New Tank

[GATODOG]

Hello, I've started a new salt water tank. I used Carib live crushed medium' Pacific Oean water and that's basically it, except for bio bass, charcoal filters, ceramic bio rings. My probeolms are that my level, all, are through the roof...Is this normal? This has probably been asked time and time again, but for the benefit of an old man, could you please take the time. Thanking you in advance.

 

[Rmckoy]

When you say through the roof .
what exactly are the values ?
What kits are you using to test ?

 

[GATODOG]

Thank you sir for being so kind as to take the time, Salt mainly. I've been reading here where live rock is beneficial , Should I get around 30 lbs, Will I kill them?

 

[Rmckoy]

Thank you sir for being so kind as to take the time, Salt mainly. I've been reading here where live rock is beneficial , Should I get around 30 lbs, Will I kill them?

I’m confused ….
you mentioned your levels are through the roof

while cycling the system , the main levels to test would be ammonia , salinity and temp .
nitrate levels help to tell if your cycle is completed or not .
ammonia is toxic .

after cycle you want to maintain levels such as temp , alkalinity , nitrates , and salinity .
Calcium and magnesium are more important after adding corals .

typically and speaking in my opinion. Only
I have always read and followed 1-1.5 lbs of live rocks per gallon of tank volume I think that number is a little different compared to 20+ years ago but close as a guide .

what test kits are you testing all your levels with ?

do you have test results ?

 

[GATODOG]

32gaal. tank 30lbs of live rock? Will that help, or should I wait? Salt and ammonia is what Im really worried about.

 

[Who me?]

32gaal. tank 30lbs of live rock? Will that help, or should I wait? Salt and ammonia is what Im daily worried about.

Can you slow down and start over with your problem and questions,
Sorry to say your posts aren't making much sense.

What exactly are you asking?

 

[GATODOG]

Dear sir, I just started my tank yesterday, I used the above mentioned waters, crushed live sand, and all. My salt and ammonia levels are so high, they don't register. I was wondering if live rock would help? BTW, I'm sorry I can't express what my questions any better, I'm trying my best, but sometimes old minds click, sometimes they don't.

 

[Who me?]

Dear sir, I just started my tank yesterday, I used the above mentioned waters, crushed live sand, and all. My salt and ammonia levels are so high, they don't register. I was wondering if live rock would help?

Ok.

What are you using to test your salinity (salt level)?? If you have only added sand and premade boxed water I don't see how it could be off?

Also what are you testing ammonia with?
Again, if you've only added sand and water there shouldn't be any source of ammonia.

My guess is a tank started yesterday will have 0 ammonia and you salinity should be fine if you used boxed water.

You will want live or dry rock yes. You will also want bottled bacteria and an ammonia source to get your cycle started. I would suggest you start by reading some beginner tank setup and cycle threads., And then come back and ask questions if you need clarification or help. You have a long way to go before your tank will be ready for any sort of life.

 

[ZoWhat]

Impossible to have a perfect tank overnight... you need to test and watch yout tank...then research and READ. Around 18mos in you'll find a groove

 

[GATODOG]

I am using test strips, I will buy the live rock and the potted bact, Your last paragraph more or less answered my question. Thank you so much for your time sir, it was very much appreciated .

 

[GATODOG]

Impossible to have a perfect tank overnight... you need to test and watch yout tank...then research and READ. Around 18mos in you'll find a groove

Thank you very much sir, God bless.

 

[Who me?]

I am using test strips, I will buy the live rock and the potted bact, Your last paragraph more or less answered my question. Thank you so much for your time sir, it was very much appreciated .

Good luck and welcome to reef2reef.

 

[GATODOG]

Good luck and welcome to reef2reef.

Thank you very much sir

 

[GATODOG]

Good morning sir if you are still there, you were right, Salt levels came crashing down to near normal levels over night. everything is begging to look and testing better this morning.. My question for you if you are still there is,: now that the dust is settling down, should I wash and replace filters, bio-balls, ceramic rings? Thank you sir.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

you will need a test kit to measure the ammonia increase and then watch it fall back down to 0, this is basically what we call a 'cycled tank'. Test strips are not adequate. Once the tank is cycled you can add life, until then, do nothing to the tank, just let is run its course and measure the ammonia.

Did you add ammonia to start the cycle? Did you add bottled bacteria to jump-start the cycle into quick mode?

 

[GATODOG]

you will need a test kit to measure the ammonia increase and then watch it fall back down to 0, this is basically what we call a 'cycled tank'. Test strips are not adequate. Once the tank is cycled you can add life, until then, do nothing to the tank, just let is run its course and measure the ammonia.

Did you add ammonia to start the cycle? Did you add bottled bacteria to jump-start the cycle into quick mode?

I have not added amonia sir. Should I wash the dust out of my filters and add ammonia? A more recent and new test strips arrive tomorrow.

 

[Who me?]

Good morning sir if you are still there, you were right, Salt levels came crashing down to near normal levels over night. everything is begging to look and testing better this morning.. My question for you if you are still there is,: now that the dust is settling down, should I wash and replace filters, bio-balls, ceramic rings? Thank you sir.

I wouldn't change anything right now.

I strongly suggest you give this a read, it will give you a good overview and likely answer a lot of your initial questions:

How to Cycle a Saltwater Tank: Tips To Help You Succeed with Your New Aquarium

Setting up a new aquarium is an exciting project. If you’re like us, we can’t wait to start building up the reef by adding fish, corals, and other invertebrates. But, a newly set up aquarium is not biologically mature enough to handle a full load of reef livestock. In this episode, we’ll share...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[GATODOG]

I wouldn't change anything right now.

I strongly suggest you give this a read, it will give you a good overview and likely answer a lot of your initial questions:

How to Cycle a Saltwater Tank: Tips To Help You Succeed with Your New Aquarium

Setting up a new aquarium is an exciting project. If you’re like us, we can’t wait to start building up the reef by adding fish, corals, and other invertebrates. But, a newly set up aquarium is not biologically mature enough to handle a full load of reef livestock. In this episode, we’ll share...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[GATODOG]

yes sir, and thank you for the reading. I certainly will, read this and anything else you have a mind to send me and grateful. Thank you sir.

 

[Rmckoy]

Let’s all take a moment to help and try to simplify what needs to happen first .

1) I wouldn’t wash anything as the bacteria is what you want at this stage .

there are a few methods to cycle a tank but the simplest in my opinion. Is to go to the grocery store . Seafood counter and buy 1 raw shrimp .
Take it home and drop it in your tank .
next step is to walk away and leave it alone for a few weeks
While you wait this is the perfect time to research everything !

next pick up a few decent test kits
For salinity I recommend a refractometer and can be found cheaper from youe
Lfs or even Amazon

The tests you will need are
- ammonia
-nitrates
- ph

later if you decide to try corals there are more test to add to your list