Cycling with prawn/shrimp.

[NapoliNewJersey]

I added my shrimp on tuesday and now the smell is unbarable. Is it ok to abort the shrimp and toss them out or should I stick it out?

My amonia hasn't spiked yet it's at .25.

I'm using a crappy Mardel dip strip test
So I'm not so sure how accurate these are.
I'm going today to buy better tests.

Amonia .25
ph 8.2
nitrates 20-40
Nitrites .05-1.0
Alk 300

 

[salty420]

I would get rid of it for sure. I'm sure it's done it's job by now.

 

[Reefscape]

Once your ammonia starts to decline, then remove it from the tank as it will of done its job..You do need better test kits. The test strip kind are very general and you get a more accurate reading from the liquid kits like Salifert or AP...

Looking at your current results above, if they are near enough correct, the ammonia should be on its way down as you are showing nitrITEs.

Niko

 

[5xevy]

I added my shrimp on tuesday and now the smell is unbarable. Is it ok to abort the shrimp and toss them out or should I stick it out?

Hahahaha- been there! I did it for 2 tanks, one of which was in the bedroom, and I couldn't sleep in there anymore.

I would keep it in there as long as you can bear it. Then take it out, wait for your ammonia and nitrites to reach 0, perform a massive water change, and then add your livestock slowly.

 

[Germanman]

Hahahaha- been there! I did it for 2 tanks, one of which was in the bedroom, and I couldn't sleep in there anymore.

I would keep it in there as long as you can bear it. Then take it out, wait for your ammonia and nitrites to reach 0, perform a massive water change, and then add your livestock slowly.

yup good advise there. also id recommend getting a liquid test kit. the strips are usually off and don't change as well as they should in color.

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

Thanks guys. I just went out and got API tests for Amonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. Had one for PH and I couldn't find one for ALK.

Here are my results:

Ph 7.7 (added API's Ph-up)
Amonia .25
Nitrites 2.0ppm
Nitrates 80 ppm
Alk 240ppm (dipstrip test not so accurate)
Spacific Grav. 1.023

I need to get my SG up and i'll do that when I do a massive water change after my cycle ends.

My Ph has to go up and I added Ph up so hopfully when I check it later tonight it will be better.

 

[Germanman]

i wouldnt use ph up id use a buffer for all parts like ALK ph and calcium.

 

[NapoliNewJersey]

i wouldnt use ph up id use a buffer for all parts like ALK ph and calcium.

I already used the Ph up ... I'm going to check my water again tomorrow morning and I'll let you guys know.

 

[Germanman]

I already used the Ph up ... I'm going to check my water again tomorrow morning and I'll let you guys know.

its ok to use its just not the best product for saltwater.

 

[5xevy]

I already used the Ph up ... I'm going to check my water again tomorrow morning and I'll let you guys know.

Unless you have a light on over your tank or refugium, the pH will drop overnight. I would personally take a reading in the morning and afternoon or evening, and compare the two.