Reef Build 2013

Rhino · Apr 10, 2013

I keep it dosed to between 3 & 4 ppm.

Ryan

bknapp · Apr 10, 2013

How often do you dose? How quickly does it fall?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to help find the answer.

I use LEDs..... In my sump.

Rhino · Apr 10, 2013

bknapp said:
How often do you dose? How quickly does it fall?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to help find the answer.

I use LEDs..... In my sump.

No problem looking for all the help I can get. I usually dose every two to three days. It's usually back down to 0 within that time.

Ryan

bknapp · Apr 10, 2013

I would dose it to around two ppm and test tomorrow. Have you had a nitrite spike? Have any nitrates?

I use LEDs..... In my sump.

Rhino · Apr 10, 2013

bknapp said:
I would dose it to around two ppm and test tomorrow. Have you had a nitrite spike? Have any nitrates?

I use LEDs..... In my sump.

Yeah nitrite and nitrate are off the chart.

Ryan

bknapp · Apr 10, 2013

Here is a link explaining the nitrogen cycle, it will explain it much better than I can:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/4/chemistry

Here it is in a nutshell:

Ammonia-->NitrItes-->Nitrates

Once you reach the peak of your nitrites (which are still harmful) they turn into nitrates (which are safe) your bacteria is alive and working. After your highest point of nitrites you wait for them to turn into nitrates and do a large water change to get your nitrates down and your cycle has been completed. I think you've been extending your cycle. Start watching your nitrites and once they convert into nitrates do a large water change then add a fish.

I use LEDs..... In my sump.

gmoney243 · Apr 10, 2013

I always cycle with fish as long as you just add one small fish and barely feed will be no harm. If a big tank u could add a few small fish. Mollys are actually one of my favorite to cycle with since they cost like $1.50 and are super hardy and all you will find are tank bred they eat algae especially diatoms are stupid and easy to catch to remove later lol

Dowtish · Apr 10, 2013

Your nitrites and nitrates are off the chart because you continue to dose ammonia. They are constantly trying to convert it/break it down. I would not dose anymore ammonia. I would get some bacteria in a bottle. either microbacter or microbe lift special blend dose that for 2-3 days and add some fish. And then just be ready to do a water change if somehow you get an ammonia spike once you add the fish. There is no way your tank has been up this long and it's not ready.

gmoney243 · Apr 10, 2013

Nitrites to saltwater fish are not harmfull untill around 300ppm also. But amm is deadly at low levels like 1ppm

Rhino · Apr 11, 2013

Well crap........ Have to love the fact that I have accidentally extended this glorious process..... Live and learn. Thanks again for answering all of my questions guys. I truly appreciate your help. Look forward to meeting you all at the swap.

Ryan

Dowtish · Apr 11, 2013

gmoney means nitrates...not nitrites

That's what we are here for Ryan. You just shoulda asked about 2 weeks ago. LOL

Its all good man, this will happen again and again. This hobby will keep you on your toes for a very long time.

gmoney243 · Apr 11, 2013

Dowtish said:
gmoney means nitrates...not nitrites

That's what we are here for Ryan. You just shoulda asked about 2 weeks ago. LOL

Its all good man, this will happen again and again. This hobby will keep you on your toes for a very long time.

No i mean nitrites :) i posted a link to an article about it a while back.

Dowtish · Apr 11, 2013

I dont believe it!!!

bknapp · Apr 11, 2013

Well on the positive side of things is the fact that you should have plenty of strong beneficial bacteria striving in your tank.

Now the fun begins.....

gmoney243 · Apr 11, 2013

Dowtish said:
I dont believe it!!!

How bout now lol check the boards happy reading :)

Rhino · Apr 11, 2013

You guys crack me up. Yeah my bio filter should be a beast lol.

Ryan

Rhino · Apr 14, 2013

So per everyone's advice I stopped dosing ammonia the other day. I am pleased to report that my nitrites have gone from off the charts to .25 this morning. Tank should be at 0 in the next day or two. Then it is time for a massive water change and FINALLY some livestock.

Are there any fish on my list that I should consider adding first or last?

Ryan

gmoney243 · Apr 14, 2013

Did u not read the article on nitrites? Lol its safe now add fish alrdy slacker! ;)

Rhino · Apr 15, 2013

gmoney243 said:
Did u not read the article on nitrites? Lol its safe now add fish alrdy slacker! ;)

No I totally missed it somehow. The Nitrites have already disappeared today anyways so doesn't matter much now. I won't be able to make it to the fish store for a day or two to start making some purchases. In the meantime though I need to do a massive water change to bring the Nitrates back down. What should I be looking for Nitrates wise after the water change?

Also, what would be the easiest way to mix a large amount of saltwater for this large change? Multiple buckets or a Brute? I don't have much use for any of these things after this massive water change. Thoughts?

gmoney243 · Apr 15, 2013

Most of the bacteria are on your rocks and sand anyway. So just do the WC how you can. Nitrates should be as low as possible even just for fish. You have some chaeto in sump? Or a place to put it and a light? That will help lower and maintain nitrates.