Finally Cycled!! I think...

[Curtis1551]

I have had my 55 gal tank set up for about two and half month with LR. About a week ago my Ammonia and Nitrite totally went away. I think I am ready to add fish, but I have a few last minute questions. First I have been testing for Alkalinity with a test kit that does not give a ppm read, it just indicates high, normal or low. My tank has always been high. Is this sufficient for a FO tank or do I need to find a better test? Also, I have been using tap water to fill and top off my tank. I treat the city water with dechlorinator before adding it. Is this sufficient or do I need a purifier of some sort? I don't think that copper will be an issue because my house does not have copper pipes. Also, do I need to test for more then just Temperature, pH, Alkalinity, Specific Gravity, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate? I plan on keeping FO; please see my wish list below. Finally, my wish list of fish. Are these fishes good beginner fish that will get along? I will only add a few at a time with long periods of time to allow them and me to adjust to caring for them.

2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Lawnmower Blenny
1 Clown Goby
~3 Blue Green Chromis
2 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Skunk Cleaner Shrimp

If space, time and resorces are available
1 Blue Regal Tang
1 Six Line Wrasse
1 Coral Beauty Angelfish
1 Sea Star - Not sure what type I want yet

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[frederickk]

I think you should start with the 2 Ocellaris Clownfish first and see if they are doing okay.

 

[Lotus99]

Are you planning a clean-up crew? If your tank has been zero for nitrites and ammonia for a week, you can add the snails/hermits.

Don't forget to quarantine all new fish! It's well worth it.

 

[bertoni]

I'd cut two fish from the first list, personally. That's already a lot of animals. I wouldn't bother testing nitrite or nitrate for a FOWLR setup. If coralline algae growth is desired, you'll need to test calcium, though.

 

[Icefire]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9500908#post9500908 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bertoni
I'd cut two fish from the first list, personally. That's already a lot of animals. I wouldn't bother testing nitrite or nitrate for a FOWLR setup. If coralline algae growth is desired, you'll need to test calcium, though.

Nitrate okay, but nitrite can be quite toxic, it's about oxygen and hemoglobine.... no?

PH,Sg, Nitrite, Am is probably enought for FO

 

[bertoni]

No, nitrite isn't toxic in saltwater aquariums. The chemistry forum has an article on the subject.

 

[Curtis1551]

Thanks for the advice. I found some of the articles on the chemistry forums very helpful. I have been trying to find some good articals and had not found the ones there.

On that note I purchased my first fish. I went to my LFS hoping to get the two clownfish, but they did not have any. So I bought the Lawnmower Blenny. It has been 48 hours and he is doing great. He is a little bashful and has a hard time eating without leave the comfort of his LR. He acted this way at the LFS and has been living there for two month at least, so I think he is fine and will slowly biuld his courage to eat in front of me.

Thanks again for all the help Reef Central members.

 

[bertoni]

Sounds good! Hope your tank does well.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

I would get 2 green blue chromis instead