I recently started a 20 gallon saltwater tank, I need some help with knowing where I am for the cycle...
tank has been running about a week with cured live rock.
I tested the water and both ammonia and nitrite are at 0, nitrate was at 5.
would appreciate some help with knowing where about I am.
I plan on getting 2 -3 small fish max, would also appreciate any suggestions
This is only my 20 gallon no more fish for this one, the 65 gallon will be up and running this coming weekend....but will wait a little while before transferring the fish, then the additions to follow!!!!
I will start posting pictures once the tank was water in it....LOL
If anyone has a chance can you please read over the following list and let me know if you think I am missing anything, or any suggestions:
-sand
-live rock, about 50 pounds, since I will already be adding the liverock out of my existing tank (around 32 lbs there)
-2 maxi jets
-my ebay protein skimmer is scheduled for delivery on Monday the 23rd
-alkalinity test kit
- UV steriliser in the next couple of months
-and a good book on saltwater fish
I already have a master test kit...ammonia, ph, nitrites and nitrates, and I have a calcium test kit.
ok, so here is one of the power heads I bought today, the other one is coming sunday, going to look for a maxi jet....what are your opinions on this one:
I just need a small maxit Jet to go with it, I am figuring on about 2000 gph total, this one is 1500 gph, does this sound about right for current?
and of course I am behind schedule, but do have most of the supplies...but again am not in a rush
1500 gallons per hour. WOW. That is some intense current.
I think adding another power head, preferably one to blow across the substrate, would be ideal. Something will a bit less flow. The MJ500 would be great.
I got a good deal on it, supposed to be very hardy.
I was figuring on MJ500, and figured I should be good for current with the 2 combined.
I also bought the reef sand, salt, and skimmer is here but is in the process of clearing customs
I tried arguing with UPS about their ridiculous brokerage fees, BUT, am too busy to customs clear it myself.
so should arrive by Thursday.
I also found a supplier for Live rock in Halifax, looks like a good deal, 3.90/LB with shipping, seems like a good deal:
Live Rock for Saltwater Aquarium
Beautiful branching Live Rock. Fully cured, tank-ready (simply add it to your marine tank). Aquacultured (reefs were not harmed in the production of this rock). Unique 2-step process results in ...
Another piece of advice needed here, I have a freind who just gave me about 35 lbs of live rock, but it has been out out water for about 9 months, question is how long do you figure I have to cure it?
really nice looking rock, will post some pics!!
Ok, filled up the tank with the salt and water, and letting it mix in the tank with my power head.....I figure the sand next? once the water is mixed, and then live rock, does this sound right?
and let me rephrase when I say my freind gave me live rock that has been out of saltwater for about 9 months, I realize this is now dead rock, or dry rock, my question is appox how long before it will "come to life"
with of course some cured live rock mixed in?
I still had that piece of live rock that had a ton of zoanthyds, and a ton of aptasia on it, it's been out of water for about a month, i gave it a soaking and added it in the new 65 G, the water smells this morning, I am assuming this is the die off......question is, If I add some live rock from my other tank, won't it die in the new tank?
If your ammonia levels is elevated then you will get some die off, yes. That being said, i would add the live rock now. We are looking at long term goals, not short term inconveniences.
It shouldn't be too long right? They should be fine if you are transferring them over soon. Just keep an eye on the water in the 20, as the Live Rock is your major means of filtration, and you might start seeing some levels start to rise. Are there corals in the twenty? This might make it a little more difficult as they are more sensitive than fish.
Protein skimmer FINALLY being delivered to me at work tomorrow.., will post more pics tomorrow night
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Tropical Fish Keeping
597.8K posts
83.7K members
Since 2006
forum community dedicated to tropical fish owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about species,breeding, health, behavior, aquariums, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Open to fish, plants and reptiles living in freshwater or saltwater environments.