new to hobby

[miss neptune]

Okay, here goes...
I have been reading posts on this sight for months, and 2 weeks ago I set up my system as follows:

40 gal oceanic tank
500 gph pump
oceanic reef ready sump system
current sunpod 250 watts/1,400 K halide light
25 lbs. live rock
2 1/2-3 inches of aragonite sand
red sea coral-pro salt and RO water
4-striped damsel about 1 1/2" in size(just put in last night)

Here's the thing....Nothing is happening!
Aren't the readings supposed to change? Where is the "Cycle" I should be having?

My first readings were:
Ph. 8.2
Amonia 0.12
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20


Today:
Ph. 8.3
Amonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 15
Salinity is 1.028(Is this too high?)

Is my tank already cycled?
Should I keep my heater in and set for 77o if the lights are heating the tank to a higher temp?
Thanks for help!

[Andrew]

To Reef Central

[Victor1046]

Be patient and welcome...Why the damsels?

[Deb91]

To Reef Central
Why are you saying your tank in not cycling? It going threw it now. When all you numbers reach 0 then it should be done. Next I would do a water change,then add a cuc.(clean up crew) You really should have at least 1lb. per gal of rock for filtration.I keep my salinity at 1.026 and my heater at 79 degrees. What type of tank are you planning on keeping? Keep reading,asking questions and enjoy!

[miss neptune]

We only have one 4-striped damsel b/c I read it could help cycle a new tank.
Sould I be doing water changes yet?
Is the salinity O.K.?
Thanks!

[miss neptune]

See.. I must learn patience

What do you suggest for a CUC?
Thanks!

[Andrew]

I don't recommend cycling a tank with fish. There's easier ways to cycle a tank and not risk the life of a fish. Start the water changes after your tank has cycled. I would aim to get your SG to around 1.025. Are you using a swing harm hydrometer?

[NirvanaFan]

salinity is a bit to high. I would get it down to 1.025 or 1.026. I would also suggest getting a little more live rock (15 pounds).

Your tank sounds like it is almost done with its cycle.

[miss neptune]

Yes, I am using a swing arm hydrometer... that okay?

[miss neptune]

What is the best way to get salinity down? Remove some of the saltwater and just add ro water?

[Andrew]

Originally posted by miss neptune
Yes, I am using a swing arm hydrometer... that okay?

I would invest in a refractometer as it's a much more accurate way to measure your SG. Yes, that's a possible way to bring your SG down.

[rbursek]

Damsels are the Devil fish, very aggressive and Territorial. so when you go to add a meeker fish they harass it, aggressive/Territorial fish should be added last. Newbie mistake, we all made them, just if you want later to get them out, usually it is a tank tear down.
Bob

[The Shan Man]

My friend had success with a fish trap.

[Norward]

If you don't plan on keeping the damsel, take it back. You don't need it to cycle the tank or know when the cycle is complete. A refractometer is more accurate for SG but the swing arm hydrometer will get you by until you can afford one and add coral. They tend to under-read so compare your reading with a sample from the LFS and guage from there. Patience and asking questions REALLY are the key to success. Good Luck!

[_E_]

If the rock that you placed in the tank was LR from a LFS or friend and it stayed wet, you may not see a huge cycle. Looks like you are most the way through one now. As the other posters said, I would try to add a little more rock and a clean up crew.
Specific gravity is actually the measurment you are reporting and not salinity (although it is a reflection of salinity). Most commonly 1.025 is the accepted number for a reef tank. FOWLR tank can be a little lower and still be fine.
Best way to measure the salinity of saltwater is with a refractometer. They are only 30-40 dollars and much more accurate that a swing arm hygrometer. The problem with the swing arm is that micro air bubbles on the pointer or build up of salt can cause huge inaccuracies.
A good way to drop spec. gravity is how you mentioned. Remove about a half a gallon of salt water from the tank and replace with RO/DI in the sump. Just be sure to take it slow. It should take you several days to bring that spec. gravity down.
Eric

[miss neptune]

Thanks Eric
I was planning to buy more rock from the beginning, but the peices I chose at the LFS were large but more "Lacy" and ended up not weighing as much as I thought they would. I don't want to end up not having enough room in the tank for everyone to be comfortable. Should I have chosen more "dense" peices and if so whould you advise me to "swap out some"? I plan on keeping the damsel and eventually adding:
a pair of purcula clowns
a flame hawkfish
a fairy wrasse( or another type of smaller wrasse)
and (much later down the line if everyone is happy) a mandarinfish
I am still researching the CUC but plan on getting that next.
Does that sound OK?
Any advise on the CUC?

[dileggi]

Hey Miss neptune, I would suggest, as everyone else, that you target 1 lb of LR per gallon of water. That being said, I don't think it's necessary for you to swap out your rock. That may cause another cycle, and is honestly personal opinion if you want to swap out. If it were me, I would just add to it.

As for a CUC, I don't know if there's a right a wrong. I've had success with Astrea Snails, nassarius snails and hermits. Some people like the hermits and some do not.