Is this cycle going ok?

[deepsynth]

Hey guys. Is this all normal. For some reason I don’t think so

 

[Troylee]

Yep… then it turns green and eventually will go away… those are diatoms..

 

[Jekyl]

One of the lovely benefits of a new tank.

 

[deepsynth]

My wife was really upset that it went from pristine to brown. So at least I know it’s ok.
Any idea when this happens in the cycle.
Should I get my water tested . Next purchase if a test kit

 

[Timfish]

Looks normal for a system started with dry rock. I'd suggest getting some quality maricultured live rock form Gulf Live ROck, Tampa Bay Saltwater or KP Aquatics. See Aquabiomics article.

Establishing a Healthy Microbiome in a New Aquarium Using Live Rock

Studying the effects of live rock in a newly established aquarium shows that high-quality live rock promotes the rapid establishment of an effective biological filter and a microbial community similar to those found in mature reef tanks.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Troylee]

My wife was really upset that it went from pristine to brown. So at least I know it’s ok.
Any idea when this happens in the cycle.
Should I get my water tested . Next purchase if a test kit

That’s the near end of the cycle.. are you dosing ammonia or anything? I don’t see any fish..

 

[Jekyl]

My wife was really upset that it went from pristine to brown. So at least I know it’s ok.
Any idea when this happens in the cycle.
Should I get my water tested . Next purchase if a test kit

In reef terms white is not pristine. You started with a sterile operating room while the goal is grandma's couch.

 

[deepsynth]

A friend gave me this live rock. I don’t know how live it is though

 

[Troylee]

That’s the near end of the cycle.. are you dosing ammonia or anything? I don’t see any fish..

Them rocks will be a dark maroon, blackish color over time.. or covered in corraline what ever color you get “pink, maroon etc” nothing in the tank will stay white except a sand bed over time..

 

[Troylee]

A friend gave me this live rock. I don’t know how live it is though

That’s not big enough to really seed a system.. how long has the tank been up?

 

[deepsynth]

N

That’s the near end of the cycle.. are you dosing ammonia or anything? I don’t see any fish..

No fish. Just threw in some prawn for ammonia

 

[deepsynth]

That’s not big enough to really seed a system.. how long has the tank been up?

14 days

 

[Jekyl]

14 days

Test parameters. Might as well get accustomed to it as you'll be doing it for the life of the tank. In your case we need a nitrate, phosphate, ammonia and maybe a nitrite reading

 

[CoralB]

YEP !!!

 

[Troylee]

14 days

You’d be okay to start with some heartier fish like damsels or clowns.. it will help seed the tank better.. I’d also look into getting a bigger chunk or live rock for more biodiversity.

 

[deepsynth]

Test parameters. Might as well get accustomed to it as you'll be doing it for the life of the tank. In your case we need a nitrate, phosphate, ammonia and maybe a nitrite reading

Yes I know. The next purchase I make is a test kit. I live in South Africa so with a 50% import tax they are expensive. But definitely my next purchase any test kit recommendations

 

[Jekyl]

Yes I know. The next purchase I make is a test kit. I live in South Africa so with a 50% import tax they are expensive. But definitely my next purchase any test kit recommendations

I use salifert. Have a local fish store? Most will Test your parameters for you

 

[deepsynth]

You’d be okay to start with some heartier fish like damsels or clowns.. it will help seed the tank better.. I’d also look into getting a bigger chunk or live rock for more biodiversity.

Oh wow fish already.
I didn’t realise that quick.

what parameters should I look at if I take water to the lfs

 

[deepsynth]

I use salifert. Have a local fish store? Most will Test your parameters for you

Yeah they do test. But most of the guys are just kids doing retail work so they don’t know much

 

[Jekyl]

If ordering test kits start with nitrate, phosphate and alkalinity. That will get you through the next 4 or 5 months. Add in calcium, magnesium and Ph when you start getting serious about coral or get LPS or SPS.