2 Weeks into the cycle, check these #'s out

[NHMARINE]

Hey , So I'm 2 weeks into the cycle with my 80G Tank with 60 LBS of Aragonite and 20 LBS of Bio Sand and 50 LBS of L/R and two Damsel's.
I'm runnning a wet/dry with an Eheim 2026 Canister.
2 48" Fluorescent lamps 1. Actinic "03" & 1 Actinic White (Both 40W)
Temp @ 77, S.G @ 1.023

I have tested my water every three days, and had these results........
5/25 PH 8.2 ALK Normal Ammonnia 0 Nitrate 0 Nitrite 0
5/28 PH 8.2 ALK Normal Ammonnia 0 Nitrate 0 Nitrite 0
5/31 PH 8.2 ALK Normal Ammonnia .125 Nitrate 0 Nitrite 0
6/4 PH 8.2 ALK Normal Ammonnia .125 Nitrate 0 Nitrite 0
6/7 PH 8.2 ALK Normal Ammonnia .250 Nitrate 0 Nitrite 0
Everything seems to be going smooth, just wanted to get alittle feed back from you guys.

I have noticed some Red Alage "Coraline" on my L/R and also on the sand , the other day I kinda moved the sand around to sort of mix it in, and also very lightly brushed the L/R alittle.

Oh ya, I almost forgot to ask............so when I purchased my L/R it had a few hitch hikers...........4-5 small hermit crabs (bright red legs) 1/2"-3/4'
and the other night after the lights where out for a few hours I peeked in and saw what looks like a caterpiller about 3 inches long (light in color) sticking out of one of the holes in the biggest PC of L/R I have (28LBS)
Could be a type of Brittle Star?...........I don't know, friend or foe?

The Damsels are doing great I feed them once a day, with Brine Shrimp.............I just shave a very thin PC off and mels it in a cup with tank water, also once in a while i will throw in some Pellet food (3-4)
I always make sure the eat every drop I put in.
I tell ya though when i feed them the go nuts!!. I feel like they are not getting enough, lol when i test my water they are right there checking it out.

Anyways I'm gonna head out of here......thanks in advance for you're comments

 

[ricky1414]

sounds like you have a bristleworm. Is this gonna be a reef someday, you may need to upgrade those lights. Sounds like you are on the right track.

 

[ricky1414]

Forgot to add, shouldn't your nitrite and/or nitrate levels be rising a little in regards to your tanks initial cycle?

 

[Johnsteph10]

Yeah, but this takes time as the bacteria that are part of the nitrogen cycle kick in...it can take a while...it looks like your ammonia is just starting to get high enough to get it up...you'll know it is starting when you start registering nitrites/nitrates. Make sure you monitor that ammonia -- you don't want it to get too high.

What test kits are you using?

Another good scientific test: Take a whiff of your tank: Does it smell like a calm relaxing day at the beach or like a dead whale has washed up on shore and the locals are planning to dynamite it? Beach=good. The other is self-explanatory!

John

 

[NHMARINE]

Forgot to add, shouldn't your nitrite and/or nitrate levels be rising a little in regards to your tanks initial cycle?

Yes, that's what I was thinking, but It looks like it's just going to take some more time.

For now I want to do fish and some inverts, inverts being some cleaner shrimp, star fish, sea urchin and maybe some tube worms. I want to add anoher 50 LBS of live rock at some point.

 

[NHMARINE]

What test kits are you using?
Another good scientific test: Take a whiff of your tank: Does it smell like a calm relaxing day at the beach or like a dead whale has washed up on shore and the locals are planning to dynamite it? Beach=good. The other is self-explanatory!
John

I'm using a Red Sea Marine Lab for my test kit.

John, you said don't let my Ammonia get to high what do you call to high on a cycle, and what should I do if It gets to that point?

And as far as that scientific test went........................no sun tan lotion, but there was no smell.

Thanks for the help.

 

[ricky1414]

The only problem with the Red Sea products for testing, and I have it as well, is that the ALK test is not really pinpoint. It will either be High, Normal, or Low. :?