melypr1985
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1. Is there any kind of test that will give me more accurate numbers at home? I have the strip tests. I also have the ammonia test that I have been using on a daily basis. But that seems to be completely stable. And all of the other numbers look fine.
2. Also, can I go ahead and try to grow some corals while I am running fallow? I only have one so far, and with the fish being on quarantine, it would give me something fun to do in the main tank, but I don't know if that is OK or not I have one mushroom doing really really well.
3. "Treat the tank like normal". So I feed pellets every couple of days and frozen shrimp once a day. I keep feeding the shrimp even twice a week and a couple pellets a day?
4. Melypr1985 said 76 days. That seems forever. I have also heard 5 weeks. Should I still treat the tank with the reef safe "Ich attack" or quit that and they will go away without fish to host on?
Sorry for all of the questions. Just trying to make things right.
The best thing you can do during your fallow period (and I absolutely suggest going the full 76 days) is to get your tank right. You have the ability to get everything set and cycled properly. Don't add anything to the tank until it has gone through a true cycle. I would also be sure that all water changes during this time are done with RODI water.
When I said to treat it like normal, I also said to lessen the food in the tank. there's no need to feed so much food when you don't have fish to eat it. You'll want to put just a little food in the tank every 3 days or so. I'm betting you asked because it seemed silly to keep putting all that food in there. lol
76 days will cover ick and velvet and let you rest easy knowing you have a fresh start for your fish when they go back in the tank. There's no need to add ick attack to the tank. The fallow period will starve out all the parasites and is very effective.
There's no reason to appoligize for your questions! We love questions and are always happy to help. Keep asking away and we will help with everything we can.