Starting a 75 gallon

[jeeperrs]

Ok, I did a series of water test tonight and my levels were pretty good, I think...
I will do my first 10% water change tomorrow to help some of the levels out a tad.

Ammonia-0
Nitrite- < .03
Nitrate- 12.5
Phos- between 0 - 0.5
Cal- 330
Alk- 3.5
pH- 8.08


Does everyone think the levels are ok for a new tank? I think I will get some of the macro algae to help bring the nitrates down too. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

The Calcium is a little low, but I wouldn't worry about it until you complete your cycle and do a water change.

 

[jeeperrs]

I have a question... last night I was looking up through the glass to the top of the water. I noticed that the power head moved around what appeared to be a super thin layer of oil on the surface of the water. I have heard that a oil type layer will cover the surface of the water if the power goes out and that is what cuases the fast suffication of the fish. My question is do you think this is what I was looking at?

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Well, that is part of it, but that surface film usually developes over time and not in a short period such as a power outage. What you are seeing is just a film of organic matter buildup. This is the same stuff that gets skimmed out with a skimmer. In order to remove the film, the easiest way is with an overflow box. The little teeth force the surface of the water to spill over to the drain to go to the sump to be filtered. Another option is a surface skimmer. There are various commercially made products that you can attach to different things like HOB skimmers. You could probably build one yourself as well. Lastly, you can remove it by hand by either scooping it out with a cup, or you can take a thin sheet of paper towels or even a cloth, dip it under water, and bring it up flat. It will let the water fall through and the surface scum will adhere to the towel.

 

[jeeperrs]

Now the livestock has began. A cleaner shrimp, red tip crabs, and some snails are patrolling the tank. I also noticed my first bristle worm today so it seems that my tank is starting to really mature. I know those of you who have a big mature tank probably think I am crazy but it is so exciting to see something besides just rock and sand in the tank. I will take a pic of my shrimp when I can get him out of the rocks ha ha

 

[nIx_tank]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9624211#post9624211 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeeperrs
Now the livestock has began. A cleaner shrimp, red tip crabs, and some snails are patrolling the tank. I also noticed my first bristle worm today so it seems that my tank is starting to really mature. I know those of you who have a big mature tank probably think I am crazy but it is so exciting to see something besides just rock and sand in the tank. I will take a pic of my shrimp when I can get him out of the rocks ha ha

lol, I understand what you are talking about.

I had started a new little 10 gal here at work, and it is the little things; seeing pods cruising around, bristle worms, etc.

 

[jeeperrs]

I have a question. The first night my shrimp was in my tank it molted. Is this because it is in new water or just because the time was right?

 

[papagimp]

could be a bit of both jeepers.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

Most likely new water. Your tank itself is fairly new and probably very stressful on the shrimp. FWIW, many people can't keep shrimp successfully for months after the tank is set up, so don't be surprised if this shrimp doesn't make it. Here's hopin' for it :thumbsup:

 

[jeeperrs]

Ok, two days ago I did a 10 gal water change and after letting it settle down my new water parameters are:

pH- 8.14
Nitrite <.03
Nitrate- 12.5
Phosphate <.01
Alk 4 (that is the number of drops divided by 2)
Cal 345

For those who are wondering why I am not having any spikes it is because my rock was cured and came from Paul W's established aquarium. I am having a small algae bloom but it is nothing I am worried about, actually i am happy to see a food source for my clean up crew Oh, and the shrimp is still alive and well.

 

[cmc0814]

For what it is worth, you would more than likely be fine if you just used the 4 T5 bulbs. I mean, you would be fine with even SPS and clams. Just a thought.

 

[jeeperrs]

So you think I should not run the MH? I kind of feel like it is a waste of money if I don't run them for a few hours a day lol. I do like the MH because they really let you see the colors of everything in the tank.

Oh the ammonia was at 0 as well for the water parameters above.

 

[cmc0814]

It is 100% your call. I personally don't like the heat issues and the electricity issues. But that's me. I'm running 6 t5s on my 75 gallon and it is probably too much.

 

[jeeperrs]

I have noticed on a couple small pieces of rock there is sprouts of a green plant coming out. Does anyone know what that may be? It looks like a bean sprout almost. My snails don't seem to care to eat it so is there something else that may? As far as the algae stage goes I have some green hair algae on the back glass but that is about it. Still there has been no BIG bloom. I did move a rock the other day and actually noticed how much color change my rocks have gone through. The sides not getting light were almost blinding because they were so bright lol.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

You'll need to post a picture. It's been a few days. Have their been any growth on them?

 

[jeeperrs]

Ok, things are going great so far. Here are some pictures of my tank now I did another 10% water change today. My water levels are pH 8.0, KH 175 ppm, ammonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 12.5, phosphate 0, cal 450 (yes, it is finally up where it should be) and temp 79.8.

Under the rock is the new Royal Gramma but he is still hiding lol

This is the shrimp

This is the green stuff growing

My rocks

 

[pwhitby]

the green stuff is a macfro algae, my tangs eat it and seem to really like it.

 

[jeeperrs]

Well the Royal Gramma is finally starting to pop his head out and swim around the tank. I am going to try to snap a picture of him here soon to show him off

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

It's hard to tell, but that algae might be Neomeris species; a calcifying algae.

 

[jeeperrs]

Well there is lots of purples, pinks, and greens growing on the rocks. I have a regular digital camera so taking "good" pictures is not what my camera does well with the bright lighting.