Turning on the lights

[mmorrison55]

My tank has had water in it for about 6 weeks now, and has been cycle for close to three. I started with two clowns about 2 weeks ago, then added a magnificent fox face, purple tang, two azure damsels and a royal gramma a week later, so I’ve now had 7 small fish in a 150 display for 7-10 days and parameters have been mostly in line. I plan to add a few cuc critters in a few days to help with food that has sunk to the bottom.

Also, I have not done any real significant water change so far. I probably replaced about 2-3 gallons of saltwater that was sucked out recently when I cleaned some detritus and food out of my sump. I hope to have my auto water change set up in the next week or two.

1/28 readings:
Ammonia- .16 PPB
Nitrite 22 ppm
Nitrate 9.8
Ph hovering around 7.5-7.8
dHK - 8.3
MG- 1218
Calcium - 368
Phosphate .22

Salinity 35/1.026
Temp 77.0-77.3

Any benefits or negatives to turning on my lights for evening feedings, Approx 10-15 minutes a night? Didn’t know if a gradual increase in light would make a difference or just go for it, or wait another month or month and 1/2? And if I were to gradually introduce artificial light into the tanks, should it be white, blue, or a balanced spectrum?

So far, I show no signs of the ugly stage, and would prefer to keep it at a minimum if at all possible.

 

[Kooma]

That tanks doesn’t seem fully cycled, likely too many fish too quickly. Watch that ammonia, and nitrite will give you false nitrate readings.

I would focus on some phosphate removal, your going to have a good algae outbreak when the lights finally come on.

 

[Science/G]

Be patient. Wait out the cycle and maybe use some Rowaphos to get those phosphates down. Lights on for a bit to feed is ok.

 

[mmorrison55]

That tanks doesn’t seem fully cycled, likely too many fish too quickly. Watch that ammonia, and nitrite will give you false nitrate readings.

I would focus on some phosphate removal, your going to have a good algae outbreak when the lights finally come on.

The ammonia has stayed about the same since 1st pair was added and nitrite and nitrates have actually come down since adding the extra fish.

I'm assuming my somewhat elevated phosphates are probably a result of some over feeding. I'll just cut back a bit and do a decent water change this weekend and see how I look next week.

from what ive read, having high phosphates usually comes with algae outbreaks, and so far I have had zero sign of an outbreak. sand bed is clear except for some food and/or detritus. back panel maybe has a little hint of growth, but I'm trying to not clean the back to encourage coralline ti grow.

I was also just about to start up my skimmer, which should also help... hopefully.

thanks for the feedback so far. I'm in no rush, just wanted to ask and get some opinions on if a small dose of nighttime light would be ok and possibly even beneficial.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

If you want the lights on then turn them on, there is no reason not to really. If there are no corals then the light is for your benefit, but I don’t think it’s nice to leave the fish in the dark.