Now what?

[marine_geek]

[SIZE=-1]So Iv had my tank running for about 2 moths. It finished cycling the first month. This month the water parameters have been consistent.
pH; 8.2-8.4
ammonia; 0
nitrite; 0
nitrate;0-10
Today I noticed what looks to be the beginning of diatoms, but the crabs seem to be keeping that in check. Iv been waiting all month for diatoms to confirm that im making progress.

Now what do i look for to gauge progress?
How will i be able to tell if i should wait longer than the standard 3 months?
:newbie:
[/SIZE]

 

[Grins]

What is it that you're wanting to do? See if you're ready for the octopus?

 

[marine_geek]

If not an octopus, see if I'm ready to add some stars.

 

[Kodiak]

your ready.

 

[trainedkilla]

I am jealous. My tank has been cycling a month and my nitrites are still through the roof and I have diatoms all over my tank!! I am trying to clean it up everyday and it still grows like crazy!!

I need it to cycle so I can add some critters!

 

[marine_geek]

your ready.

:mwave::dance2:
I think ill head out to my LFS tomorrow and see about some stars, then start the search for an octopus

 

[marine_geek]

I am jealous. My tank has been cycling a month and my nitrites are still through the roof and I have diatoms all over my tank!! I am trying to clean it up everyday and it still grows like crazy!!

I need it to cycle so I can add some critters!

I might be having better luck with the diatoms because i have very low lighting in my tank ,18watts i believe for a 50 gallon ,and a "herd" of hungry hermit crabs. theirs still time for mine to grow out of control though :/.

 

[Grins]

I'd probably check out the forums at Tonmo.com if you haven't already. From what I understand they are the go to reference for all things related to octopus.

Oh...and one of the sponsors for my local club just got 3 bimacs in by mistake. He'd maybe cut you a deal if your tank is ready.

 

[marine_geek]

Tonmo is what got me into the idea of octo-keeping
It might take a week or two to get the tank accustomed to the bioload of the stars
But if the the sponsor have any left by then i am definitely interested:dance2:

 

[Grins]

Just in case...they are called Logan's Reef. Great rep with the local reefers and these bimacs are tank raised and eating well from the descriptions. His website isn't much but it will give you contact info: http://logansreef.com/ tell him Grins the RASOC Librarian referred you.