New Tank Startup Question

mikedb1972 · 07-24-2008, 07:52 AM

the spec's
29 gal tank, 2.5" sand, 18#LR, 12# base rock, wet/dry filter, heater
last test results, SG 1.022, Nitrate 0, nitrite 0, amonia .25, temp 79

i have been minitoring the water for since the tanks conception, on 7-12-08
added live rock on day3, so been actually started since 7-15-08.

now the questions. i know i am waiting on the amonia spike, but how high will it normally spike to, and after it spikes will i need to do water changes to correct the amonia, or will the amonia die off automatically as the nitrates or nitrites start to rise.

question 2, do i need to be doing any water changes now, i have had about 2 gallons loss, i assume to evaporation, but thats been replaced.

any help would be appreciated, the patience things is wearing thin, i want fish. i know i need to wait and i need to do things right, which i dont mind, but i wouldnt want to do something wrong and start all over again.

thanks again for any help
Mike

unclejed · 07-24-2008, 09:56 AM

Hello Mike, The ammonia may get to 1.0 or as high as 2.5, just depends on die off from the rock. Also if you put a starter fish in (Domino Damsel etc.) that is when it may spike to levels I mentioned.

It's too soon for a water change. Add some bacteria though to make sure you establish a good base. Adding bacteria is always a plus, I even add more to established tanks periodically to boost the filtering effect.

I would wait another week to ten days and then add 1 fish to get the cycle really going. You must take it slow. It will benefit the tank and you in the long haul.

mikedb1972 · 07-24-2008, 10:13 AM

thanks unclejed, i appreciate your reply,

it seems that adding a fish is up for debate from alot of people.
some say to do it, and it should help.
but others say not to do it due to the fact that it puts the fish through cruel environments when the amonia rises.

i will probably wait another week and add maybe 2 damsels, since they are recommended and hardy. i just want to take it slow in order to have a well established system, all the moeny and time invested would be tough to loose.

after adding the fish and the amonia spikes, will i want to start water changes, or will the amonia disipate on its own throught the cycling.

thanks for teh reply, and i will keep things updated as they go along.

Mike

las4444 · 07-24-2008, 02:45 PM

Once the cycle is complete you should never see ammonia again. Bacteria converts the ammonia to nitrite in a real time manor (for lack of a better expression). Then, nitrite slowly transforms into nitrate. Nitrate is the long term item that must be dealt with. Water changes dilute the nitrate concentration. You may go many months without seeing detectable nitrate readings.

This is why we do monthly water changes. It will keep the nitrates in check provided the tank is not overstocked. Water changes do more than just reduce nitrates but I'm trying to tarket your "in the now" question. I would do a water change after the cycle and monthly there after. Remember, each tank will have it's own special needs. As your tank matures you will be able to gauge these things.

unclejed · 07-24-2008, 03:08 PM

Word of advice, damsels will fight, if not sooner than later. You may want to add a damsel and another fish considered "hardy". Google; hardy salt water fish and I'm sure you will find what you need.

chadf · 07-24-2008, 09:24 PM

I would not add a fish. Your tank is cycling on its own because of the live rock. There is no sense in putting a fish in there to endure toxic conditions, especially a damsel. You will most likely want to get rid of it anyway once you see how they behave. Just wait until you have cycled and then add a hardy fish like a clown in case there is a small spike.

unclejed · 07-25-2008, 09:24 AM

Wow, sounds like someone has an aversion to Damsels. There are many "types" of Damsels and a lot of people like them. I agree Domino, Tomato and Zebra are pretty mean and Territorial, however Blue fin, Chromis and many Clowns are peaceful. Just thought I would put in my say so.

Judge · 07-25-2008, 07:57 PM

I don't think I would use fish to cycle but I think Blue Green or Green Chromis are so neat. I only have three at the moment but plan on more so I can have a small school. They are very hardy with lots of personality. Mine come up and take shrimp and flakes from my hand. No aversion to damsels here!