Nitrite is finally zero!

[Chris86]

And now I am trying to stop myself from spending everyday penny to my name. Lol. Gonna do a 30% water change and then get some fish. I'm leaning towards starting with a pair of clownfish. One of the newer(to me) designer clownfish like da Vinci. Or maybe a snowflake or black ice. Too many choices!

 

[1MCp]

I highly recommend clownfish pair. So much character and enjoyable to look at. Down the road get Anemones and they are fantastic!

 

[Supurderek]

Dependent on your tank size, sometimes clownfish can get a little aggressive to new additions(also dependent on species). I try to get passive fish in first to most aggressive and known healthy breeds that can withstand a newer tank.

 

[Chris86]

Dependent on your tank size, sometimes clownfish can get a little aggressive to new additions(also dependent on species). I try to get passive fish in first to most aggressive and known healthy breeds that can withstand a newer tank.

I have a 75 gallon. Eventually we want to have clams and corals. I thought clowns would be a good first pick. Any other suggestions?

 

[Tahoe61]

I have a 75 gallon. Eventually we want to have clams and corals. I thought clowns would be a good first pick. Any other suggestions?

Do not chase the numbers, within common sense. I rarely if ever worry about nitrates or phosphates test unless there is an obvious algae issue or corals showing stress.

Stock slowly, test for the big 3 Ca/alk/mag if you go with a sps dominate tank or large colony lps and or clams.

Use quality water replacement and look to your system and inhabitants for possible issues.

Clowns would be a great first addition, just do not over think it, I know it's hard but patience is really the key and each tank has it's own personality.

 

[alyee5]

Congrats, my tank took forever for the nitrite part of the cycle so yeah it was great to test zero for the first time. I agree clowns make a nice addition; just read up on the territorial part of their nature. I added Clarkii clowns which I love, but they can be bullies sometimes to my more passive fish. I should changed the order in my additions.

One other thing (not to burst your bubble) have you considered using a quarantine protocol before adding livestock to the display tank?

 

[Chris86]

I have thought about it. I intend on getting a bare bones setup - like 20 gallons or so. My wife thought it was a crazy idea until I explained why it is necessary.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Just a comment based on the title...

Nitrite is not toxic in seawater, despite being toxic in freshwater systems. So don't bother to keep measuring it after the cycle, and even then it isn't critical. :)

 

[Chris86]

Just a comment based on the title...

Nitrite is not toxic in seawater, despite being toxic in freshwater systems. So don't bother to keep measuring it after the cycle, and even then it isn't critical. :)

That's good to know! I was measuring ammonia and nitrite just to see when that part of the cycle was done. I guess I should buy the other test kits for calcium and all that jazz next. I'm assuming my nitrates are through the roof since I don't have a Refugium or any other way to decrease nitrates. The api kit did come with a nitrate test though. Anyways, no more rambling! Thanks for the good advice!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That's good to know! I was measuring ammonia and nitrite just to see when that part of the cycle was done. I guess I should buy the other test kits for calcium and all that jazz next. I'm assuming my nitrates are through the roof since I don't have a Refugium or any other way to decrease nitrates. The api kit did come with a nitrate test though. Anyways, no more rambling! Thanks for the good advice!

Alkalinity is the most critical kit. If alkalinity has not declined to the point where you need to dose, then calcium and magnesium will be exactly as in the salt mix and measuring them is not important. :)