Starting my 13.5 fluval evo tank build

Dana · Feb 4, 2020

Tonight’s test. Tuesday

Mfield16 · Feb 6, 2020

Strange no nitrates. Are you ammonia cycling?

Dana · Feb 6, 2020

Mfield16 said:
Strange no nitrates. Are you ammonia cycling?

I used some pellet food last week. Perhaps I need to feed more

Mfield16 · Feb 6, 2020

You had hits on all three readings on Saturday, and nothing two days ago. I'm no expert, but I'd put some ammonia source in there and see if it's gone in 12/24hrs. I think pellets are too slow, actual ammonia is better. Your cycle could be done.

Dana · Feb 6, 2020

Mfield16 said:
You had hits on all three readings on Saturday, and nothing two days ago. I'm no expert, but I'd put some ammonia source in there and see if it's gone in 12/24hrs. I think pellets are too slow, actual ammonia is better. Your cycle could be done.

Yeah I was shocked to see nothing two days later as well. I’ll give some ammonia a try and see what I get

Dana · Feb 6, 2020

I have some dusting sand color algae? Diatoms?

Just_Pete · Feb 6, 2020

Dana said:
I have some dusting sand color algae? Diatoms?

Looks like your on your way.

Mfield16 · Feb 11, 2020

@Dana Any updates?

Dana · Feb 11, 2020

Mfield16 said:
@Dana Any updates?

Well o think I’m ready for a fish. Seems as tho the tank is cycled. Should I do a water change beforehand?

Mfield16 · Feb 11, 2020

Have you tested again since the triple zero readings? I would probably do a small water change just for my peace of mind.

Dana · Feb 13, 2020

Mfield16 said:
Have you tested again since the triple zero readings? I would probably do a small water change just for my peace of mind.

Hey sorry for the delay. I tossed some pellets in the other night and have been testing every night but I get nothing. My water has all these tiny white specs in it.

I mean, I think it’s time for a fish. It’s been 3 weeks since I filled it up and started it

Dana · Feb 13, 2020

I’ve been thinking one or two clowns.
I know some people would disapprove but they would be the only fish. I want to keep bioload small as possible. A cleaner shrimp also. This weekend I think I’ll try to get something

tupes · Feb 13, 2020

Do you have a nitrate reading when testing or still 0? Dosing actual ammonia to the tank will let you know how your bacteria is doing. If your tank can process approximately 1-2ppm in 24 hours it's ready.

Dana · Feb 13, 2020

tupes said:
Do you have a nitrate reading when testing or still 0? Dosing actual ammonia to the tank will let you know how your bacteria is doing. If your tank can process approximately 1-2ppm in 24 hours it's ready.

Approx how much will produce 1ppm in, let’s say, 10 gallons of water?

Malifry97 · Feb 13, 2020

Following! And if you have life (diatoms) you are cycled. There is no free ammonia. Delaying fish will only hurt the cycle. Also if that is live rock, caribsea life rock or “real reef rock” you are already cycled. Live rock is well, live rock. Caribsea life rock is painted rock that has bacteria spores on it. Real Reef Rock is rock that is pack weta nd has bacteria cultured on it!