Here is my 20 gallon (long) build and some Q's!

thatreefguy22 · 10/17/2013, 01:38 PM

Hey guys! what a good day to post, eh?

It is now exactly 16 days into my first saltwater tank (second attempt :P)
so far, it is becoming a successful project..as my tests show (for my nitrogen cycle.)

---11:30pm 10/16/2013---
pH: 8.0 (steady since day 1!!)
Temp: 78-80F constant.
SG: .022-.023
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 10ppm

Now the Q's....

since I used live sand from caribsea, that contain no silicates (from research, silicates are the main nutrients for the diatoms.)
could this be the reason I have not yet seen any diatom bloom in my tank?

because my lfs is saying I must wait for the diatom...which had to have been one of the most absurd theory's in this hobby I've ever heard lol but I nodded my head at the time being since I had no research behind diatoms.
To my knowledge from research, as long as ammonia and nitrite are at ZERO it is safe to start adding live stock slowly to the tank. right?

should I be safe to add 1 fish soon?

I don't plan on any corals, until I get my red sea reef pro test kit next week and start playing with reef parameters. even then I don't plan on dosing my tank until I have my upgraded filter from my HOB I currently have installed. Sump/refuge will be up once I gather the equipment. and out with the HOB lol

(included photos)

thank you all in advance, Gary.

gone fishin · 10/17/2013, 02:26 PM

Various algae and diatoms will eventually cycle their way through the tank. most will just come and go.

As long as your chemistry is telling you that your cycled I am inclined to say you can start adding things slowly.

thegrun · 10/17/2013, 02:41 PM

Assuming your ammonia and nitrites first spiked and then dropped to zero your cycle is complete and you can start to slowly add fish 9although I would run them through quarantine first). Diatom blooms (or the lack thereof) are not a good indication of the tank being cycled.

thatreefguy22 · 10/17/2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

Various algae and diatoms will eventually cycle their way through the tank. most will just come and go.

As long as your chemistry is telling you that your cycled I am inclined to say you can start adding things slowly.

thank you for the fast reply! and awesome! so I will add one fish.

and then test for a few weeks. and If any blooms do show, definitely a small CUC will be added.

thatreefguy22 · 10/17/2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrun

Assuming your ammonia and nitrites first spiked and then dropped to zero your cycle is complete and you can start to slowly add fish 9although I would run them through quarantine first). Diatom blooms (or the lack thereof) are not a good indication of the tank being cycled.

I do plan to have a 10 gallon quarantine.

Also, My nitrite never gave me a spike...and if it did..It was too quick for me to catch it lol.

thegrun · 10/17/2013, 03:03 PM

Did you ever add an ammonia source like a dead raw shrimp or pure ammonia to the tank? It is possible that if you didn't add an ammonia source there hasn't been a cycle, but it also could have been a very small and short lived cycle. A sure fire way to be sure would be to add a small amount (enough to get the ammonia level to 3 ppm) of pure ammonia to the DT. The ammonia should be converted to nitrates within a day if the tank is cycled.

thatreefguy22 · 10/17/2013, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegrun

Did you ever add an ammonia source like a dead raw shrimp or pure ammonia to the tank? It is possible that if you didn't add an ammonia source there hasn't been a cycle, but it also could have been a very small and short lived cycle. A sure fire way to be sure would be to add a small amount (enough to get the ammonia level to 3 ppm) of pure ammonia to the DT. The ammonia should be converted to nitrates within a day if the tank is cycled.

yeah, my ammonia spiked almost to 1ppm, then dropped. then I checked nitrites, they stayed at 0ppm. and then, I continued to check my nitrates as they went from 0ppm right to 5ppm...after 3 days they are now at 10ppm.

I'm going to be checking them all again tonight. I'll post a photo for all of you to take a look at when you get the chance.

thatreefguy22 · 10/17/2013, 09:36 PM

Here is my most recent test from tonight (that I said I would do.). forgot to note from my last posts of this thread...my current test kit is the API..sadly. It has never been accurate for ammonia. so it does look like it is nearing 0.25ppm..but closely to 0ppm. I mean I have a reading of 10ppm in nitrates! it is pretty clear in these photos.

-11:15pm 10/17/2013-
pH: 8.0
Ammonia: between 0-.25
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: 10ppm

you tell me?

Thanks guys.

Reeferz412 · 10/18/2013, 09:25 AM

From the looks of that test, it looks like your cycle is ending and it is time to perform a water change. Keep testing after the WC and wait until you hit 0 ppm. Tank looks great! That MJ Powerhead sure grip mod is huge

thatreefguy22 · 10/18/2013, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reeferz412

From the looks of that test, it looks like your cycle is ending and it is time to perform a water change. Keep testing after the WC and wait until you hit 0 ppm. Tank looks great! That MJ Powerhead sure grip mod is huge

I know, lol that thing over powers my tank, and is constantly moving my sand. but doesn't get cloudy.

And thank you, so, about 10% water change it is!

thatreefguy22 · 10/18/2013, 01:51 PM

Okay, so I just did my 10% water change like I said.
Put 2 gallons in a 5 gallon bucket, put a heater in, and mixed in my salt until it was the same (or as close) to my tanks specific gravity. Let it mix for about 2 hours.

Tank
SG: 1.022
temp: 79F

new bucket of water:
SG: 1.022
temp: 77F

Tomorrow I will test the water again. since I just ordered the Red Sea Reef pro test kit, and the PF-300 over flow box from eshopps, I'll giving my tank some more time.

I figured since I wanted to set up a sump/refuge, I will not begin to add any fish.
and that way I can add more water volume to my tank, and begin getting my water right for soft corals :P

another question, since I'm getting the PF-300, rated for 300gph. What would a good return pump that will work? I've looked around, but I didn't let my head soak up that little bit of knowledge yet :P lol

Thanks again guys! cheers to reefing!

N3hihz · 10/18/2013, 01:52 PM

Get a Damsel, they just dont die lol

thatreefguy22 · 10/18/2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N3hihz

Get a Damsel, they just dont die lol

The damsel fish has its name for a reason. :P it would be silly of me to get one of those. I'll pass! haha

gone fishin · 10/18/2013, 05:35 PM

There is a pump calculator on the home page.

Mysticalknight · 10/18/2013, 05:43 PM

damsels just don't get caught either lol

thatreefguy22 · 10/19/2013, 01:27 PM

I'm back with test results on my tank. (tests about 24 hours after the WC.)

-10/19/2013-
pH: 8.0
ammonia: still looks 0ppm to 0.25ppm.
nitrite: 0ppm
nitrate: 5ppm
temp: 78F
SG:1.022

From other people who have also used the API master test kit, they seem to always have the same results (as mine show.) for ammonia . even after a whole year.
So from research, it just tells me that I really shouldn't trust this ammonia test kit as much, as from my personal experience so far...It is always around that range of ammonia, and even after that water change and sitting about 24 hours (give or take a few hours.) It continues to read that same ammonia range lol.

**disclaimer...I am not trying to hurry this tank at all. Just confused on this constant ammonia spike range stuck at the low mark.**

thatreefguy22 · 10/20/2013, 06:52 PM

I feel like I'm spamming, haha. but here is some more to look at

I just found some green hair looking algae on my live rock!

And also my test results from tonight.

please someone tell me how my tank is coming along, still the same as the last 2 test on this thread, though. haha
I mean, If I have some algae growing, and my tests show nitrates at 5ppm-10ppm.. is it safe?

still, my ammonia keeps showing a small trace.

thatreefguy22 · 10/21/2013, 11:52 PM

small update (for anyone who is reading this and who would like to add.)

My tanks cycle has been weird (to me.) because it is my first legitimate set-up with constant daily testing, and keeping an eye on the tank.

As you all already know... my ammonia, in the beginning only was showing about 0.50 to 1ppm then dropping from there. and the constant zero on nitrite got me..what got me even more, is how my nitrates began to rise.

Well, today I've made up my mind about adding a piece of raw shrimp from my grocery stores deli. they are fairly large in size. So I used a small deli cup, with holes and placed it in my tank around 7pm 10/21/2013 (after my last test without having the shrimp in there.)

1:30am 10/22/2013
I did a test on all three...
Ammonia: 0.25-0.50ppm
nitrite: 0ppm
nitrate: 10-20ppm

It's great to see I am seeing my ammonia spike, seeing no nitrites, and already my nitrates show a rise!
so this shrimp trial is going well for me.

also my water has become slightly murky, but that was expected. (lol)

10/17/2013, 02:26 PM	#2
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Various algae and diatoms will eventually cycle their way through the tank. most will just come and go. As long as your chemistry is telling you that your cycled I am inclined to say you can start adding things slowly. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

10/18/2013, 09:25 AM	#9
Reeferz412 Coral Hoarder Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,247	From the looks of that test, it looks like your cycle is ending and it is time to perform a water change. Keep testing after the WC and wait until you hit 0 ppm. Tank looks great! That MJ Powerhead sure grip mod is huge __________________ Alex FMAS Member Current Tank Info: 400 Gallons of frags... 30 gallon Deep Blue mixed reef ... 70 other tanks throughout south FL

10/18/2013, 05:35 PM	#14
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	There is a pump calculator on the home page. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

10/17/2013, 02:41 PM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Assuming your ammonia and nitrites first spiked and then dropped to zero your cycle is complete and you can start to slowly add fish 9although I would run them through quarantine first). Diatom blooms (or the lack thereof) are not a good indication of the tank being cycled.

10/17/2013, 03:03 PM	#6
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Did you ever add an ammonia source like a dead raw shrimp or pure ammonia to the tank? It is possible that if you didn't add an ammonia source there hasn't been a cycle, but it also could have been a very small and short lived cycle. A sure fire way to be sure would be to add a small amount (enough to get the ammonia level to 3 ppm) of pure ammonia to the DT. The ammonia should be converted to nitrates within a day if the tank is cycled.

10/18/2013, 01:51 PM	#11
thatreefguy22 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Elmira, NY Posts: 284	Okay, so I just did my 10% water change like I said. Put 2 gallons in a 5 gallon bucket, put a heater in, and mixed in my salt until it was the same (or as close) to my tanks specific gravity. Let it mix for about 2 hours. Tank SG: 1.022 temp: 79F new bucket of water: SG: 1.022 temp: 77F Tomorrow I will test the water again. since I just ordered the Red Sea Reef pro test kit, and the PF-300 over flow box from eshopps, I'll giving my tank some more time. I figured since I wanted to set up a sump/refuge, I will not begin to add any fish. and that way I can add more water volume to my tank, and begin getting my water right for soft corals :P another question, since I'm getting the PF-300, rated for 300gph. What would a good return pump that will work? I've looked around, but I didn't let my head soak up that little bit of knowledge yet :P lol Thanks again guys! cheers to reefing!

10/18/2013, 01:52 PM	#12
N3hihz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Astoria, New York City Posts: 82	Get a Damsel, they just dont die lol

10/18/2013, 05:43 PM	#15
Mysticalknight Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Kissimmee, FL Posts: 166	damsels just don't get caught either lol