Im new and need help

[bethkira2000]

Hello,
I have a new 55g tank, I have had it running with a fishless cyle for two weeks, I used a raw dead shrimp to start the cyle, I had tested my tank 2 days ago and the ammonia was at 1.0, now the ammonia is at 0 and I tested it twice this morning why would this happen?

NitrItes-10.0
NitrAtes-40
pH-7.8
Alkalinityis between-180 and 300
SG-is 1.026
and the temp is 78 and steady

 

[kzickovich]

sounds like it's still cycling give it time it will get there. don't put anything in until 0 across the board trits trats and amm.

 

[Potsy]

Once the bacterial colonies have become established, ammonia levels can plummet quickly. You might be the first person to actually worry about low ammonia levels - looks like your cycle is moving along!

Try to get your pH up to around 8.2 - 8.4. The rotting organics in an aquarium can cause the pH to drop a bit. Once your cycle is complete, a few water changes will set everything in balance. Be sure to check your calcium level.

 

[bethkira2000]

I have a huge brown diatom bloom right now, and some green algea that well looks like grass. I also have I think an aiptasia too. Should I take out the rotting shrimp or leave it in there?

 

[phenom5]

I would take the shrimp out. It sounds like your cycle is moving along.

I wouldn't worry about the algae, it's normal for a new tank to have algae blooms.

I would start battling the aiptasia though. You can use Joe's juice or Kalk paste, or you can inject them directly with lemon juice. You may not be able to rid yourself completely of the little bastards, but you should be able to reduce the numbers. Then, once your cycle is complete, you can add 2 or 3 peppermints to finish off the job.

Hope that makes sence, I've got too much blood in my coffe system right now.

 

[zotzer]

At this point, you don't need the shrimp. I would, however, deal with the aiptasia while your tank is inhabitant-free.

The diatoms and hair algae are normal, but manually removing whatever hair algae you can will help move things along more quickly.

Tracy

 

[bethkira2000]

Okay, I unfortunatley have two blue leg hermit that my Petco gave me thinking they were just empty shells, will they do anything about the algea, I have fed them with seaweed salad sheets. I also found this morning I think a brittle sea star.

 

[Potsy]

Well, that's not really unfortunate. They're omnivores - they might eat some plant material but they definitely prefer meat. Some people stay away from hermits because they'll prey upon beneficial sand critters and, at times, snails. Brittle stars are a beneficial addition.

 

[bethkira2000]

what should I feed them?

 

[Sk8r]

They've probably been living off that dead shrimp.

Get a little Formula One pellet food.

 

[bethkira2000]

okay thank you, I am going to get another test result to make sure that I got the right reading, it just doesn't make sense, that it happened so quick