Is New Tank Matured?

[RacinRabit]

I have just converted my 55 gallon freshwater tank to a saltwater tank. The tank has been up and running now since July 10 without fish, lights on, undergravel filter power heads on and heater on. Since the local store selling saltwater fish would not provide me with a small sample of substrate to start the bacteria population in the tank, I used 118 mL of "Cycle" by Nutrafin to innoculate the tank. Current chemistry readings show that Ammonia (0.5 mg/L), Nitrite (0.5 mg/L) and Nitrate (0 mg/L) are stable with temperature of 75.4 oF, pH 8.2 and Salinity of 1.021. While I have not been able to take daily chemistry measurements due to business travel schedules, I suspect that the the classic rise and subsequent fall of Ammonia or corresponding increase in Nitrate has not occurred. My question is: is the tank not yet matured because of too low a dose of "Cycle" for the tank volume even though it should have been sufficient based on manufacturers guidelines or is it ready for its first occupant?

Any suggestions on what fish to stock for a fish-only tank? I'd like something with color, that is hardy and easy to feed (I rely on a pet sitter to feed them when I am away on business). Any recommendations on the order in which to introduce the new fish (I'd prefer to stay away from Damsels).

Thanks! I look forward to a response to my first posting

 

[saltnmyeye]

well first of all, do you have any live rock in the tank? the way it works is, there has to be a source of "ammonia" for the bacteria to start converting. example, fish food, fish waste or the initial dieoff of different animals on the liverock. your tank will eventually cycle no matter what, but without a starting source of ammonia it will take longer. correct me anyone if i am wrong but that is as simple as it gets. some people cycle there tanks with live rock, some people cycle there tanks with fish, ie; damsels and some just put a little fish food in a couple times a week to get the ammonia kicked off so that the bacteria, (which may be introduced by either the "Cycle" bacteria which you used, or a sample from a friend with an established tank, or from an lfs) can start converting it to nitrite and then converting nitrite into nitrate, the end product your looking for. if your ammonia and nitrite levels are readable, then your tank has not yet cycled. depending on your setup it could take up to and beyond 2 to 3 months for your tank to mature. i hope this helps in any way. i am sure that other members will have something to add. good luck with your tank and welcome to reefs.org.

 

[Len]

The tank is probably not begun its cycling process yet. I wouldn't use the bottled cycling products. I'd rather do it the natural way by adding a few small pieces of fresh shrimp into the tank. Using live rock is very good too, and I would recommend getting some live rock for the welfare of your fish, even if it is just a fish-only. Live rock is a great, natural habitat and food source for many fish.

As for fish, there are literally hundreds to choose from. I'd stick with some of the hardier, colorful fish to start with. Grammas, Dwarf Angels (dozens of kinds), Gobies (you'll probably need a 2+" layer of fine aragonite sand), Blennies, and Clownfish are good places to start with. These are all relatively peaceful, so the order isn't too critical. Just add them slowly (one every two weeks or so) and only after the tank is fully cycled. If you see a fish you like, feel free to come back and ask if it's suitable for your tank.

 

[Mouse51180]

I have tried adding the shrimp thing to my tank and I really dont think it helped. Your best bet is to buy 10-20lbs of live rock and put that in the tank.

Then I would let that cycle for about 3-4 weeks then try and put a small cleaner shrimp or come crabs in it and see how they do.

I just now started putting fish in my tank and my tank has been cycling since the end of April. I know some people have let their tank cycle a whole year before adding live stock..I think 2-3 months with some live rock should be fine..then just remember to start out adding your fish in 1 or 2 at a time and preferable nothing too expensive.

Add a fish...wait 2-3 weeks, add a fish...wait 2 -3 weeks, repeat..

Also your salt level seems a little low. I dont like my salt being below 1.022 at the VERY lowest. Try to get your salt inbetween 1.023 and 1.025.

 

[Carpentersreef]

You won't want to hear this, but I would recommend removing the undergravel filter....now, before the tank becomes too established.
An anerobic area in the sandbed would be more useful than a steady flow of water pulling down the detritus, causing you problems in the future.

Mitch