Is my tank cycled or not started? NEED HELP!

the salt is coral life and my salinity is at 1.024...whats RO water? i have to buy water for each water change?

 

RO/DI - Reverse Osmosis/De Ionized water. It's a filtration process that purifies water to the max, basically. Removes almost all TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and is the most ideal water to use in your fish tank.

I guess you don't HAVE to use it for every water change. But you risk running into algae issues. What kind of lights do you have?

Also, FYI, when you are topping off your tank due to evaporation, you use fresh water and not salt water. Maybe you knew that but it's a really common mistake people make at first. I did...

 

i actually didnt know that...i thought it was supposed to be topped off with saltwater...umm im not sure which light it came stock with it...i think it might be florescent but im thinking of getting the nova extreme...im very new to all of this so im learning as i go..since my nitrates are up shouldn't that mean the tank is almost cycled...the nitrites only appeared once i added the raw shrimp...I'm getting alot of different answers from people.

 

Well fluorescent is fine for a FOWLR. I wouldn't invest in anything else unless you plan on getting corals. Your algae woes will be little to none with simple fluorescents over the tank.

Just because you have nitrates doesn't mean your tank has cycled. I don't know who is telling you otherwise, maybe your LFS who is anxious to relieve you of some of your funds? *Shrug*

It takes 6-8 weeks for a tank to fully cycle. ESPECIALLY since you used un-cured LR. Let it sit for 3 more weeks and test again.

 

Oh, and check this out:

Beginner Saltwater FAQ: Fish

Quoted from that page:

"As a note, nitrifying bacteria seem to be pH and temperature sensitive."

Meaning until you get your pH up to where it needs to be, 8.2-8.3, you're going to have a hard time kick-starting your cycle. Plus your fish won't fare well (if at all, I honestly don't know) with a pH of 7.2. That's almost neutral. And I know when people do freshwater dips with their fish they at least buffer the water to a higher pH and don't leave it at 7.0.

 

okay ill wait then test again...when should i take the shrimp out?

 

Actually that's a good question...and I don't know. I didn't cycle with a raw shrimp - I did the Damsel thing. That's why I'm so against that idea. I know better from experience. I assume the shrimp will just kind of dissolve away...

Anyone?

 

should i be doing anything else while i wait...water changes?

 

Good call thats what I was gonna say....

 

I would change the shrimp every few days or get a damsel. Tie a string on it so when its done you can catch it and get store credit for it....I am not a damsel fan.