How long before I start to put more fish and some coral?

[djmicl]

So finally got my 65gal tank up with a 20gal sump. I had my rocks cycle for about a month and half in a container with NSW, while I got all my tank supplies.
About 3 weeks ago I set up the tank with the live rock and live sand. I've been testing the water and my tank hasn't shown any signs of Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate is 0.5 PH 8.2, SG1.023,Calcium 320.
So far I got 3 blue green chromis , two clownfish Percs, 3 peppermint shrimp. 10 hermits, 6 snails.
So how much longer before adding any fish? How long before any coral?

 

[polyps222]

I have the same tank and it's been cycling almost 4 weeks. added live stock 3 weeks into cycling and so far so good. fish and coral and doing great

 

[rovster]

How long have those fish been in there? If its been a few weeks then go ahead and go slow. I'm not one to talk, I added 6 fish to my 30 gal all at once. Just make sure you have water on hand for changes. The prudent thing to do is to wait and let things settle for a few months, but as long as things are stable, I don't see anything wrong with continuing to add fish. As far as corals go, as long as levels are good, you can add pretty aggressively. It's the fish you need to worry about.

 

[Blueline12]

Your phosphates are high at .5 for coral. You want phosphates well below .1.
Your calcium is low too. Try to get it up to at least 400. How your Mg and alk?

 

[djmicl]

Fish have been in a few weeks. Should I think about doing a partial water change? Any suggestions on corals to start with. I would like the tank to have mixed coral SPS, polyps etc.

 

[Blueline12]

Fish have been in a few weeks. Should I think about doing a partial water change? Any suggestions on corals to start with. I would like the tank to have mixed coral SPS, polyps etc.

A partial water change may help with phosphates. Are you going to make your own saltwater or go with NSW?

SPS will not survive with phosphates at .5

 

[djmicl]

Actually phosphate is at .25 possibly lower. I'm going with NSW. I will Still do a water change to bring the phosphate to 0

 

[Blueline12]

Actually phosphate is at .25 possibly lower. I'm going with NSW. I will Still do a water change to bring the phosphate to 0

That's good but you do want a small amount of phosphates. Between .01 and .08 is reasonable for corals. Zero phosphates is not the goal.

Also, make sure your calcium is between 400-450, Mg is 1300-1400 ppm and alkalinity is 7-12 dkh.

Stability is the key. Pick a number between those ranges and try to keep it close as possible to that number on a daily basis.

 

[AquamanE]

That's good but you do want a small amount of phosphates. Between .01 and .08 is reasonable for corals. Zero phosphates is not the goal.

Also, make sure your calcium is between 400-450, Mg is 1300-1400 ppm and alkalinity is 7-12 dkh.

Stability is the key. Pick a number between those ranges and try to keep it close as possible to that number on a daily basis.

I agree with Blueline12, especially if SPS is being considered. Softies and LPS are more tolerant, and you can get away with more.

 

[djmicl]

Thank you
Stability will be my goal.