Help with 29 gallon

mischelle_99 · 04/28/2009, 12:08 PM

I have a 29 gallon that used to be fully stocked but everything was moved over to my 90 gallon about 2 months ago. The only thing that was left in there is one fairly good size live rock and sand. I have kept it running in case it was needed. There is no protein skimmer... just your average 29 gallon Aquapod with MH. I have not done any water changes at all since moving everything... only filling it with freshwater when needed. I tested for ammonia and had 0. My nitrates were through the roof. What do I need to do to get this thing ready for livestock? Is it just the usual water changes until nitrates come down?

Sugar Magnolia · 04/28/2009, 12:11 PM

That should do it. A few large 20% changes, and keep monitoring the levels.

mischelle_99 · 04/28/2009, 12:15 PM

How long should I wait between water changes?

Uncle Salty 05 · 04/28/2009, 12:34 PM

If there is nothing in the tank I would just do a 100% water change then 20% thereafter.

mischelle_99 · 04/28/2009, 12:44 PM

If I do 100%, will I then have to go through the recycling phase? I am trying to get this tank ready in the shortest amount of time because I have an anemone and a fish that needs to be removed from the other tank.

Uncle Salty 05 · 04/28/2009, 12:53 PM

There should be no cycling as long as the sand bed and rock are not disturbed.
Just be gentle when replacing the water.
This should bring your nitrates way down but even a 100% water change will not eliminate them.
Nitrate problems are much easier to prevent than to cure.

mischelle_99 · 04/28/2009, 01:47 PM

LOL... how can one be gentle when replacing? Is there such a thing?

hotrodolds · 04/28/2009, 01:59 PM

put a bowl on the sand bed and pour the water into it when you are replacing it

mischelle_99 · 04/28/2009, 02:08 PM

Thanks... I'll try that

Uncle Salty 05 · 04/28/2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

put a bowl on the sand bed and pour the water into it when you are replacing it

Bingo!

04/28/2009, 12:08 PM	#1
mischelle_99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. Phoenix Posts: 347	Help with 29 gallon I have a 29 gallon that used to be fully stocked but everything was moved over to my 90 gallon about 2 months ago. The only thing that was left in there is one fairly good size live rock and sand. I have kept it running in case it was needed. There is no protein skimmer... just your average 29 gallon Aquapod with MH. I have not done any water changes at all since moving everything... only filling it with freshwater when needed. I tested for ammonia and had 0. My nitrates were through the roof. What do I need to do to get this thing ready for livestock? Is it just the usual water changes until nitrates come down?

04/28/2009, 12:11 PM	#2
Sugar Magnolia Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern VA Posts: 17,691	That should do it. A few large 20% changes, and keep monitoring the levels. __________________ Adrienne The only thing to fear is fear itself....and spiders.

04/28/2009, 12:34 PM	#4
Uncle Salty 05 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,799	If there is nothing in the tank I would just do a 100% water change then 20% thereafter. __________________ In all that I endure, of one thing I am sure. Knowledge and reason, change like the season. A jester's promenade. - Kerry Livgren Current Tank Info: 180 gal reef tank with dual attached refugiums 20 long and 10 gallon. Plus 55 gallon True Percula breeding tank.

04/28/2009, 12:53 PM	#6
Uncle Salty 05 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,799	There should be no cycling as long as the sand bed and rock are not disturbed. Just be gentle when replacing the water. This should bring your nitrates way down but even a 100% water change will not eliminate them. Nitrate problems are much easier to prevent than to cure. __________________ In all that I endure, of one thing I am sure. Knowledge and reason, change like the season. A jester's promenade. - Kerry Livgren Current Tank Info: 180 gal reef tank with dual attached refugiums 20 long and 10 gallon. Plus 55 gallon True Percula breeding tank.

04/28/2009, 01:59 PM	#8
hotrodolds Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brandon, FL Posts: 600	put a bowl on the sand bed and pour the water into it when you are replacing it __________________ 90g LPS reef. 2x250w lumatek ballasts/phoenix bulbed FNI pendents. 2 K1s 2 MJ1200s. Sumpless, no supps. Current Tank Info: 29g finished cycle 1/18/09. 2 K1s, FNI 150wMH Occ. Clown, LPS, and a monti cap.

04/28/2009, 12:15 PM	#3
mischelle_99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. Phoenix Posts: 347	How long should I wait between water changes?

04/28/2009, 12:44 PM	#5
mischelle_99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. Phoenix Posts: 347	If I do 100%, will I then have to go through the recycling phase? I am trying to get this tank ready in the shortest amount of time because I have an anemone and a fish that needs to be removed from the other tank.

04/28/2009, 01:47 PM	#7
mischelle_99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. Phoenix Posts: 347	LOL... how can one be gentle when replacing? Is there such a thing?

04/28/2009, 02:08 PM	#9
mischelle_99 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N.W. Phoenix Posts: 347	Thanks... I'll try that