First water test 11/1/19

[Fishy212]

Hi Everyone,

Kindly let me know what I should do or expect at this point. I have been away from the hobby for awhile and its all slowly coming back to me now ;Bookworm Any tips or pointers from you guys and gals would be greatly appreciated.

Here is my rundown: ( check signature for equipment )

10/25/19 (LAST FRIDAY) Added 80 lbs of dead rock / 70 lbs of dead sand (from previous tank years ago/ might still have organic matter on it resulting in test below) and RO/DI water waited for it to settle.
10/26/19 (SAT) Added and mixed in salt (1.025)
10/28/19(MONDAY) Added Bio-spria
11/1/19(FRIDAY) Just tested the water with API saltwater test kit (any better test kit recommendations?)

PH - 8
NH3/NH4 0 ppm
N02 0.25 ppm
N03 10ppm

Was never a big fan of these kits as you have to compare and contast them to color charts. Any recommendations on digital ones? What are your experiences using them? Is it worth it? There is just a lot of room for human error, something I would like to avoid.

I currently have in my sump
Pre filter
Bio max
Bio-ceramic block
some carbon bags

The only equipment I have going right now are the return pump and heating element set at 76 degrees. I am not using either power heads , the skimmer or the lights at the moment.

My plan was to introduce a CUC in about 2-3 weeks time. I have started noticing small amounts of hair algae starting to grow, nothing major.
I plan on doing some phantom feeding maybe 2-3 days prior to adding a CUC.

I am just not 100% positive if what I am doing is correct or If I should be doing something else.
Am I headed in the right direction? What would you do differently and why?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

THANK YOU!!!!

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Are you adding any ammonia source?

I probably would keep lights off but run powerheads

 

[Fishy212]

Are you adding any ammonia source?

I probably would keep lights off but run powerheads

Hi Bayareareefer18, I have not added anything as of yet. I have read about the chopped shrimp method but will probably stick with the phantom feeding.

Do you think it would be okay to go to the local fish store and pick up pellets and add them in at this point?
Honestly I would be too temped to get some snails / hermits while getting the pellets.

Is it too soon? Thoughts?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I agree I'd add ammonia or some fish food or shrimp and see what happens in terms of ammonia.

Note that if the nitrite is real, the nitrate may be a false reading. A small amount of nitrite can show as a hundred times as much nitrate with some nitrate kits.

 

[Fishy212]

I agree I'd add ammonia or some fish food or shrimp and see what happens in terms of ammonia.

Note that if the nitrite is real, the nitrate may be a false reading. A small amount of nitrite can show as a hundred times as much nitrate with some nitrate kits.

Actually went out on Friday to get some pellets for the ammonia source. Picked up 2 turbos and a hermit. Added the pellets and then acclimated them after 45 mins. Hermit is MIA today, but saw him yesterday, but I still see the turbos doing work on the Alage that is growing.

Thanks for the input