Teeka's 120 build - Page 2 - Frag Outpost Forums - Coral Propagation and Reef Aquarium Forums

Teeka01 · 04-07-2006, 01:04 PM

I just got back from my LFS. I had him test my water, Good news. I have a small trace of ammonia and nitrites. It looks like my cycle is winding down. When I test the Nitrates it was a very light pink about 5. So I am going to give it another 2 weeks then add the cleanup crew.

FragOutpost · 04-07-2006, 03:14 PM

As soon ammonia and nitrite hit zero you can start adding some critters. Your cycle seems to be going pretty quickly. Next time you are at the LFS grab a couple of snails and see how they do.

Let me know when you get your fuge set up and I'll send you some chaeto. Since dosing the prodibio the chaeto has completely stopped growing and almost looks like it might be on the decline. If it starts to turn brown I will have to toss it out to prevent any nutrients from being released back into the tank. The strands already appear to be getting thinner.

Teeka01 · 04-07-2006, 03:49 PM

It is set up now I had the guy who made my sump add a fuge to it.

Teeka01 · 04-07-2006, 04:06 PM

Yeah my cycle is going alot quicker then I thought it would. But from the reviews I read about Premium Aquatics that is average. It was very clean rock. No odors when I opened the box. I have read on other forums that their rock when they get it stinks up the whole room for a while. My never did that. No PA doesn't pay me to say how good they are. LOL

Teeka01 · 04-09-2006, 10:15 AM

Ammonia, Nirites, and Nitrates are all 0. Yipee!! I added 5 snails to so say test my water. I finally got the rock work arranged to make us both happy. I have changed the rock a few times trying to achive this. Here is a couple of pictures on what we agreed with.

Teeka01 · 04-09-2006, 10:39 AM

Oops The second picture was suppose to be this one.

FragOutpost · 04-09-2006, 01:44 PM

Nice cave on the right hand side. That is weird that your nitrates are at zero. I figured that you would have at least some detectable nitrates. Have you done a water change yet? What kind of powerheads are you using in the tank? So when do you plan on adding your first fish?

FragOutpost · 04-09-2006, 01:47 PM

Oh and you did get the Lights Of America Floodlight right? Pm me your address and I'll send you some chaeto and ulva before it dies in my tank. I think I am going to prune back all of my macro until I decide to quit using the prodibio and then just set up a fuge again.

Teeka01 · 04-09-2006, 02:13 PM

When I test my Nitrares yesterday they was at 2. This am there wasn't any. Fish I am not sure about. Does it hurt to get some corals first, then worry about a fish. I want to get a goby/shrimp pair someday.

FragOutpost · 04-10-2006, 09:21 AM

You can add corals and fish in any order you want. Have you picked out the type of shrimp goby you want? I really like the yashia gobies. In my opinion they have the best coloration.

I'll get your chaeto in the mail today, so expect delivery tomorrow sometime.

Teeka01 · 04-10-2006, 09:31 AM

I am not sure on what kind of goby yet. I want to wait until there is some pods in my system. The water is still testing out good. Thank you Do you have paypal I will send you the shipping money next friday if that is okay.

FragOutpost · 04-10-2006, 09:51 AM

Yes I do have PayPal but hardly ever use it. PM me after you receive the delivery and we will work out the details for the shipping charges. Next Fri is fine. Whenever works best for you is fine with me.

Teeka01 · 04-11-2006, 06:37 PM

My frags are starting to open up. Oh how pretty they are. I am going out tonight. I will try to get a picture of them in the morning. Thank You.

Teeka01 · 04-13-2006, 06:46 AM

I am having problems taking pictures of the corals. No tripod, I will be getting one payday. Sorry pictures are not turning out.

Teeka01 · 04-13-2006, 11:13 AM

I just tested my nitrates they are back up to between 5 and 10. What should I do?

FragOutpost · 04-13-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teeka01

I just tested my nitrates they are back up to between 5 and 10. What should I do?

Nitrates between 5-10 is not that bad considering that your tank has just recently cycled. Your population of anaerobic bacteria should be steadly increasing at this point and should contribute to the regulatation of nitrates. Other ways to remove nitrates are to perform water changes, siphon any detrious you can, ensure that your skimmer is clean and operating optimally, and regularly prune back your macro algae as a means of nutrient export. Another potential method is to use a denitrating coil but those can be tricky to set up and I don't think that your situation would warrant the use of one at this time. Also be sure to regularly remove any nusciance algae as it grows in your tank. Hope this helps. Keep checking your nitrates over the next few weeks and I would not worry too much at this point unless the level increases.

Teeka01 · 04-13-2006, 11:28 PM

While my hubby and I was watching the pods dance this evening, He pointed out some little white specks on the refuge wall. He told me to watch them for a minute. They started moving, I have baby pods. Boy those are some busy buggers.

FragOutpost · 04-14-2006, 08:37 AM

The tiny white specs are most likely copepods. In a predator free environment like your fuge they will multiply quickly. I often find myself paying more attention to the tiny critters in the tank than the fish and corals.

Teeka01 · 04-14-2006, 08:56 AM

We are in awe right now. The first thing we do everynight when my hubby gets home is sit and watch the tank and sump. Who needs a tv. LOL

FragOutpost · 04-14-2006, 09:42 AM

Exactly! Who needs tv. I spend far more time in front of my tank than in front of the television.