cycled... now what?

[Meche]

OK, it was pretty hairy there for a while but Ammonia=nitrite=nitrate=0. Woooo Hooo!

I have several projects in mind, I need you'all's (is that a word) advice on order and timing. Also if you have any other suggestions on stuff I'm missing. Thanks.


1) I'm working on a design for a sump, skimmer and overflow. I'd say these will be done in about a month. I'm currently working with a 350GPH canister, no skimmer, and water changes make me look as cooridinated as skreech from saved by the bell.

2) Lighting. Current 4x54w T-5 HO fluorescents. I'm placing the order next week-ish. I have standard "fishtank" lights now.

3) LR. I want coralline to starve this nasty brown stuff I have now. When can I add this?

4) Anemonies (for my ocellari) and corals. How much longer do I have to be pacient?:lol:

One more thing. How did my nitrate drop between waterchanges? Does alge feed on it?

:badgrin: I have the fever :badgrin:

 

[ronj]

well, first off, take it slow you can add the LR anytime...it should be in there already...how did you cycle your tank???? your tank is going to cycle again when you add the live rock(i hope i interpreted that correctly..you want to add rock?there is none currently??) the nitrates are food for algae....water changes, water changes..that will get rid of the algae...get the nitrates low before you add fish....the water changes you did removed some of the nitrates.....also, the lighting is not strong enough for an anemone!

 

[Meche]

Right, no live rock yet. I cycled with fish, I didn't know better.

I knew nitrate was diluted with wc but I noticed it drop between wc. So prob from the alge bloom.

I thought the 48" T-5's would work in my relativly shallow 55g. I figured it would tide me over till I had time/money/room for a homebuilt hood/stand with MH and T-5.

Will the LR re-cycle the tank even if I cure it? What about some cleaner snails; safe for them yet?

 

[NaH2O]

You are ready for your clean up crew. A nice variety of snails and a few crabs if you wish. Adding cured live rock probably won't cause another cycle, but you will want to watch those parameters when adding a large amount of liverock. It might be a good idea to get your liverock added prior to any invertebrates.

Algae blooms are a normal part of a new tank. After the bacterial populations go through their cycle, then it is the algaes' turn. Have a little patience, and expect different forms of algae before your coralline starts to take off.

Your nitrates likely dropped for a couple of reasons. First, the bacterial populations to reduce nitrates grew (you have a sandbed?), and second the algae growth, and third the water changes all contributed to the reduction.

With regards to keeping an anemone, please do alot of research on them. Get to know the requirements of the species you wish to keep, and know what to look for when purchasing them.

Here are a couple of articles to get you started:

Anemone Care and Tips

Anemone FAQ's (very detailed and requires Adobe Acrobat)

 

[ronj]

Adding cured live rock probably won't cause another cycle, but you will want to watch those parameters when adding a large amount of liverock. It might be a good idea to get your liverock added prior to any invertebrates.

i agree....you should add the LR before you put anymore inhabitants in your tank...make sure it is cured completely...this way, the tank will most likely not have another cycle...even if it does have a small one, it should be ok if you stay on top off those WC's.....hopefully, you don't have any sensitive fish in there

 

[Meche]

2 ocellaris (ocellari ?), a blue devil damsel, a morish idol, and 2 blue/green chromis. These guys go for morning swims through the local sewage treatment plant.

 

["Umm fish?"]

You might want to head over to:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com

and read their articles on anemones. Long story short, if you want an anemone, you should probably not have any other coral in your tank and you should probably wait six months (a year is better) before you put it in your tank.

The good news? Clownfish have no need for an anemone to lead long, happy lives. They'll either host some other coral with long wavy tentacles, or they won't. Either way, they'll be fine.

As for order of the things you want to do:

1. Get and read a good book. Maybe The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner. This is the most important part! He will help you make all of the following decisions and know the reasons for the order!

2. If you get cured rock, or you are willing to do lots of water changes with uncured rock (since you have no skimmer), I would get live rock in the tank.

3. I would finish up the sump, skimmer, etc. The more water volume you have, the more stable your system will be.

Once any new cycle is complete (it should be pretty short, since you already have a base level of bacteria):

4. You can add your clownfish (or other fish) now, as they will be fine with whatever light.

5. Add lights.

6. Start thinking about adding other occupants.

Good luck!