Can I add critters yet?

[coffeeisforclosers]

Hi Guys,

This is my second post.... and my first reef tank. I am trying to detemrine if my tank is ready for the introduction of fish, inverts, crabs/snails, ect.?? If so - what should I start with? (I have a mated pair of ocellaris clowns that I would eventually like to add to some kind of host)

Background on my tank: 12g Nanocube DX (http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_12gdx_nanocube.html)
Setup: 2/20/05 - I added live rock (12lbs), live sand (10lbs) and actual sea water which I procured from my local fish store. The tank has been cyclcing since 2/20.

I have seen in stages:
a) brown algae... but this faded/receded
b) green hair algae
c) red star like crystals on the glass and rocks
d) little feather dusters and othe creatureson my live rock
I have note cleaned the tank nor changed/added water.

A few of my tests are as follows:
2/20
Amonia = .25ppm-->.01425 toxic
Nitrate = 5.0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
pH = 8.0
Alkalinity = 1.7
Spec Grav = 1.0225

2/25
Amonia = .50ppm-->.071ppm toxic
Nitrate = 0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
pH = 8.5
Alkalinity = 1.7
Spec Grav = 1.022

3/14
Amonia = .5ppm total-->.075 toxic
Nitrate = 0ppm
Nitrite = 0ppm
pH = 8.4
Alkalinity = 1.1
Phosphate = 0.5ppm
Spec Grav = 1.024
Temp = 82 deg F

Any advice? Am I OK to add critters? If so - what can I add? I REALLY appreciate the forum's advice.

Cheers,
Dennis

 

[Anonymous]

If it were me I would hold off until ammonia is at 0

patience is the best thing in reefkeeping

 

[Len]

News you don't want to hear .... your tank is just beginning to cycle. What you'll see next is Ammonia hit zero while Nitrite escalates. Then Nitrite will drop to zero and Nitrate increases. I'd only add critters after Nitrite zeros out. Looks like a couple more weeks to go.

 

[Anonymous]

How come Len is so much better at explaining that then me?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Alk is 1.1?

 

[Anonymous]

Fwiw, I would inch up your SG just a little if you're considering inverts and corals...to 1.025 or 1.026.

Welcome to this fantastic hobby!!!!

 

[coffeeisforclosers]

Thanks for the feedback guys. A couple of quick questions -
1. Should I clean the tank while it is cycling? (Lot's of hair algae now)
2. I can raise spec gravity (as suggested), but should I do this while the tank is cycling?
2a. If so - is adding more seawater a good method? I have another 10 gallons in my garage (in a dark, protected place)
3. Can't even add snails? Hermit Crabs? (patienece is a virtue I am short on... doh!!)

thx,
Dennis

 

[Anonymous]

Fwiw, I would inch up your SG just a little if you're considering inverts and corals...to 1.025 or 1.026.

Welcome to this fantastic hobby!!!!

I was noticing that as well, especially in the light that he hadn't added nor changed any water!

 

[Anonymous]

Youre cycle isn't close to completion yet. Your amonia needs to be zero, your nitrites need to be zero, and after an initial spike of up to 40 to 60 or sometimes more, your nitrates need to be as close to zero as possible, but acceptable at up to around 20. Once you see this reading consistently for about a week go for it.
SG, especially for inverts, needs to be around the 1.025 mark.
Take it slow. Adjust everything before you decide to put anything in the tank or you're throwing away your $.
As far as your algea problems, it's prob due to either too much light (you should only have it on for around 6-8 hrs right now tops if even that much), you have too many phosphates, which even if you are using salt water can occur as Ive heard of this happening, or your water is ready for a small changeout. Do a small water change-maybe 10% every couple of days. It may slow down the cycle a bit, but it wil be worth it to get this under control now while there are no life forms in there. Start with your lighting first though and have the water tested, and then do a small water change.
Once the cycle is completed, again, go slow. Add hermits and snails if you like, wait a week or two, then add anything else you want.
Good luck!

 

[Anonymous]

what units are you measuring the alkalinity in, dKh, or meq/l ?

 

[coffeeisforclosers]

I am measuring alkalinity in milliequivalents per liter.

cheers,
Dennis

 

[Sub-Mariner]

Technically it was your 6th post....sorry had to do it.