Cycling question

shizno · 09/16/2010, 06:18 AM

So my 30g tank has been cycling since Saturday (5 days) with 25lbs of live fiji rock and 30 lbs live sand, i have been using the raw shrimp method, i have 2 shrimps in the tank inside 2 seperate cut up pantyhose (clean).

Anything there is this white fungus looking cobweb like bloom around the pantyhose, I'm guessing either bacteria or mold or something is feeding off that shrimp, should I take it out?

Latest test last night was: PH 7.8 Ammonia 1.5 (up from 1 the previous day) Nitrite 1 (up from 0.25) Nitrate 10-20 (up from 5-10). If I take out the shrimp should I replace it with new shrimp or just let it finish on its own?

Also, I am waiting on my LED parts to come in (DIY job), if the tank 'finishes' cycling do I have to feed the bacteria with more shrimp or can I put a fish in there for the week or 2 that it takes to get the lighting equiptment? Couldn't a clownfish survive that with just ambient daylight?

Thanks for the help

thegrun · 09/16/2010, 07:21 AM

I would wait another day, I like the ammonia level to get above 2 for a good strong cycle. Two weeks with minimal light is a long time and may stress the fish. A week would not be an issue, but two might. Put in a small pinch of dried fish food once a day until the lights show up and then add your fish (slowly).

Hermes` · 09/16/2010, 07:25 AM

I would leave the shrimp in, sounds like your cycle is jump starting. Ammonia will be the first thing to drop to 0 then Nitrite. Your parameters should read as follow (NH3=0/ NO2=0/ NO3=+). It usually takes about 2-4 weeks for them to drop, then do a small water change when they do. Wait another week then re-test, if no change you could take out the shrimp then. After the re-test, you could slowly add your clownfish. You don't need to put anymore shrimp in when the tank cycles, the bacteria will need a food source so leave it in till you get your fish.

Palting · 09/16/2010, 07:27 AM

You already have a good amount of nitrate. You don't need more ammonia. I would take the shrimp out now.

shizno · 09/16/2010, 07:53 AM

Is the blooms of bacteria or mold on the shrimp anything to worry about?

jeff@zina.com · 09/16/2010, 09:01 AM

Not after you remove the shrimp, with the fungus.

Jeff

mike_cmu04 · 09/16/2010, 09:22 AM

you will not need another shrimp. when the cycle is done you can put in the fish the lack of light will not bother them

09/16/2010, 06:18 AM	#1
shizno Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 49	Cycling question So my 30g tank has been cycling since Saturday (5 days) with 25lbs of live fiji rock and 30 lbs live sand, i have been using the raw shrimp method, i have 2 shrimps in the tank inside 2 seperate cut up pantyhose (clean). Anything there is this white fungus looking cobweb like bloom around the pantyhose, I'm guessing either bacteria or mold or something is feeding off that shrimp, should I take it out? Latest test last night was: PH 7.8 Ammonia 1.5 (up from 1 the previous day) Nitrite 1 (up from 0.25) Nitrate 10-20 (up from 5-10). If I take out the shrimp should I replace it with new shrimp or just let it finish on its own? Also, I am waiting on my LED parts to come in (DIY job), if the tank 'finishes' cycling do I have to feed the bacteria with more shrimp or can I put a fish in there for the week or 2 that it takes to get the lighting equiptment? Couldn't a clownfish survive that with just ambient daylight? Thanks for the help

09/16/2010, 07:25 AM	#3
Hermes` Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CA Posts: 67	I would leave the shrimp in, sounds like your cycle is jump starting. Ammonia will be the first thing to drop to 0 then Nitrite. Your parameters should read as follow (NH3=0/ NO2=0/ NO3=+). It usually takes about 2-4 weeks for them to drop, then do a small water change when they do. Wait another week then re-test, if no change you could take out the shrimp then. After the re-test, you could slowly add your clownfish. You don't need to put anymore shrimp in when the tank cycles, the bacteria will need a food source so leave it in till you get your fish. __________________ German... Current Tank Info: 55g Mixed, Apex, Octopus 110 recirc

09/16/2010, 07:27 AM	#4
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	You already have a good amount of nitrate. You don't need more ammonia. I would take the shrimp out now. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

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09/16/2010, 07:21 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I would wait another day, I like the ammonia level to get above 2 for a good strong cycle. Two weeks with minimal light is a long time and may stress the fish. A week would not be an issue, but two might. Put in a small pinch of dried fish food once a day until the lights show up and then add your fish (slowly).

09/16/2010, 07:53 AM	#5
shizno Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 49	Is the blooms of bacteria or mold on the shrimp anything to worry about?

09/16/2010, 09:01 AM	#6
jeff@zina.com Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 3,345	Not after you remove the shrimp, with the fungus. Jeff

09/16/2010, 09:22 AM	#7
mike_cmu04 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shepherd, Mi Posts: 2,348	you will not need another shrimp. when the cycle is done you can put in the fish the lack of light will not bother them