Tank update and questions

SammiMitch · Mar 4, 2016

Howdy
So my tank has been running for about a week now. Just tested my water and noticed the ammonia test came out cloudy is that normal? Also I have some alege growing is it safe to put a snail or crab in?

kimba · Mar 4, 2016

Sometimes my amonia test comes out cloudy too, I think that is normal. I wouldn't add your CUC (clean up crew) until after your tank cycles. Everybody does it different, but I waited about a month before I added anything.

jsker · Mar 4, 2016

kimba said:
Sometimes my amonia test comes out cloudy too, I think that is normal. I wouldn't add your CUC (clean up crew) until after your tank cycles. Everybody does it different, but I waited about a month before I added anything.

I agree with @kimba wait at least 30 days for the cycle. Reefing is patients or you get in trouble, and that can be expensive

sebo18 · Mar 4, 2016

Agree w/ kimba and jsker on waiting until tank cycles prior to adding any CUC

Duke4Life · Mar 4, 2016

Do you quarintine? If so now would be a good time to start so that not long after cycling you can add without worrying about bringing in a disease.

Lonny · Mar 4, 2016

I have the same API test kit to. My ammonia test is always cloudy. Looks like you still have some ammonia and that means your nitrites are still gonna rise before they start to fall. As for the algae don't run your lights during the cycle and that will make a huge difference in the amount of algae. IMO

aaron23 · Mar 4, 2016

If your ammonia tests positive I would wait to put in a clean up crew. 1 week is way too little time. Wait at least a month and continue with water changes

FlyinBryan · Mar 4, 2016

aaron23 said:
If your ammonia tests positive I would wait to put in a clean up crew. 1 week is way too little time. Wait at least a month and continue with water changes

+1

E048 · Mar 5, 2016

Here's my advice...

Throw that api kit in the garbage and buy a better kit. Elos, salifert kits are better Red Sea ones are hit and miss

As far as cuc goes if you want to tread water buy one snail acclimate it and drop it in if it dies then your tank will get some added ammonia to cycle it if it doesn't then be patient and keep doing what you're doing

SammiMitch · Mar 6, 2016

Do you order Elos kits online only? I haven't seen them in any stores by me. And why do you think this test kit is more superior? I put a small piece of turkey in the tank to help it cycle and it's working the piece is goopy and growing fuzz.