up date and water test results

orb4me · 08-07-2008, 11:16 AM

29 gal tank, up and running 22 days.
temp 76 and steady

API s/w master kit results

SG 1.022
ph 8.2
nitrite 0
nitrAtes 5.0
ammonia- light slightly cloudy yellow
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Fluval 205 cannister filter
40# live sand (i forget the name)
1 heater,1 thermostat
1/4# live rock (still waiting on the marshall island)
1 4" sea urchine skeleton from Caribbean 5 or 6 yrs old, well prepared (fish lives in the skeleton, no more throwing sand)
1 yellow damsel fish
Instant Ocean Salt
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Ive been removing 2 qts tank water and adding salt (well mixed) returning it to the tank to get the sg up, and adding nutrafin cycle 2 caps full.

question: Should I do a water change? If so, add salt and ro water or just ro water. I understand add ro water for evaporation, but I dont understand what to do with w/c.

las4444 · 08-07-2008, 01:01 PM

A water change is always salt water. It is a good habit to test the water you use for the change for KH, Calcium, etc.. I use water changes as an opportunity to slightly adjust a level if needed.

I use my top off water to keep KH levels in check.

Running 5.0 on nitrates I would do a water change. It will increase so now is a good to start reducing it.

orb4me · 08-07-2008, 02:01 PM

awwww. I didnt know I had to test for those

tx las. Im using the same ro water and salt, so for this round of w/c I'll hold off on going to store. the lfs thinks I want to live there.

Nereaga · 08-07-2008, 03:16 PM

I know how you feel. I think I know all the names of the guys/girls in the Fish Room. Sickening...

Thats why I'm an addict!

oesoto · 08-07-2008, 10:16 PM

Don't feel bad, when I lived in myrtle beach, the LFS guys new me by first, last and nick name. If they did not see me at least twice a week they would call me up.

orb4me · 08-08-2008, 03:01 PM

Robert and John and George the new manager. I think Im known as the old lady with all those d...... questions. Maybe i should tell them to just call me Linda. lol I buy cheap fish for the freshwater tanks, but once I start buying the saltwater fish I think I will probably be upgraded to "Hello Mrs........."