Hi All! ?'s about our newly cycling tank...

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say hi to everyone. We have been doing freshwater tanks for the last 10 years. Here's one of our tanks...



We had a spare 20 gallon (we realize it's small and that we will want to go big...) We put in 20lbs of live sand, 20lbs of live rock a week ago. We have a fluval canister filter and a pump that we're using for water circulation for now. Temp 78, pH 8.0, SG 1.021. We have not seen any detectable levels of NH4, NO3, or NO2 yet.... Could this be because the rock was so well cured when we put it in?? Just wondering what to do next... will these levels eventually rise and it just takes a while? We have not seen any algae yet either. Also, do we need a skimmer for a FOWLR?

Any help or advice would be appreciated. We don't want to do anything wrong... Here are few pics of the new tank so far....

 

Let it sit. I am a n00bie here to and just let the tank do its thing. Read up on here so much info. The tank just needs to develop..

 

For a Fowler tank I beleave no skimmer is needed...as along as you do water changes... To help cycle your ltank you can purchase some saltwater goldfish AKA damsels or Green chromis no more that 2 i would do. There fishy Pooh will help the cycle along.. Good luck and the aquascaping looks great....

 

Welcome to 3reef. I cycle tanks for 12 weeks so you might want not want to listen to me...

 

Your freshwater tank is beautiful! And +1 on the cycling...patience...

 

DOnt rush intoit like I did. My lfs told me to use stability then it was cool to add fish without going through the cycle. it is ok to add a couple small fish for the cycle but you really should take your time and get in no hurry. I have since gotten rid of my fish except one and am going to order rock from reefcleaner.org on the third. when you are ready to add a clean up crew reefcleaners seems the best deal I have found. JUST DONT RUSH INTO IT. I lost some really cool livestock from trusting my lfs good luck...nice freshwater setup...I have had several in the past....marine is a whole new world. When your ready to add life and want to shop online I would check the sponsers here first...good luck with your new adventure

 

Yes, patience is the key. Add the Chromi's like everyone says, and then keep yourself busy by researching what you'd like to do as far as stocking goes.
knowledge is the best $ saving tip anyone can give. Take it from someone who went against everything i just advised.

 

thanks for all the comments/replies, looking forward to learning lots and getting some movement in the tank!