New 13G Nano Received! Need help starting step by step....
- Thread starter valval1029
- Start date
mogurnda said:
Then let me hit you up with a question!
Is there any way to prep a tank for LR (say, TBS rock) to prevent massive die
off? Would completely cycling with shrimp before introducing the LR give the
life on it a better chance?
My experience with TBS rock is that there is little initial die off. There is a long period during which things like sponges die because of lack of food, or because things eat each other.
Live rock from other sources is often is often shipped moist but not in water, so there can be a lot of dead stuff when it gets to you. In that case, having some dead rock and a sandbed that have already cycled will help dealing with the ammonia spike.
Live rock from other sources is often is often shipped moist but not in water, so there can be a lot of dead stuff when it gets to you. In that case, having some dead rock and a sandbed that have already cycled will help dealing with the ammonia spike.
HI! Yesterday and today the ammonia is 0.25... The shrimp is slimy and a little stinky and the water clouded. I hate looking at it... Do I really have to keep it in the whole time? When will the water clear?
Am I hoping that the ammonia won't go up any further?
Thanks!
Am I hoping that the ammonia won't go up any further?
Thanks!
Water is clearing up.
0.25 ammonia
0.50 nitrite
The rock/sand has gotten a rusty brown color that you can see in the "My Tank" link at the bottom. Is that ok? Shrimp looks gross... what's next?
Also, there's salt creep on the lights and reflector a little. Do you just wipe that down weekly? What do you recommend. I don't have anything between the water and the lights...
0.25 ammonia
0.50 nitrite
The rock/sand has gotten a rusty brown color that you can see in the "My Tank" link at the bottom. Is that ok? Shrimp looks gross... what's next?
Also, there's salt creep on the lights and reflector a little. Do you just wipe that down weekly? What do you recommend. I don't have anything between the water and the lights...
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Looks like the bacteria are doing OK, but are working to catch up with the new load. The diatoms (brown crud) are very normal in a new tank, and will peter out on their own.
I just use a wet rag to wipe the salt creep off the lights every week or so. Kind of a ritual to do a water change, clean the skimmer cup and wipe the lights. If you have a clear lens between the lights and the water, you can also run it under the sink.
I just use a wet rag to wipe the salt creep off the lights every week or so. Kind of a ritual to do a water change, clean the skimmer cup and wipe the lights. If you have a clear lens between the lights and the water, you can also run it under the sink.
OK, it's 2 days later and..
1.026 s.g. with refractometer
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
The ammonia and nitrite dropped... now what? Can I get the TBS stuff? Also, can I mix up the sand (top layer is brown!) or do I leave it... Can I get rid of that shrimp yet???
1.026 s.g. with refractometer
ammonia 0
nitrite 0
The ammonia and nitrite dropped... now what? Can I get the TBS stuff? Also, can I mix up the sand (top layer is brown!) or do I leave it... Can I get rid of that shrimp yet???
Maybe check your levels one more time tomorrow, then get rid of the shrimp and go for it!
Stirring the top layer to mix up the brown is fine. You might not want to dig too deep, though. It probably doesn't matter if you go for TBS live sand. That will be fairly dark anyway.
Stirring the top layer to mix up the brown is fine. You might not want to dig too deep, though. It probably doesn't matter if you go for TBS live sand. That will be fairly dark anyway.
OK, TBS is closed until the new year and I decided not to pay the $50. in shipping.. I removed the shrimp.
Went to LFS and bought just under 6 lbs of Live Fiji Rock (looked very nice) for a total of 16 lbs now. I also bought 10 turbo snails and 10 hermits (5 blue leg & 5 hawaiian zebra). They are the best! I'm having a great time just watching them! : )
All levels are 0 (ammonia & nitrite)...
I have to say that with the near 16 lbs. of LR it seems full! I don't think I could have fit 25 or 30 lbs. Plus, as I buy corals, they will be on rock, right? I'll add a picture tomorrow when the water clears a little more.
Lastly, the LFS said 1.026 was too high- to lower it to 1.023--- I'm not going to do anything yet but what do you think??????
I'm using tap water for top off. I always did that with my FO tank=== then again my nitrates were high. Should I test my tap? What is an RO unit?
Went to LFS and bought just under 6 lbs of Live Fiji Rock (looked very nice) for a total of 16 lbs now. I also bought 10 turbo snails and 10 hermits (5 blue leg & 5 hawaiian zebra). They are the best! I'm having a great time just watching them! : )
All levels are 0 (ammonia & nitrite)...
I have to say that with the near 16 lbs. of LR it seems full! I don't think I could have fit 25 or 30 lbs. Plus, as I buy corals, they will be on rock, right? I'll add a picture tomorrow when the water clears a little more.
Lastly, the LFS said 1.026 was too high- to lower it to 1.023--- I'm not going to do anything yet but what do you think??????
I'm using tap water for top off. I always did that with my FO tank=== then again my nitrates were high. Should I test my tap? What is an RO unit?
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