Hello

Hollywood215 · Nov 23, 2013

Good evening everyone,

I am brand new to R2R and the whole Saltwater Aquarium's. I currently have a 55 gal tank with LS and LR. Today is the second day I have had it running.

I have a few questions. What is truly the best option for cycling the tank as the LR was purchased at my Local Fish Store. It was transported in water back to my house, and using live sand. I have heard a few ways to get the cycle process going, or use food flakes. One LFS said to get some hardy fish, one (Major Chain) said I would be ok since I am using the LS/Live Cured Rock.

My levels right now are:

Nitrate 0
Nirite .5
ph:7.8
Ammonia .5
Salt: 1.023-1.025

Everything we are doing seems right so far but always like getting added help when I can

and a little about me: I am from Yardley, Pa (Bucks County) I work in the entertainment industry and have always wanted a Saltwater Aquarium. If you have any info for me that would be great, Oh and if there is any local (Bucks County/Phila) Groups online please let me know.

Thanks!
Kirk

SeahorseKeeper · Nov 23, 2013

Welcome to R2R!!

I would add a piece of shrimp or ghost feed the tank for a few days. In the cycling process, you want to monitor the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. You will want to see a spike in the ammonia. Then, the other levels will rise and fall as the cycle progress. Ammonia and nitrite are very toxic to fish, so I would not add fish until the ammonia and nitrite levels are undetectable.

There are two clubs kind of local to you Delaware Valley Reefers and NJ Reefers.

KSzegi · Nov 25, 2013

Welcome to R2R!! I agree, you can use some flake food or shrimp in the tank to get the cycle going. Looks like you have a bit of ammonia and nitrite already so I wouldn't go overboard with extra additions, just a little bit to kick the cycle in gear - depending upon the quality and amount of live rock, it will help either start and/or hasten the cycle along.... or may not see much of a spike during the cycle at all. I agree with not adding any fish or critters until the cycle is completed - and then add to the bio load slowly to give the tank time to adjust after each addition.

Hollywood215 · Nov 25, 2013

Thanks for both of your input. I have not added anything and my ammonia has rose a lot last night. I'm gonna wait a few Days see where it goes. Here is pic so far. Taken at day 2.

Thanks again.

KSzegi · Nov 25, 2013

If you're getting ammonia spike then I think you're good to go .... probably won't need to add anything!! Your pic isn't showing by the way!

3Twinklets · Nov 25, 2013

Hello! Welcome to R2R!!

revhtree · Nov 25, 2013

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