Ammonia and bacteria

RobertP1969

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My question is I just started a 150 gal tank it is finally down to 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrites, 25ppm nitrates. My question is since bacteria consume ammonia
will all the bacteria die while I'm waiting on my fish? I ordered from Dr. Reefs and it may be a week or more. I have some pods and phyto coming in the next few days
 

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No but it wouldn't be a bad idea to do a water change or add some macroalgae (if you also have phosphates). Kudos for going with QT'd fish
 

GARRIGA

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Carbon dosing how I dropped my nitrates. Had to add phosphates, however. Kept feeding it ammonium chloride as I waited to add life and that built up the bacterial population to the point I was able to increase my daily dosage of ammonium chloride.
 

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what should nitrates be before adding fish?


I prefer less than 25ppm because its easier to control. However, what is considered good or high is not really clear other than having a few ppm be the minimum for a stable tank.
 

GARRIGA

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Fish much more tolerant of higher nitrates. Corals becomes debatable as it appears lots of range provided by users but I'd be aiming for 25 ppm or less as well. Easiest for me to keep them under 20 although running algae scrubbers and Fuge can bottom that out quickly and I purposely overfeed therefore not concerned with zero as I know there's always an influx of nutrients being processed quickly. Heavy in. Heavy out the term I've heard and how I approach tanks.
 

Solo McReefer

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My question is I just started a 150 gal tank it is finally down to 0ppm ammonia, 0ppm nitrites, 25ppm nitrates. My question is since bacteria consume ammonia
will all the bacteria die while I'm waiting on my fish? I ordered from Dr. Reefs and it may be a week or more. I have some pods and phyto coming in the next few days
Ol timers would pee in the tank

I dare ya
 
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OP
R

RobertP1969

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I'll do like a 25 gallon water change tomorrow that will bring it below 20 if my math is somewhere near correct lol
 

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