Quick question

[Stege_saurus]

I recently did a "restart" by tearing down an old system and putting up a new system. About 25% of my new system is made from live rock from the old system (5 yrs running). New system has been up and running for a week with ghost feeding. When would be the best time to start reintroducing the fish to the new system?

*Ammonia reads 0
*Nitrate test kit is expired so had to order new
*Do have API kits due to ordering the wrong one, but don't fully trust it

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

First, I recommend always having the basic test kits on hand.

Second, was the rock transferred wet from the old tank? If so, you're essentially cycled - all the nitrifyong bacteria that was managing ammonia in the old tank got transferred to the new (well, 25% of it anyway).
If you want to be extra cautious, add a bottle of Fritz Turbostart. Otherwise, start slowly adding fish and as long as the ammonia doesn't go higher than 0.5 on the API, you're good.

If the rock was dried out before adding back, then I recommend testing until ammo is 0.25 on the Api and you have measurable nitrates. Then you should be cycled.

How many fish are you adding?

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

First, I recommend always having the basic test kits on hand.

Second, was the rock transferred wet from the old tank? If so, you're essentially cycled - all the nitrifyong bacteria that was managing ammonia in the old tank got transferred to the new (well, 25% of it anyway).
If you want to be extra cautious, add a bottle of Fritz Turbostart. Otherwise, start slowly adding fish and as long as the ammonia doesn't go higher than 0.5 on the API, you're good.

If the rock was dried out before adding back, then I recommend testing until ammo is 0.25 on the Api and you have measurable nitrates. Then you should be cycled.

How many fish are you adding?

**did your ammonia ever register higher than 0?

 

[Garf]

I recently did a "restart" by tearing down an old system and putting up a new system. About 25% of my new system is made from live rock from the old system (5 yrs running). New system has been up and running for a week with ghost feeding. When would be the best time to start reintroducing the fish to the new system?

*Ammonia reads 0
*Nitrate test kit is expired so had to order new
*Do have API kits due to ordering the wrong one, but don't fully trust it

I'd plop em in now.

 

[Stege_saurus]

**did your ammonia ever register higher than 0?

Not that I'm aware of. I tested it a few times on different days. Rather be safe than sorry !

 

[Stege_saurus]

First, I recommend always having the basic test kits on hand.

Second, was the rock transferred wet from the old tank? If so, you're essentially cycled - all the nitrifyong bacteria that was managing ammonia in the old tank got transferred to the new (well, 25% of it anyway).
If you want to be extra cautious, add a bottle of Fritz Turbostart. Otherwise, start slowly adding fish and as long as the ammonia doesn't go higher than 0.5 on the API, you're good.

If the rock was dried out before adding back, then I recommend testing until ammo is 0.25 on the Api and you have measurable nitrates. Then you should be cycled.

How many fish are you adding?

Rock only saw air twice and never dried out. It went directly from old system into the temporary tank for a week and then into the new system. 5 secs of air exposure max?

4 fish:
-Black ocellaris clownfish
-Black and white damsel
-Arc eye hawk fish
-3 inch blue tang

 

[Garf]

Not that I'm aware of. I tested it a few times on different days. Rather be safe than sorry !

It don't matter if you get a slightly higher ammonia reading anyhow. Just be aware its preferable to be below 0.5 Total Ammonia at normal pH .

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Rock only saw air twice and never dried out. It went directly from old system into the temporary tank for a week and then into the new system. 5 secs of air exposure max?

4 fish:
-Black ocellaris clownfish
-Black and white damsel
-Arc eye hawk fish
-3 inch blue tang

Should be fine to add them. Again, if you're extra cautious, add some bottled bac or add 2 fish now, 2 in 3-4 days.