need some more info?

[melissadotson]

hello everybody it's me again!!! well i have my 10 gal.SW tank set up with sand and live rock..i did put a damsel in there ..i ahve had it up for almost a week now (since last thursday) ...i am using a filter sistem and a regular air pump..everthing seems to be going well..but since i don't have a protein skimmer on it .i was wonering when to do a partial water change? or do i need to do a water change at all ? the water is really clear..i still don't have a test kit yet but i do have a hydrometer. the salinity is perfect..i am going to take a sample of water to my LFS tomorrow and have it tested to see how the water is for nit..and such..but i was just wondering about the water changes? and thanks to everybody that has helped me in the past..and thanks in advace for anymore info you can give....:thm:

 

[Ace25]

So I am guessing your using the damsel to cycle the tank?

To answer your question, you need test kits to determine when to do a water change, especially during the initial cycle. Do one too soon and it can do more harm than good (slow the cycle down) but a good general rule of thumb is to wait 3-4 weeks to do your first water change from when you first set it up. Still need to do freshwater top offs between then though to keep the water level/salinity correct.

 

[melissadotson]

ok thanks..and yes i have the damsel in there to cycle it..they man at the pet store said it would cycle a little faster than if i didn't have it in there at all..

 

[Ace25]

Well, it is a cycling method and it does work, but it is pretty mean to do to a fish putting him in such a toxic environment. Not going to say any more or get on a soap box over it because that method has been used countless times and you have already done it so just let it continue as is.

In the future on any other tanks you may setup just know you can get the same, or even better results by just getting a raw shrimp from your grocery store, put it in a zip lock bag with some small holes in the bag and let that sit in the tank for a week at most.. that will get the cycle going much faster than a damsel.

 

[Blown 346]

I agree with Ace,Most LFS employees,owners will tell you anything to make a sale. The best thing you can do is research before you buy anything!

If you plan on putting anything else in the tank, I would remove the Damsel before hand (give it back the LFS for credit) otherwise they do get territotrial and will harras and pick on other fish. Plus with it only being a 10 gallon you are limited to smaller fish. With Saltwater the correct way is for every inch a fish is you should provide 3 to 5 gallons of water for it. Take in account the adult size before you purchase.

Liverock is also a great way to start a cycle with making the tank more natural. Plus it is a natural filter. For water changes, I would do 20% so say 2 to 3 gallons of water once a month.