New Setup

[aspguru]

I've had my 55 gallon with 45 lbs of live rock with a marineland magnum 350 with bio wheel set up for a little over a week. I tested the water today and my nitrite and ammonia are at 0. It's been at 0 for a while and am wondering if I can add a damsel or two. Is it still to early? Has the spike just not happened yet? The water seems to be real stable.

 

[fishdude07]

did you cycle the tank yet? you need to add ammonia for the cycle to start

 

[S.Reef]

Well...what is the condition of the rock? Was it pre-cured when you purchased, did you get it shipped? Usually the ammonia will spike a day or two after the rock has been in the tank and depending on factors. I would probably add a damsel or two right about now.

 

[aspguru]

The rock was pretty cured when I got it. It didn't stink at all. My water gravity is at 1.027 right now. Do I need to remove and re-add some water to get that down?

 

[aspguru]

P.S. I bought the rock at the LFS.

 

[fishdude07]

ohhh i thought you were cycling...you were just expecting a spike from the live rock...or are you cycling? im confused...

 

[aspguru]

Yes. I am cycling. But right now, the water is crystal clear 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite. The only thing I might need to fix is the salt content which my gravity is at 1.027. It's a little high but do I need to worry about it? Can the fish make it in that? Do you think I should change some water out to lower it?

 

[aresgod]

you should change some water out and add small amount of fresh water to replace it, till it gets down between 1.021 and 1.024
good luck
Brahm

 

[S.Reef]

Your salinity is a little high. Most fish can tolerate it but if it rises anymore you will be in trouble. Change it to 1.019-1.026. I would add fish right about now. Rock was pretty much cured when you got it and its been more then a week.

 

[aresgod]

agreed but i would wait till the hurricane passes u by, then check levels again ect to be on the safe side
Brahm

 

[xcit]

I think damsels are fine thier cheap and help the cycle. Drop em in.

 

[dbacksrat]

damsels are demons--i would not add them because you will never get them out unless you are lucky...besides, LR should be all that is needed to cycle a tank

 

[1979camaro]

based on the fact that its been two months since he started this, im thinking his problems are solved...lol

 

[KahluaZzZ]

I agree...the damsels are nasty little creatures...but if you wanna put them in a cycling tank it can be done...cause i did it

Hardy fish...but impossible to catch once behind the rocks.

 

[dbacksrat]

Originally posted by 1979camaro
based on the fact that its been two months since he started this, im thinking his problems are solved...lol

i couldn't figure out why someone had mentioned waiting for a hurricane to pass