end of cycle

[sgallagher7]

I have been cycling uncured rock for the past 4 weeks. All my parameters are in line with the exception of nitrates being 25. I have many snails, worms, polyps, and crabs living very happily. Small amount of diatoms and cyno. Can I assume that the tank is safe enough to introduce some mushrooms and zoa's?

 

[jer77]

Probably want to get your nitrates down a little more, but since you have snails and crabs living happily you probably can add some zoas and shrooms with no problems.

 

[drummereef]

I would get the nitrates down first, imo. What are you currently doing to try and lower the nitrates?

 

[sgallagher7]

thanks. The nitrates have been stubborn. I do 15 to 20% water changes weekly. Have vacumed out a lot of crud, but dont seem to want to come down. Didint want to jump in to the stocking too soon.

 

[demonsp]

If you have any sponges that havent been cleaned this could casue it. Also if you have HOB filter with bio wheels they also can casue this. Whene was last water change ?

 

[demonsp]

If you have any sponges that havent been cleaned this could casue it. Also if you have HOB filter with bio wheels they also can casue this. Whene was last water change ?

 

[sgallagher7]

no sponges, no biowheels. Did a great deal of research prior to my set up. I do water changes every sat. Using my ER skimmer, and its pulling out some good funk. I turkey baste the rocks weekly.

 

[demonsp]

Well a fuge with cheato would help. Oh also do you use tap water ? This can also cause this. High nitrate levels are an indication that water quality is worsening. I would nip this in the bud before introduing any new stock.

 

[sgallagher7]

cheato in a fuge. Ligts on it 24/7. Water is from a ro/di store. Using IO salt. Nothing has changed since the first day. 3 to 4 inches of oolitic sand.

 

[demonsp]

A denitrifying filter may help , which i dont know much about. Also try 25 or 30 % water change next couple times . Also do you feed anyhing in there?

 

[sgallagher7]

no livestock to feed. Its just weird how everything is very healthy. I have a few huge polyps that showed up on the rock a few weeks after curing, lots of bristle worms, and havnt lost one snail or crab. I also have an abalone that hitchiked and is doing well. Iv read that some tanks just never get to 0 nitrates.

 

[drummereef]

When you say your water is from a RO/DI store what does that mean? Have you tested the TDS?

 

[sgallagher7]

havnt tested it, but they have a computer print out of the composition of the water. Its high quality water. Wanted to start off on the right foot. Its a full blown water store. Ro/di/uv. not wally world or the local circle k.

 

[drummereef]

Ah, sounds cool. A lot of problems just come from the water source. Fixing that can really do wonders a lot of the time.

 

[cplklegg]

I have 30lbs LR in my 20g reef that's been up since new Year's Day this year. My last Trate test 2 days ago finally zeroed out. No fuge, no sump, maybe your tank just needs a little time. Continue w/ the WCs and all though. Have you considered Pulsing Xenias? They are always a good conversation piece.
Good luck and may you always have enough money to get that neat-lookin' coral.

 

[sgallagher7]

I was just rying to put a list together, but wanted to make sure the time was right. Im in no hurry, and if waiting a couple more weeks is what is needed, i will do it. The nitrates just dont show any indication of moving.