In the right Direction?

So I just started a 30gal tank and have had the live rock in for a week.
It's going to be a FOWLR. Want to keep that for a few months before I even
think of any corals.

Here's my test results after a week of cycle. Does it look like I'm heading in the right direction? I'm in no rush but new so want to make sure it's going OK. Does any of my results look out of place?

PH - 8.1
Alk - normal
Spec Grav - 1.0235
Ammonia - .20
Nitrite - 3.0
Nitrate - 15
Temp - 78.1

Let me know if you need any more info.

So far I have done just a 10% water change and just topped off when I've had a decent amount of evaporation.

Thanks! ;D

 

Looks like a cycle to me! Not sure I'd do any water changes, just top offs. Welcome to the hobby!

 

Agree

I would also wait until you have ammonia and nitrite value of 0, that way you get a larger biological filter built up.

 

You are on a normal pace. If you have your lights on turn them off as they are not needed and will increase your algae issues when the cycle completes.

 

Yeah, looks like you just hit the cycle as everyone has been saying..Just test it weekly and when the nitrates hit 5ppm or 0ppm then your good to go.

 

Thanks all! Going to just top off for now and be patient. My wife just bought me new lights but I'm not sure of the brand. It's called SolarMax HE, never heard of it. I'd feel bad taking them back but don't want her wasting money she just trying to help.

 

Are they T5s? if they are they are actually good lights IMO and have done really well at my brothers house.

 

Yes dual T5's, one 10,000 K day lamp and one Actinic 03 lamp. Also has what they call as integrated LED Moon Lights. Still not sure on it. I'll do some research and listen to what you guys have to say.

 

Moving along...Tested today and things seem to be moving in the right direction. Just the Live Rock and Sand still.

Nitrite - .2
Ammonia - .15
Nitrates - 20
Alk - 2.4
Ph - 8.0 (little low?)
Spec Grav - 1.0235
temp - 78.5

Also looking at a Skimmer and Sump/Refuge. Thing is I don't have much room.

So should I look at a HOB skimmer and use a 10 gal for a refuge underneath the tank. Ive tried so many ways to divide the 10 gal to incorporate the skimmer but it just seems too small.
Anyone think it's possible to make a 10 gal with 3 areas, 1 for skimmer, 1 for refugium, and the return.
If not I'm OK with just the HOB skimmer. Should I even do a Sump/refuge for a 30 gal?
Right now I just want to ge tthe tank in the best shape before putting any fish in. ;D

 

hey the solarmax he are not for reef tanks, they are for planted tanks..the solarmax ho are the t5s that are reef lights..

so when you start wanting to add corals your going to have to upgrade your lighting..

and welcome to 3reef

just take the lights back and get the high output ones..i have this fixture and it works very well, the high outputs also come with moonlights as well which gives you nighttime viewing