Reef Discussion

[iluvnanos]

Hi guys I'm new reef keeping and having started up my first nano system and having it half way through the cycle I thought you guys could help so I bought the seachem fundamentals pack and I was wondering when I should start dosing

 

[MTG]

what comes in that pack exactly? im guessing calc alk and mag?

 

[iluvnanos]

Trace elements calcium and alkalinity

 

[MTG]

do you have test kits? in a nano you wont need to add for ages, Water changes should keep it stable for now

 

[iluvnanos]

Yeah I've got all the test kits I read somewhere that when cycling you should do a 10% water change every 4 days what's your opinion

 

[aussieant32]

no, water changes will delay your cycle. Wait until its complete then do around 25-30% a week (either in one go or 2 smaller ones) for 2-3 weeks for the tank and levels to stabalise a bit, then start light stocking.

 

[iluvnanos]

Thanks for the info

 

[chimaera]

I would only water change if the ammonia levels get too bad, definitely not for a couple of weeks. A 'soft cycle' can help hitchikers survive but makes the cycle period longer.

As for dosing, definitely don't worry about it until you have some corals that require stable levels. Just do reasonably sized water changes and you will be fine.

 

[aussieant32]

As a reference in my 125L with weekly 30% changes I have had to dose once in 6 months.

 

[iluvnanos]

For my water changes neomarine salt is the best should I buy it

 

[aussieant32]

Will leave that to the other guys, I don't use ASW.

 

[iluvnanos]

New nitrate test kit came looks to be at 10ppm looking good for the third day

 

[iluvnanos]

Sorry color developed no nitrate

 

[aussieant32]

really there shouldn't be on the 3rd day so looks normal.

 

[iluvnanos]

Yeah I let it develop a bit and it was inbetween 5 and 10ppm

 

[aussieant32]

what do you mean? Only leave it for the set amount of time. Longer gives false readings.

 

[iluvnanos]

I only let it develop for 2 mins I was counting and the instructions say 5 mins

 

[aussieant32]

So what did it read after 5?

You need to follow the times, they are set to XX amout to allow the correct time for the reagents to react fully.

 

[MTG]

what colour did it look like after 5 minutes?

 

[MTG]

and did you test phosphate?