help

dirwix · Aug 14, 2019

hi all,

I am new to saltwater aquariums and I have recently setup up a new thank it has live sand and 1lb of live rock for every gallon of live water, its been 4 days and my ammonias and nitrates and nitrites have not moved (ammonia 0)
I do have my protein skimmer on should I turn it off ?

Bryson.bobby · Aug 14, 2019

Is it actually live rock or just dry rock?

vetteguy53081 · Aug 14, 2019

Unless you have something in tank producing waste, you will have literally no change.
You may add ammonia product for tanks that will help you test for and see if your ecosystem is able to break down waste through testing

dirwix · Aug 14, 2019

Bryson.bobby said:
Is it actually live rock or just dry rock?

Live rock

dirwix · Aug 14, 2019

vetteguy53081 said:
Unless you have something in tank producing waste, you will have literally no change.
You may add ammonia product for tanks that will help you test for and see if your ecosystem is able to break down waste through testing

So should I just let it be or do you recommend something I should do

Adventures In Reefing · Aug 14, 2019

I would add some sort of bio culture and something that will create ammonia to get the cycle started the live rock should be doing this however a boost of beneficial bacteria is a good thing. Running the skimmer is fine. This whole cycle can take a couple of months to properly seed. Patience in the beginning will keep you from frustration later. Here is a helpful videos.

Ruben's Reef · Aug 14, 2019

!!! Welcome to R2R @dirwix !!! You need to seed your tank with some bacteria and ammonia like Dr.Tim brand or any other to start creating an ecosystem. Normally takes around 3+ weeks for the tank to cycle. Protein skimmer is not need it at this time. Also a Seachem ammonia batch will help you to monitor when the ammonia raise on your tank.

dirwix · Aug 14, 2019

Adventures In Reefing said:
I would add some sort of bio culture and something that will create ammonia to get the cycle started the live rock should be doing this however a boost of beneficial bacteria is a good thing. Running the skimmer is fine. This whole cycle can take a couple of months to properly seed. Patience in the beginning will keep you from frustration later. Here is a helpful videos.

Thanks alot