Also I am not adding any fish or inverts until at least Jan 28th
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Jay's IM20 Peninsula Build
- Thread starter Kovacjr
- Start date
Also I am not adding any fish or inverts until at least Jan 28th
Once it is cycled, you will go through an ugly stage. Once it is stable and you had no ammonia, you can add one fish. You will also have an ugly stage for a few weeks so be prepared...don't use any miracle potions to try to cure it. Bottle cures can cause out of balance later on.
Thanks. I expected there to be the ugly stage as I read over and over its part of starting a new tank. I really don't want to do any extra chemicals. Having a pesticide license and business, I am fully aware of what just a little can do. I figured when the tank starts to build up its balanced ecosystem it will all fade away.
I have been looking at ATOs for a while and had decided on the XP Aqua Duetto. It's small sensor and no minimum time refill makes it a good option for a small sump. The refill on my tank is about 3 seconds and many seem to have a 10sec min. pump duration. Installed temporary into a 5gal bucket until I make or buy a container. Also the pump had no problem lifting up 4.5'
You want the Hanna 736 ULR Phosphorus Checker.
The Low range phosphate checker is +- .04ppm. If it reads .06 it could be .02 to .1 ppm po4.
The ULR is +- .015ppm. So if it gives you .06 it is between .045 to .075.
The ulr takes a bit of math since it reads in ppb phosphorus and not ppm phosphate. The conversion formula is (Reading x 3.066) / 1000
The Low range phosphate checker is +- .04ppm. If it reads .06 it could be .02 to .1 ppm po4.
The ULR is +- .015ppm. So if it gives you .06 it is between .045 to .075.
The ulr takes a bit of math since it reads in ppb phosphorus and not ppm phosphate. The conversion formula is (Reading x 3.066) / 1000
DangerDave
NJRC Member
What test kits are you using? They all have a range of accuracy, but tests like API are known to have large variances.
Also, what is your idea of high nitrate? I wouldn't consider nitrates high until they were over 100. You can lower nitrate with many methods. Water change, carbon dosing, bacteria blends, etc.
Nitrite should be zero.
Dave
Also, what is your idea of high nitrate? I wouldn't consider nitrates high until they were over 100. You can lower nitrate with many methods. Water change, carbon dosing, bacteria blends, etc.
Nitrite should be zero.
Dave
So I got back from my trip and set up the Fuge in from Algae Barn. Sea Lettuce and Marine Pure Spheres.. Also put in a CUC.
I also made up a spreadsheet so I can track the testing, Phyto and waterchanges
CA330
MG1280
KH 8.4
PH 8.0
NH3 0
PO4 BELOW .01
NO2 .25
NO3 0
1.024
78deg
Lighting is 20k for 9 hours and 1.5hr ramp. Fuge light runs 8hrs at night.
Currently using IO Salt and once I start to get Corals that need the Ca Ill start to use the higher elements salts.
So the low nitrate I assume is due to the add of the Fuge? It was 20 then 10 now 0. I added the Damsel and coral yesterday so will test again in 2 days and see if its risen from feeding and new bioload of the fish/corals too. I understand that 10-30 is pretty average for a reef tank. Read that is 0 for too long other troubles arise?
Feeding is typically daily a little at a time or once heavier around noon. Today was the first day on frozen, both fish and the Zoas ate it. Once the powerhead came back on it hot them both with food. Also the Nassarius snails all came out for it too.
I also made up a spreadsheet so I can track the testing, Phyto and waterchanges
CA330
MG1280
KH 8.4
PH 8.0
NH3 0
PO4 BELOW .01
NO2 .25
NO3 0
1.024
78deg
Lighting is 20k for 9 hours and 1.5hr ramp. Fuge light runs 8hrs at night.
Currently using IO Salt and once I start to get Corals that need the Ca Ill start to use the higher elements salts.
So the low nitrate I assume is due to the add of the Fuge? It was 20 then 10 now 0. I added the Damsel and coral yesterday so will test again in 2 days and see if its risen from feeding and new bioload of the fish/corals too. I understand that 10-30 is pretty average for a reef tank. Read that is 0 for too long other troubles arise?
Feeding is typically daily a little at a time or once heavier around noon. Today was the first day on frozen, both fish and the Zoas ate it. Once the powerhead came back on it hot them both with food. Also the Nassarius snails all came out for it too.
