Latest test results

[pwhitby]

Thats really odd, I dont know of anyone who would recommend that as a strategy.

There really isnt a skimmer that size, but you dont need one for the tank to thrive. Water changes will be more than adequate to remove pollutants, so long as you do them regularly. Make sure the water surface is always agitated and you should be good.

P.

 

[Oklahomareefer]

I do have the surface agitation covered Paul. thanks a million for your help. I am doing a 10% water change tomorrow. I will post para's tomorrow after the water change

 

[Lytehouse]

I just did a couple different google searches and turned up several options for skimmers for your tank. The problem is they tend to either be DIY or expensive.

From having to nano's to start my career, I'd say weekly or twice monthly water changes of 10% would take care of your pollutants and replace nutrients for your corals. If you go heavy with lps and/or sps you'll need to test and supplemt for alk/calc/mag

 

[Pudge957]

+1 to what Lynn said you could probably get by with the two water changes once a month if you have mainly soft corals, zoas, lps and what not. If you were to venture into sps I would recommend doing water changes weekly due to not having a skimmer and it will somewhat refresh your cal, alk, and mag. So you wouldn't have to dose as much if ever depending on the salt brand.

 

[Glazner]

Oklahomareefer, you are getting good advice from paul and crew. I would recommend you get established with a good local fish store who is willing to help you, not just sell you fish..... Aquariums in Edmond helped me set up my tank. Leighanne and Tyler have all the experience and advice you need if you will listen to them. They will test your water and only sell you a fish if they feel your aquarium is ready. Have left their many a time without a fish cause Leighanne didn't think my tank was ready....but you know what, I haven't killed many fish..... also you can buy RODI(i think) from them for around $1.50 for 5 gallons so you know you have "clean" water going into your tank. The advice you are getting on this forum is good, but IMO a good local fish store, like Aquariums is invaluable. When I started,I went to a different store and left with $200 in chemicals. A year later, I think I have $190 of them left.... You can trust the advice you get from Aquariums in Edmond.

 

[Oklahomareefer]

Ok so I did my 10% water change this morning. I let the tank settel for about two hours and just tested my parameters and here are the resulta

Temp 79.5
Salinity between 1.025 and 1.026 (high but hoping it will come down after the tank settles more)
pH 7.8 ( what do I need to do to get this up?)
Ammonia 0 ppm
Nirite .25ppm ( first time I have had a reading other than 0)
Nitrate 10ppm (normally had been 20ppm)

I got a little excited when I had a reading other than 0 on my nitrites. I will test again this evening before lights out.

My pH is staying the same, how do I get it to come up?

I do plan on visiting Aquariums in Edmond but have not been able to just yet. I live in Minco and Edmond is quite a drive for me but I had planned on making that trip. Anyone know their buisness hours and days they are open?

 

[RogueX]

I belive, noon till 7. LeighAnn is very nice lady and was big help to me.

 

[lauremf2002]

they are closed wednesdays

 

[lauremf2002]

Honestly, I would call first. They truly are a small business and sometimes they are not open when they normally would be.

 

[Oklahomareefer]

So should I go ahead and add a alk test kit to what I test for now? I dont mind having another test as long as I really need to test for it. I just dont want to purchase something I really dont need.