TheSaltwaterGuy's 10 Gallon build (pics added)

You really think so?
I agree that it's possible your through the cycle, but the way I see it is it can't hurt to do an extra water change if your right, but it can hurt a lot not to do the extra water change if your wrong. just my 2 cents.

 

so im about to check parameters again just to be 100% sure im done with the cycle. I'm thinking a do a water change after that if everythings acceptable? just gotta see if everythings good and if its safe to add like 1 more fish or something

 

That's how I think, as well.

I think I just completed my cycle.(10-15ppm NO3?). I finished the day yesterday with testing parameters, then a 10% WC to the tank.

 

so I've been busy studying for my biology midterm (did pretty well on my Greek midterm today) so i'm about to do the water testing right now. anyway if my cycle is finished what;s my next course of action? I assume buying a fish and a CUC maybe but is there anything else I really need to worry about

 

Have you heard about reefcleaners.org? LOL ;D

Great CUC's and Rock!

 

Your CUC would be your next step, assuming you have a skimmer?

 

yeah... nope.

 

haha. Then I would get both. You could still get your CUC, but I would not get fish until you buy a skimmer.

 

why would i need a skimmer? Well I'm not keeping corals yet, but then again im pretty sure you know more than me.

 

Thank you for the message, that was mature of you and I appreciate it. As for your tank, I think if your cycle is done, you can go ahead and add a fish, but only add one at a time. Give the tank a few weeks to catch up and then perhaps add another small fish. Do keep in mind that if the maroon clown is still in there, he may be very aggressive towards new additions, so if you're not planning on keeping him, I would take him back to a lfs to trade in first, before adding a new fish. Perhaps pick up the new fish while your there.

As for the skimmer and CUC, at this stage a CUC isn't necessary and for that small of a tank, you don't need much. Perhaps you could add a few snails or hermit. Keep in mind that the hermits will kill the snails for their shells. I've found this to be true even when I added extra empty shells. If they want a particular shell, they will take it. On a tank this size, I don't think a skimmer is completely necessary if you do regular water changes, which shouldn't be very hard to do. Keep a low bioload and watch how much you feed and you should be ok. W/O a skimmer, I wouldn't expect to have sps, but soft corals and most lps should be fine. Good luck.