markdadof2 Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 So I took some water in to the local LFS (thank you Aquaticus) and he said my water parameters looked great for being only set up for 10 days. Ammonia / nitrates / nitrites were spot on and the only thing was ph was a bit low. I went ahead and purchased about 10 snails to start cleaning things up. One question - besides all the little 'bugs' (copeopods) that are cruising around I have notices on the glass (acrylic actually) these very small looking creatures - they almost look like featherdusters...but there are HUNDREDS if not thousands of them...very small yet. I will try and get a picture but I think I will have to wait until they grow a bit. They sway around with the current and suck into the 'home base' on occasion. when extended they kind of look like a deflated air balloon. Maybe they are featherdusters...but that many so quickly?? thanks Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DChemist Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Google images of 'hydroids'... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Probably hydroids. It is just another phase that a tank goes through. Eventually it will pass, and you won't be able to find any. It is sad, because I kinda like them. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdadof2 Posted April 23, 2008 Author Share Posted April 23, 2008 Thanks guys! Oh, and I do test my water but sometimes it is nice to get a second opinion. Does it seem like 10 days for the cycle is kind of quick? I do have 20lbs of live rock in the 15 gallon tank - and live sand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DChemist Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 During the 10 days did you test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? If so, did you see each rise and fall in that order (with the exception of the nitrate which would typically just rise)? I am assuming the live rock was already cured... How did you start the cycle; a damsel fish, piece of shrimp, or little ammonia, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdadof2 Posted April 23, 2008 Author Share Posted April 23, 2008 I did test the levels and watched them spike and come back down. I started with cured live rock and a few hermits and a hitchkiher emerald crab. I was told that the die-off from the live rock would kick start the cycle. I wonder if I am ready for some soft corals - xenia and green star?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DChemist Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Yeah, you're probably fine to add xenia and green star poyps. Those are the two corals I started with and they are very hardy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 10 days is not long if you got rock that was mostly cured already. If it was rock fresh out of the box off the airplane it may take several weeks, but if it was curing in the tub at the LFS, then they may have already experienced most of the die-off, and cycle. Leaving you with only a short mini-cycle. You are probably ready for xenia? Do you want some? I still have some left, and can hook you up if you are ever in the area of Oregon City. dsoz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pledosophy Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 If you have never fed teh tank, you can't be sure if it is cycled or not. The absence of ammonia just means there is no ammonia left, not that the tank can handle a bioload. Feed the tank, wait 6 hours or so and then test for ammonia. If the reading is 0, test for nitrite, if both are zero your good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markdadof2 Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 I fed the tank last night and tested for Ammonia 6 hours later and this morning - no sign of any ammonia. Nitrites were null as well. I think I'm ready to add an easy coral or two to the tank! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.