Next steps?

[Markclaster]

So the clowns have been in for a week. Ammonia and nitrites are 0. Nitrates are about 10. Can I add a couple more small fish? Do I need to do a partial water change? (I've seen about a million different answers to this online)
when can I add a few easy corals?

 

[jcook54]

How long has the tank been set up? And how big is the tank?

 

[Markclaster]

How long has the tank been set up? And how big is the tank?

Since Jan 25. I used Caribsea Life Rock and live sand. Also a bottle of Biospira to kick it off. and it's a 36gallon bow front.

 

[jcook54]

I wouldn't have any issue adding a few more fish and doing a small water change. Sounds like you want to do corals and I try to keep my nitrates somewhere around 5. 10 isn't outta hand but you could do a few gallons and just get in the habit. Do you have the test kits for the 'big 3'? Calcium, Alkalinity and Magnesium? I'd also test for phosphates.

Honestly, you could add a coral of some sort right now. There's nothing taking any elements up at all and if you're using any sort of reef based salt mix, the levels will be sufficient. You could try a softie or even an easy SPS. What are you using for lights?

 

[Markclaster]

I've got a Mars Aqua black box I am hanging today. I don't have test kits for those yet. I was going to take a water sample to the LFS for sure.

 

[jcook54]

No worries, I mentioned the test kits as items to pick up. Even if you threw a frag in there right now, it wouldn't start taking up much for a few days and even then wouldn't take up much. Double check the levels with an LFS, grab another fish or two (after some research) and let's get you a frag of something! I've got a few to pick from so hit me up in a DM, you'll find my prices for new members very, very reasonable.* Especially since gas prices are so low.

*after reading my post I realized that I sounded like a used care salesman. I meant to say Free. I'll give you your first frag, free.

 

[Markclaster]

No worries, I mentioned the test kits as items to pick up. Even if you threw a frag in there right now, it wouldn't start taking up much for a few days and even then wouldn't take up much. Double check the levels with an LFS, grab another fish or two (after some research) and let's get you a frag of something! I've got a few to pick from so hit me up in a DM, you'll find my prices for new members very, very reasonable.* Especially since gas prices are so low.

*after reading my post I realized that I sounded like a used care salesman. I meant to say Free. I'll give you your first frag, free.

Wow that's super generous! I'd love that and to also check out your tank.

 

[kullas]

Wow that's super generous! I'd love that and to also check out your tank.

It's very nice. And gsp will live in anything just about. I live on the outer edge of the north side if you are up this way I could give ya frag of it.

 

[Markclaster]

It's very nice. And gsp will live in anything just about. I live on the outer edge of the north side if you are up this way I could give ya frag of it.

Thanks so much! I’ve been thinking I wanted to do GSP on the back glass. Are you actually in Ellijay? That’s probably a 2+ hour drive from Loganville?

 

[kullas]

Thanks so much! I’ve been thinking I wanted to do GSP on the back glass. Are you actually in Ellijay? That’s probably a 2+ hour drive from Loganville?

I am actually in Ellijay. If we have the meeting next Sunday and you make it I can bring it then if you want it.

 

[Markclaster]

I am actually in Ellijay. If we have the meeting next Sunday and you make it I can bring it then if you want it.

unfortunately I have a Golden Retreiver Club meeting at the same time as the Reef Club. Hopefully I’ll get to go to the next one.

 

[Rainblood]

I am actually in Ellijay. If we have the meeting next Sunday and you make it I can bring it then if you want it.

I think the meeting is cancelled.

 

[kullas]

I think the meeting is cancelled.

Yea

 

[appaloosa1224]

I'd highly recommend not adding more fish at this time. The vast majority of problems in this hobby come from going too fast. I wouldn't add any more fish for at least 4-6 months, even then, you'll be maxing your tank out with another 2 fish, maybe 3, if they are small. Spend this time getting the tank established and adding corals and some inverts and learning as much as you can. I know it's tempting, but I've seen so many tanks go wrong from taking things too fast, and the animals are the ones who pay the price.

 

[Markclaster]

I'd highly recommend not adding more fish at this time. The vast majority of problems in this hobby come from going too fast. I wouldn't add any more fish for at least 4-6 months, even then, you'll be maxing your tank out with another 2 fish, maybe 3, if they are small. Spend this time getting the tank established and adding corals and some inverts and learning as much as you can. I know it's tempting, but I've seen so many tanks go wrong from taking things too fast, and the animals are the ones who pay the price.

Thanks for the input. I spent a lot of time at Classic City Aquarium today and I actually added a Kupang Damsel and a Royal Gramma. A shrimp and some snails. And some easy corals. That’s all the fish for a while. Maybe one more down the road.