Idaho-Tank build... Starting over

Day 2

Water tests:
SG = about 1.025 +/- (using hydrometer)
Temp = 78
Ammonia = 0
PH = 8.4
Nitrate = 0
Nitrite = 0

Not what I expected from my water tests.... PH going up and Ammonia going down to zero along with nitrate and nitrite.

Not sure it means much on day two or not.

 

The bacterial load already in the rock you added seems to be hard at work already, you need to be sure there is enough bioload to keep it there, sprinkle some food in the tank and see if the ammonia spikes.

 

ok - done. Put maybe half a teaspoon in.

Thoughts on lighting? Ive been keeping them off for now.

Thoughts on water changes? I know its only been 2 days.. but just wondering when I should plan a PWC.

Thanks Telgar.

 

no lights till the cycle is confirmed complete and you add a fish or 2 to look at, plan a 20-25% waterchange for week 3 assuming the cycle is done. For now just test the parameters to confirm ammonia and nitrite spikes if they happen, it will only take a day or two to tell if your basically already cycled. I would remove any of that food thats left in the tank today as well, dont want it to foul the water, next time just a pinch will do

 

Day 3

I noticed this morning that my skimmer was acting more normal and tonight it seems to be performing as expected. It is actually pulling out some skimmate so I put the plug back into the collection cup rather than let it flow back out into the sump.

So yesterday I added a fair amount of fish food - approximately 1/2 teaspoon. I expected that it would affect my ammonia or nitrates.... nope.

SG = about 1.025 +/- (using hydrometer)
Temp = 78
Ammonia = 0
Nitrate = 0
Nitrite = 0

So any theories as to why my Ammonia and Nitrates are not going up? I even ran the test twice just to make sure it was accurate. Im confused why Im getting zeros still.... Wondering if I should add a shrimp or another source of ammonia and see what happens?

I decided to turn my sump lights on for a while (don't want my cheto or caulerpa to die) I also turned on my display tank lights just for about 30-45 mins. When I did the polyps really came out so I took some photos before turning them back off.

While nothing spectacular by any means it will be fun to watch everything evolve/grow...Here are the shots

Water is crystal clear


Some small sponges.


Mushrooms


Some of the star polyps

 

my 46 didnt cycle and my 55 was good to go in 3 weeks. Every tank is different

 

You have a 46 that never cycled? So what did you do? Did you just keep testing for a while and eventually just start stocking the tank? What did you have in the tank when you started?

 

By the look of your pics you already cycled with the cured live rock you added
I'd say add a fish or 2 and order up a CUC

 

That mesh that came with the skimmer is for the impeller inside of the pump. It is indeed to create more bubbles.. google or search mesh impeller for skimmer.. oh, and the aquarium is freakin amazing, I'm guessing you already knew that.. Your carpenter skills are something I envy. ;D

 

When I talked to the skimmer manufacturer they said to use the paddle wheel - just to cut off the paddles, drill holes and tie on with fishing line. I will wait, see how the pin wheel works and then try a mesh wheel out later. So far I am amazed at how well the pin wheel is doing.

Thanks for the compliments, any opinions on my water tests?