Wanted: Opinions on first water change

Good afternoon,

I was digging around the threads for advice on when to perform my first water change - there are a lot of different opinions, and that may be because everyone seems to begin from different points.

The facts on my tank now: 34 gallon 7 weeks old still working through it's first cycle, there's 15lbs of live rock and 2 inches of live sand with what I believe to be the beginnings of cyanobacteria. I've had two clowns and a horned sea star for the past two weeks, eating frozen brine shrimp every other day (sea star gets hand fed 2 or 3 times a week when he is in position). The gang seems healthy; with behaviour that looks to be in line with what I've researched on their respective species.

My lighting is the standard (flourescent?) bulb that came with this marineland stand/tank. The filter currently is a 75gph HOB dual biowheel, supplying the only current that is in the tank right now. I realize that for a reef tank, this move was a no-no. I originally thought I wanted a community tank and am now researching DIY sump systems and LED lights - but that's for another thread.

Nitrate levels began with 0 (as expected) but have been around 20ppm for the past three weeks.
Nitrite levels have been at .25ppm since the first test, nothing has changed for 7 weeks.
Alkalinity levels (this is speculation, I can barely tell the difference in color) have been at 200 - 250ppm
PH levels (also speculation, these test strips are ridiculous) have been at what I think is 7.6 - 7.8, going back and forth.

Like I said on my tests, it's a little difficult to accurately gauge the alkalinity and PH levels.

Regardless, I'm wondering if I should do I a 10-20% water change this weekend - I don't trust myself with mixing saltwater just yet so I have been purchasing 5gallon jugs from my LFS who uses RO/DI.

Question 1: To change or not to change?

Question 2: I have a siphon, two brand new five gallon food grade buckets and an extra heater - do I need anything else?

Question 3: Does anyone have any recommendations on more accurate test kits?

Everyone's help and opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

Go ahead and do a water change. You'll want to match temp and pH of your NSW to your DT. I'd also recommend aerating the water overnight before you do the change.

FWIW, frozen brine shrimp isn't a good food if that's all you're feeding. You'll want to vary your fishes' diets. Add in some mini mysis (Hikari or H2O Life), maybe a good pelletized food like the small NLS pellets, and maybe a good marine flake food.

Don't rely on test strips, esp. while your tank is so young...it's NOT stable at this point. 6 mos to a year down the road, once you "learn" how your tank acts, you can use them as quick checks, THEN, if you see something on the strip, verify it with a reagent type test, or an electronic tester.

Finally, your chocolate chip star is not reef safe, and to be honest, aren't safe with smaller fish...they have no problem eating a sleeping fish. Just good to know...

 

Just starting out, you could get API tests - they tend to be a little less expensive and although not top of the line, do a good job in giving you general levels. You can search on the forum to find recommendations for additional types of tests. Some people recommend certain brands for certain parameters.

I don't think it would hurt to do a water change. IMO, you have what you need to do one but like Greg said, make sure (to the best of your ability) that your parameters are matched especially salinity.

 

Thanks for the input! I did a 14% water change last night, I'm doing another test tonight and plan on picking up more accurate tests this weekend. I'll keep you posted.

 

Welcome to 3Reef!


No pictures? We want PicS! We Like pics! ;-)

Maybe try and pick up an inexpsensive power head or two for the tank as well.

If you are inclined to, look up DIY overflows and DIY sumps (they don't have to be glass or acrylic)

;-)

 

First of all, I was at work when talking about my tank, and very dyslexic. Instead of it being 70gph on my filter it's actually rated towards 70 gallon aquariums and has 350 gallons per hour. And here goes the first question:

1. Despite my immediate need to get rid of my biowheel setup for a sump system, my current setup gushes (no bubbles) 350gph, is there an even more immediate need for a powerhead?

Thanks again to everyone who has given advice! I am "in the market" as it were for a powerhead - does anyone have any favored mfg's? I see that Hydor has a steeper price, does that necessarily mean a better product?

Another question, my LFS is extremely informative and actually deters me from products "I don't need" such as a bubbler (mind you, I only have a sea star and 2 oc. clowns). He mentioned that the frozen brine shrimp will suffice as food (which we have only been feeding), the difference with pellets, flakes, and all around variety can either alienate or completely promote growth. What is the general consensus on this? I've heard some fish hate variety while others thrive.

Pics will come soon, be patient please. Sheesh (though I don't blame you)!

 

FWIW, all I use for filtration are bio wheel filters. I buy media bags and carbon pads instead of using the stock filters. You can keep that filter on there but you have to be religious on cleaning the pads because it will become a nitrate factory. I do a water change and pad clean every week and I don't ever skip. I have one emporer 280 on my 36 bowfront and two emporer 400 on my 55 gallon. I would honestly invest in a skimmer and a nice and inexpensive marineland power head. You really need movement in the middle water coloum. I also use corallife HOB protien skimmers, a 65gallon on my bowfront and a 125gallon on my 55. I love the skimmers. As far as lighting I prefer T5 fixtures and I run quad set ups on both my tanks.Tried and true plus value priced. I make sure I run quality bulbs like ATI or redsea. I have kept many types of corals and fish very happy with my set up but its just a bit more work though. That's the fun part to me. Hope it helps and good luck.

 

Responses above in red.

 

+1

As far as fish "hating" variety, that's nonsense; they came from a sea of variety. If by chance you feed something they don't like, they'll simply pass on it.

 

Fwiw, one of the hardest things I learned when I started out as a noob. Just because the guys at a lfs might know more than you do, but it doesn't mean they are giving you correct info. I've learned to research before any buy I make. I will trust this forum way before any lfs. But I use a varied diet for my tank from liquid, frozen & pellet food. I don't use flakes.