skimmer while cycling

To 3Reef!!! ​

Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!​

Yep, keep them all running -- you want all the circulation you can get - skimmer is option down the line, near end of process.
Any inverts you have in there are not likely to make it until after cycle peak.
Good Luck!
;D

 

if your inverts have lasted this long and your towards the end of the cycling i wouldnt worry about them.

 

You need to remember that your LFS makes a profit by selling you things. Some are not that way but most are. Most will try and sell you a flat tire and then tell you that the air to fill it is an option. :-/
Do a little research before you go in the LFS, don't let them sell you on something you really don't need.

 

I agree with that, if I took the advice from one of my LFS then my tank would be full of all sorts of chemicals and treatments which are completely unnecessary!

All I can say is keep asking questions and enjoy what truely is a great hobby ;D

 

Your not kidding, the first time I walked in the store they tried selling me fish, ammonia detox and other crap. We're very limited to LFS in the keys, they really didn't try to explain the whole process to me, I'm learning it all right here. Thanks for the great info. I'm sure I'll have lots more questions.

 

I felt the need to get a fish, all the rock is covered in purple, the ammonia level is down to almost 0 and the inverts are doing great getting bigger. I picked up a single yellow tailed blue damsel and it doesn't seem to be doing well. I slowly put it into the tank over about an hour adding tank water to the bag. He/she has been hiding now for over a day, came out once when I fed and swam around and went right back to hide. The one eye seems a little puffy, I didn't notice that when I bought. Any ideas? I just did a small 5% water change and I would ask the LFS but they always want me to buy chemicals.

 

It's possible the Damsel is feeling the effects of a cycling tank. I would not perform water changes as that will stop the cycle process. Choosing to cycle your tank with fish is again something you will find many different opinions on but one thing is for sure. adding a fish during the cycle process could lead to the death of that fish.
J

 

I agree with Jason, generally people use Damsels when cycling as they are one of the more hardy fish and yes there may be a chance that it doesn't survive. As for your cycling don't do any water changes until it is complete, even though it's a bit late you could of used the shrimp in a bag method for cycling, I've used this for both of my tanks and it worked a treat.

Sit tight and keep an eye on your levels.

 

Powerhead placement

I think my Damsel is doing ok now, the eye looks better and she is swimming around. Now I'm concerned that I may have too much water flow. I have 2 bio wheels filter that keep it moving pretty good and I have a powerhead too, but when the powerhead is on she won't come out. Am I doing overkill with the water movement?

 

Mine hid for about the first 5 weeks he was in the tank, still doesn't come out much except to eat. He will be ok, those guys can live through atom bomb.

It is hard to have too much flow. If you are blowing your sand all over the place then I would say you have too much. You want your water movement to be chaotic in the tank, moving in all direction.