water level while cycleing my Nano

[Zero333]

All I am currently 4 days into my Nano cycle and was curious what I should do regarding my water level? I am about 1" lower then where I started. Should I top off with "perfect" water from my LFS or should I just wait this out till the cycle is over. Only thing in the tank now is Live Sand and Live Rock. Also I am getting some brown algea on the sand and some hard (tried to scrape with my fingernail) green algea is forming on my rocks.

Thanks

current water readings
Ammonia - .25 (down from .5 yesterday)
Nitrite - .1 (down from .2 yesterday)
Nitrate - 15
Alk - normal
PH - 8.2

 

[DJLiquid]

Top it off. Good to start practicing that now.

 

[melosu58]

I agree go ahead and top it off.

 

[Zero333]

Also the water I picked up from the LFS is in a large sealed bucket in a storage room. Should I be keeping this water circulated?

 

[DJLiquid]

Keep it the way it is. I only circulate salt water if I made it myself and just for a day before putting it in my tank. I would keep it closed to avoid evaporation too.

 

[Ziggy953]

Yes top off the tank, this will keep your SG correct during your cycle. After your cycle is complete you will do a large PWC.

I've never bought water so I can't really comment on that.

 

[jonnythan]

The "perfect" water from the LFS is salt water, right?

You should be topping off with distilled or RO water. Or treated tap water.

 

[Zero333]

thanks for the responses. the "perfect" water has salt mixed in there already. I realized adding this to the tank for any purpose other then a PWC would throw my SG all over. I Spoke with the LFS and they set me up with something for topping off.

 

[Ziggy953]

Good that you checked with the LFS and that you realized that adding SW would cause your SG to spike.

I know you have a nano but if you look on ebay you can get an RO/DI unit for under $100 shipped and you can mix your own SW and make your own "perfect" top off water. In the long run it will save you a lot of money.

 

[Zero333]

Good that you checked with the LFS and that you realized that adding SW would cause your SG to spike.

I know you have a nano but if you look on ebay you can get an RO/DI unit for under $100 shipped and you can mix your own SW and make your own "perfect" top off water. In the long run it will save you a lot of money.

Agreed. I am actually in the works for getting this done within the month. I just needed something for the time being. My old place had a RO unit with the tap in the kitchen sink. That being the case I never had this problem before. So i am currently looking for effective alternatives. I really only need about 5 gallons a month (including top-off and PWC). Any suggestions on small units?

 

[Ziggy953]

There really aren't any "small" units. The investment for a 6 stage RO/DI unit is well worth it though. You will use it more then you realize and it will pay for it's self.