Lets run through the 20g tank specs:
Then I set up my two filters. One has new coarse foam, 3 seeded marine pure bio balls, new ceramic media from the filter, and 3-4 seeded plastic bio balls on top. Second has all new foam & ceramic media, and 3-4 seeded plastic bio balls on top. After that, I spread 3 seeded bio balls in different locations in the tank in hopes of spreading out the bacteria I was hoping to retain.
Next I took a coarse filter sponge and filter floss from the 90 gal's sump, rinsed the coarse foam in my new tank, and floated the floss in my tank for a few hours eventually wringing it out in my tank. (Had all my filters on as well as my powerhead.) I also added some water from the 90 gal, from the bucket that had held my seeded media and filters but it was probably around a quart or 1/2 gallon not an impactful amount in my opinion but I figured it couldn't hurt.
A few hours later after my tank had mostly cleared up, I measured my parameters, and went to my LFS and purchased a firefish goby!
I also purchased some zeolite/ammonia detoxifier and tossed it on my sand bed (after rinsing well in some RODI) in an area with decent flow to reduce the harm done, if any, to my new little friend.
Today 1/16 I fed my firefish before noon, being careful to not overfeed. I fed quite literally just enough food the fish would consume (4-6 freeze dried mysis shrimp) and then again with a similar # of brine shrimp around 8:15 PM, as I was feeding the 90 gal as well. Fish consumed virtually all food both times.
Measured my parameters again today; SG was good, and ph, alkalinity & temp were stable. Ammonia measured at .25 ppm. I was surprised to see ammonia so quickly, but hopefully the zeolite is working its magic. I did not measure phosphate & nitrate 1/15, but 1/16 I did and recorded .50 ppm phosphates & 20 ppm nitrates. Surprised me again there to see so quickly but might have come from the water or media I added I'm assuming.
I attached a picture from today, my firefish was polite enough to pose outside of his newfound conch shell home! LOL
I am hoping to slide the shell forward a bit and add some more rock behind it but I will get to that as I increase the stock of the tank I think.
Let me know what you think, if you have any insights on my testing, or if you'd like any more info don't hesitate to ask!
Happy reefing,
Vincent
- Tank: 20 gallon aquarium with a Flipper 10/20 gallon aquarium stand
- Filter: Aquaclear 50 filter x2
- Heater: Cascade heat 30 gallon 150w heater
- Lighting: Aqueon Obtibright+ lights
- Powerhead: Sicce Voyager Nano 1000 powerhead
- Substrate: 10-15 lbs of dry rocks and 20 lbs of live sand
- Thermometer
- Protein skimmer: Mini Q nano internal protein skimmer
- Automatic top-off system: AutoAqua ATO
- 3 Kasa smart plug mini's (for powerhead & filters)
Then I set up my two filters. One has new coarse foam, 3 seeded marine pure bio balls, new ceramic media from the filter, and 3-4 seeded plastic bio balls on top. Second has all new foam & ceramic media, and 3-4 seeded plastic bio balls on top. After that, I spread 3 seeded bio balls in different locations in the tank in hopes of spreading out the bacteria I was hoping to retain.
Next I took a coarse filter sponge and filter floss from the 90 gal's sump, rinsed the coarse foam in my new tank, and floated the floss in my tank for a few hours eventually wringing it out in my tank. (Had all my filters on as well as my powerhead.) I also added some water from the 90 gal, from the bucket that had held my seeded media and filters but it was probably around a quart or 1/2 gallon not an impactful amount in my opinion but I figured it couldn't hurt.
A few hours later after my tank had mostly cleared up, I measured my parameters, and went to my LFS and purchased a firefish goby!
I also purchased some zeolite/ammonia detoxifier and tossed it on my sand bed (after rinsing well in some RODI) in an area with decent flow to reduce the harm done, if any, to my new little friend.
Today 1/16 I fed my firefish before noon, being careful to not overfeed. I fed quite literally just enough food the fish would consume (4-6 freeze dried mysis shrimp) and then again with a similar # of brine shrimp around 8:15 PM, as I was feeding the 90 gal as well. Fish consumed virtually all food both times.
Measured my parameters again today; SG was good, and ph, alkalinity & temp were stable. Ammonia measured at .25 ppm. I was surprised to see ammonia so quickly, but hopefully the zeolite is working its magic. I did not measure phosphate & nitrate 1/15, but 1/16 I did and recorded .50 ppm phosphates & 20 ppm nitrates. Surprised me again there to see so quickly but might have come from the water or media I added I'm assuming.
I attached a picture from today, my firefish was polite enough to pose outside of his newfound conch shell home! LOL
I am hoping to slide the shell forward a bit and add some more rock behind it but I will get to that as I increase the stock of the tank I think.
Let me know what you think, if you have any insights on my testing, or if you'd like any more info don't hesitate to ask!
Happy reefing,
Vincent
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