Need help!

[Horvy19]

I put raw shrimp in my 14 gal nano for an ammonia source. And in 24 hours my ammonia went from 0.25 to 4.0 pm. Should I take shrimp out now? And I was told to do a water change but how much?

 

[Race37]

I would leave the shimp in for a few days to make sure u have ample ammonia to build up bacteria. And don't change the water until the cycle is done, just top it of with rodi water to keep the salinity correct.

 

[Convict2161]

I did a water change while my tank was cycling and it turned out fine. Different strokes ya know...

It's all good though. Do whatever you feel is in your best interest. When my ammonia peaked high I did a 5 gallon water change on my BC29 and replaced the shrimp. My cycle took about 2 weeks if that.

My tank is over 9 months old with zero issues.

We all have different opinions and it's could to share what others have done.

The choice is yours.

The Con

 

[Horvy19]

Thanks guys appreciate all advice! But what is an ample amount of ammonia? 8.0?

 

[Huffers]

Much of the aerobic bacteria needed to convert ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate does not live in the water column. Rather, it lives upon our rocks, sand and other surface areas. Therefore doing water changes is not going to effect your ability to grow these beneficial bacteria. With that being said, most hobbyists prefer to wait until the cycle has completed before doing water changes thus assuring themselves that enough aerobic bacteria has developed. And yes, 4.0 ammonia should be an adequate amount to start the process. I would personally wait until that number has dropped and all your reading are nitrates before starting your water changes. Just make sure your keeping your salinity consistent by topping off everyday with fresh RO water.

 

[Horvy19]

 

[Horvy19]

What are these ?

 

[Convict2161]

Is it in a tube? Almost looks like a feather duster.

 

[Horvy19]

Yes it's is and there is a few of them.

 

[200 gallon reef]

Feather dusters or coco worms. Great for the tank!

 

[Horvy19]

Why are they good?

 

[200 gallon reef]

They are filter feeders. Clean particles out of your water. The are very docile and don't harm anything. They are between 20 & 40 dollars each at a lfs.

 

[Horvy19]

Nice thanks! Will they get bigger? Should my cycle kill them?

 

[200 gallon reef]

No. your cycle won't kill them. They will get bigger, they won't get really wide, they just grow their tube longer.

 

[Horvy19]

Cool thanks for the info! People on this site are awesome!

 

[200 gallon reef]

All aquarium people are awesome!

 

[Horvy19]

Can running a protien skimmer keep my nitrites low the whole cycle? Looks like my ammonia is dropping and my nitrate is rising, but nitrites haven't rised at all.

 

[Convict2161]

Can running a protien skimmer keep my nitrites low the whole cycle? Looks like my ammonia is dropping and my nitrate is rising, but nitrites haven't rised at all.

I don't think you wanna run a skimmer during your cycle. Just let it run it's course. Patience my friend.

Plus you have a 14 gallon, I wouldn't waste the money on a skimmer IMO.

 

[Horvy19]

Great I was told it was a must for a reef tank.

 

[Pufferlove]

Great I was told it was a must for a reef tank.

For a bigger tank yes but for a nano tank you don't really need it