New to hobby and need some help please

Flatrack01 · 01/20/2010, 09:05 PM

Hey guys, I have been trolling around for a few weeks now learning as much about everything as I could before diving into this hobby. This is the first time that I have done salt water so I did a good share of reading and have a friend that is giving me some guidelines, but obviously that hasnt answered everything.

Basically, I have a 55gallon setup that has 60lbs of sand (3-4 inch base) and 50lbs of live rock. I ordered the rock online and had it sitting in a plastic tub with 2 powerheads and a heater for 8 days before the sand arrived and then everything went into the tank. The sand took a few days to settle down but finally did and the water is clear for the most part. I have been testing the water once a day to keep an eye on the levels and see when it is going to be possible to get a few fish (would like to start with a pair of clowns). I was really hoping to be able to get some fish sometime this weekend and was wondering if these levels seem acceptable, hopefully the ammonia comes down some. The results are:

Salinity - 1.022
Temp - 78 - 80
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - 0
Ammonia - .50
PH - 7.8 approx.

I am using a saltwater test kit that changes colors according to the readings. However, I am confused as too how there are no nitrates or nitrites (colors clearly show 0), but yet ammonia is showing up at .50. I thought that there should be nitrites and nitrates in order for ammonia to be present.

Sorry I know its a lot to read but I appriciate any help, it would be nice to look at things other than rocks and sand

Sisterlimonpot · 01/20/2010, 09:15 PM

It looks like you are at the beginning of your cycle, you wont be able to get any fish in there until the ammonia goes down to 0. as for the nitrite and nitrate, they will come as the cycle proceeds, just be patient. I'll get you a link to help you understand what to look for.

sharky's machin · 01/20/2010, 09:18 PM

Take your time. Mess with the aquascape, plan your stocking list. Don't add fish this weekend.

WhoDat? · 01/20/2010, 09:20 PM

its goes Ammonia-Nitrite-Nitrate...... Your cycle should be around 4-6 weeks (generally).... all levels will go up... then level off at 0.. then your tank will be ready for your first fish.... I would recommend a few damsels once you are ready since they are hardy... see how you do for a few weeks then give the clowns a shot.... also all fish should go through a good quarantine process before adding them to the display tank....

Pcrain · 01/20/2010, 09:23 PM

do not add damsels!!! stay far away from them !! just let you tank cycle with l LR and wait a month and keep updating!

Sisterlimonpot · 01/20/2010, 09:26 PM

Unless you like damsels don't put them in your tank. You'll regret it when they become little devils and chase everything in the tank. You'll eventually want to get them out of the tank and may result in you removing all the rock and substrate just to get them netted. clowns are just as hardy.

and by the way

To Reef Central

mstwell · 01/20/2010, 09:39 PM

Your live rock and your tank are still cycling. First there is ammonia; when it goes down you will start to see nitrites. As the tank continues to cycle, nitrites will develope, rise, then fall. After they start dropping you may start to see nitrates. Ammonia is very toxic to fish; you should not add them at this point. After the nitrite level drops, do a large (25-50%) water change, then add your first one or two fish. Give your tank time to adjust to each new addition before adding anything else. Be slow and patient or you will be spending your time trying to fix things instead of enjoying them.
Also, you need to invest in some good testing kits and keep good records of your levels so that you can quickly tell when something is out of order. And while you are waiting for those levels to fall, do as much reading and learning as you can - that will be the best investment you can make! Good luck, and remember: PATIENCE!!

WhoDat? · 01/20/2010, 09:40 PM

I clearly meant add the damsels after the tank is cycled.... I like my damsels and have never had them aggressive to anything...

Sisterlimonpot · 01/20/2010, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-money1

I clearly meant add the damsels after the tank is cycled.... I like my damsels and have never had them aggressive to anything...

You're definitely in the minority with that statement. I think those guys are devil spawns but to each their own.

edit:I say that but I do have 1 damsel in the tank.... my wife won't let me get rid of it, she just adores it

WhoDat? · 01/20/2010, 09:47 PM

LOL... tell me about it.... I love the 2 I have and they live in harmony with the rest of the tank.... but I do hear bad things sometimes..... I guess when I have a problem.... I will change my mind.... I suppose I'll start a new thread "how to catch damsels"...... LOL!!!

Sisterlimonpot · 01/20/2010, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-money1

I suppose I'll start a new thread "how to catch damsels"...... LOL!!!

that's the next step. Back in the early days I had a mated pair of black and white striped damsels that laid eggs on like clockwork, I was going to try and rear them but was told not to waste my time.

Flatrack01 · 01/21/2010, 06:31 AM

Thanks a lot guys for the help. I will go ahead and sit back and enjoy the rocks and sand for a little while

. I was also told by my local fish store about skipping over the damsel part of the equation and going straight to clowns because of how aggressive damsels can become.

Also, is 7.8 too low? I have been reading that it should be between 8.0 - 8.3, if that is the case, what is the best way to raise the PH without dumping a bunch of chemicals in the tank?

BIGG D · 01/21/2010, 06:46 AM

All great advice here. Take it slow and enjoy the "reef building" process. Definetly too soon to add and fish. Let everything cycle...then monitor for stability.

I concur with the anti-damsel crowd. DONT DO IT!
I would start with a nice trio of chromis fish. They are hardy and openly active and will provide you with some waste. They can also be benefical in aclimating what ever fishes you add next by encouraging the feeding process. I have heard chromis fish refered to as reef puppies.

Be carefull of adding Clowns too soon. Depending on the species can be VERY teritorial and even worse than damsel fish on the aggression scale. Research stocking order!!!!

Enjoy!

01/20/2010, 09:05 PM	#1
Flatrack01 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 17	New to hobby and need some help please Hey guys, I have been trolling around for a few weeks now learning as much about everything as I could before diving into this hobby. This is the first time that I have done salt water so I did a good share of reading and have a friend that is giving me some guidelines, but obviously that hasnt answered everything. Basically, I have a 55gallon setup that has 60lbs of sand (3-4 inch base) and 50lbs of live rock. I ordered the rock online and had it sitting in a plastic tub with 2 powerheads and a heater for 8 days before the sand arrived and then everything went into the tank. The sand took a few days to settle down but finally did and the water is clear for the most part. I have been testing the water once a day to keep an eye on the levels and see when it is going to be possible to get a few fish (would like to start with a pair of clowns). I was really hoping to be able to get some fish sometime this weekend and was wondering if these levels seem acceptable, hopefully the ammonia comes down some. The results are: Salinity - 1.022 Temp - 78 - 80 Nitrites - 0 Nitrates - 0 Ammonia - .50 PH - 7.8 approx. I am using a saltwater test kit that changes colors according to the readings. However, I am confused as too how there are no nitrates or nitrites (colors clearly show 0), but yet ammonia is showing up at .50. I thought that there should be nitrites and nitrates in order for ammonia to be present. Sorry I know its a lot to read but I appriciate any help, it would be nice to look at things other than rocks and sand

01/20/2010, 09:15 PM	#2
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	It looks like you are at the beginning of your cycle, you wont be able to get any fish in there until the ammonia goes down to 0. as for the nitrite and nitrate, they will come as the cycle proceeds, just be patient. I'll get you a link to help you understand what to look for. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

01/20/2010, 09:20 PM	#4
WhoDat? Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Crowley, LA Posts: 295	its goes Ammonia-Nitrite-Nitrate...... Your cycle should be around 4-6 weeks (generally).... all levels will go up... then level off at 0.. then your tank will be ready for your first fish.... I would recommend a few damsels once you are ready since they are hardy... see how you do for a few weeks then give the clowns a shot.... also all fish should go through a good quarantine process before adding them to the display tank.... __________________ Hello my name is Grant.... and I have OCD.... (first step is admitting it right?) :) Current Tank Info: 165g Red Sea Reefer, S-200 skimmer.; CW-200 Algae Scrubber. Sea Max 26 LED lights. 2 Nero 5’s

01/20/2010, 09:26 PM	#6
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	Unless you like damsels don't put them in your tank. You'll regret it when they become little devils and chase everything in the tank. You'll eventually want to get them out of the tank and may result in you removing all the rock and substrate just to get them netted. clowns are just as hardy. and by the way *To Reef Central* __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

01/20/2010, 09:40 PM	#8
WhoDat? Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Crowley, LA Posts: 295	I clearly meant add the damsels after the tank is cycled.... I like my damsels and have never had them aggressive to anything... __________________ Hello my name is Grant.... and I have OCD.... (first step is admitting it right?) :) Current Tank Info: 165g Red Sea Reefer, S-200 skimmer.; CW-200 Algae Scrubber. Sea Max 26 LED lights. 2 Nero 5’s

01/20/2010, 09:18 PM	#3
sharky's machin Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 585	Take your time. Mess with the aquascape, plan your stocking list. Don't add fish this weekend.

01/20/2010, 09:23 PM	#5
Pcrain Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: chico ca Posts: 414	do not add damsels!!! stay far away from them !! just let you tank cycle with l LR and wait a month and keep updating!

01/20/2010, 09:39 PM	#7
mstwell Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Carbon Hill AL Posts: 70	Your live rock and your tank are still cycling. First there is ammonia; when it goes down you will start to see nitrites. As the tank continues to cycle, nitrites will develope, rise, then fall. After they start dropping you may start to see nitrates. Ammonia is very toxic to fish; you should not add them at this point. After the nitrite level drops, do a large (25-50%) water change, then add your first one or two fish. Give your tank time to adjust to each new addition before adding anything else. Be slow and patient or you will be spending your time trying to fix things instead of enjoying them. Also, you need to invest in some good testing kits and keep good records of your levels so that you can quickly tell when something is out of order. And while you are waiting for those levels to fall, do as much reading and learning as you can - that will be the best investment you can make! Good luck, and remember: PATIENCE!!

01/20/2010, 09:47 PM	#10
WhoDat? Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Crowley, LA Posts: 295	LOL... tell me about it.... I love the 2 I have and they live in harmony with the rest of the tank.... but I do hear bad things sometimes..... I guess when I have a problem.... I will change my mind.... I suppose I'll start a new thread "how to catch damsels"...... LOL!!! __________________ Hello my name is Grant.... and I have OCD.... (first step is admitting it right?) :) Current Tank Info: 165g Red Sea Reefer, S-200 skimmer.; CW-200 Algae Scrubber. Sea Max 26 LED lights. 2 Nero 5’s

01/21/2010, 06:31 AM	#12
Flatrack01 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 17	Thanks a lot guys for the help. I will go ahead and sit back and enjoy the rocks and sand for a little while . I was also told by my local fish store about skipping over the damsel part of the equation and going straight to clowns because of how aggressive damsels can become. Also, is 7.8 too low? I have been reading that it should be between 8.0 - 8.3, if that is the case, what is the best way to raise the PH without dumping a bunch of chemicals in the tank? Last edited by Flatrack01; 01/21/2010 at 06:37 AM.

01/21/2010, 06:46 AM	#13
BIGG D Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: ATLANTA Posts: 262	All great advice here. Take it slow and enjoy the "reef building" process. Definetly too soon to add and fish. Let everything cycle...then monitor for stability. I concur with the anti-damsel crowd. DONT DO IT! I would start with a nice trio of chromis fish. They are hardy and openly active and will provide you with some waste. They can also be benefical in aclimating what ever fishes you add next by encouraging the feeding process. I have heard chromis fish refered to as reef puppies. Be carefull of adding Clowns too soon. Depending on the species can be VERY teritorial and even worse than damsel fish on the aggression scale. Research stocking order!!!! Enjoy!