55g FOWLR Log

[bethkira2000]

here is the tank, tomorrow there will be live rock and the cylce will start.

[cav]

Can I ask why you have used lava rock in your tank if you are getting live rock?

[bethkira2000]

well I needed base rock, because 55-60lbs of live rock, just isn't in my budget.

[bethkira2000]

kay I did a salinity check and its not good.
the tank is a 55g, I bought 50 gallons of distilled water, and only used 42, I put in almost a whole bag of salt, and the hydrometer only reads1.015

[Grins]

It might not have had time to mix yet Beth, especially if you did it in the tank and the flow wasn't ideal.

[bethkira2000]

what do you mean Grins, will it be okay by tomorrow?

[Grins]

Meaning the salt mix may have not completely disolved yet and you're getting an inaccurate reading. Another issue may be if you are using a hydrometer. Mine would often be off by .002 points.

[bethkira2000]

so will it be mixed in enough by tomorrow for the live rock, its a little peice?

[bethkira2000]

I added the bulk of the salt last night, and then I have added some today, I have had the powerhead running all day, and for two hours I have added an external filter.

[BMorgan]

I would give some more time for it to mix (usually 24 hours or so). Also like Grins pointed out your hydrometer could be inaccurate. You may want to check your salinity at a LFS that has a refractometer to be sure.

[bethkira2000]

so I should wait until tomorrow morning then? What about adding in the raw shrimp now should I do that or wait?

[BMorgan]

Well I would reccommend getting your SG right before doing anything else, just so that it's one less thing to worry about. I'm sure you could put it in now though, the tank will start cycling.

[bethkira2000]

Okay, if I add the shrimp later tonight and get the peice of live rock tomorrow, or the next day will anything on it still be okay, or will it die?

[jagr200]

How much LR are you gonna put in? When you say a piece do you mean just that? If so thats not gonna be nearly enough to support a 55 gallon tank. You will need atleast 20lbs of it but more is suggested. Drs Foster and Smith has great LR for pretty good prices. I got 16lbs for $95 shipped.

[BMorgan]

Well if you are addling LR to an uncycled tank you can expect that some die off will happen. Any die will just aid the cycling process though so it shouldn't be an issue. You should get your SG correct before you put the live rock in though.

[BMorgan]

How much LR are you gonna put in? When you say a piece do you mean just that? If so thats not gonna be nearly enough to support a 55 gallon tank. You will need atleast 20lbs of it but more is suggested. Drs Foster and Smith has great LR for pretty good prices. I got 16lbs for $95 shipped.
Agreed. Since your tank is 55gal you want to shoot for about 1-1/2lbs to 2lbs of LR per gallon water. This depends on what type of live rock you are using and how porous it is also. Obviously you can substitute some of the LR for some base rock like you have but you will want to get more than just one piece.

You also need enough overall rock in the tank to give enough surface area for the beneficial bacteria to grow to support your tank.

[bethkira2000]

Yes I know I have about 40-50lbs base rock right now, BUt I want to start the tank cycling first. SO I thought get the shrimp and a peice of llive rock to start with then when things are normal, go ahead and slowly start adding in more live rock. I also have live sand right now too.

[bethkira2000]

Okay I checked the salinity again and this time it came out to just under 1.018 so its moving up.

[bethkira2000]

Okay now my reading is perfec, I have 1.022, what would happen if I went over the projected mark? how would I get it back down water changes?

[BMorgan]

Well I really wouldn't worry about being higher. Typically, most people around here like a SG of 1.023-1.025. I prefer mine at 1.025 and it doesn't bother me if it's 1.026. If you feel that it's too high then you could lower it by removing some water and adding un salted water, however I'm sure most would agree with me that it's better to have your SG too high than too low.

[jagr200]

You need to add all LR to your tank at once so you wont start your cycle over again once you add more.

[bethkira2000]

well I don't think I have to worry , I tested my tank agian this morning three times and its now back down, I think I will take in a sample to the LFS, I added my raw shrimp last night, so now its a wait and see game.

[bethkira2000]

Okay I got two peices of rock today and already I found 2 baby feather dusters, and I think a bristle worm. Lots of algea growth and little "bugs" I think micoshrimp or something.

[snailrider]

Okay I got two peices of rock today and already I found 2 baby feather dusters, and I think a bristle worm. Lots of algea growth and little "bugs" I think micoshrimp or something.

Copepods most likely, good little guys to have. :)

[bethkira2000]

what about bristle worms? I have seen 5 are they okay to have or should I move them out?

[snailrider]

I like my bristle worms. Be careful handling your rock, as they can be a pain if you accidentally grab one.

I have heard that soaking your fingers in vinegar is the best way to disolve the bristles should you get poked.

I also have heard there is a fish that likes to eat them, I forget what it is at this time.

[bethkira2000]

so they aren't anything to worm about? I have not seen any yet today, as I know they are nocturnal, I haven't seen any little "bugs" either.

[Grins]

The bristleworms are fine, they look icky to me but I've learned to appreciate them. And don't worry too much about not having all your rock at once if you have enough filtration via another means. I've added new live rock to my tank, and new base as well and just did it slowly.

[bethkira2000]

thanks Grins not sure about the worms, but there is so much other stuff coming I can't wait to see what it is. My feather dusters are still alive.

[BMorgan]

Sounds good. Like Grins said it's ok to add more slowly. If you are worried about it you can always put the LR in a seperate container w/ a power head and heater and make sure it's fully cured before putting in, but if it's already been cured then you should be fine.

I used to have a ton of bristle worms coming out of my rocks, but shortly after I got my fish I ahven't seen them anymore. I don't know if the fish or my shrimp got them or if they are just hiding really good all the time?

[snailrider]

The bristle worms will come out during the day sometimes, I got a pic of one of my snails going after one, I didn't see the bristle worm for days after as the snail parked on the spot the worm like to hide.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/blog.php?b=122

[bethkira2000]

I know that they are okay, but the look yucky, one died last night so its okay. The raw shrimp has been in there for three days how long before it starts to do well whatever it is that is does?

[chucke]

You are starting off jus the way I did . you will be fine i know how you are feeling your stressed you want everything Perfect.... Dont worry it will be fine!

[bethkira2000]

thanks, I really didn't count on how bad the shrimp was going to smell, I tested the water today the salinity is perfect, and so is the pH, and the alkalinity is coming up nicely, and the only thing is, I have no nitrItes, very few NitrAtes. just want to make sure things are actually starting to cycle

[Grins]

The nitrites and nitrates come later in the cycle..what ammonia level are you showing?

[bethkira2000]

I don't have a strip for that. BUt I tested it Tuesday and there was nothing.

[Grins]

Chances are you have some now. If you test it and it is 4 or 5 I'd remove the shrimp.

[BMorgan]

Yes, you need to test for ammonia at this point. Like Grins said, chances are you have some now and the cycle is going. Make sure you have good test kits. I really don't like the strips myself and prefer the API drop tests.

[bethkira2000]

I think I will get one Wednesday, I am out of funds right now. I am hoping to get some more live rock then too, and finally my protein skimmer, one of my feather dusters are still alive, and the copepods are doing nicely. NOthing as far as algea growth yet, but everything in the tank has a white coating on it. Don't know what that means.

[Grins]

A white coating? Could you take a photo of it?

[bethkira2000]

Hold on Grins I'll try

[bethkira2000]

Okay these are the best pics of it, it still doesn't show it very well.

[Lupin]

Cool pics!

[bethkira2000]

Thanks Lups;)

[Grins]

That looks a bit like precipitate but perhaps someone else with a more experienced eye knows what it is.

[vorlx]

I am not exactly sure what the white film is, did it start to show once your tank 'cleared' up? It could just be the sand dust that settled. Does it wipe easily?

[bethkira2000]

after the tank cleared we added the raw shrimp to start the cycle, after about 24 hours it started to show up, it does wipe off easily, but it comes back

[nycsicktank]

it looks like a dust. i have the same thing on my stealth heater. blow it off with a turkey baster.

after the tank cleared we added the raw shrimp to start the cycle, after about 24 hours it started to show up, it does wipe off easily, but it comes back

that cause the dust keeps settling down to your heater.

[bethkira2000]

I have a stealth heater too. I was hoping it was a form of algea or some other life form. .............sigh............. back to waiting.

[bethkira2000]

Okay I was just looking at my rocks this morning and noticed that my feather dusters are actually still alive, so I thought I would post them they weren't out but still nice.

[bdavis27701]

I was told Lava rock is bad for saltwater tanks. LFS told me it messes with you PH by lowering it. Not sure if its true or not but just something to keep an eye on.
Cool pics by the way

[bethkira2000]

My Ph is perfect, so at least my lava rock doesn't seem to be effecting it, but I'll keep you posted, and thanks. I found another feather duster this morning so excited

[bethkira2000]

okay I checked my tank, things are growing, and things are still alive, the nitrItes have started to show up.Notice the worm, I am not sure bout these.

[Reefscape]

Plenty several bristle worms there....They are fine to leave in the tank..

Niko

[bethkira2000]

are they the good kind though?

[Grins]

Niko, look real close at the bottom of the middle white worm casing. Does that look like an aiptasia peeking out?

[bethkira2000]

Grins that is my baby Feather Duster, oh how mean insulting it like that.:silly:

[Grins]

lol, I'm sorry. I seriously do have strep I think and my brain is not the clearest at the moment.

[Reefscape]

Personally, i would say they are feather dusters...Circled another one on the left...

And to answer your other question Beth, are they good ones, yes, they are fine...

Niko

[bethkira2000]

okay what about that thing next to the feather duster on the right, the prickly thing? Is that the bristle worm.

[Reefscape]

yes, thats a bristle worm mate...its fine

Niko

[bethkira2000]

Look at the beautiful find I had to get yesterday,I love it.

[bethkira2000]

Okay I went to soon to the Mushrooms and now I am in a fight to try to save them. I have started up my protein skimmer and now I am waiting for that to start working. I have also started to get a brown diatom bloom in the tank which seems to be normal.

[Mgamer20o0]

very nice tank.... cool updates....

[bethkira2000]

Thanks MG, but I have become confused, I tested the tank twice this morning and the ammonia is at 0. I have no idea why, it was at 1 two days ago. Anyone know why?

[bethkira2000]

Okay here is an update on the tank. The ammonia is now at 0, the nitrItes are now at 0, and the nitrAtes are at 20. I am going to be doing a 40% water change tomorrow. I have added a Peppermint shrimp, which has had babies, and mollted. I have two hermits one of which has also mottled and changed shells. I have three Astrea snails, which are having a feild day with the Hair Algea.

My sea star is also alive and doing well.

[Reefscape]

That looks to me like you have cyano bacteria forming in the tank..The green on the substrate is just turf algae by the looks of it...Its the red that concerns me..

Can you list what flow devices you have in the tank please Beth..

Niko

[bethkira2000]

I have a powersweep wavemaker that is in the bottom back corner 160gph. And then in the upper corner on the opposite end I have a penguin550, and then in the middle of the tank I have my protein skimmer.

[Reefscape]

I would say your drasticly under flow for the tank...just my opinion...

Niko

[H3D]

Nice find.

[bethkira2000]

Thanks H, I know Niko, however thats all I can afford right now, I will be updating soon.

[Reefscape]

Untill you can up the flow, your best options is to keep fighting it via syhoning out what you can Beth..

Niko

[bethkira2000]

I haven't syphoned, I don't even own one. Guess I better get one.

[bethkira2000]

Okay My tank got its water change things are still stable, except the ph is dropping a little but that is normal, it is still Acceptable. I have started to get my cleaner crew together. I have three Astrea snails, and three blue leg hermits, I also have added a Peppermint Shrimp. She gave birth to babies, and mollted, and is very happy to be out during the day. I have also had to add two fish, that were a gift. But they are both doing fine. NOt to say that they won't make it, but right now they are healthy.

[bethkira2000]

Okay things are progessing nicely, things are stable, my fish are happy, the mushrooms have slowly been improving, and funny they like it in the sand, everytime I move them up toward the light they move, sorta. My hermits have changed shells more times then I can count. The shrimp is very funny, she loves to swim upside down alot. And the snails can't keep up with the algea, so I will be updating them soon.

[bethkira2000]

Here is an update. I now have a Domino Damsel, Scooter Blenny and Lawnmower Blenny. I also have four Scarlet hermits, and two Blue Leg hermits. The rocks are beginning to get covered with white sponge like creatures. And I have recently gotten a beautiful purple soft coral which has split and started growing on its own.

[Reefscape]

Looks nice, please ensure you keep topping up the pod population for the "scooter blenny" ( its not actually a blenny, its a dragonette, i wish fish shops would learn what they sell ;) )...The dragonette is a pod feind and will always be hunting them down and grazing on them, constantly...

[bethkira2000]

thanks Reefscape I know, he is so cute though. I have a shipment on the way for him. I would love to know what the coral is exactly that I got.