Ok here is my first question

[jprince]

Hi All


As posted before, this is my first try @ salt. I have a few questions I'm sure you have heard a million times, but please bare with me. My info is as follows.

• 45 gallon with 60 lbs LS and 55 lbs uncured LR
• Marineland Biowheel 350
• Marineland 1140 300GPH powerhead
• Whisper heater

My tank has been running for 4 days now, and here are the test results as of this afternoon.

• PH = 7.8
• Ammo = .50
• Trite = 1.0
• Trate = 20 PPM
• SG = .020 @ 78 F

Here is the question. I know my PH is a tad low, but the Ammo and Trites have remained the same. No rise or "spike" yet that I can tell. The Trates showed up today. Is my tank in fact "cycling"? What should I do to maintain my PH? I have been testing everyday, and would have thought I would see a change by now. I am using API saltwater master test kit. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Jeff

 

[ccCapt]

Those #'s look more like the end of a cycle, not the 4th day. Regardless, you will be done cycling when ammonia is 0. You're SG is on the low side too. 1.023 - 1.026 is recommended. I wouldn't worry about pH during cycling, but do you have a lid on the tank?

 

[jprince]

No lid on the tank. I know one will raise my PH, but wouldn't that affect my oxygenation? It seems like a catch 22. I know the SG is also a bit low, but I was going to wait for a water change before raising it. Would that be acceptable? Thanks for the advice.

 

[cmor1701d]

1.020 is fiine for a FO or FOWLR tank, but I would still bump up the SG a tad. The tank is still cycling so no big deal to mix a gallon up to 1.035 and use that for top off water.

I would expect the ammonia to spike much higher in the next day or two. If it doesn't then you should add a raw shrimp to kick start the cycle.

 

[melosu58]

I agree. Dont worry about PH during the cycle. Here is a good article as to what to expect.

Cycle your salt tank

 

[jprince]

Thanks for putting up with the newbie questions you guys! I just want to be sure I do it right the first time. Thanks again!

Jeff

 

[lando]

Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!
Sounds like you are off to a ggod start. Keep an eye on water paramters and once NH3 and NO2 spike and fall to zero, you will notice a large spike in NO3. At this time do a sizable (50%) water change and test agian in a couple of days. If all is well you are cycled and can start to SLOWLY add livestock.