alex37310
Active Member
So here it is, I finally started my reef tank cycle. I had done tons of research on pretty much every topic I needed to go through before starting (DIY stand, size, flow, rocks, substrate, sump, skimmer, overflow etc etc) and kinda had a lot of information to process and was getting kinda confused with some of the mixed information I was receiving. So I decided to cycle following the source that seemed trustworthy from what I’ve noticed: BRS CYCLE GUIDE.
So yes, I started cycling with a clownfish… eek!!! A couple days in and with some issues with my water (high nitrate and nitrite for some reason in my tank and first couple batch of RODI…) I kept doing research and now understand the risks and ethics around cycling with clownfish, I would have done things really differently had I understand all these prior.
So I’ve basically been doing water changes while cycle to keep my ammonia below one.
Current reading for the past 36h without water changes are 0.5ppm ammonia - 1ppm nitrite - 20ppm nitrate.
I have a 55g dt with a 29g sump only filled about 2/3 of the way with a skimmer in that has been off the whole time.
Socks are off, skimmer off, no lights.
Diet: I have omega one marine mini pellets, freeze dried mysis and freeze dried brine. I have been alternating the freeze dried every couple days and mostly feed the pellets once or twice daily based on how much he ate the first feeding.
Nitrifying Bacteria: I wanted to use the one and only by dr Tim but the lfs didn’t have it and sent me home with Seed. I started day 1 and 2 with seed and added dr Tim’s One and Only on day 3 after it got delivered. My understanding was that you cannot overdose these and I had kept the sock on the first couple days and was worried it got trapped in too.
Today is day 8: while the ammonia and nitrite haven’t raise in the past day and a half since the last water changes I notice something hanging from my little clown. A white stringy thing. I thought he was pooping but it was hanging there for a good 5-10min. I’m worried about internal parasite and wanted to ask you guys your opinion. I will also go check my lfs World Wide Corals tomorrow.
Second thing I’ve noticed which I haven’t been too worried about but still concerns me a bit is his activity/swimming habit. He’s glued to the top right of the tank by the overflow. It seems pretty normal from what I’m reading. Sometimes he swims a bit funny like he’s struggling to fight current. I dialed down my hygger 1321gph waved maker to 50-55% on random pattern. He moves a bit more towards the center when everything is off but always stays on the top third of the tank. I also have small 480gph power head going against current (return to overflow). My return pump is not that powerful. Probably 300gph ish I would have to test it.
Anything I should be worried about? Thank you so much! Filter socks are still off too and was wondering if I should put them back as I see a bunch of stuff floating in the tank
So yes, I started cycling with a clownfish… eek!!! A couple days in and with some issues with my water (high nitrate and nitrite for some reason in my tank and first couple batch of RODI…) I kept doing research and now understand the risks and ethics around cycling with clownfish, I would have done things really differently had I understand all these prior.
So I’ve basically been doing water changes while cycle to keep my ammonia below one.
Current reading for the past 36h without water changes are 0.5ppm ammonia - 1ppm nitrite - 20ppm nitrate.
I have a 55g dt with a 29g sump only filled about 2/3 of the way with a skimmer in that has been off the whole time.
Socks are off, skimmer off, no lights.
Diet: I have omega one marine mini pellets, freeze dried mysis and freeze dried brine. I have been alternating the freeze dried every couple days and mostly feed the pellets once or twice daily based on how much he ate the first feeding.
Nitrifying Bacteria: I wanted to use the one and only by dr Tim but the lfs didn’t have it and sent me home with Seed. I started day 1 and 2 with seed and added dr Tim’s One and Only on day 3 after it got delivered. My understanding was that you cannot overdose these and I had kept the sock on the first couple days and was worried it got trapped in too.
Today is day 8: while the ammonia and nitrite haven’t raise in the past day and a half since the last water changes I notice something hanging from my little clown. A white stringy thing. I thought he was pooping but it was hanging there for a good 5-10min. I’m worried about internal parasite and wanted to ask you guys your opinion. I will also go check my lfs World Wide Corals tomorrow.
Second thing I’ve noticed which I haven’t been too worried about but still concerns me a bit is his activity/swimming habit. He’s glued to the top right of the tank by the overflow. It seems pretty normal from what I’m reading. Sometimes he swims a bit funny like he’s struggling to fight current. I dialed down my hygger 1321gph waved maker to 50-55% on random pattern. He moves a bit more towards the center when everything is off but always stays on the top third of the tank. I also have small 480gph power head going against current (return to overflow). My return pump is not that powerful. Probably 300gph ish I would have to test it.
Anything I should be worried about? Thank you so much! Filter socks are still off too and was wondering if I should put them back as I see a bunch of stuff floating in the tank
