new nano

[ThePika]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to this hobby and I'm trying to read up as much as I can on reefkeeping! For now, I have a six gallon tank (I also have a 55 gallon that I plan on using when I move in a few months) that I'd like to set up. Its one of the Eclipse Six models, which I'm sure is probably very basic but I'll give it a try, albeit I understand patience is pretty key in this hobby.
Anyway, I just got six gallons of RO water and I'm preparing to mix the in the salt and just get that part of it running with 5lbs of live sand and a couple pounds of live rock today and let it cycle. Do I need to get some sort of water conditioner or kalkwasser or other mineral additives for my water at this point? Also, what kind of testing kit would be recommended for my setup?

 

[patrice]

Hello! welcome to the hobbie. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.
My opinion is that at this point, this is not a big thing if your water is not "perfectly" set.
If I was you I would get a few good test kit: Po4, No3, Ca, alkalinity and pH would be the basic.
I suggest you to set your pH, Ca and Alkalinity and wait. let your tank cycle. It can take a little while and it's a good time to learn about your tank and make adjustment.
I know it's not fun to wait and wait but you won't need fish to find interesting stuff to watch in that tank. Your tank will get alive and this is really interesting.

Also, keep posting question on the forum, read and read. This is the key.

Good luck and make sure to have fun!

 

[cindre2000]

The salt will add all the minerals you need and set the pH, etc. You should have some water conditioner and salt on hand just in case you have to do an emergency water change. Other than that you should be set to set up your tank, and then wait...

 

[ThePika]

Thanks for the advice! I got a Tetra test "laborett" water test set and Kent Marine Nano Reef Part A and B (just in case). I've just started the biowheel up and put in my live rock/live sand. From what I've read I should test ammonia, pH, etc everyday until the nitrite is down to zero; about two weeks or so? Also keep light off for a couple of days to prevent algae blooming?

 

[shavo]

hey I am not a nano person but 2 weeks is quick for cycling and I wouldn't put the lights on at all during this cycle. why would you? I am curious what kind of lights you have on a 6 gallon tank?
thanks

BTW good luck it sounds like you are on your way!

 

[ThePika]

The "lights off" for a few days was something I read from an online journal; I'll certainly keep them off the whole time if that is a better idea. My LFS said two weeks was probably the length of time needed for a six gallon to cycle, but I would definitely have my water parameters be the real deciding factor on that one.
The article said the light that comes with the Eclipse should be sufficient for hardy species but a Powerglo could be substituted (its a T-5 8w) but I didn't see any T-5 at either of the two locations I checked today. I added a small blue LED for moonlight action.