Saltwater & Reef

sanchezkk · 03-02-2012, 05:09 PM

What chemicals do I need to check for when I am starting a saltwater aquarium? I am using the API Test Kit. So far I've tested for Nitrates, Nitrites, pH, and Ammonia. Are those the basic things I need to monitor for a beginning cycling FOWLR tank?

My Little Ocean · 03-02-2012, 06:53 PM

The idea is to have no ammonia, no nitrites, controllable nitrates below 15 for fish only no corals, PH >8 <8.4 salinity of 1.023 temp 25C these are very basic params

sanchezkk · 03-03-2012, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My Little Ocean

The idea is to have no ammonia, no nitrites, controllable nitrates below 15 for fish only no corals, PH >8 <8.4 salinity of 1.023 temp 25C these are very basic params

Thanks for the reply

scottayy · 03-03-2012, 01:19 AM

Well, I could save you some tests.

Just check for ammonia until you don't have any. Then check for nitrites until you don't have any. Then check all 3 - ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and do a large pwc.

pH will remain pretty constant but you want to check periodically to see if there's a low reading. if so do a pwc to replenish the buffers.

your temp can be higher during cycling - 82-83F

sanchezkk · 03-03-2012, 08:20 AM

Why would you recommend the temperature to be higher?

I'm checking the ammonia levels every 2 days and everything else is being checked weekly, according to the API testing kit instructions.

My Little Ocean · 03-03-2012, 08:27 AM

Just test for ammonia just to start with, what are you using for the ammonia source?

sanchezkk · 03-03-2012, 05:11 PM

Nothing just doing a normal slow cycle with no additives to rush it.

My Little Ocean · 03-03-2012, 05:35 PM

Nothing? You need ammonia to start a cycle like a dead shrimp or adding ammonia to the tank otherwise when you think your finished and you add a fish and it creates ammonia (poop) then you will have another cycle not good as fish can't handle ammonia and nitrite

SeanMonster · 03-03-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My Little Ocean

Nothing? You need ammonia to start a cycle like a dead shrimp or adding ammonia to the tank otherwise when you think your finished and you add a fish and it creates ammonia (poop) then you will have another cycle not good as fish can't handle ammonia and nitrite

Agreed. No ammonia source = no nitrogen cycle. And you certainly don't want to start one with the addition of your fish. Both inhumane and costly.