Don't want to lose good hitchhikers

[Seadogs]

We just added uncured LR a few days ago and are curing and cycling the tank at the same time. My question is, if there are any good hitchhikers or even corals (I think I found one but I can't get a good picture to be able to ask ) how do I keep them alive while cycling? We just set up our RO/DI unit and are planning on doing 10%-15% atleast twice a week. (i have already done one change 2 days after add the LR). I have also been using the turkey baster to blow off any die off I can. Help please...save the hitchhikers!

 

[jjmg]

I'd remove anything from the rock that looked dead and keep up the water changes. The best thing you can do is keep the ammonia and nitrites as low as possible to allow the hitchhikers to make it. Sounds like your on the right track.

 

[Seadogs]

Thank you! Should I maybe up the % of water changes? It's 150gal tank so even 15% doesn't seem like much. And, unfortunately, my nitrites are way up. Like around 10 ppm. Should I add macroalgae?

 

[BurntOutReefer]

up your %....dont add ANYTHING to the tank....just keep doing waterchanges....NOTE: this will make your systems a little "weak"...so when you add your first bioload...you'll see a "mini-cycle"....nothing to worry about.....

 

[Seadogs]

What about the possible coral (hard not soft)? It's kinda under an outcropping of a 30lb. piece of rock. I'm not set up for any coral (doing a FOWLR) and I'm not sure how to get it out and take it to my LFS. Or, even if I should.

 

[Seadogs]

Should I try to get the coral out? I know they can be really sensitive to conditions.

 

[keeperofthefish]

Is it soft coral or hard coral?

 

[Seadogs]

I think it's a hard coral. It's only about 1" tall.

 

[Seadogs]

Also, any ideas on what % water change i should do and how often?