Frustrated in florida

R

reebow in nwfl

New member
Any assistance would be appreciated, I consider myself an intelligent person however I'm feeling pretty ignorant right about now, and am on the verge of tears. Have had freshwater tanks for several years and recently got my hands on a 55 gal tank being throw away on the curb. Tank included 2 350 penguin power filters, heater ( dont know what brand but attaches with suction cups and is keeping whole tank at 76 degrees with no problem. Set up April 1. crushed coral bed added bio spira.
SpGr has been maintained at 1.022.
Added 3 blue damsels left for 1 1/2wk, Returned the damsels to lfs purchased 4 green chromis and one percula clown. One chromis left as well as clown, added scooter blenny over weekend and cleaner shrimp today. Focusing on FO tank for right now.
Values are
Nitrate 20
nitrite 0
Alk 180
pH 7.8
Temp 76
Need to buy ammonia strips I know

My question is Do I need to do a water change now? and then how often thereafter? Have been topping off as needed.
Also should my tank be stable enough to continue adding fish very slowly.I was told at one lfs that tank was fine and at another I had to buy live rock to get my tank to cycle and it was my fault the 3 chromis died. All inhabitants with the exception of the 3 that died have all seemed happy and eating well during the last several weeks. Help your words of wisdom are much appreciated. Love this site. :
 
yes....seems that tanks cycled....won't lecture you on adding slowly.....
IMO
bring temp upto 79~80 (FO only right?)...this should help with the fish metabolizm...
 
Yeah fish only right now with the exception of skunk cleaner. will increase temp how about SpGr is this satisfactory. Thanks for your quick reply
 
[welcome]

For your Alk, what value is that?? Number seems really high to me, at least with the two values I am used to seeing.
 
proper inspection of fish before purchase is a good Idea. It will save you money in the long run. Try different stores and look at all the fish and there health before buying at all.
 
I think its ppm....(alk).
which falls into place with 125~200 ppm CaCO3 equivalents being target....
and yes...sg looks low....try to get to 1.026 (slowly)....
 
Thanks, so how about water changes, should i do one this weekend even though parameters are fine, would 10 percent be sufficient or more and how often after that is recommended
 
Me personally, I like to do my water changes once a week. I do 5 gallons at a time -- used old salt buckets. So, I would suggest that you try to get into the habit of doing weekly ones. And 10% would be a 5 gallong bucket.
 
The crushed coral bed will cause you nitrate problems. I will lecture you on adding slowly. The bio filter in your tank needs to establish itself before adding a bunch(6 in less than a month?) of fish.
 
Have a total of 4 critters in tank at the moment. One percula, one scooter blenny one green chromis and a skunk cleaner shrimp. Am planning on keeping tank this way for several weeks
 
first of all it is possible chromis killed each other so its not your fault at all.. I am many others have experienced that.. second Id get a few lbs of liverock if you dont have any.. 3rd Id also get a protein skimmer Im guessing you need a hang ont eh back one so aquac remora would be awesome.. this will help keep the water clean.. and finally I do as few water changes as possible when i first set up a tank.. I pay very close attention to my nitrates when adding fish. it is ok to add fish but it will raise your nitrates.. if your nitrates get high do a water cheange. I am saying this b/c once you get rock in there it you will start getting more bacterial life going and unless you need a water change I wouldnt worry abput it at first.. I would really pay close attention to the nitrates though with adding fish and no skimmer.. I dont think filters are that great I am a firm believer on powerheads, skimmer, and liverock Id get the flow up if its not go already Id say at least 2 mj 1200's if you are on a budget.. but you want around 1500-2000 gph at least flowing on top.. I am sorry for rambling on or if this is confusing but I think this will help in the long run and your more than welcome to PM me with questions. I have been pretty successful in this hobby so far and can help you with finding budget equipment if needed..
 
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