Package part 2... decisions, decisions

[Dave Pacek]

I've got a bit of a problem. Since putting in package part 1, I've now logged two straght weeks of zero ammonia readings, which is great, but nitrite has stubbornly stuck for those same two weeks at a level .1

Here's the problem. If I don't get part 2 in by next weekend, my work and family schedule for two to three weeks after that is going to be so crazy, that I'll simply not have the time to deal properly with a LR shipment... the sig other will be moving in, with a full cross-country shipment of household goods. I want to be able to devote a full day to nothing but the tank, but that's just not gonna happen during the move-in period.

So... my choices are to go with part 2 this weekend, even if I'm still measuring trace nitrites, or wait what will probably be another month.

Thoughts?

Dave P

 

[docklink]

Dave, have your nitrites wavered even a fraction during the cycle (anything to indicate a fluctuation in bacterial population)? What are your nitrate readings and has there been any rise in (and fall-off) of those. If you've seen even a trace of a rise and drop at anypoint, I'ld say you've cycled enough to go on. If not, have you seen any die back, loss of critters, anything to indicate continuing stress on the system? If not, then I'ld say you're ready to go on.
**Your best bet would be to call Richard or Mark and ask their advice.** HTH

(I feel like I've missed something in the chain of thought here. Others, please chime in).

 

[Dave Pacek]

Ammonia has been continually undetectable, except for a brief rise over the first 36 hours or so. Nitrites got to around .5 a few days later, and since then have stayed low but measurable... say just under .1 to around .2. (hard to judge at these low levels... I'm using a Salifert test kit low range)

Last nitrate test I ran was several days ago, and it was around 5. I haven't been testing nitrate daily, as I didn't think that was useful until the nitrite zeroed out.

I've got slow, continuing sponge die-off, which is being handled marvelously well by a horde of crabs. All the other critters seem to be doing fantastically well. Lots of activity... crabs, urchin, limpets, snails, worms, clams, whelks... everbody seems happy. Anemone tentacles and coral polyps are extended, and nothing seems the slightest bit stressed... except me!

Dave P

 

[docklink]

Ok, you've demonstrated a rise (brief) and fall of both ammonia and nitrites. The only reason I asked about the nitrates was if there was a demonstrable shift in its level also or some unaccounted for high value that might indicate a malfunction of the other tests. The slow die back of sponges seems typical (and should be producing ammonia which is apparently being handled readily by the system). I'ld say it's a go

Good luck.

 

[Fountainhead]

Dave, given what you've described, I don't think you'd have any problems moving on with your second shipment now. Just make sure you're set up to do water changes should it become necessary. Good luck.

 

[Dave Pacek]

Thanks, all. I'm going to go ahead and call TBS today or tomorrow and request package 2 for delivery this Saturday. That'll give me a three-day holiday weekend to 'play'. Over the last 24hrs, the nitrate readings have definitely stayed under the 0.1 mark. Nitrates tested at just under 10 yesterday (without adjustment for the effect of the nitrite presence... that should lower the result a bit.

I've had a full water change ready to go for two weeks now, but none of the parameters have been high enough to prompt a change. I'll need to drain out a good bit before I put in the new batch of LR, though, so I'll just replace it with the good stuff.

Now, for my next problem.... how in the world am I going to put another 110lbs of rock in that tank without hiding/damaging what's on the rock that's in there from package part one? There's life on virtually every exposed square inch. I've spent so much time gazing at the rocks that I think I could describe each from memory. So much of a good thing!

Dave P

 

[docklink]

I've had a full water change ready to go for two weeks now, but none of the parameters have been high enough to prompt a change.

Experiencing much the same.

Now, for my next problem.... how in the world am I going to put another 110lbs of rock in that tank without hiding/damaging what's on the rock that's in there from package part one?...... So much of a good thing!
Dave P

LOL I've been worrying about the same. I'm a few days behind you, but I've started contemplating how to arrange what I've got so as not to bury any of the really good life. My wildest imagining's have drifted off to visions of slings and bridges:rolleye1:

Good luck

 

[Homey the Reefkeeper]

Thanks, all. I'm going to go ahead and call TBS today or tomorrow and request package 2 for delivery this Saturday. That'll give me a three-day holiday weekend to 'play'. Over the last 24hrs, the nitrate readings have definitely stayed under the 0.1 mark. Nitrates tested at just under 10 yesterday (without adjustment for the effect of the nitrite presence... that should lower the result a bit.

Dave - You will be lucky if you get the 2nd shipment by Saturday. It really depends on the weather and sometimes TBS has a wait list of orders to fill. When I placed my order for the 2nd shipment, it took over a week before they were able to ship due to weather and other unknowns.

I've had a full water change ready to go for two weeks now, but none of the parameters have been high enough to prompt a change. I'll need to drain out a good bit before I put in the new batch of LR, though, so I'll just replace it with the good stuff.

You don't need to do a full water change. It would be better to do frequent changes as needed, but a fullblown change may be quite a shock if your system is already stable.

Now, for my next problem.... how in the world am I going to put another 110lbs of rock in that tank without hiding/damaging what's on the rock that's in there from package part one? There's life on virtually every exposed square inch. I've spent so much time gazing at the rocks that I think I could describe each from memory. So much of a good thing!

Although I don't have an answer to this one, I do have a suggestion Take the time to carefully inspect your rocks (especially if its 110 lbs!) for pesty hitchhikers like mantis and gorillas. I was able to capture 1 large mantis on the first shipment. After placing in the 2nd shipment I found another large mantis (which caused me to deconstruct part of my tank to catch) and I found another small mantis today. I still hearing a clicking sound so I know there's another one in there somewhere. In addition I have one large gorilla crab and another small gorilla that needs to be evicted. Really go through your rock and catch as much as you can. It'll save you lots of headaches later

Dave P

 

[Dave Pacek]

Just got off the phone with Mark at TBS, who confirmed that the order I phoned in earlier in the week is OK to ship for delivery this Saturday.

As far as water changes go, the max I'll actually have mixed, heated, and ready to go at any given time is around 40-50 gallons or so, with a separate 40g of R.O. water waiting. I'm guessing I'll drain and change about 30g when the 2nd half of the rock goes in. After that, I'll just respond to whatever the water parameters tell me.

I know what you mean about looking for unwanted hitchikers. I've got plans to to exactly that. I've already extracted two mantises from part one, and I know there's at least one more in there, plus a couple of gorilla crabs.

Dave P.

 

[Shak]

Just got my first 1/2 today, right on time for the 3 day weekend. Im gonna get fat and lazy sitting in a chair in front of my tank for 3 straight days.