Absolute newb

BigMike81 · Jul 1, 2014

Pete polyp said:
It should clear up in a couple days depending on the filtration. I would check the salinity when it clears and start testing then as well. What are you using to check salinity?

A Reefractometer. And i have an reef marine, test kit with calcium, phosphates, nitrates, and alkalinity.

BigMike81 · Jul 1, 2014

Eienna said:
I know because I've used it while cycling my freshwater to no ill effect - it cycled perfectly, and it has been (in the freshwater forum I used to frequent, anyway) often recommended to take care of the fish during minicycles.

That is good to know. I use it in my freshwater tank and seems to do a good job, I did buy instant ocean marine conditioner as well to hopefully better suit the water conditions.

BigMike81 · Jul 1, 2014

my tank has cleared up nicely and now I am ready to test parameters. My first salinity test came back at 1.025 and am thrilled with that.

Eienna · Jul 1, 2014

BigMike81 said:
That is good to know. I use it in my freshwater tank and seems to do a good job, I did buy instant ocean marine conditioner as well to hopefully better suit the water conditions.

I personally think Prime is best, but skimmers hate it XD

BigMike81 · Jul 1, 2014

Tested my parameters just now and everything looks good except for my kh. It was off the scale high. I am thinking it is because I used hard tap water. What do I do now?

BigMike81 · Jul 2, 2014

I am soooo excited, I got my live rock today and got my formation all done and it looks great. I also got some miracle mud for my refugium. Now all i need is a protein skimmer and a little more live rock for the fuge. Then I will be ready for the first inhabitants, crabs and snails and maybe some banded shrimp.

Naiad · Jul 3, 2014

Slooow down there lol. It sounds like you are off to a good start but you still need to cycle that tank before you add any critters. You can begin cycling without the protein skimmer so I would start that process. Have you decided on which method you want to use?

BigMike81 · Jul 3, 2014

Naiad said:
Slooow down there lol. It sounds like you are off to a good start but you still need to cycle that tank before you add any critters. You can begin cycling without the protein skimmer so I would start that process. Have you decided on which method you want to use?

I was actually thinking of ghost feeding the tank, what do you think.

Naiad · Jul 3, 2014

That's a great method to use with live rock. You will get to see all the little critters you already have in your tank come out for the food. Cycling new live rock is one of my favorite parts of this hobby because you never know what you will find!

BigMike81 · Jul 3, 2014

Do you think I should start feeding it like right now?

BigMike81 · Jul 3, 2014

And how frequently should I test my parameters?

Naiad · Jul 5, 2014

Yea you can go ahead and start. You need to test for NH3 first. I would track these levels daily to try and judge how much you should feed. When you start to see ammonia then start testing for nitrite. These levels should rise followed by nitrate. When cycling these are the only three tests I would worry about. Of course you will need to keep salinity right when dealing with evaporation.

BigMike81 · Jul 5, 2014

Naiad said:
Yea you can go ahead and start. You need to test for NH3 first. I would track these levels daily to try and judge how much you should feed. When you start to see ammonia then start testing for nitrite. These levels should rise followed by nitrate. When cycling these are the only three tests I would worry about. Of course you will need to keep salinity right when dealing with evaporation.

Thank you. I just did my first feeding and am nervous about getting my tank dirty. I still need to get an ammonia and nitrate test kit. I will probably get one tomorrow.

Eienna · Jul 10, 2014

Amazon.com : API Saltwater Master Test Kit : Aquarium Test Kits : Pet Supplies

This isn't top-of-the-line, but for now it would make you a decent starter set (and quite cheap...)

BigMike81 · Jul 11, 2014

Thank you, that is the test kit I did buy.

BigMike81 · Jul 12, 2014

would a CUC take care of a brown algae bloom?

Naiad · Jul 12, 2014

Yes but you really don't want to add them until the cycle is at the end. They can suffer from ammonia burns just like fish. What are your parameters reading? It is also a good idea to let that algae grow and use up the silicates that are in the tank now and you will have less issue later.