Converting 20g from Fresh W. to Salt W.

[Zdunmeister]

Nope Haven't had an algae bloom. Is that something I should be concerned about? My first fish will definitely be a pair of Clowns.

 

[Zdunmeister]

My lights came in today. They're pretty sweet. My question is how should I run the timer? I'm thinking 12pm-10pm actinic, 1pm-9pm 10000K, and then 10pm-2am LED. Is this a good idea or should the 10000k be the first bulbs to turn on? Please give me some input on this. Also, still haven't had a algae bloom yet... is this normal? Thank you.

 

[Zdunmeister]

Also, since my calcium is at a pretty low level, can I start dosing additives or will it affect the kH too much? I'm not sure about what to do there.

 

[Zdunmeister]

Hello, my water test results from today are: Ammonia .25ppm, Nitrite 0ppm, Nitrate 0-5ppm: I couldn't decide on this one. The orange color on that test was so faint and close to yellow (0ppm) I had to put it as in between. Phosphate was 0ppm, pH was 8.4 and the salinity was 1.022. What do I do here? How can there be no Nitrite but still some Ammonia? For the ammonia and nitrite I use a freshwater API test kit to do that. Does this make a difference or no? I have a 'reef master test kit' but it doesn't include those two tests so I just use my fw test kit for them. I was hoping to go get a CUC today. If I change the water, wouldn't the ammonia and nitrate go away? If someone could please give me some input on this that would be great. If getting a CUC is a possibly I would want to do it today. Thank you.

 

[the wizard]

If you are reading ammonia i wouldn't add any animals at all.

The hardest thing to acquire for this hobby is also the most important, patience. I would recommend that you dose your ammonia to 2ppm. Wait 24 hours and run your tests again. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Zdunmeister]

Well, I went to my LFS yesterday and watched them check my water for me with the true API saltwater tests. Ammonia read zero and nitrite did too, with only a small trace of nitrate. I had a feeling something was wrong with MY tests when I did them, because there wouldn't be ammonia if there's zero nitrite because nitrite is formed from ammonia correct? Anyways, I added my CUC consisting of about 7 crabs and 7 snails. Some of the snails haven't moved after being introduced is that normal? Some of the crabs have been climbing all over the snails and I read somewhere that the crabs can get to the snail and eat them?

 

[the wizard]

hermit crabs will kill snails to get their shells when it is time for the crab to get a bigger home.

 

[Zdunmeister]

Can I start dosing calcium to promote some coralline algae growth and prepare my tank for some corals in a few weeks?

 

[Khemul]

It depends on your levels really.

Just simply adding calcium isn't necessarily good. There is a ideal balance. Adding calcium if it is needed can throw off that balance.

 

[Zdunmeister]

Hey guys. I think I'm going to add a pair of clownfish today. I want a pair, and I read that clownfish can sex-change? If this is true, can I just get two clownfish from the store and they'll definitely pair up?