New tank cycling week 6
- Thread starter uscstaylor
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uscstaylor
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Hey Guys,
I can't believe it. I came home from work today at 730pm and tested my water and to my surprise, all of my levels are at 0 reading n fact the tanks levels couldn't be more perfect. I still can't believe it. I have been tracking these levels for 8 weeks and when I added the live rock BAM a week later all of my levels are perfect. OK so here they are.
As of 8:00pm EST
Temp 76.6, PH 8.0, Ammo 0, NO2 0, NO3 0, Salinity 1.023-24.
Now here's my question. Can I do a water change of 50% and then test levels lets say on Saturday. If all levels are OK, can I add 1 damsel. I'd like to get a yellowtail blue damsel, but I don't want to hurt any fish. This is so exciting and a little scary at the same time. Man I haven't been scared since my son was born 26 years ago. Man I can't wait. OK guys let me know what I should do, thanks so much for all the feedback.......
I can't believe it. I came home from work today at 730pm and tested my water and to my surprise, all of my levels are at 0 reading n fact the tanks levels couldn't be more perfect. I still can't believe it. I have been tracking these levels for 8 weeks and when I added the live rock BAM a week later all of my levels are perfect. OK so here they are.
As of 8:00pm EST
Temp 76.6, PH 8.0, Ammo 0, NO2 0, NO3 0, Salinity 1.023-24.
Now here's my question. Can I do a water change of 50% and then test levels lets say on Saturday. If all levels are OK, can I add 1 damsel. I'd like to get a yellowtail blue damsel, but I don't want to hurt any fish. This is so exciting and a little scary at the same time. Man I haven't been scared since my son was born 26 years ago. Man I can't wait. OK guys let me know what I should do, thanks so much for all the feedback.......
backpack
Active Member
Why do a big change? Time to start your scheduled water changes. Better to do them as you normally will. That way you see potential issues earlier. Figure it out now before you have tons of stock.
glb
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I agree. The only reason for a big change would be high nitrates. I think you could change 10%, maybe 20% if you want. That will replenish any nutrients. I also agree about damsels. Good luck!
Palting
Active Member
I agree with the above. If your numbers are zero across the board, no need for a large water change. maybe a 10% water change, just to start getting into the habit of routine water changes. IMO, for the new and very young tank, water changes will correct a lot of the newbie errors we tend to do, as well as keep the tank stable.
Damsels are tough, but can get territorial and aggressive, and very hard to catch once they are in your tank. Green chromis are fine, but don't get more than 1. If you get more than 1, you'll still end up eventually with only 1! LOL
Clowns are the other usual first fish. Tough and resilient, plus usually not territorial unless you get the black ones.
Have you thought about doing QT? If you ever plan to get a tang or other Ich susceptible fish, I would suggest looking into a QT.
Damsels are tough, but can get territorial and aggressive, and very hard to catch once they are in your tank. Green chromis are fine, but don't get more than 1. If you get more than 1, you'll still end up eventually with only 1! LOL
Clowns are the other usual first fish. Tough and resilient, plus usually not territorial unless you get the black ones.
Have you thought about doing QT? If you ever plan to get a tang or other Ich susceptible fish, I would suggest looking into a QT.
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uscstaylor
Community Member
Yes I have a 20 gallon that I'm getting ready to set up as QT. I'll do a 20 % water change and use my RODI water. I was thinking about getting a clown fish. Now once a week should I do a water change? 10% or 20%? I want to get a routine down pat so I can stay on it regularly. I don't plan on getting any tangs or aggressive fish just looking to keep colorful smaller fish. Gobies, Blennies, Clown fish.
Palting
Active Member
Water change opinion is like....ummm....a nose: everyone has one 
. I did 10% a week for 3 years. Several months ago, I cut it back to 10% every 2 weeks just to see. Most people do about 10% a week, though.
. I did 10% a week for 3 years. Several months ago, I cut it back to 10% every 2 weeks just to see. Most people do about 10% a week, though.
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uscstaylor
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Ok cool ill do the water change on Friday and then check water perimeters again on Saturday. If all is well, then Sunday ill buy a fishy.
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uscstaylor
Community Member
That's what I planned on, thanks so much for the feedback.
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uscstaylor
Community Member
OK Guys I did a 10-15% water change today and wiped glass clean and added fresh RODI water with just the right Salinity 1.023. I also added Stress Zyme and Stress Coat+ just to make sure that my tank is perfect for when I get my new fishy. I'm going to test water tomorrow when I wake up and post them. If everything is OK then Im going to the LFS on Sunday....Wish me luck guys! Keeping fingers crossed. I really want to this tank to be perfect!
One other question how long do Turbo Snails live?
One other question how long do Turbo Snails live?
Wankell
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Forgive me, but shouldn't your salinity be at 1.026? not 23, I would raise it up, but then again maybe im mistaken, I didn't read all the posts.
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uscstaylor
Community Member
This is a FOWLR tank for now I am keeping only small group of fish. No corals.
Palting
Active Member
Natural sea water is commonly 1.026 or 35 ppt. However, some say a lower salinity like 1.022-1.023 is actually easier on the fish. Although marine fish live in saltwater, their tissue salinity is lower and their kidneys have to actively secrete the excess salt ingested. 1.026 salinity is best if you keep coral.
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uscstaylor
Community Member
OK Guys,
I re-tested my water perims after my water change from yesterday and still the aquarium is at perfect levels.
Temp 78, PH 8.2, Ammo 0. NO2 0, NO3 0, Salinity 1.024, so I'm getting 1 fish to add to the tank. Man this is exciting.
I re-tested my water perims after my water change from yesterday and still the aquarium is at perfect levels.
Temp 78, PH 8.2, Ammo 0. NO2 0, NO3 0, Salinity 1.024, so I'm getting 1 fish to add to the tank. Man this is exciting.
