just a few questions

hayley2684 · 05/27/2006, 06:04 AM

1) i've had the lids of my tank in hopes of letting more air to the water, but because of this i get heaps of evaporation which i am having to top up every few days. If i put my lids on will this raise the temperature ( i have a 250w metal hallide) and decrease the amount of oxygen in the water? I have no air stones just a lot of surface agitation... should i get an air stone?

2) my new clowns which i've had for 2 days are doing great!!! but they are all ( i have 4 which i'm beginning to think is a bad idea) hanging out at the back corner of the tank and hiding behind the out flow pipe of my canister filter. Are they "hosting" here? why don't they go and swim in the rocks?

3) I want to add corals to my tank but i don't have a skimmer just and aqua one 2200. I have put this stuffin it called bio zorb which is supposed to take out all the hard chemicals? is this and regualr water changes enough? or do i really need a sump filter that can have a skimmer?

4) which corals should i start with? Should i add all the fish i want first then add the corals or add all the corals first and then slowly add the fish later? what's the best order? I have just over 70lbs of LR in a 70 Gallon tank. any suggestions?

reefer Rob · 05/27/2006, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hayley2684

2) my new clowns which i've had for 2 days are doing great!!! but they are all ( i have 4 which i'm beginning to think is a bad idea) hanging out at the back corner of the tank and hiding behind the out flow pipe of my canister filter. Are they "hosting" here? why don't they go and swim in the rocks?

I bought one last week and it does the same, thik they just need more time. Twas what I was told anyway

Avi · 05/27/2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hayley2684
1) i've had the lids of my tank in hopes of letting more air to the water, but because of this i get heaps of evaporation which i am having to top up every few days. If i put my lids on will this raise the temperature ( i have a 250w metal hallide) and decrease the amount of oxygen in the water? I have no air stones just a lot of surface agitation... should i get an air stone?

It will keep your temp a little higher than it would be without the glass covers, but if you have an uncovered sump, then put a fan over that and it should be fine. Your surface agitation will help as well. But there is a limit to all of these kinds of methods, and, of course, if your temps get too high even with that, you may have to go the chiller route, like I reluctanly did.

Quote:

Originally posted by hayley2684
2) my new clowns which i've had for 2 days are doing great!!! but they are all ( i have 4 which i'm beginning to think is a bad idea) hanging out at the back corner of the tank and hiding behind the out flow pipe of my canister filter. Are they "hosting" here? why don't they go and swim in the rocks?

That isn't normal behavior and it's sometimes caused by elevated nitrates or even traces of ammonia so do some water changes and see if that helps.

Quote:

Originally posted by hayley2684
3) I want to add corals to my tank but i don't have a skimmer just and aqua one 2200. I have put this stuffin it called bio zorb which is supposed to take out all the hard chemicals? is this and regualr water changes enough? or do i really need a sump filter that can have a skimmer?

Some people do manage without a skimmer but a skimmer, IMO, is very important. It doesn't have to be in a sump, thought that better...there are hang-on skimmers available.

Quote:

Originally posted by hayley2684
4) which corals should i start with? Should i add all the fish i want first then add the corals or add all the corals first and then slowly add the fish later? what's the best order? I have just over 70lbs of LR in a 70 Gallon tank. any suggestions?

There isn't a "best order" really, though as far as the fish are concerned, learn which are compatible and don't add a lot at one time. Corals are very specifica as to needs so learn about anything first before you buy. You could start out with Palythoa...they're hardy and often attractive. Learn which fish are reef safe also.

hayley2684 · 05/27/2006, 06:43 AM

thanks avi,

I also thought it might have beena problem with the water, but i did all the tests... pH8.3 salinity 1.022 temp 25C amonia nitrite and nitrate are all 0. They are eating very happily as well, so i don't think they are sick?

Are there any other reasons for their behaviour?

Reefmedic79 · 05/27/2006, 10:27 AM

Adding lids I think will increase the temp significantly with a MH over it. The aggitation of the water won't do any good for oxygen or cooling if the air between the glass and the surface can't be circulated. Evaporation is a good thing, IMO.

Clowns can act weird all the time, it's not uncommon for them to hang out in one corner of the tank all the time. In time they will become more adventurous, but will probably always return to thier corner in the evenings. If they're eating well and your water params check out I wouldn't be too worried.

If you want corals, then IMO, you need a skimmer

Avi · 05/27/2006, 11:18 AM

I do agree with fleetmarine about the Clowns. If they're eating well then it's just quirky behavior and they're almost certainly just fine. If your water tests the way you've seen then there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

hairymushroom · 05/27/2006, 11:33 AM

"....and nitrate are all 0 " this isnt possible with a cannister filter IME unless you remove all media. a skimmer isnt necessary as said earlier , but it provides you with more options as far as stocking goes. GOod staRter corals are star polyps, zoanthids, mushrooms.

hayley2684 · 05/27/2006, 07:53 PM

thanks guys for your responses.

I had thought that my nitrate levels should have risen. but the tests still say 0. I'm a little bit paranoid about my water because my tank didn't actually do a proper cycle. After 3 weeks with 35 kg (77lbs) of LR my amonia levels still hadn't risen. my LFS guy said that it may have done a 'silent cycle' as i was only testing water parameters every 3-4 days. HE also said that the only way to find out would be to put a few fish in there. i have been testing the water every day since and all the test results say 0.

i thought also that maybe the reason my nitraes haven't risen is because i'm topping up the water every few days? could this be the reason?

Avi · 05/27/2006, 08:28 PM

Adding water in a "top-off" wouldn't have enough effect as to bring your nitrates to zero, and certainly not ammonia either. I'd take the water to the fish store for testing there just to be certain that your test kits aren't ineffectual. But, again...the fact that the fish are eating and you don't see any other indictations of water quality problems like "ammonia burn," indicates that your water is fine.

hayley2684 · 05/27/2006, 09:45 PM

ok, thanks.

I'll take a sample of the water to the store tomorrow. Thanks

mikenpam · 05/28/2006, 12:21 AM

I never had an apparent cycle in my tank. It has been up and running now for almost a year and my eight fish and several corals are doing great.

A skimmer would help with your tank's oxygen level due to the air injected during the skimming process. I would suggest one as they a very good for removing organic matter from your water and would help with agitation in your system.

There are also many leather corals are easy to maintain in a new reef system.

hayley2684 · 05/28/2006, 05:21 AM

that's good to know mikenpam, i wasn't sure if my lfs guy was lying to me about the cycle just to get me to buy something. do you think i should still test for amonia and nitratrite daily or is that jsut being paranoid?

Avi · 05/28/2006, 05:45 AM

Daily testing isn't paranoid...IF you might still suspect that the tank isn't completely cycled. If your are completely convinced that it has fully cycled, then it wouldn't be at all necessary.

hayley2684 · 05/28/2006, 06:11 AM

i just don't know if it has or not that's the thing. my amonia nitrite and nitrate have always read 0. i haven't had to do anything with the water or filter yet. there is no algae growth, no detritis in the sand. whilst i hope all is ok i jsut don't think that i could be that lucky. how long can you have fish in an uncycled tank before you start to see a rise in amonia?

05/27/2006, 06:04 AM	#1
hayley2684 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sydney australia Posts: 121	just a few questions 1) i've had the lids of my tank in hopes of letting more air to the water, but because of this i get heaps of evaporation which i am having to top up every few days. If i put my lids on will this raise the temperature ( i have a 250w metal hallide) and decrease the amount of oxygen in the water? I have no air stones just a lot of surface agitation... should i get an air stone? 2) my new clowns which i've had for 2 days are doing great!!! but they are all ( i have 4 which i'm beginning to think is a bad idea) hanging out at the back corner of the tank and hiding behind the out flow pipe of my canister filter. Are they "hosting" here? why don't they go and swim in the rocks? 3) I want to add corals to my tank but i don't have a skimmer just and aqua one 2200. I have put this stuffin it called bio zorb which is supposed to take out all the hard chemicals? is this and regualr water changes enough? or do i really need a sump filter that can have a skimmer? 4) which corals should i start with? Should i add all the fish i want first then add the corals or add all the corals first and then slowly add the fish later? what's the best order? I have just over 70lbs of LR in a 70 Gallon tank. any suggestions?

05/27/2006, 10:27 AM	#5
Reefmedic79 Life and Reef Saver Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tavares, Florida Posts: 6,202	Adding lids I think will increase the temp significantly with a MH over it. The aggitation of the water won't do any good for oxygen or cooling if the air between the glass and the surface can't be circulated. Evaporation is a good thing, IMO. Clowns can act weird all the time, it's not uncommon for them to hang out in one corner of the tank all the time. In time they will become more adventurous, but will probably always return to thier corner in the evenings. If they're eating well and your water params check out I wouldn't be too worried. If you want corals, then IMO, you need a skimmer __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> How much deeper would the ocean be if it didn't have sponges? P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sid Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 20L Sump, 10G Fuge, JBJ A.T.O, 4" Reef Octopus, DIY Stand & Canopy, RapidLED Dimmable 36 Kit on 3 6" MakersLED Heatsink, MP10es

05/27/2006, 11:18 AM	#6
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	I do agree with fleetmarine about the Clowns. If they're eating well then it's just quirky behavior and they're almost certainly just fine. If your water tests the way you've seen then there shouldn't be anything to worry about. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

05/27/2006, 08:28 PM	#9
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	Adding water in a "top-off" wouldn't have enough effect as to bring your nitrates to zero, and certainly not ammonia either. I'd take the water to the fish store for testing there just to be certain that your test kits aren't ineffectual. But, again...the fact that the fish are eating and you don't see any other indictations of water quality problems like "ammonia burn," indicates that your water is fine. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

05/28/2006, 05:45 AM	#13
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	Daily testing isn't paranoid...IF you might still suspect that the tank isn't completely cycled. If your are completely convinced that it has fully cycled, then it wouldn't be at all necessary. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

05/27/2006, 06:43 AM	#4
hayley2684 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sydney australia Posts: 121	thanks avi, I also thought it might have beena problem with the water, but i did all the tests... pH8.3 salinity 1.022 temp 25C amonia nitrite and nitrate are all 0. They are eating very happily as well, so i don't think they are sick? Are there any other reasons for their behaviour?

05/27/2006, 11:33 AM	#7
hairymushroom Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: South Africa Posts: 315	"....and nitrate are all 0 " this isnt possible with a cannister filter IME unless you remove all media. a skimmer isnt necessary as said earlier , but it provides you with more options as far as stocking goes. GOod staRter corals are star polyps, zoanthids, mushrooms.

05/27/2006, 07:53 PM	#8
hayley2684 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sydney australia Posts: 121	thanks guys for your responses. I had thought that my nitrate levels should have risen. but the tests still say 0. I'm a little bit paranoid about my water because my tank didn't actually do a proper cycle. After 3 weeks with 35 kg (77lbs) of LR my amonia levels still hadn't risen. my LFS guy said that it may have done a 'silent cycle' as i was only testing water parameters every 3-4 days. HE also said that the only way to find out would be to put a few fish in there. i have been testing the water every day since and all the test results say 0. i thought also that maybe the reason my nitraes haven't risen is because i'm topping up the water every few days? could this be the reason?

05/27/2006, 09:45 PM	#10
hayley2684 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sydney australia Posts: 121	ok, thanks. I'll take a sample of the water to the store tomorrow. Thanks

05/28/2006, 12:21 AM	#11
mikenpam Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 326	I never had an apparent cycle in my tank. It has been up and running now for almost a year and my eight fish and several corals are doing great. A skimmer would help with your tank's oxygen level due to the air injected during the skimming process. I would suggest one as they a very good for removing organic matter from your water and would help with agitation in your system. There are also many leather corals are easy to maintain in a new reef system.

05/28/2006, 05:21 AM	#12
hayley2684 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sydney australia Posts: 121	that's good to know mikenpam, i wasn't sure if my lfs guy was lying to me about the cycle just to get me to buy something. do you think i should still test for amonia and nitratrite daily or is that jsut being paranoid?

05/28/2006, 06:11 AM	#14
hayley2684 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: sydney australia Posts: 121	i just don't know if it has or not that's the thing. my amonia nitrite and nitrate have always read 0. i haven't had to do anything with the water or filter yet. there is no algae growth, no detritis in the sand. whilst i hope all is ok i jsut don't think that i could be that lucky. how long can you have fish in an uncycled tank before you start to see a rise in amonia?