12 days in... here are some problems

Reno Reef · 09/07/2006, 01:45 PM

Hello all.

I am on the 12th day of cycling. I have a 33G Oceanic cube, and my params are at this point right now.

Amm 0
Nitrite <.25
Nitrate 20

I am though having trouble getting my SG to the approperate level. I had a Hyrdrometer and about a week ago I checked it and it read 1.025 (YAY!) then I got a refractometer and it read 1.020 (damn) I have added salt and brought the level to 1.022.

I also got a second PH (maxijet 600) and now my temp is up to 83.5 (damn)

The questions I have are... I was thinking about doing a water change of about 3-5 gallons and replacing the water with a SG of about 1.030 or more. Decent idea??

I was also wondering after the water change how long until the SG and other params will read as accurate?

Thanks for any help.
-Mark

drummereef · 09/07/2006, 01:50 PM

Glad to hear you got a refractometer. Hydrometers are crap. Do you have any inhabitants in the tank now? Just make any changes to salinity very slowly, over the course of a couple of days. I wouldn't worry too much if there aren't any fish/inverts in there right now. Just get the parameters in check at everthing will be fine.

Reno Reef · 09/07/2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drummereef
Glad to hear you got a refractometer. Hydrometers are crap. Do you have any inhabitants in the tank now? Just make any changes to salinity very slowly, over the course of a couple of days. I wouldn't worry too much if there aren't any fish/inverts in there right now. Just get the parameters in check at everthing will be fine.

The only thing living in the tank right now are the hitchhikers that I got

Alot of pods
Bristleworms like crazy
about 10 tiny snails
and I saw 2 brittle stars a couple days ago

akrimmel · 09/07/2006, 02:01 PM

instead of doing a water change you can top off with sw as opposed to RODI water that will raise it slowly and the refractometer in more accurate than the hydrometer. just give it time nothing worth while in this hobby comes fast and easy.

09/07/2006, 01:45 PM	#1
Reno Reef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Reno, Nevada Posts: 115	12 days in... here are some problems Hello all. I am on the 12th day of cycling. I have a 33G Oceanic cube, and my params are at this point right now. Amm 0 Nitrite <.25 Nitrate 20 I am though having trouble getting my SG to the approperate level. I had a Hyrdrometer and about a week ago I checked it and it read 1.025 (YAY!) then I got a refractometer and it read 1.020 (damn) I have added salt and brought the level to 1.022. I also got a second PH (maxijet 600) and now my temp is up to 83.5 (damn) The questions I have are... I was thinking about doing a water change of about 3-5 gallons and replacing the water with a SG of about 1.030 or more. Decent idea?? I was also wondering after the water change how long until the SG and other params will read as accurate? Thanks for any help. -Mark

09/07/2006, 01:50 PM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Glad to hear you got a refractometer. Hydrometers are crap. Do you have any inhabitants in the tank now? Just make any changes to salinity very slowly, over the course of a couple of days. I wouldn't worry too much if there aren't any fish/inverts in there right now. Just get the parameters in check at everthing will be fine.

09/07/2006, 02:01 PM	#4
akrimmel Moved On Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: HAZELWOOD, MO Posts: 2,260	instead of doing a water change you can top off with sw as opposed to RODI water that will raise it slowly and the refractometer in more accurate than the hydrometer. just give it time nothing worth while in this hobby comes fast and easy.