norm!!!!!!

[Nina51]

i found what has been making little tracks in the sand bed. it's a teeny tiny snail, about the size of a tick. i shall christen him "norm". he's a cute lil feller.

ok, my tank's been running for about 2 weeks now. i've been doing a 1 gallon water change every few days (it's a 14g biocube). i'm beginning to see a little brownish stuff on the sand. normal? or am i to be concerned?

 

[Jon B]

Water changes every few days doesn't seem necessary. Good luck. A 14 cube is a very attractive tank.

 

[EllieSuz]

All new tanks go through a diatom bloom, Nina, so no worries there. I think the water changes will just prolong the cycle. Are you testing the water for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates?

 

[Nina51]

yes, ellie, testing for ammonia and nitrites (zeros all around), haven't tested for nitrates yet. waiting for the test kit to arrive, should be here any day now.

hmmm, so i should just leave things alone for now, not do water changes? it's been 25 years since i was in the hobby. back then, tanks were cycled with evil damsel fish. this is my first experience with lr/ls.

 

[B3ach]

Yeah just let it sit until your nitrites and ammonia are both zero and you have some nitrates. Then do a water change to bring your nitrates down.

 

[Nina51]

ok, thanks.

norm went from the front glass to the sand last night. it took him well over an hour to get there. hope he never has to evacuate!!

 

[iced98lx]

LOL @ Norm.

Advice here is solid, once your Ammonia goes to 0, you'll be able to watch your NitrItes go to zero, then you should have a few testable nitrates. A little waterchange to bring those down and you're ready to go!!

Try to ignore the diatom (brown growths) stage, and don't get too worried if you sprout some hair algae.

 

[chiblackhawks4]

Everyone is just about right on. Def take it easy on the water changes at least until you get through your cycle. The water changes will only make it last longer. Other than that it all seems normal for "norm"