New Tank, New hobbyist, new question.

Hi everyone.

I started my tank roughy 3 weeks ago... give or take a couple days.

Please read these 2 blog entries to see what I did when, and what my values were over the time period: (don't worry - they're short!)

entry 1: http://www.3reef.com/forums/blogs/brew0688/ready-set-cycle-321.html

entry 2: http://www.3reef.com/forums/blogs/brew0688/entry-2-hurry-up-wait-322.html

Today - ALL my values are reading ZERO. Ammonia I understand, nitrites I understand, but how can my nitrates be at zero too? Has my tank cycled in 3 weeks? Or is that zero value for nitrates indicative of some problem?

Also - my ph is low. 8.0 maybe. I added a buffer as directed and will see what the results are tomorrow.

While I'm here - one more question - before I add my first living creatures to the tank (CUC), what values do I need to check? Are ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, Ph, and specific gravity sufficient? Or do I need to buy more extensive testing kits for alkaline, calcium, etc?

Please and Thank you!

Brett;D

 

you might want to test for nitrates again. if i am not mistaken your level was 160 4 days ago??? although natrual nitrate reduction does occur in tanks, i dont think it happens this soon, or that much. Thats a serious drop.

did you do a water change????

as far as the other tests go, ALK might be helpfull esp since your ph is a little low. but i woudnt worry about CA or magnesium. and even doing a alk test isnt that important.

 

I realize that drop is fast, that's why I wanted to double check before adding anything. I did a double check, and yep, zero.

Did you read my cleaning methods for the rock I added? I had no doubt the bleach was neutralized - am I wrong in my thinking?

I didn't do any water changes - however, I did add quite a bit of water to the tank - maybe 2-3 gallons. A lot had evaporated, and it was getting to the point where my filter was sounding like a waterfall, which drives me nuts. The water I added was RO, with nothing in it- no salt, nothing. I guess that could have caused a drop? Should I expect another spike? Or do I just go ahead and add a couple hermits?

 

im honestly not sure about the rock cleaning, someone may know more.

2-3 gallons of top off is a decent amount 12%, so i think it would cause a drop.

my advice would be wait at least a couple more days and check to see if anything changes.

then if/when you go get some hermits, take a water sample to get it checked by a LFS, just to double check your kits