Need help with new tank.

[aramis]

This is my first stab at starting a tank. I have been getting some advise from friends but still don't know if I am doing things right. I would just like to confirm some things...

Here is my setup: Two weeks ago, I started with a 30-gallon tank, 4" sand bed, and 45 pounds of uncured live rock (15 pounds will be taken out and given to a friend). I have a skimmer and two pumps.

Ammonia spiked immediately and within a week was near zero. Now, ammonia and Nitrite is at zero and Nitrate is at 7. This seems a little fast to me, or are things just going well right now?

There is some algae on the live rock. Do I need a cleanup crew now or do I wait a while?

Any suggestions would be appreciated - I don't want to start putting things in the tank too soon.

[Pineapple House]

This is likely thst exact oposite of what you think I would say, but thats a good start. As your tank cycles, nitrofying bacteria builds up. This bacteria will turn ammonia into nitrite, and nitrite into nitrate. It is a good sign that you see an ammonia spike, esspecielly when your tank is cycling. Don't worry, just leave it. It should go down soon, and then nitrite will start to go up, then start declining, and then you will see a nitrate spike. Nitrate is then removed by algeas and water changes.

PH =)

[phistio]

http://www.reefcentral.com/images/welcome.gif

this is an excellent way to cycle a tank!!!

some people say steer clear of uncured as it can sometimes introduce unexpected hitch hikers...

i say, do it...you migh get some really cool things living in your tank...and contrary to what some say...bristleworms and the what not are not bad! just be on the look out for any crabs, especially those that arebrown or purple in color...thes crabs (most commonly stone crabs - sp. mercenaria)crabs have been considered by most to not be "reef safe."

also, it's normal to see a few ammonia spikes, and i'll bet you see two more...the thing with uncurred rock is a lot of die off...and it's ok...but sponges are going to die off, and hair algae will die off...sea squirts, etc. but it will "mature" your water much faster!

i do encourage that you powerhead the heck out of your rock for at least a week. this will encourage what will live to get stronger, and what won't will detatch!

finally, i would keep all of your rock rather than give some to your friend...45lbs. of rock is a perfect amount for your tank...

did you get your rock from TBS??? (Tampa Bay Salwater)

best of luck!!!

[Seadazed]

I agree completely with Pineapple House and Phisto. I just want to add this: wait until your nitrates drop before you add any cleanup critters. This will be the first of a few algae blooms but be patient, and it sounds like your off to a good start. The most important thing you can do is RESEARCH! Research before you buy something (especially corals and fish) and continue to research it after you have bought it. People gain more and more knowledge about fish and corals everyday, so the better updated you are the better your chances are for success. Another important thing is to post any questions on boards like this, because no matter how weird(or normal) it may be I can guarantee that someone else has gone through the same thing and can offer you help. Good Luck!

[phistio]

as far as clean up...i might consider about 15 blue hair hermits...and 4 or 5 turbo snails...a week later i would add a pair of peppermint shrimp (in a month or so peppermint shrimp will be "out of season"...so get 'em soon) w.lymsata will eat unwated pests like aiptasia anemone's and help your tank complete the nitrification cycle.

[matrixnyc]

aramis, how are you making out with your tank?

[BigFish]

just thought I would add that curing live rock does not kill anythig that would not die in your normal tank it just stops all of the junk like unwanted algae and things from not beeing seen Most of the little critters will live as long as you keep the heat up and the flow going :mrgreen:

Please correct meif I am wrong ( you always do but this way I have already apoligized :mrgreen: )

[Pineapple House]

Actually, most of the critters will die. During shipping, many are damaged, and there's an extreme amount of die off. You don't want that to go into your tank, and cause an ammonia spike (If your tank is still cycling, it doesn't matter, might as well cure it in the main tank). I have to say, that nearly 99.9% of my life died off the rocks, but have over time, grown back. Water flow and heat won't solve much, you're still going to have some die off :)

Graham =)

[CulturedPearls]

This is my first stab at starting a tank. I have been getting some advise from friends but still don't know if I am doing things right. I would just like to confirm some things...

Here is my setup: Two weeks ago, I started with a 30-gallon tank, 4" sand bed, and 45 pounds of uncured live rock (15 pounds will be taken out and given to a friend). I have a skimmer and two pumps.

Ammonia spiked immediately and within a week was near zero. Now, ammonia and Nitrite is at zero and Nitrate is at 7. This seems a little fast to me, or are things just going well right now?

There is some algae on the live rock. Do I need a cleanup crew now or do I wait a while?

Any suggestions would be appreciated - I don't want to start putting things in the tank too soon.
I pretty much agree, but am not quite sure of what you mean exactly.

[pnut]

This is the second "dead post" that you brought back and only posted "I pretty much agree, but am not quite sure of what you mean exactly."

Don't post if this all you are going to do.