New tank cycle and ghost feeding

[Andrew_3896]

Hi,

I setup my tank with old sand and old live rock (both dead) rinsed well and a small piece of new live rock from LFS.

For my ammonia source I used a raw shrimp.

The tanks has been running for 17 days.

I have had my ammonia spike and then my nitrites and now I am getting the nitrates.

The shrimp is completely gone, should I start ghost feeding the tank to keep everything in check.

How many days Should I run the tank without adding cleaning crew/fish?

Thanks
Andrew

 

[BadFish619]

I'd say you're probably ok if your ammonia and nitrite have hit zero. You'll be looking for a small nitrate reading with the others zero. If that's complete your cycle should be and you can add

 

[lapin]

If you have no algae then there is no reason for a clean up crew.
Since you have a piece of live rock your bacteria is there.
I would say yes for adding a small fish for starters. Change out the water so you start with 5ppm nitrates
It would be better to wait 28 days but I know how it is..........

 

[Andrew_3896]

Thanks!
I have a good amount of diatoms and a little bit of something green growing on the rock right underneath the light. Also I have not done any water changes up to this point. Just top ups. Will the nitrates go down in their own or will I have to do a bunch of water changes?

 

[lapin]

Thanks!
I have a good amount of diatoms and a little bit of something green growing on the rock right underneath the light. Also I have not done any water changes up to this point. Just top ups. Will the nitrates go down in their own or will I have to do a bunch of water changes?

You need to change out a big amount of water at once. Lets say 75% , Small changes will not reduce it by any significant amount

 

[Andrew_3896]

Do you do 75% all at once?

 

[lapin]

That would be best.
I cant see diluting it by doing 3ea 25% changes. That will not equal 75% reduction in nitrate because you are diluting it each time.

 

[Andrew_3896]

I finally got around to doing the 70 to 80% water change and it did bring the nitrate down the low levels. Thanks for all the help.