My First Tank and First Lifeform

D

Damnitman

AC Members
Apr 13, 2009
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Louisville
I am what you would call a total newb when it comes to aquariums. Ultimately, I'd like to get into SW reefs, but thought it prudent to master this small freshwater tank first. Bought my first tank, 10g, a couple days ago now. Today I bought the API Master Test Kit and my first inhabitant. I decided to go with a freshwater lobster.

m189734010.jpg


The Cycle is only just begun.

Day 2, Week 1:
The water temp is 76 degrees.

pH = 7.6
Ammonia = 0.50
Nitrites = 0
Nitrates = 0

I am his god. I've named him Adam and this is his garden of Eden.

How am I doing so far?
 
LOL PM a mod about it. How you researched how to fishless cycle well? Not trying to be rude or anything, just wondering if I should add links and such.
 
AquaGem said:
How you researched how to fishless cycle well?
Click to expand...

Not sure I understand you the way your question is written. But I have researched how to do a fishless cycle. I've just decided not to do it.

From what I understand about cycling this way is that the lobster will excrete its waste in the form of ammonia. Then nitrites form and break down the ammonia. Then nitrates form and break down the nitrites. The danger is that the ammonia or nitrites will potentially overwhelm my lobster and kill it.

What I need is:

0 Ammonia; 0 Nitrites; and less than 20ppm Nitrates.

Correct?
 
Yes, you have the idea, but you need to do water changes daily. Test daily, and if ammonia and nitrites aren't 0, do a water change.

Cute lobster though, good luck.
 
Wow sorry lol. Wrote that really wrong. Meant to put "have you researched how to do a cycle with fish" or something like that. Sounds like you got it.
 
Just so you know invertebrates are very sensitive to ammonia. You need to keep the ammonia at 0 through water changes and daily monitoring. The cycle will take several weeks so keep an eye on him. Also make sure you have a tight fitting lid and close up any holes. Crayfish are known to escape :)
 
blue2fyre said:
Just so you know invertebrates are very sensitive to ammonia. You need to keep the ammonia at 0 through water changes and daily monitoring. The cycle will take several weeks so keep an eye on him. Also make sure you have a tight fitting lid and close up any holes. Crayfish are known to escape :)
Click to expand...

If he were to die, the cycle will have been started and I could just let it finish itself, correct?

Is there a site where I can read up on freshwater lobsters?
 
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