Live rock die off

[GodOSoot]

So I was told you are supposed to use a turkey baster to "blow off" the die off on LR after it is in the tank.

Also when I setup the tank the water was cold(long drive from the LFS) and it seems I haven't killed off everything by using cold water because I had a couple of hitchhickers as well.

Well I had a bit of spillage as well in the car and I had to top off with DI water because I don't have salt. It is easier for me to go to the LFS for water changes than do it myself but I may do it myself since it is only a 12g Aquapod. Salt would last pretty long if I am only replacing 2-3 gallons at a time. I am in an apartment so I would be buying RO/DI from the store and my own salt or driving an getting premixed water from a LFS(not the big chains either, all they do is SW).

I have not tested the water yet, I figure I give it 5 days then see where I'm at. Currently at day 2 with the tank running.

Looks like 2 hermits are the hitchhikers I will post up a pic when I get home tonight.

My current light schedule is moonlight on 24/7, antics on from 8ishAM to 9 ishPM and whites on from 12PM to 8PM. Does this sound about right? I heard it was a good idea to not have the daylights burn away for more than 8 hours to stem bad algae growth.

 

[cmor1701d]

Was this cured or uncured LR?
Uncured should be scrubbed of obviusly dead stuff before going into the tank.

So you have a RODI unit but you don't have any salt?
You should get a refractometer to measure the SG of the tank and your change water. You should also get a box of salt and keep 5 gallon pail mixed and sealed for PWC's and emergency's.

You don't need any lights during cycling. Most run actinics for 12 hours and 10k for 10 hours per day, but 8 hours is fine too.

 

[austinsdad]

I run actinic/blue for 10 hours and white for 8. 1 hour blue before and after the white. But as mentioned, you don't need light while cycling. If you wanna view, I'd suggest only 3-4hours of any light so you can gaze. Gotta gaze, this is fascinating stuff IMO.

You got heat in there now, right?

Moonlight 24/7 is pretty standard. Some turn on auto when the others go out anyway.

I'd probably blow off only after you start skimming. Otherwise, you're just moving it around.

 

[GodOSoot]

No I either buy RO/DI in gallon jugs to mix my own salt(if I deciede to do that) or I get it from the LFS. They premix it for their tanks and everything is alive and healthly so I rather use theirs to cut down on my overhead. Like I said I live in an apartment so I either buy premixed or gallon jugs.

It said cured but I did have a rather long drive home in cold weather and yes I have a heater. Skimming I have thought about a Nano Fission skimmer and may give it a try if not only PWC then since I was told that is sufficient with nanos.

I am not going to buy a refractometer yet, I will get a hydrometer though.