First partial water change and additions

[mdw1974]

I've been cycling my new 60 gallon tank for over 6 weeks now. All the tests are fine. Am I ok to add some invertebrates and what would you recommend. I'm new to SW also when do I do my first water change.

 

[kenny69]

If your tests are ok and you have 0 ammo and nitrites and some nitrate then id do a partial water change and get a small fish. As far as what to start with no clue. Sounds like your ready though.

Sent from my GT-I9305 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

If you haven't done a wc yet, and your nitrates aren't off the charts, the you probably haven't cycled the tank. What did you add as an ammonia source to start the cycle?

 

[mdw1974]

Hello. I used a live bacteria additive as well as live rock and live sand. The ammonia did go off the chart but I stuck with it. Used RO water to top up and they have come down again. There are lots of little snails and a star fish that snook in with the rock as well.

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

How high of an ammonia spike did you have? Generally you need more than just the LR and sand for an ammonia source, and those bacteria in a bottles are how lfs make money, they are no substitute for a cycle.

 

[mdw1974]

It went up to 0.6 mg/l. And that was 3 weeks ago tomorrow. The skimmer has lots of colour in it

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

Unfortunately that's bit a big enough spike to cycle a tank. I would suggest getting some pure ammonia or a thawed shrimp and add it to start your cycle. You want a spike above 5-6 mg/l not .5

 

[mdw1974]

The water I brought initially was used water from the lfs would that make a differance? If I get it to peak at 6 and then should I do a partial water change or wait for it to drop. I'd rather take my time and do it properly.

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

No, water doesn't contain the bb colonies, they will form on your rocks and sand bed. After you dose it up to ~6 mg/l let the ammonia and nitrite fall back down to 0, you nitrates should be very high at this point, then do a couple large water changes to get your nitrates down to a safe level.