New to Forum and need Help

For the shake of piece of mind, do a large water charge and let It cycle.

 

It should just encourage algae growth. I most cases I wouldn't think it would hurt much else depending on water quality.

I'd just test all your basic parameters, do a decent size water change, then maybe add a hardy fish.

If you're really worried about it, then I'd do water changes every couple days, just cycle a lot of water out, and it should dillute anything nasty you've got in the tank.

 

thanks guys.Keep the suggestions coming please really confussed on this

 

My FOWLR, I topped off with tap water for a very long time. Much longer than your tank had that happening to it...all of the advice is good. If you test your parameters and you have high nitrates, we'll talk

 

Topping off with tap water for a long period of time can cause the LR and LS to absorb a ton of phosphate and other nasties. What does this mean for your tank? Well there is only so much that LR can absorb before it starts leaching those phosphates. This typically fuels algae growth and causes nitrate issues. This is typically known as "Old Tank Syndrom". When this happens, the rock generally needs to be cooked for a bit to get all of the phosphates out. Not trying to scare you but that could be the case. It all depends on how dirty the water is in your area. I would make sure all parameters are on par and try a little fishy out to see how it goes.

 

oldfishkeeper i do have high nitrates .Lets talk

 

How high are the nitrates?

Can you make up a batch of new SW mix and test for nitrates or do you buy your salt premixed?

 

I used to do it all the time when i first started my tank. It was fine but then i had a hair algae outbreak. Didn't get bad because i had no corals so i just cut the lights out for 2 days. My tank was clear of algae for awhile but then the hair algae came fast. I wouldn't worry if the levels are right. I say just keep doing you regular water changes and you will be fine.

 

starting water changes this week

 

yes, how high are the nitrates? If they are over 160, I can give you some advice. Water changes unfortunately is what you need to do. I've done water changes, took out all my ceramics in my canister, added biopellets, upgraded my skimmer and I'm still battling them. My problem is worse though because of the length of time I used tap and did very poor husbandry. Soooo....after this long journey and not bringing them down to a level where I can keep what I want, I'm going to do a 50% water change and remove all of my sand (except for a little bit to seed) and take out some rock and add a couple new pieces to add some diversity to my bacteria and will take my canister off line. It will be a massive task but I should have done it way back when....