Stocking?

Alright, thanks. Guess no angel then or gramma. Just wondering, what is the max "safe" nitrate level for polyps? I'm at like 15 or 20 but I really can't tell I absolutely hate API test kits. So while I'm at it, what's a good test kit?

 

I use API as well, so I know what you mean about the 10 -20 range being very confusing. I've found that if I check it in the same light every time and hold the test tube about a half an inch from the whitespace on the color sheet I get the best comparison.

Fish can tolerate higher levels of nitrate levels. About 40 is as high as the "safe" ceiling goes. Ideally you want to be at 10 or below.

As for corals, it depends on the coral. If you plan on keeping SPS down the road, most don't tolerate high (if any) nitrates/phosphates. Some other corals like zoas and mushrooms seem to like dirty water. Before I got my nitrates down to 0, my zoas were sprouting new heads all the time. Once they went down to zero, their growth slowed down.

 

Right now just zoas, and I've read the same thing in other places, they...like(?)some nitrates....just tested again, couldn't tell a thing!! But the holding .5 inch from the white space trick helped a lot, thanks. I couldn't believe it when I thought it was red, then I held it like you said and it was orange. With something in the 10-20 range, and which will definitely go down with more frequent wcs and the chaeto/nuisance algae I have, I'm ready to keep zoas? (lightings good, btw)

 

Haha, yea, the shadows created by the test tube throw off results like no other. I like to go to a window and use sunlight personally.

The chaeto will help a lot. When I first added mine it was the size of a baseball. In a month it was almost the size of a football and my nitrates went to 0.

You shouldn't have an issue with zoas or soft corals. I don't think I could kill my xenia if I tried. I had various softies when my tank still had nitrates and they all flourished and are still doing great.

 

Sweet! Live aquaria here I come!! And as far as a qt, would a simple 5 gallon, like the eclipse kit, work for the corals? I suppose I could use it it's the fish though, 1-2 inches isn't too big for it, right?

 

I don't think QT for corals is necessary, but definitely dip them. I have saved myself from countless pest through dipping.

As far as fish, it is recommended to to QT them for 6-8 weeks. Even though they are small fish, I wouldn't put them in anything smaller then a 10 gallon personally.

 

Yes, I definitely will dip them. Wait the steps are
1 get corals, acclimate
2 FW bath...30 secs(??)
3) 3 min revive bath
4) place on rock?

 

API test kits are crap! get a red sea pro or salifert ASAP, trust me, you'll love them!

 

ZC42 IMO ya should just relax and read a bit! Nothing good comes from rushing!

 

I put about an oz of tank water in with the coral water every few minutes until the water is about three times the amount I started with. Dip them for 5-10 minutes, then rinse them off in a different container containing tank water, and then put the coral in my tank.