test results, are these ok?

[cappymrgn]

My 29 Gallon biocube has been up and running for nearly three weeks. I have 4OLBS live sand, 20lbs live rock(i know I need more$$$).

ammonia -0
nitrites- 0
nitrates-between 5-10
phosphates between .25 and .5

I use API test kits.

I have two damsels, 5 zebra hermits and 5 turbo snails to help with clean-up. I am considering getting more snails as they seem to be doing a good job.

I would like to add a clown/false perc in the near future, but am a little worried about the trites and phosphate levels. I have cut way back on feeding the damsels (3 pellets each, once a day) and will cut down on the lighting (probably 12 hrs a day now cuz everyone enjoys watching whats going on).

I do not have a fuge or a skimmer yet.

I know the levels are not ideal, but are at acceptable levels? Any other advice? I have not done a water change yet, but sure it would help temporarily.

Thanks
Jason

 

[jkrentz2515]

Doing a water change would get your nitrates down. You don't have any nitrites, so I wouldn't be too worried about adding another fish. Do you have a skimmer or any other filtration?

 

[ryancaudill]

no problem at all for new fish. phosphates also a bit high. do you have any algea issues.

 

[cappymrgn]

No other filtration yet, only the blue sponge before the pump. I will add some chaeto in the future, but woould like to run skimmerless if possible. Right now I can keep my temp aroun 80 without running fans and im afraid more equipment will mean higer temps and more noise.

Thanks for responding

 

[crvz]

you could cut the lights down even further if needed, 8-10 hours or so. what were you feeding the tank before you cut back?

 

[cappymrgn]

I am having algae issues. I dont think its horrible, but my current CUC is not quite keeping-up

 

[cappymrgn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13234978#post13234978 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crvz
you could cut the lights down even further if needed, 8-10 hours or so. what were you feeding the tank before you cut back?

I was doing 6-8 pellets twice a day.

 

[jkrentz2515]

Cut your lighting down to about 8 hrs a day, change out your sponge or at least rinse it. Doing frequent water changes (weekly or every 2 weeks) will pretty much eliminate your need for a skimmer. Have you tried feeding frozen food? I think switching from pellet to frozen may also help with your algae and nitrates. Is your tank next to a window or get any direct sunlight?

 

[NirvanaFan]

Letting your temp go up a few degrees with added equipment will not harm anything. My temps swing from 80-85 pretty much every day.

 

[cappymrgn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13235112#post13235112 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jkrentz2515
Cut your lighting down to about 8 hrs a day, change out your sponge or at least rinse it. Doing frequent water changes (weekly or every 2 weeks) will pretty much eliminate your need for a skimmer. Have you tried feeding frozen food? I think switching from pellet to frozen may also help with your algae and nitrates. Is your tank next to a window or get any direct sunlight?

I havent tried frozen food yet, but thought I might in the future when I get more variety of fish.

The tank is not by any window or anything.

I definately think I need to up the water changes, but eas hesitant since the tank is so young.

What is your opinion how much Imfeeding now? Is it enough? I dont to starve the fishies!

 

[cappymrgn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13235578#post13235578 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NirvanaFan
Letting your temp go up a few degrees with added equipment will not harm anything. My temps swing from 80-85 pretty much every day.

I want to add corals as well. Would those temps be OK for corals too? Most the posts I read made it seem that 83 is getting up there.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[patsfan1130]

83 is not bad. It's the huge swings in temp one wants to avoid.