I did the bad...

[Scotty Buttons]

Man you've had quite the journey! Cycled water isn't really a thing. The beneficial bacteria you want live on your rocks and substrate mainly. That water from your dad's friends tank may just make the problem worse since it likely contains nitrates and phosphates. Your best bet is to get some distilled water or some R/O water, (or premixed saltwater from your LFS or petco) mix the proper amount of salt into it and do a water change. And the bast way to do a water change is to remove X amount of water all at once then replace said water with your new mixed water. Try to match the specific gravity and temperature of the existing tank water. Hope this helps.

 

[Gonebad395]

If all you got was a baggie of water I wouldn’t worry about nitrates and phosphates the water in the rock is probably more then you got in the baggie. Getting the live rock was a good idea glad to see you have this tank going in the right direction keep us posted.

 

[elisa h]

Everyone’s going to have their own opinions and that’s fine... telling someone to add bottle bacteria to a tank is not a bad one because who knows if the op will actually take the effort to catch the fish out of the tank return them.. bottle bacteria is a good 2nd option. Also I don’t agree with telling someone their tank looks like a yard sale when they were sharing it with the forum.. I love this forum but it makes me sad seeing people get ganged up on [emoji20]

 

[elisa h]

Also I really recommend to the op to get a seachem ammonia alert badge if at all possible. It measurements the toxic form of ammonia (NH3) and ignores non toxic ammonium (NH4), giving you readings in real time without having to test quite as much.

 

[bbones]

something in the new rocks/water stung me -_- partial arm is swollen and stingy. guess gloves from here on out is needed

 

[Scotty Buttons]

something in the new rocks/water stung me -_- partial arm is swollen and stingy. guess gloves from here on out is needed

any pictures of the possible culprit? Possibly a bristle or fire worm

 

[davocean]

something in the new rocks/water stung me -_- partial arm is swollen and stingy. guess gloves from here on out is needed

I'm sorry to hear that and sorry for such a messy beginning and experience in a number of ways

I don't mean to overly concern or stress you, but you may want to have that looked at or keep a close eye on it at the very least.

There are things such as palytoxin and other issues, or even alergic reactions to some things we need to be careful of.

 

[davocean]

any pictures of the possible culprit? Possibly a bristle or fire worm

That's a very possible issue, good point

 

[Musovski]

Hey! Welcome to R2R. Youve got a interesting start so far @bbones but there aint nothing a little knowledge and help from these guys wont do for ya. I messed up pretty bad too when i purchased a $400 nem and added it to my 2 weeks cycled tank..... little did i know a cycled tank doesnt mean mature. We all make mistakes, dont get discouraged. We are here to help and be friends! Dont be afraid to DM some of us with some questions, as well as post threads or update on this thread.

 

[ZipAdeeZoa]

I know another nem was the last thing you wanted to see and I would have freaked out as well but it was sweet of your family to try and make you feel better, they may not have gone about it in the best way but its the thought that counts. I really hope things go well for you and your tank, I would like to add that most people at this point would have tapped out long ago, good on you for sticking with it and asking for help. That alone has set you on the best path!

+1 to keep any eye on your reaction, I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this but although live rock can help in your situation part of getting live rock is often some... surprises...

 

[bbones]

any pictures of the possible culprit? Possibly a bristle or fire worm

I don’t have a culprit but the rocks are extremely porous. I only put about two small cups of water in my tank from the bag and made sure nothing too weird looking was poured in... and the affected spots seem to be where I brushed against the inside of the bag so I could’ve touched something weird in there

 

[Iona Skye]

If you bought the kit and caboodle AND animals from a store all at once.... Don't go back there.

They have set you up for failure, and if that pattern continues, they will continue to mislead you straight into more disasters as you are still learning about this hobby.

 

[Tastee]

If you bought the kit and caboodle AND animals from a store all at once.... Don't go back there.

They have set you up for failure, and if that pattern continues, they will continue to mislead you straight into more disasters as you are still learning about this hobby.

From an earlier post the OP confirmed the tank came from one store and livestock from another, so not really an LFS issue.

@bbones, I am new to the hobby myself and came from a (basic) FW background too. I recommend the BRS 52 weeks of reefing series on YouTube as well as pouring through the forums. I have learnt so much in my 16 months in the hobby it is ridiculous. I kept FW tanks for 40 years and basically learnt nothing compared to what I have in the last 16 months.

 

[Smarkow]

+1 for BRS 52 weeks for OP’s first viewing. Would stay away from the ULM series until more experienced. FishofHex (also on youtube) has some beginner oriented videos.

Anybody else think a small bag of carbon (nem toxins?) and a powerhead for surface agitation might be useful in this situation?

Good luck buddy, it’s a frustrating but fun hobby!

 

[sfin52]

thanks for the responses- I did end up putting them in. heart hurts knowing they probably hurt.

just hoping the live rock and live sand I put in there at least helped.

will report tomorrow

Live rock and sand will quicken the cycle may not even have one . the only way to know is testing. Its best not to have fish in until you know the cycle is done

 

[sfin52]

The solution to pollution is dilution.

50%+ water changes now and every second day for the next 2-4 weeks I would imagine. (Until you think the tank has cycled, continue to monitor ammonia daily and change water as needed)

Ammonia badge is a must. If youare keeping the clowns in the tank.

 

[sfin52]

@bbones thats one rough way to start the salty life. Keep your head up. We've all made crazy mistakes. Its nothing that can't be fixed.

 

[SomethingfishyPKNY]

something in the new rocks/water stung me -_- partial arm is swollen and stingy. guess gloves from here on out is needed

Bud I feel so horrible for you. Worst couple days ever but please don't get discouraged and keep doing all the research you can this is such a rewarding hobby and you'll get there

 

[Katrina71]

Ok. @bbones We are gonna need a FTS (full tank shot) list all of your equipment and the size of your tank! Let's get this party started!!! You have a build thread to make

 

[Katrina71]

Btw, ya did good handling your first crisis! There will be more...