Package part 1 check-in

[awatson72]

For my first SW tank, I've ordered the package from TBS, and I THINK things are going ok, but since I'm a beginner, thought I'd post my status, and check if anyone sees any red flags.

20g long (nano) setup, (I've read and understand the disclaimers about small first tanks).

Put the rock in Wednesday night, Thursday - no amonia, Friday am, amonia 1.0 ppm, did a water 20% change. Friday evening, amonia 1.25 ppm, did another 20% water change. Saturday, Sunday, 3 more water changes 25-35%, amonia never below 1.0 ppm, sometimes approaching 2.0 ppm, (not that thrilled with my amonia tester, somewhat hard to match up the colors). Sunday night, noticed a couple barnacle looking things had expired, and fallen into the sand bed. Plucked out of tank and discarded, (they smelled bad). Otherwise, tank doesn't smell bad at all. Nothing moving or looking alive though. One brisleworm (I think), that looks brownish reddish gray, but I think is still alive.

I guess my biggest concern is that I haven't been able to get amonia below 1.0 ppm, even just after doing a water change.
Am I on the right track, or heading for disaster? Don't want to mess up.
Salinity levels have been good, and pH around 8.0.

Any feedback welcomed.
Thanks.
Andy

 

[liverock]

Nose!

Nose!

If you still have ammonia, inspect each rock with your nose....anything that smells funky, scrape off....as something is causing that ammonia....when you get rid of the culprit, the ammonia will drop...
Richard TBS

 

[awatson72]

That's easy enough. Should I be concerned about exposing the rocks to air, or will sponges, etc. be OK if they are only out for a minute or two?

-a.

 

[liverock]

Not to worry, the short time they are out will not hurt them......