25 lagoon (First timer)

[kyles23]

This is our first ever aquarium. We decided to start pretty small to decide if our family really enjoys it before jumping all the way in. Enjoying it so far!

Equipment:

IM 25 gallon lagoon
AI prime 16hd
MP10 wave maker
Caribsea life rock-12ish pounds
Caribsea Fiji pink - 30ish pounds
Cobalt 75watts

Filled with saltwater from LFS 8/25/23
Added Fritz turbo 900
Added Fritz fishless fuel

I’ve read quit a bit on the form and have seen all kinds of information regarding the cycling process, still a little confused. I’ve seen to wait months & the turbo bottle says 5 days. I have an API test (now realize they’re trash) will attach picture of the results for advice if I’m cycled. As well as tank picture.

Any equipment advice & beginners tips are appreciated!

 

[zfisk]

Really nice tank and gear to start off with! You’re right about the API kit being trash, that’s what I started off with and never seemed to get results I could truly trust. As far as those test results you posted, it looks like you’re using the freshwater version of the test kit. It would be wise and I’d say necessary to invest in some new kits. If those readings are actually somehow correct the tank is not done cycling as the ammonia is very high. Do the instructions on the bacteria bottle recommend any water changes?

 

[Northern Flicker]

I know how expensive this hobby can be, and it definitely shouldn't be a priority if cash is tight, but getting a 2nd Prime was a game changer for my 25 lagoon.

Life rock is looking real good.

 

[Propane]

You are not cycled yet. How long since you’ve put ammonia in?

 

[shakacuz]

welcome aboard the r2r board!

seems you're on the right track so far. great job!

 

[kyles23]

You are not cycled yet. How long since you’ve put ammonia in?

I added it on the 25th. I believe I made a mistake on how much I added because I did not account for the rock & sand taking up gallons of space. I had 8ppm ammonia reading (API test) and it is coming down day by day. Plan on taking a water test to LFS tomorrow for confirmation.

 

[jabberwock]

API test kits are fine, you just need to use them correctly. Follow instructions precisely. Their main deficiency is that they are subjective color interpretations.

I love my IM 25 lagoon! Check out my tank thread.

 

[kyles23]

Todays testing.

 

[jabberwock]

You are not cycled yet, but it is going in the right direction. Try getting a couple small pieces of wet live rock from a couple different LFSs. You can keep it or throw it out after you are done. This will help to increase the diversity of your good bacteria.

 

[jabberwock]

Don't add any more fuel until you get 0 ammonia, then you might add a small dose just to verify that it is consumed, but probably not necessary.

 

[kyles23]

Just got back from the LFS & had the water tested. Ammonia was 0 & nitrate was 40.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Great tank choice. Good luck with your set-up. I'll be following along. API test kits are fine. @jabberwock has a great 25 lagoon. Check his out for ideas. There are a few great 25's here and a few that are gonna be once they grow out.