1st Saltwater-Biocube 14 (Need Help)

[yorgo15]

Water Test???

I performed my first water test prior to adding the panty hoes shrimp. According to the test kit, my parameters were:

Ammonia: .50
Nitrite: .25
Nitrate: 5.0
PH: 8.4

Are these parameters normal for an establishing saltwater aquarium. I also performed my first water change, and I had a difficult time getting the salinity correct. Is there a ratio of how much salt to add per gallon of water or do you pretty much add salt and test for salinity as needed?

 

[reavesinc]

Those look normal, I add 1 cup of salt to every two gallons of fresh.

 

[Reefscape]

I performed my first water test prior to adding the panty hoes shrimp. According to the test kit, my parameters were:

Ammonia: .50
Nitrite: .25
Nitrate: 5.0
PH: 8.4

Are these parameters normal for an establishing saltwater aquarium. I also performed my first water change, and I had a difficult time getting the salinity correct. Is there a ratio of how much salt to add per gallon of water or do you pretty much add salt and test for salinity as needed?

They look normal to me too...I would not worry too much about them as they will drasticly change as the cycle gets under way. I would also say that i would not do any water changes untill the cycle has completed, and then do a 50% change to replenish trace elements.

Its about an average mark to aim for what Reeves has stated above, 1 cup per gallon, however its only a guide line...

Niko

 

[reavesinc]

Oh I forgot to add that I test my sg and add salt or fw as needed.

 

[yorgo15]

It has been exactly two weeks since I started my 14 gallon aquarium and everything seems to be going according to plan. I live in Miami, Florida and I make all my purchases through a very well known LFS known as Big Al's. Every post and book I have read states to introduce inverts, such as blue leg hermit, etc., before adding fish; however, the LFS staff advised me to add fish first then inverts.

I plan on limiting my tank to four (4) fish, which I think will be two (2) clowns, (1) sandsifting goby, and either (1) jawfish or (1) damsel. Which advise is correct, add the inverts then fish or fish then inverts.

By the way, the information you guys have provided has been beyond helpful, and I thank you for your assistance. The live rock is responding very well to the cycle and is staring to produce microscopic organisms. I have access to a lab and viewed my tank water under a high powered microscope. I have enclosed a picture of my tank as of today.

 

[yorgo15]

Copepods Visible

I almost forgot to mention that I can see numerous copepods moving on the glass of the aquarium. I have been told that the copepods are desirable, especially when getting ready to add fish. If you guys have an opinion on seeing copepods in a two (2) week old aquarium, please give me you input. As I stated before, this is my first aquarium, and I want to make sure those little suckers should be there.

 

[ooja3k]

ya i found copepods in my girlfriends tank at 1 week old.. they are a good thing... soon you will see larger amphipods running around on the sand and rock... they are all good supplementary fish foods..

as far as your stocking list goes... 4 fish IMO would be too much for a tank that small... i would do the clowns and a single san sifting goby...

what have you done with the lighting timing and the bioball compartment??

 

[yorgo15]

OOJA3K

I have actually seen the larger amphipods running around the sand. Since nothing but sand and rock has been added, it is a pretty interesting phenomenon to witness. I will scale back the fish to three (3) maximum, and I appreciate the input; the last thing I want to do is overcrowd the tank. Do you think I will be able to add a crab, lobster, and shrimp as well?

I really like the crabs, lobsters, and shrimps, and I want to make sure they are eventually added to my tank without overcrowding. In particular, do you have any experience with crabs and lobsters? If you do, can you provide a little insight into the type to purchase for my tank?

 

[yorgo15]

OOJA3K

By the way, I removed the bioballs and replaced them with live rock rubble. As far as the lighting, I make sure the white light, black light, and lunar light are on for a twelve hour cycle, which equates to approximately four (4) hours per light per day. I have heard that the lights do not play much of a factor with straight live rock, but since I plan on purchasing inverts and corals, I figured the practice could not hurt. Would you introduce both clowns at the same time?

 

[yorgo15]

Goby???

I like the gobies, but it seems as though there are numerous types of gobies. Which goby should I purchase for my tank?