Setting up/cycling a Nuvo 40 gallon

[ttf5003]

Hi,

After not having a tank for 8 years I decided jump back into saltwater.

On Saturday the 16th I bought a Nuvo 40 gallon rimless and filled it with premixed saltwater I bought from the tap at the LFS. I also added 20 lbs of live sand from a bag.

The next day I added about 40 lbs of live rock I bought off of craigslist. He had just taken down his tank and had it in a trash can underwater. I then added a large shrimp from the grocery store.

Today I received a Red Sea test kit and started testing parameters.
Ammonia 2 (no surprise there)
Nitrite 0.05
Nitrate 5-10

I was surprised that the Nitrate is coming up already. Although I am at a disadvantage since I didn't have the test kit in the beginning. Maybe the LFS water already had Nitrates in it? Or is it possible I already have a mini cycle and the Ammonia is so high because of the huge mass of rotting shrimp in my relatively small tank. Should I pull the shrimp out and see what happens or leave it in for now? I guess I can supplement with fish food if I take the shrimp out.

Thanks for any insight

 

[melypr1985]

You can take the shrimp out at this point and let the tank work through the cycle. Just keep an eye on it (no water changes) until all traces of ammonia and nitrite are gone. If your not sure at the end if your tank is fully cycled, you can add ammonia to the tank until it hits 2ppm and if the tank can reduce it down to nitrate in 24 hours, then your good to go.

 

[ttf5003]

Thanks for the response Meredith. I tested again tonight and the levels were exactly the same. I did pull the shrimp out tonight though so I guess I just sit back and relax now.

 

[Chris Adams]

You will love that Nuvo. They are really nice little tanks and easy to maintain.

PS I have the 38. I consider anything under 55 little

 

[ttf5003]

I haven't updated in a while but basically I am very happy with the tank. All levels have been at zero for quite awhile now.

The current list of inhabitants is
2x Ocellaris Clowns
1 x Lawnmower Blenny
1 x Purple Firefish
1x Cleaner Shrimp
1x Peppermint Shrimp

We are thinking about adding one more fish. Any suggestions on what would go well in the 40 gallon IM?

Thanks