One Month In

[cmor1701d]

How long was the LR out of water before you added it to the tank. There could be some minimal die off that caused the mini-spike. Once you have a large enough colony of nitrifying bacteria built up it won't be a problem.

[CluelessInNY]

The LR went from the LFS to my tank in 30 minutes, so I think it was okay. I'm not too concerned about it (should I be?). I suspect it will settle down in about a week from the time I dropped it in.
I did a 10% PWC last night using distilled water, instead of tap. See?, I'm learning. When I do a 25% change, I'll go to my LFS, who sells 5 gallon buckets of mature marine water at $6.99. Worth every penny in my mind.

[roka64]

I would look into pre-mixing your own water. I have two tanks and have a 32G bucket (with wheels) a ph and heater, that I run all the time. It is a good idea to pre mix your water, so you can get the same or close to your tanks parameters, namely: salinity, temp and pH.

+++EDIT+++
Plus you won't have to lug that water all the time and will have extra, just in case.

[CluelessInNY]

One of the things I failed to look into when I first started was the size of my place, Roka. Unfortunately, I live in an apartment with limited space. I have 5 and 2-gallon buckets for 25% and 10% PWC respectively, but I am so limited in space, that keeping a 5 gallon bucket of mixed water in my place is just not reasonable space-wise. I keep the buckets with lids stashed in my car trunk.
I know, this is no hobby for the short of cash, but I do have to think frugally and I think it can be done on a budget. Why should the fiscally powerful be the only ones to enjoy this hobby?
Your advice is always appreciated, not to mention spot on, but I really am limited in a couple of ways in my tiny apartment. I think the water from the LFS will have to be my option for now.
Incidentally, I inted to move next January! So keep an eye open for my posts about how to move a working aquarium!!!

[CluelessInNY]

I took another sample today and my ammonia is 0.25, so it's back to where it's been for weeks. I did a 10% PWC and it looks like that may have helped.
Have you guys ever heard of a Mantis Shrimp? I just read a thread about one and I am wondering why I bought LR now! LOL

[cmor1701d]

Do you think you have a mantis in your LR?
They do sometimes arrive as hitchhikers, but not that often. They are best removed from the tank and placed in a species tank or traded to the lfs for store credit.

[CluelessInNY]

No, I don't believe so. I am going to move ahead and invest in my Clownfish and hope it isn't going to get eaten by a mantis. I jsut read a thread about one in a guy's tank and it sounds likehte most frithening creature ever!

[cmor1701d]

Do a search on this site for mantis and you will find some interesting threads.

How often are you buying 5 gallons pails from the lfs? You can store a RODI unit under the sink and make your own mix when needed. Keep a bucket of salt mix in the trunk and use it as needed. Has to be cheaper in the long run.