Very new to saltwater and need help

[Mschmidt]

If you haven't already, check out the sticky threads on this forum.
BRSTV's 52 weeks of reefing also has a lot of good videos.

As good as 52 weeks of reefing is, it's like drinking out of a firehose. I've even seen a video; it was something like 10 mistakes beginner reefers make where they make the same statement: 52 weeks is too much info for a rookie. prefer the beginner tank series from Matt.

 

[Kelloggs2800]

Agree with above except for even if it’s cycled api test kits will still show false positive results typically .25 ammonia
I haven’t tested nitrite in many years but it’s been proven by many here that it’s almost irrelevant in saltwater .

Nitrates if you have high nitrates it’s a good sign you’re either finished cycling it almost complete

Awesome, that is good to know. Thank you!

 

[Kelloggs2800]

Let me join in the chorus of recommendations for the water change and bottled bacteria. In addition to that pay attention to some of the recommendations that say go very low light or no light for a period.
Be ready with a clean up crew plan, as signs of life appear on hte rock and glass.
From the nature of your questions and response to the suggestions I predict great success for you in the short medium and long term. Best of luck, stay in touch, and will all be following along to see how you do. And lastly I do think an improved set of test kits primarily for nitrate are in the future. By the time you get those you won’t need ammonium or nitrate
And patience is a virtue, be virtuous

Thank you for the input. To confirm you are saying to leave the lights off right now?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

As good as 52 weeks of reefing is, it's like drinking out of a firehose. I've even seen a video; it was something like 10 mistakes beginner reefers make where they make the same statement: 52 weeks is too much info for a rookie. prefer the beginner tank series from Matt.

This is a great suggestion! Honestly, I couldn't remember if the "52 weeks" videos were also the "beginner" ones.

 

[bnord]

Thank you for the input. To confirm you are saying to leave the lights off right now?

Very low to off, for 3-6 weeks, is what i would do (and have done)

 

[Kelloggs2800]

???

If I am not mistaken I think they just meant Nitrate levels go down with water changes. I spoke to my LFS and they said that to me so I believe that is what they meant.

Ammonia and Nitrite however they suggested Fritz Zyme 9. I bought it but at the same time they also said I may not even need it. They told me to wait a week to see if levels drop. If not then add it.

 

[Kelloggs2800]

Very low to off, for 3-6 weeks, is what i would do (and have done)

Turning them off right now then lol. I had them off for a few days already . Just turned them back on about 30 minutes ago.

 

[Kelloggs2800]

To all that have replied I just want to thank you again. Everyone is awesome here!

I will definitely be posting updates and stuff like that as the weeks pass.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

If I am not mistaken I think they just meant Nitrate levels go down with water changes. I spoke to my LFS and they said that to me so I believe that is what they meant.

Ammonia and Nitrite however they suggested Fritz Zyme 9. I bought it but at the same time they also said I may not even need it. They told me to wait a week to see if levels drop. If not then add it.

I guess I should clarify:
Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are found in the water column and all three will be reduced by water changes. While I agree that when the goal is to establish the nitrogen cycle removing ammonia and nitrite in this manner will rob the bacteria of what it needs, in an emergency, water changes are absolutely the best way to reduce/remove ammonia from the tank.

 

[Kelloggs2800]

I guess I should clarify:
Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are found in the water column and all three will be reduced by water changes. While I agree that when the goal is to establish the nitrogen cycle removing ammonia and nitrite in this manner will rob the bacteria of what it needs, in an emergency, water changes are absolutely the best way to reduce/remove ammonia from the tank.

Ohhhhhh. See I know nothing lol. But that is why I am here. You are all experts IMO!

 

[bnord]

Turning them off right now then lol. I had them off for a few days already . Just turned them back on about 30 minutes ago.

Assuming there is ambient room light

other options are a short light cycle (2-3 hours, or if you have the control, blue light, no reds of white for the cycle period

best luck to ya

 

[Kelloggs2800]

Assuming there is ambient room light

other options are a short light cycle (2-3 hours, or if you have the control, blue light, no reds of white for the cycle period

best luck to ya

I have the stock light for the EVO. It has only 2 settings. White with some blue or only blue and it is only about 10-12 small LED's

 

[AydenLincoln]

As good as 52 weeks of reefing is, it's like drinking out of a firehose. I've even seen a video; it was something like 10 mistakes beginner reefers make where they make the same statement: 52 weeks is too much info for a rookie. prefer the beginner tank series from Matt.

I like the 5 Minute Saltwater Aquarium Guide much better! The 52 weeks series takes ages to watch entirely lol.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Ohhhhhh. See I know nothing lol. But that is why I am here. You are all experts IMO!

Nah, we just share what we know... We're all still learning

 

[vetteguy53081]

Not unexpected even with aged water and the tank needs to settle before testing. The kit you are using known for false readings and to confirm its accuracy, I would suggest taking a water sample to a trusted LFS that does Not use Api kits and have them test and seewhat readings they come up withand to compare with yours.
While not absolute, you can add ammonia chloride and then monitor the ammonia drop every other day. Cycle should last 14-21 days and the tank will go through a couple of phases where the ammonia will jump and then come back down and nitrate will do similar but when it reaches less than 15-20ppm, cycle should be completed and you can then gradually add fish but realize the bacteria population will multiply as biolads are added by fish waste and feeding affecting nitrate. Adding fish slowly will prevent overlaod of nitrate.

 

[death-by-reef]

???

live rock will do a little bit, and water changes will do most of it. that's what I meant

 

[Kelloggs2800]

So update on the levels. Looks to be going quick actually. PH is at 7.8 (about the same as before), Ammonia is now at a level of 0.50 (was at almost 2.0 before), Nitrite is at 0.25 (was at 0.50 before), and Nitrate is at 40 (was between 80-160 before).

This is all within a day. Here's hoping!!!!!