Beginning of a Diatom Bloom?
- Thread starter 90galguy
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My first (OK only) is a 45. Why, because that is the size tank I had from my FW days. LOL But, from what I have read, the smaller ones are harder to take care of for a beginner aren't they? Less water means bigger swings?
Edit: Hey Bratliff. Do you know a guy named Dough who does (or did) voices? He used to work for Turner and Cartoon Network. Met him once years ago. His voices were amazing.
Edit: Hey Bratliff. Do you know a guy named Dough who does (or did) voices? He used to work for Turner and Cartoon Network. Met him once years ago. His voices were amazing.
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Its a good reference for knowing that he has cultures the proper bacteria to convert nitrite to nitrate. The actual number isnt critical, but if its present, then you have the right bacteria, and have a pseudo gauge on the nitrification cycle progress.
My wife will tell you that when I decide to take on a new adventure I go "all in"! Heck I started playing golf 2 years ago and shot in the 120s. Now I'm in the low 90s. Lots of practice, lessons, research, watching and listening to others.
I started out planning to have a 60 and Jenn had me in a 90 in less than two days. I made sure to design and have the stand built to hold a 120 as well. I can already tell you that the extra depth would be wonderful! I'm very very happy with what I have so far thanks to everyone here.
I started out planning to have a 60 and Jenn had me in a 90 in less than two days. I made sure to design and have the stand built to hold a 120 as well. I can already tell you that the extra depth would be wonderful! I'm very very happy with what I have so far thanks to everyone here.
My SG is falling off slightly at 1.024. I assume this is due to my ATO. I raised my water level slightly with RO and continue to top off using the same routine. Should I concern myself with the drop? I don't want to do any type of water changes during the cycle do I? I don't think it will drop much more. I should have raised my water level using my saltwater mix, but I didn't.
Alkalinity (3.0 meq/L) and PH (8.0)
I'm probably being super anal with these numbers right now. Just trying to get it right!:thumbs:
Alkalinity (3.0 meq/L) and PH (8.0)
I'm probably being super anal with these numbers right now. Just trying to get it right!:thumbs:
not a big deal IMO. Just add a little concentrated salt water and let it evaporate down.
Wouldn't recommend what I'm about to share and just sharing as an anecdote, but in my 3 week old 93G with SPS amongst other corals, I just threw a 1/2 cup of salt in my filter sock to get my SG up.
With no corals/livestock in your tank, shouldn't be an issue bringing up your SG.
Wouldn't recommend what I'm about to share and just sharing as an anecdote, but in my 3 week old 93G with SPS amongst other corals, I just threw a 1/2 cup of salt in my filter sock to get my SG up.
With no corals/livestock in your tank, shouldn't be an issue bringing up your SG.
I actually wasn't planning on adding corals at the beginning. I will however want to add an anemone for the pair of clowns were getting after this thing cycles.
I'm already nuts watching these numbers. I'll relax a little down the road, but I figure if I'm specific with my numbers now, it will make it simpler in the long run.
I'm already nuts watching these numbers. I'll relax a little down the road, but I figure if I'm specific with my numbers now, it will make it simpler in the long run.
IMHO running test during the cycle are not a lot of practical use but still a good thing for a new reefer. Why? Because it helps you to understand what is going on in the bio-cycle a bit better which will help down the road and it will help you get used to actually doing the tests. Starting good habits from the get go are key for me. If I start to let things slide I know that down the road I will let them slide toooooooo much one day. Same goes with water changes. Even though my readings each week don't really show that one is needed, I do a 10% every Saturday or Sunday. As long as I stick to that I will stick to that. If you get my meaning. But that is just me. 
I'm with ya. I chart all my numbers just so I have a better understanding of what's going on in the world on the other side of the glass. Plus...............doing all the tests gives me something to do between standing here watching the aquarium and running to the kitchen to see if the water's boiling yet!!!!!!!!!
Just my opinion but.....nothing. At least until you finish cycling the tank. These things will swing all over the place while the tank cycles. If you try to control them you are going to mess it up big time. Other agitating the water surface with the power heads to help gas exchange, I wouldn't do anything. Again, just my opinion.
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update nowI started off converting a 46-gallon bowfront from fresh to salt. 4 months later I upgraded to a 125-gallon. I find it alot easier to maintain and enjoy with the bigger tank. My problem is taking it slow, especially coming in here. I have an idea on how I want my tank to look and what I want in it. Low and behold, somebody is either selling something at an amazing price or giving it away. I test my water and clean my filters every other week. As of today, all my numbers have been perfect.
I started with a pretty good amount of LR so I didn't use anything. But, when the time came to verify that I was cycled, I used pure amonia. The Ace Hardware brand is pure. I used a capful in my 45 which was WAY too much but fortunately, the BB processed it fine within a 24 hour period. If you go that route, try to dose it to 4 PPM and keep it there for serveral days. Once you can dose to 4 and have 0 amonia and 0 nitrite after 24 hours you should be good to go. At least that is what I was taught.
