is the rock you added was 'experience' (previously used in someone elses tank) and the cycle period was extremely short due the rock being very clean and there being little die off when you transfered to your take.
Cookieman888- Moderator
- Number of posts : 175
Location : Kitchener
Tank Size- Gallons : 90 gal mixed reef & BC29
Reefer Reputation : 0
Registration date : 2008-12-05
Re: New to this...
I didn't start testing until after the fish were put in - i figured that there was not reason to until an ammonia source was added.
I bought the LR from a reputable aquarium store - the owner said it was cured.
I bought the LR from a reputable aquarium store - the owner said it was cured.
StuKatz- Number of posts : 4
Tank Size- Gallons : 55 gal
Reefer Reputation : 0
Registration date : 2009-01-14
Re: New to this...
Sounds like your tank probably only experienced a mini spike and began to stablize. Your beneficial bacteria levels are probably not yet at optimum levels but then again they could be.
For future reference (when you upgrade that tank to the 500 gallon reef system you know you want ) using the addition of live fish as an ammonia source to start the cycle is not necessary and the practice can be costly as you are taking a significant risk that the fish will die. All that is required to start the cycle is decaying matter. A better course of action would be to take one small, raw, fresh shrimp from your grocery store fish counter and drop it into your tank. It will begin to decay and one of the bi-products of this decay is ammonia. Scoop the shrimp out after a day or two and throw it away....then let the cycle begin. Mission complete...cycle is started and no risk to your pocket book. A true cycle in a virgin tank will take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
If this sounds preachy please be assured that is not my intention. My only desire is to see you achieve maximum result at minimum cost in a very expensive hobby!
HTH
Matt
For future reference (when you upgrade that tank to the 500 gallon reef system you know you want ) using the addition of live fish as an ammonia source to start the cycle is not necessary and the practice can be costly as you are taking a significant risk that the fish will die. All that is required to start the cycle is decaying matter. A better course of action would be to take one small, raw, fresh shrimp from your grocery store fish counter and drop it into your tank. It will begin to decay and one of the bi-products of this decay is ammonia. Scoop the shrimp out after a day or two and throw it away....then let the cycle begin. Mission complete...cycle is started and no risk to your pocket book. A true cycle in a virgin tank will take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.
If this sounds preachy please be assured that is not my intention. My only desire is to see you achieve maximum result at minimum cost in a very expensive hobby!
HTH
Matt
Cookieman888- Moderator
- Number of posts : 175
Location : Kitchener
Tank Size- Gallons : 90 gal mixed reef & BC29
Reefer Reputation : 0
Registration date : 2008-12-05
Re: New to this...
might want to be carefull of that crab if it is a teddy bear crab, you might start losing some stuff..
SATELLITE- Number of posts : 94
Age : 44
Location : Nova Scotia
Tank Size- Gallons : 125g. 42g sump
Reefer Reputation : 0
Registration date : 2009-01-16
Re: New to this...
Thanks for all the advice.
I competed my first 25% water change last night and everything is looking great this morning.
I competed my first 25% water change last night and everything is looking great this morning.
StuKatz- Number of posts : 4
Tank Size- Gallons : 55 gal
Reefer Reputation : 0
Registration date : 2009-01-14
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