I have an 11 gallon aquarium that finished the nitrogen cycle a few weeks ago. Still no fish or any livestock in the tank. I used, instead of live rock, a dry rock with live, inert bacteria that will "wake up" once in the water. I had this strange white filmy/stringy stuff appear on my rocks and was wondering what it might be. I took a video of it under the microscope. My alkalinity has also had trouble staying up, usually dropping to around 6-7 dKH (I use electronic tester). I do not know if these two are connected but I wanted to add that bit of information. Calcium is around 380-400 ppm too. Salinity 1.025. pH anywhere from 7.7-8.4. My testers have been all over the place.
Bacterial ID
- Thread starter GargLabGT
- Start date
While at the store, there was an option for dry rock with bacteria seeded on it. This allows for nitrifying bacteria to be introduced while lessening the risk of unwanted organisms into the tank.
In terms of test kits, I am using the Hanna Electronic Alkalinity tester, and for the rest I am using this: https://www.amazon.com/Nutrafin-Mas...ltwater+master+test+kit&qid=1617480961&sr=8-5
In terms of test kits, I am using the Hanna Electronic Alkalinity tester, and for the rest I am using this: https://www.amazon.com/Nutrafin-Mas...ltwater+master+test+kit&qid=1617480961&sr=8-5
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Never heard of that test kit, so I can't speak to its accuracy.
Regarding your rock - I'd dump a bottle of bio-spira in it and make sure it stays cycled. When using dry rock you're ALWAYS going to have the uglies, like you have now. After you dump some nitrifying bacteria in, I'd make sure your ammonia stays at zero for a few days then add some fish - clowns, chromis, damsels are great first fish. This will make sure a nitrogen cycle is taking place. Once your parameters even out (it takes a LOT longer with dry rock) you can start adding corals. That's months down the road for you though.
Regarding your rock - I'd dump a bottle of bio-spira in it and make sure it stays cycled. When using dry rock you're ALWAYS going to have the uglies, like you have now. After you dump some nitrifying bacteria in, I'd make sure your ammonia stays at zero for a few days then add some fish - clowns, chromis, damsels are great first fish. This will make sure a nitrogen cycle is taking place. Once your parameters even out (it takes a LOT longer with dry rock) you can start adding corals. That's months down the road for you though.
