Hello from Stamford, Connecticut and a question.

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008.

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  1. pvtpyle69

    pvtpyle69 Plankton

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2008
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    Hello 3reef!

    I have to say this forum has already helped me a tremendous amount. I am VERY new to keeping a reef. I have had a freshwater and a fish only saltwater tank in the past but that was more than four years ago.

    My current status:
    I have currently been up running and added my sand and live rock 11 days ago. The live rock was fully cured and running in my LFS' filtration system. I ran my lights for two days before I read this forum and they have been off ever since. I have tested my water and I don't get anything for Nitrate or Nitrite. The PH is 8.2 and the SG is good.

    I have not done a water change since adding the live rock. Should I wait a few weeks longer or should I attempt to add some snails/hermits? Am I jumping the gun?

    Thanks for any help in advance,
    Steve
     
    pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008
    pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008
    #1
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  2. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

    Joined:
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    Welcome to 3reef.

    Do you have anything in the tank to start bacteria?? Fish or raw shrimp.
     
    Otty, Nov 18, 2008
    Otty, Nov 18, 2008
    #2
    1 person likes this.
  3. pvtpyle69

    pvtpyle69 Plankton

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    I haven't added anything to the tank. Shouldn't the live rock contain the bacteria needed to start the cycle?
     
    pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008
    pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008
    #3
  4. Scubagator87

    Scubagator87 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
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    Gainesville, FL
    yea it does, but adding a damsel or a piece of shrimp can help jumpstart it faster. It will still take a while but you won't have to wait as long for the ammonia spike. I got a yellowtail as they are supposed to be the least aggressive of the damsels
     
    Scubagator87, Nov 18, 2008
    Scubagator87, Nov 18, 2008
    #4
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  5. pvtpyle69

    pvtpyle69 Plankton

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    Ok thanks. I appreciate the help. My live rock has been doing very well and my girlfriend thinks I have lost it because all I do now is stare looking for hitchhikers.

    I may add another 20lbs this weekend (Which I assume will also lengthen my cycle)

    Can I add cleaning crew type stuff as well at this point?

    Seriously, you guys are awesome for the help. My LFS is only open Thursdays through Sundays. :)
     
    pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008
    pvtpyle69, Nov 18, 2008
    #5
  6. Scubagator87

    Scubagator87 Skunk Shrimp

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    hah, she'll get excited when she actually sees there's stuff on there and that you're not crazy :)
     
    Scubagator87, Nov 18, 2008
    Scubagator87, Nov 18, 2008
    #6

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  7. baugherb

    baugherb Giant Squid

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    southington, ohio
    Welcome to 3Reef>>>>
     
    baugherb, Nov 18, 2008
    baugherb, Nov 18, 2008
    #7
  8. desjardini

    desjardini Plankton

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    imo its cruel to use a fish during cycling . the ammonia spike is not a place a fish should be in. the shrimp should hasten the cycle. welcome iwas born in no stamford when the church rowntown was the tallest building. lol
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2008
    desjardini, Nov 18, 2008
    desjardini, Nov 18, 2008
    #8
  9. jeremy_a

    jeremy_a Feather Duster

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    Location:
    Columbus, IN
    Welcome to 3reef!!
     
    jeremy_a, Nov 18, 2008
    jeremy_a, Nov 18, 2008
    #9
  10. Hackem688

    Hackem688 Millepora

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    Mesa AZ
    Welcome to 3reef.
     
    Hackem688, Nov 18, 2008
    Hackem688, Nov 18, 2008
    #10
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