Starting the 3rd week of cycling

[NickNiz]

Drop a cube of mysis in the tank to aid the cycle... Or you could start with a hardy fish as someone mentioned. A cheaper alternative to clowns are green chromis!

 

[Jcuozzo17]

You really should keep your lights off while the tank cycles to reduce your algae levels

I was going to but i found some strawberry anemones that i found on a live rock and sone feather dusters. So I want to make sure they get enough light.

 

[Jcuozzo17]

I have a totally different take on this cycle based on pics that show purple rock

You take two completely different actions regarding ammonia depending if that coralline is real or if it's painted on/simulated rock kind

Ask the seller

True purple coralline means already cycled rock. You can't have true coralline rock that is missing any needed bac

Insert scenario "what if someone medicated it and didn't tell"

Doesn't happen

It's either aquarium cured (cycled elsewhere transported to you, cycled) or its fake painted rock that you must cycle

Solely off the coralline we need no test info so far

If that was live rock you moved from some other tank into your house, you could add a coral frag and get going lightly. If it's painted, then you take opposite action and add ammonia, wait, and add some bottle bac too

That much coralline right off the bat too good to be true. I bet that's a product called real reef rock which is painted coralline and in most cases, precycled see their website.

one of my rocks is completly purple and I did question if it was fake. I was referred to this store by a couple of people from another lfs. I will call them today.

 

[Jcuozzo17]

Drop a cube of mysis in the tank to aid the cycle... Or you could start with a hardy fish as someone mentioned. A cheaper alternative to clowns are green chromis!

I actually added two damsels to the tank.

 

[brandon429]

if you do an ammonia test and its zero, we can nearly tell them if its real coralline if you can run one that would be neat. we're looking for the classic .25 or 0 curious to know

a confound will be if you used wet pack live sand. As further proof its easy to transport live bacteria in water, the amount of sand in a typical bag of Fiji pink for example will easily run the bioload of two damsels depending on dilution. I predict yours will

that was wet pack live sand added at the start is that right

In a marine system, the waste from two damsels and any associated feed waste/ would begin to be accurately testable likely within 24 hours of addition. If two fish are being sustained three weeks after submersion immediately upon addition no ammonia, that remarks well on the cycle as pretty much closed. whether or not non-qt fish should be used is another long long thread from humblefich

 

[Oceanwave45]

Put a dead fish or shrimp in the tank first - leave it in there for three days. Then remove it.

Also add bacteria in a bottle for saltwater. Give this another day or so.

And you should be able to add live stock - remember start out slow!!!!!!

 

[Jcuozzo17]

if you do an ammonia test and its zero, we can nearly tell them if its real coralline if you can run one that would be neat. we're looking for the classic .25 or 0 curious to know

a confound will be if you used wet pack live sand. As further proof its easy to transport live bacteria in water, the amount of sand in a typical bag of Fiji pink for example will easily run the bioload of two damsels depending on dilution. I predict yours will

that was wet pack live sand added at the start is that right

In a marine system, the waste from two damsels and any associated feed waste/ would begin to be accurately testable likely within 24 hours of addition. If two fish are being sustained three weeks after submersion immediately upon addition no ammonia, that remarks well on the cycle as pretty much closed. whether or not non-qt fish should be used is another long long thread from humblefich

I ran an ammonia test and its still 0 and yes the sand is live sand and was added during the start up

 

[GoVols]

I actually added two damsels to the tank.

That will start your cycle and them boogers can handle it.
No need to dose any ammonia since you got those guys it your tank.

Just feed them and watch you ammonia spike up and drop to zero. Then nitrites well do the same.
When both have bottomed back to zero and you see nitrates then you can add more but real slow.
Also start off with good and hardy beginner corals after the cycle is complete.
It will be cycled but it would be too young of a bio-system to go into more demanding corals.

Watch you test kits and just be patient.

 

[GoVols]

I ran an ammonia test and its still 0

Just be patient but keep testing.

 

[Scurvy]

Great job on that aquascape!!

 

[Jcuozzo17]

That will start your cycle and them boogers can handle it.
No need to dose any ammonia since you got those guys it your tank.

Just feed them and watch you ammonia spike up and drop to zero. Then nitrites well do the same.
When both have bottomed back to zero and you see nitrates then you can add more but real slow.
Also start off with good and hardy beginner corals after the cycle is complete.
It will be cycled but it would be too young of a bio-system to go into more demanding corals.

Watch you test kits and just be patient.

Thanks, im trying to be patient but after 3 weeks getting tough lol any advice on some beginner corals?

 

[Jcuozzo17]

Great job on that aquascape!!

Thank you

 

[GoVols]

Thanks, im trying to be patient but after 3 weeks getting tough lol any advice on some beginner corals?

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=597+2856