need help

[luis55277]

hi i recently started a 10 gallon saltwater tank. i elected to start with 11 pounds of reef saver rock and 10 pounds of dry sand. i bought the saltwater and tested the salinity at petco(it was adequate) i have a sun sun jvp-110 wavemaker, a preset aqueon heater (50w) rated for 20 gallons, and an aqueon quiet flow 10 rated for 20 gallons. i put in the 3.38oz bio spira and threw in 5 red leg hermits and fish food to act as ammonium for the nitrite. i also tested the nitrate at petco as predicted it was high. the hermits seem to be alright it was 2 days after putting the rock sand and water in when i put in the bio spira, and 1 day later i put in the crabs, it is currently day five and im wondering if i could put in more biospira and add a clown to serve as more ammonia, any help or adive to make my first reef tank thrive is greatly appreciated

 

[Shanet]

Stop right there........
Don't put any fish in that tank, you will burn its gills and probably kill it. I'm supprised the crabs are still alive.
Let the tank cycle properly before adding anything, get yourself a test kit and test your water every day. Then you will know when it's good to put a fish in. You don't need any more ammonia sources, when you test for ammonia and nitrite and it tests zero and test for nitrate and you have some then your tank is probably cycled and ready for one small fish.
A good test to see if your tank is ready is dose it up to 2 ppm with ammonia (from a shop) and if it processes it (drops to zero) within 12 - 24 hours, then it's ready to go.
Remember the salt water saying..........GO SLOW!

 

[billdogg]

^+100

Just don't add any more ammonia resource with live stock already inside.

If possible, return the crabs and get them back after cycle completes.

^^^What both of them said^^^

x1000

Please don't use living creatures to cycle your tank!

 

[GimpyFin]

I see that you used bio spira in your tank. Normally, I would agree 100% with what the others here have suggested in not adding anything until your tank is cycled, but bio spira does cycle your tank almost instantly in lieu of using live fish or adding food. You don't need to do both. (Your basically kick starting your biofilter by adding bacteria directly so there is something readily available to break down ammonia.) I've used it many times and it works very well. Based on the information you've listed, you should fine adding a clownfish to the tank. The small bottle of bio spira is good for 30 gallons so I wouldn't add anymore. Just take it slow going forward and test your water for ammonia regularly for a while to make sure everything is good.

 

[asting]

Solid advice. So many internet justice warriors excited to jump the gun. See where your water is testing and then decide.

 

[mcgyvr]

And use extreme caution with advice given from Petco.. Most of their employees and management are inadequately trained and should not be relied upon for advice as far as saltwater goes (and probably other animals too)

 

[Bugboy2020]

Oh, and please, take a few of those crabs back to Petco(Three). They need their room to graze, and two is still fun to watch. Since you used Dry Rock, there is hardly any algae for them to eat. If you can, try to find some veggie fish flakes(For saltwater) since the red-leg crabs are mostly herbivores. Feed a small pinch about 1-2 a week. Once algae starts to grow, you can stop feeding them if you like. If you feel like there is too much algae growing at some point, then it is a good idea to add in snails.

 

[Cancun]

Hi! I agree with the bio spira...I have also used it to start new tanks...with great results. Also I agree not to put a fish in that tank until your ammonia and nitrites are zero. In my experience it is best to get your self a good test kit....and test the water your self. Everyo e on here is right...take it slow! 8)