How long before putting fish in?

[hdtran]

TBS package part II came in Nov. 22. Around Nov. 23/24, the ammonia became perceptible (color is not 0.00, but not 0.25), then, dropped back to zero.

Parameters since then:

pH 8.0 to 8.1 (I've been adding Seachem buffer to try to get it to 8.2)
Ammonia 0.0
Nitrites 0.0
Nitrates 0.0
Alkalinity 3.0 (ditto buffer)
Calcium 450 ppm

Tank is 120g, but there's probably only 80g of water above the substrate.

So, I've got 14 days with good chemistry (for what I can measure). In addition, we've been giving the anemones bits of food, and it hasn't affected the measured nitrogen compounds. Therefore, I know the nitrifying/denitrifying bacteria are all good.

My wife says, 'Get the fish from your old tank into the new one NOW (she wants the old tank for her land hermit crabs, not to mention rearranging the furniture).

I say, wait one more week, to make 21 days of quarantine with the new LR. (Not 40 days of quarantine )

What are the opinions & experiences from the audience?

Thanks!

 

[boyooso]

personally, I would put the fish in.

 

[landlord]

Hy,

I am not the one to give much advise in this arena since I am quite new at it. One thing I believe in, is trust your gut. You have always given me and others great advise. If your gut says wait, then wait. I admire your patience, I wish I had a bit more myself.

It sounds like the land hermits have a place to be for another week, but if your fish don't fare so well you will have bigger chemistry problems to deal with.

Just my 2 cents!

Kurt

 

[boyooso]

Landlord is absolutely correct.

It is very important to do what feels right to you. I have strayed from my gut a few times and it resulted in problems!

With that said, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Corey

 

[robertnb64]

When I first started my tank I rushed everything. After 6 months I had such dino and cyno problems I started over with a better sand beb etc. This time I waited a full 4 months without a fish. I did have a few corals to feed. I wanted the worms and pods to get a chance to really grow. I did not even put in more a few snails and no crabs. After the 4 months were over I had good algae, worms and pods everywhere. I am now adding a new fish every 30 days until I am at my tanks limit.

Point here is to hold out as long as you can. Remember your tank is a very sterile and hostile place until it matures.

Good luck.

 

[Bruddah Chrispy]

We bought our first fish (an ocellaris clown) about a month or so after the second shipment stabilized. He spent 4 weeks in quarantine and finally went into the tank on Thanksgiving.

I still spend more time watching the rocks than the fish.