First tank set up 15 weeks ago. Can I add fish now???

[Rachael0701]

Ok. So I've spent months reading everything I can to try and help me through the cycling process but now recognise that I need some more advice.
I bought a second hand tank, complete with coralline covered rock, canister filter, uv steriliser, small skimmer. No sump. Also, a couple of hermit crabs and a few turbo snails with the rock.
I filled the tank with water bought from my LfS 15 weeks ago. Have been practising my water changes and water testing since then. I have experienced he rise in ammonia early on. This quickly settled and ammonia, ph, salinity, and nitrite all appear good to go. However, no matter what I try I cannot get the nitrate below 40. I should also mention that I have experienced a good few weeks of algae growth which has now subsided and the tank is looking great.
But, I would really, really like to put a fish in there now Any advice re nitrate levels would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Rachael

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes you can add fish..
Fish can easily tolerate "elevated" nitrate levels.
But those elevated nitrates are also going to fuel algae..

The most basic way to lower nitrates is to simply perform water changes..
A 50% water change should reduce nitrates 50%.. 20% will reduce them 20%.. 10% 10% and well you get the point..

And the goal is to reduce/remove them via water changes faster than they are building up
(or export them via other methods)..

 

[Rachael0701]

Thank you for the advice. Any recommendations for my first purchase?

 

[mcgyvr]

Any recommendations for my first purchase?

No.. Its a personal choice..
But I recommend your next car be dark gray and you wear blue underwear today

If you want others to help you on that decision you will need to post information on the size of your tank as many fish require a certain tank size..
You should also indicate your plans for this tank as many are not reef safe or have other needs/restrictions,etc...

A good place to start browsing and learning is here..
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/aquarium-fish-supplies.cfm?c=15
There is TONS of information there..

 

[Rachael0701]

Well as it happens I'm in the market for a new car

 

[ladynavyvet]

Thank you for the advice. Any recommendations for my first purchase?

You haven't said if you're planning to have a full livestock reef tank, live corals, and fish safe for them? If that's the case, I'd get a couple of clown fish. That's what I started my 40 gallon tank with. I was advised this would give them time to find "their space". If you can afford it, buy a dedicated pair, that is a male and female whom are already bonded. The female is the larger of the 2. I purchased myy pair when the were younger, and got lucky they ended up to be bonded. Not everyone likes clown fish, they can be quite aggressive, especially the female. The good news their mouths a small, they can't hurt us. My daughter named our pair the "Terror Twins".

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[Rachael0701]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I think I will only be keeping fish, this is my first tank so looking to keep as simple as possible for now until my confidence grows

 

[bcb577]

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I think I will only be keeping fish, this is my first tank so looking to keep as simple as possible for now until my confidence grows

I second the clown fish pair as long as your tank is big enough and the are reef safe if you decide to get into coral,this hobby is addicting!good luck this is a great forum!

 

[ReeferNoob4ever]

Clean your sand bed if you're not. That helped bring my nitrates down from 20 to 5ppm after the cycle.

 

[JUNBUG361]

I'd start with a few hardy(beginner) fish. Some cheap fish