hermits and snails

You are definitely still cycling. Looks like you need more test kits too.

BTW - don't use test strips. Those are worthless.


Please see my above comment on cycling.

 

ok so will my fellas be ok??? i take it snails and hermits will add to the problem at the mo?

is there anything i can do?

 

sorry just read your cycling comment again ok I won't add anything else for now. Yes i do use the strips, so what do you suggest that i need to use and what extra test should i be carrying out.

 

well for cycling, you just need pH, alk, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate...red sea makes good ones. then once its cycled...and you start adding livestock and possibly coral, you would need calcium and magnesium to keep those in check!! Good luck buddy!!

and i don't know if anybody said this but i think your pH is too low...should be around 8.2

 

Test strips simply are not accurate. For example:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~Aquarium_Pharmaceuticals_Saltwater_Liquid_Master_Test_Kit_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Test_Kits_Master_Test_Kits~vendor~Aquarium_Pharmaceuticals~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~AP3313~idCategory~FITKMK.html



There is a saltwater and a reef one. Get them both. Plus a Magnesium test kit (I use Red Sea for Mg, API doesn't make one).

You need to test for (I am assuming you plan on adding coral at some point)

Temperature:
PH:
Ammonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
Salinity:
dKH/KH/Alkalinity:
Magnesium:
Calcium:
Phosphate:

You need to read up on the Nitrogen Cycle. You can search 3reef for "nitrogen cycle" to get the info you need.

But in a nutshell, it's your Ammonia spikes, then goes to 0. Then Nitrites spike, then go to 0, then your nitrates spike and go to 0 (but once Nitrates get to 20, you should be OK to move forward). In the beginning, these plus PH, dKH, temp, SG are most important. Other tests you can get as you move along.

EDIT: I noticed you didn't list your SG (salinity). This is critical. You need to know this. Also, be aware that it's not good for your tank to have big swings in SG, PH, dKH, etc. You want stability in your readings.

Test weekly (I do, it's more important in the first several months) and watch the cycle (watch = document your tests in a journal and then you can see the numbers/trends).

Your snails and hermits won't really add to the problem, but they might not live through the cycle... maybe.

Clowns will probably be OK... but will be stressed for a while so watch them.

The cycle can take up to and over 3 months - be patient. If you rush now, it'll crash later.

Good luck (particularly good luck with the patience part - that's difficult, I know!)

 

As far as your tank size look forward to upgrading to the size your friend is giving you, I believe its actually easier to maintain a larger tank then a small one like yours. I just started a few months ago and jumped right into an 80 gal( not literally) You did a good thing in coming to this forum because the people here a very knowledgeable about this hobby. GOOD LUCK TOO YOU and post some pics!

 

Ok coming from a nano owner you have to be very careful wuth a tank under 10 gal.
1. Don't overfeed! try pellet food.
2. If you are gonna keep coral, you may be overstocked, especially if you don't have a skimmer
3. Water quality is much harder to stabilize in a smaller tank
4. I would not reccomend Tap water in a coral tank (especially with inverts like shrimp, they are very sensitive to heavy metals and chemicals in tap), and you need 1-2 lbs of liverock per gallon
5. You need to test for ammonia.. it's toxic to livestock

Also that Poly filter is probably the only thing that's saving your livestock, as far as removing nutrients, ammonia, and metals. Has it turned any colors yet.

 

BTW if this is a Fowler tank.. disregard the coral reccomendations. Just get your test kit! Watch your lil clowns and shrimp... good luck!!! And try not to use tap.. some have success, but everyone's water is different.. buy purified water from the store if you must.. it'll be cheap for that small of a tank! I used to use it, now I have a DI unit.. best investment ever! Get a good book The Nano Handbook is a good one by Brightwell. I've read it 6 times! Very good for Nano owners! Again good luck, and don't hesitate to search and post on this site!

 

Thank you everyone you've all been great help

yes the poly filter is prob nearly half turn a brownie color, I wasn't planning on putting coral in this tank I thought it would be 2 small what with livestock as well.

Well i'm off to purchase a few things, and I will update you as I go

once again your all beautiful people thank you, and my guys thank you too.

B!ue
Xxx