Hi,
I'm in the process of setting up my 29 gallon tank as fish/invert tank. Saltwater is in tank and powerheads are running. Will be adjusting salt levels tonight and adding all live sand. 45# of Fiji LR is shipping Fri to arrive on Sat. I've done a lot of reading (books, articles, and forum) over the last few weeks and now I'm starting to get everything mixed up. I guess I'm looking for best recommendations on a few things.
1) I have AquaClear powerheads. What should I cover the inputs with so fish/critters don't get sucked up?
2) Are water changes needed during the cycle phase or not? I've heard both. If so, what conditions would apply? i.e. what would the ammonia &/or nitrite levels need to get to in order to need a water change?
3) What parameters should I see when the final 40-50% water change is needed at the end of the cycle? Obviously ammonia and nitrite should be zero but what about nitrate?
4) My LFS told me I could use my freshwater test kit for the above listed testing. That doesn't seem right to me. Is this true?
5) Should the skimmer be run when cycling with the LR? Or best to leave off? (using Remora)
6) Best to run lights during cycle or leave off? I've heard advantages and disadvantages of both. Perhaps have them on for 3-4 hours a day only?
7) Can the salt gravity float between the recommended levels? Or is it really important to keep it at one level? i.e. okay as long as between 1.020 - 1.024? Or is there a big difference in these?
8) When all is cycled and I've added my cleanup crew (ordering a pack of about 65 small critters) how long should the lights be on then? 8-10 hours a day? More?
Thank you in advance!!! I want to get this right while I have the chance
Denise
I'm in the process of setting up my 29 gallon tank as fish/invert tank. Saltwater is in tank and powerheads are running. Will be adjusting salt levels tonight and adding all live sand. 45# of Fiji LR is shipping Fri to arrive on Sat. I've done a lot of reading (books, articles, and forum) over the last few weeks and now I'm starting to get everything mixed up. I guess I'm looking for best recommendations on a few things.
1) I have AquaClear powerheads. What should I cover the inputs with so fish/critters don't get sucked up?
2) Are water changes needed during the cycle phase or not? I've heard both. If so, what conditions would apply? i.e. what would the ammonia &/or nitrite levels need to get to in order to need a water change?
3) What parameters should I see when the final 40-50% water change is needed at the end of the cycle? Obviously ammonia and nitrite should be zero but what about nitrate?
4) My LFS told me I could use my freshwater test kit for the above listed testing. That doesn't seem right to me. Is this true?
5) Should the skimmer be run when cycling with the LR? Or best to leave off? (using Remora)
6) Best to run lights during cycle or leave off? I've heard advantages and disadvantages of both. Perhaps have them on for 3-4 hours a day only?
7) Can the salt gravity float between the recommended levels? Or is it really important to keep it at one level? i.e. okay as long as between 1.020 - 1.024? Or is there a big difference in these?
8) When all is cycled and I've added my cleanup crew (ordering a pack of about 65 small critters) how long should the lights be on then? 8-10 hours a day? More?
Thank you in advance!!! I want to get this right while I have the chance
Denise