20 gallon build

[BigRedsReefs10]

When were the bulbs last changed?

[jjh302]

The t5's were changed about a month ago and the MH's were just changed Sunday.

[BigRedsReefs10]

That may help, it may also be time to change/ clean your filter media. I would just siphon out as much as you can and if it comes back start digging deeper

[jjh302]

Filter media is something I do not have.

[jjh302]

Ok added my shrimp today. Let the wait begin! How long until I should see the ammonia rise? How long do I leave the shrimp in? I used one size large frozen raw shrimp. 31-50 per pound. Is one enough? How do I know when my cycle is over?

[Tobykourtney]

Originally Posted by jjh302

Ok added my shrimp today. Let the wait begin! How long until I should see the ammonia rise? How long do I leave the shrimp in? I used one size large frozen raw shrimp. 31-50 per pound. Is one enough? How do I know when my cycle is over?

Just check your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Your cycle is usually over when you have no ammonia or nitrites. I'd wait a week or 2 after that happens just to be sure.


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[Tobykourtney]

pic of the tank. I added some live rock to the display and some rubble for the refugium. Nitrites are barely detectable and I haven't had detectable ammonia for over a week.

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[Macscale]

Great can't wait to see where this tank goes.

[jjh302]

Nice pic bro! Even nicer stand!

[Tobykourtney]

Just tested the water today and got 0 ppm nitrite 0 ppm ammonia and 5 ppm nitrate.

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[Macscale]

Only 5ppm nitrate? Hmm... That doesn't seem right?

[Tobykourtney]

I have a skimmer and do 3 gallon water changes weekly.

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[Macscale]

Your doing water changes during the cycle?

[Tobykourtney]

Yea I understand it takes longer to cycle with water changes but I plan on waiting til I get back from vacation to add Any livestock. I leave in may and get back at the end of June so 3 months is a pretty long time without a water change.

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[Macscale]

Originally Posted by Tobykourtney

Yea I understand it takes longer to cycle with water changes but I plan on waiting til I get back from vacation to add Any livestock. I leave in may and get back at the end of June so 3 months is a pretty long time without a water change.

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It's not that it takes longer, it's just not gonna work well. You are ridding of the ammonia and such, so the BB doesn't break it down. So it won't cycle.

[Tobykourtney]

Removing the ammonia with 3 gallon water changes weekly?

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[Macscale]

Originally Posted by Tobykourtney

Removing the ammonia with 3 gallon water changes weekly?

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Yeah, it can disrupt the cycle, just not the best way to go about.

[Tobykourtney]

So I don't change the water for 3 months?

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[bribo12]

You change the water when the cycle ends basically. Btw you have the patience of a saint to let it go fish less for that long

[Macscale]

Originally Posted by Tobykourtney

So I don't change the water for 3 months?

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Well, you don't have anything that needs trace elements to be replenished ATM. And the tank is cycling, so nutrients aren't really an issue. The only problem I could see is phosphates introducing algae.