just wondering what to do?

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by saltydogg, May 23, 2012.

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  1. saltydogg

    saltydogg Bristle Worm

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    Apr 23, 2012
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    Location:
    indiana
    0523121923.jpg

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    so this is my tank... i have been on my cycle since April 29th... every things been fine..ammonia is @ 0ppm, nitrites are 0ppm, nitrates are @ 40ppm & going down... i have yet to have any algae @ all though...so my questions are basically im wondering if i do a water change & get my nitrates to 0-10ppm, should i get my clean up crew like planned & just feed them? (since no algae) or just take the 5yr old to the LFS & buy some clown fish? (NEMO) LOL...
     
    saltydogg, May 23, 2012
    saltydogg, May 23, 2012
    #1

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  2. lillys Grandad

    lillys Grandad Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
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    not yet...still too soon..is that a 55? ya need some diatom activity(brown stuff everywhere)...its got to get yucky before it gets clean again... sux ...but thats the deal...another couple weeks should see things happening...got anything in there like some raw shrimp or a single fish(I used a damsel) but a chromis or something cheap just to get some biological activity going..lots of ways to go for that process...dont overthink it...just be patient.
     
    lillys Grandad, May 23, 2012
    lillys Grandad, May 23, 2012
    #2
  3. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    What are you testing with? What did you use for water?
     
    Kevin_E, May 23, 2012
    Kevin_E, May 23, 2012
    #3
  4. saltydogg

    saltydogg Bristle Worm

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    Location:
    indiana
    yeah its a 55...also i realize what your saying & i started with several shrimp on april29th...then tested daily & watch my ammonia spike,then fall,then nitrites spike then fall,now nitrates have spiked & have fallen.but only to 40ppm.i will guess they will be @ 0ppm by saturday or sunday....& i have yet to see any diatoms...this is why i asked about water change & adding stuff to the tank? I have been cycling my lights from 5PM-10PM under the regular LED lights & 10pm-6am under BLUE LED lights... sorry for any misunderstanding...
     
    saltydogg, May 23, 2012
    saltydogg, May 23, 2012
    #4
  5. saltydogg

    saltydogg Bristle Worm

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    Location:
    indiana
    testing with API MASTER SALTWATER TEST...with a true 5ml dropper... filled with RO/DI
     
    saltydogg, May 23, 2012
    saltydogg, May 23, 2012
    #5
  6. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

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    Well my theory is our the window. Did you apply bacteria? Do you run anything that absorbs silicates?
     
    Kevin_E, May 23, 2012
    Kevin_E, May 23, 2012
    #6

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  7. Vinnyboombatz

    Vinnyboombatz Giant Squid

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    Nitrates do not fall on there own.(At least not an appreciable ammount) Nitrate export is accomplished by water changes,algaes,or chemical filtration. If you are showing Nitrates then you should begin your WC schedule. You will also need to keep adding some type of food for the bacteria in which you have grown through adding a fish,CUC, or the addition of more fish food.
     
    Vinnyboombatz, May 23, 2012
    Vinnyboombatz, May 23, 2012
    #7
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  8. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    Berkeley, CA
    Or anaerobic bacteria :) - if you have a deep sand bed and/or enough live rock you can have enough anaerobic bacteria to keep nitrates at near zero.
     
    rocketmandb, May 23, 2012
    rocketmandb, May 23, 2012
    #8
    1 person likes this.
  9. Hunt

    Hunt Flamingo Tongue

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    Nov 4, 2010
    Messages:
    117
    Location:
    Eaton, Indiana
    if you think you need some rock rubble or a little sand to kick it in the bac. and pods a little more, i will help you out if you need it. let me know.
     
    Hunt, May 23, 2012
    Hunt, May 23, 2012
    #9
  10. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    +1

    Your nitrifying bacteria are living organisms too, and will die off rather quickly without a food supply, which will cause your tank to cycle aqain once you start adding livestock.
     
    Mr. Bill, May 24, 2012
    Mr. Bill, May 24, 2012
    #10
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