Hey everyone! I'm new to the the hobby and excited to set up this little piece of heaven in my living room. I grew up owning multiple freshwater tanks at one point or another so now I am looking for a bit more of a challenge..
I have an order in for a XL425 that I will get at the end of June; for tight now I have my QT set up and cycling.( That has been a challenge in itself)
I set up my 20 gal QT back in April using Aquaforest Sea Salt at .31ppt. I added Dr. Tims ammonium (enough for 17 gal worth of water), Aquaforest Bio S (1 drop everyday for 14 days), and Aquaforest Life Bio Fil ( added aprox 250 ml).
I tested everyday for 2 weeks and my NH3/NH4 stayed at about 4ppm, NO2 topped out at .2, and NO3 remained steady at 2. I let it ride for another 2 weeks and there were no changes. ( It stalled)
I spoke to my LFS and they recommended a water change.
I took the guy up on his recommendation and did a 5 gal water change which took the NH3/NH4 down to 2ppm. 24hrs later I did another water change and replaced 10 gal which then brought it down to 1ppm NH3/NH4.
And that brings us to today...still waiting;Nailbiting
I have been reading tons of articles, I will throw some of the links below.
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cycling-an-aquarium.303/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cycling-an-aquarium.303/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-intricate-process-of-feeding.24/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/how-to-plan-a-livestock-list.105/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/fish-shopping-101-tips-to-buying-a-healthy-fish.14/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/video-how-to-sterilize-a-quarantine-tank.201/
If anyone has advice or recommendations I a eager to hear them.
I have an order in for a XL425 that I will get at the end of June; for tight now I have my QT set up and cycling.( That has been a challenge in itself)
I set up my 20 gal QT back in April using Aquaforest Sea Salt at .31ppt. I added Dr. Tims ammonium (enough for 17 gal worth of water), Aquaforest Bio S (1 drop everyday for 14 days), and Aquaforest Life Bio Fil ( added aprox 250 ml).
I tested everyday for 2 weeks and my NH3/NH4 stayed at about 4ppm, NO2 topped out at .2, and NO3 remained steady at 2. I let it ride for another 2 weeks and there were no changes. ( It stalled)
I spoke to my LFS and they recommended a water change.
I took the guy up on his recommendation and did a 5 gal water change which took the NH3/NH4 down to 2ppm. 24hrs later I did another water change and replaced 10 gal which then brought it down to 1ppm NH3/NH4.
And that brings us to today...still waiting;Nailbiting
I have been reading tons of articles, I will throw some of the links below.
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cycling-an-aquarium.303/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/cycling-an-aquarium.303/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-intricate-process-of-feeding.24/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/how-to-plan-a-livestock-list.105/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/fish-shopping-101-tips-to-buying-a-healthy-fish.14/
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/video-how-to-sterilize-a-quarantine-tank.201/
If anyone has advice or recommendations I a eager to hear them.