I think the tank is ready. But diatomes showed up today.

[Dewey]

Well i guess i have a few more questions. Heres my water test results for today. Gravity 30 ppt---temp 80---p.h. 8.0---- ammonia 0 ppm---no2, 0 ppm--- no3, around 10ppm--

I started this tank on 8-13-03.

Do you think its finally safe to ad a fish and clean up crew?

If so what should i use for a clean up crew?

Diatoms showed up today. Should i cut back on lights? I run them 11 hours per day know. 8) Thanks for the help everyone.

(40 gallon octagon)(40 pounds live rock) Skimmer,maxi jet power head, Magnum 350 canister filter. Thanks Duane Johnson-- Austin mn

 

[reefrunner69]

Well i guess i have a few more questions. Heres my water test results for today. Gravity 30 ppm---temp 80---p.h. 8.0---- ammonia 0 ppm---no2, 0 ppm--- no3, around 10ppm--

The levels look OK, just a clarification...salinity is measured in ppt, specific gravity is measured in a number that would look like 1.023.

Do you think its finally safe to ad a fish and clean up crew?

I would raise the salinity to 35ppt (1.025 SG) @ 80*F, the mobile inverts that make up your clean up crew will not tolerate a low salinity too well. When you do get them make sure you do a slow drip acclimation, mobile inverts are very sensitive to changes in salinity, temp and ph.

If so what should i use for a clean up crew?

I would start with an assortment of snails, ceriths, trochus, nerites, nassarius.

Diatoms showed up today. Should i cut back on lights? I run them 11 hours per day know. 8)

They are a natural part of the cycle, they will eventually use up the silicate in the water and crash to a manageable level. The snails will help in the meantime.

 

[Dewey]

I would start with an assortment of snails, ceriths, trochus, nerites, nassarius.

Thanks For the reply Reefrunner,Ok i know what snails are ,This may seen like a stupid question but what are ceriths, trochus, nerites, nassarius. Im trying to look them up in my book. Thanks Duane

 

[Dewey]

Should i ad a fish?

Should i ad a fish or stick with the cleanup crew for know???? Thanks Duane

 

[steve-s]

Start with the clean up crew first. For reference only, you can check >>here<< for an ID on the snails mentioned by RR.

Now would also be the time to get the >>QT<< up and running for the first fish addition. Once it has goes through the QT process, the display tank and fish should be ready.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Dewey]

Snails

Do snails need a calcium supplement? Is 1 snail for every two gallons of water correct? Thanks Duane

 

[reefrunner69]

Do snails need a calcium supplement?

Yes and no. Snails will require calcium to build their shells, but they are a very small demand on the system, so if that is the only calcium consumer you have, the demand should easily be taken care of by regular water changes.

Is 1 snail for every two gallons of water correct? Thanks Duane

I think that is a little steep to start out with, I would start with 1 per 4 gallons or 5 gallons and if they aren't keeping up, then add more.

 

[border324]

I would raise the salinity to 35ppt (1.025 SG) @ 80*F, the mobile inverts that make up your clean up crew will not tolerate a low salinity too well. When you do get them make sure you do a slow drip acclimation, mobile inverts are very sensitive to changes in salinity, temp and ph

what is a slow drip acclimation and when, where, and how do you use it?

 

[Dewey]

Hermit crabs

Are hermit crabs good to ad to a clean up crew?
Are queen conch snails good to? thanks Duane

 

[reefrunner69]

Drip Acclimation