getting things straigt

[pewter_jean]

After being in the hobby for two years, and finding out that I recieved alot of misinformation. I don't feel I can truley trust what I think I know. So I am going to be a total idiot. I don't know anyhing. I had set up a 75 gal tank 10 days ago. Trying to keep some rock cured while I get the equipment together for my 180. The tank has just rock and sand in it. (and a hermit, that hitched a ride, surprised he made it). I have an emperor 400, and a seaclone(I got it fixed, it was the seal). one powerhead for water movement. I did use ro water. and I have two light strips with floresents in them. I am keeping the lights on for about 9 hours. Iam starting to get the brown alge growing. I tested the water tonight. It tested at nitrite-0plus, (it wasn't quite 0 and not quit 2.5, ph8.4, amonia-.25, nitrate-.50. Is this about right. Now what?

 

[crny1]

Just sit back and wait. You could do a water change to keep the amonia down but IMHO i think it will prolong the cycle longer. I would only change water if the amonia get to a very high level. If it was me i dont think i would run the lights at all at this point. Just my 2 cents.......

Wes

 

[pewter_jean]

That is what I thought, But was told had to do water change every week. Then told don't do one until cycle is totally complete. Otherwise just throwing out the good bact. before it has a chance to build up. The only reason I have the lights on at all is this was second hand rock. It already has mushrooms, feather dusters and gold and pink sponges. I want to try to keep them if I can. Looks like there were a few sea fans too, I don't think those are doing to well.

 

[Shooter7]

Actually, there's not all that much bacteria in the water itself, it's mainly on the hard surfaces in your tank. What you would be throwing away, though, is the ammonia and nitrites that feed that bacteria growth. In your case if those numbers you posted are correct, your ammo and trate levels are still pretty low so I wouldn't worry at all about doing water changes right now. I didn't do any at all when my 26 gal cycled until it was done and it came out just fine.

 

[pewter_jean]

After it is done, should I put a snail or two in there to help with the (diatom?) brown alge, or should that pretty much take care of itself. I don't know how long the rock will need to be in there, Untill I get the 180 up and running. Don't know when that will be. Soon (two or three months) hopefully

 

[stlouisguy]

The brown stuff is like taxes, you cant get away from it. I would suggest for the next 4 weeks to take a break from worrying about it and just watch it. Dont do water changes, leave the lights on for your livestock thats on the rock.

If the things you have are doing okay, dont mess with a good thing


Just my 2 cents

 

[Shooter7]

As soon as your water values stabilize (ammo and nitrites), yes, you can put in a cleanup crew. I would suggest more than just a snail or two though in that size tank.

 

[Shooter7]

And you should get that RO/DI unit that Tom (Goalie) just posted!