So what's next?

[digleftnose]

Hi guys, i just finished setting up my tank with live rock and sand. Its been running for about a week already. Now do i have to add any suppliments or additives? Or i just wait for the right time to start putting in inhabitants? And anyway, i haven't turned on my skimmer yet. Should i?

[kirbysjb]

Cycling takes about at least 3-6 weeks.

Don't put any live stocks at the moment. You can test your water every end of a week to check.

So meanwhile, sit back, relax and read up more or do some research.

Cheers =)

[kraken]

read this

[Jenaellyn]

good luck! =D

[digleftnose]

Hi guys thanks for all the info! After much reading, i just dumped 2 market prawns into the tank!

Question is, is 2 enough? I have a 4 by 2 by 2 tank. And another, do i have to plant the prawn in the sand? Cause all i hear them say is dump in the tank....

[nicreef]

Hi guys thanks for all the info! After much reading, i just dumped 2 market prawns into the tank!

Question is, is 2 enough? I have a 4 by 2 by 2 tank. And another, do i have to plant the prawn in the sand? Cause all i hear them say is dump in the tank....

yup should be good enuf and yes just dump. u can dose bacteria to help aid the cycling

[kraken]

the prawn is dead, doesnt matter where it is, as long as its in the tank

[digleftnose]

Would putting chaeto help the process? I have a refugium in my sump but dont know when is the right time to stock the refugium.

[kraken]

while cycling, chaeto will not grow, try after the last ANN cycle when NO2 and Ammonia are zero.

Chaeto will also need 'kick' in time

[digleftnose]

So what is this 'kick' in time for chaetos?

[liquidnoise]

the prawn is dead, doesnt matter where it is, as long as its in the tank

dude...tis statement made me laugh so hard i almost fell of my chair! wahahaha...can it be more dead if i pin it to the glass wall or less dead if it floats ard?

[digleftnose]

Am I left with a water change then i'm good to go?

[liquidnoise]

spent a bit more buy a pH monitor...think weipro is $100. very good.

[bobkemejan]

Am I left with a water change then i'm good to go Nope bro ur water cycle is not fully done There's still ammonia level there Wait till it reaches 0 & u can do 50% water change Do check ur perimeter again after water change Dun hurry on putting LS Patience is the key Cheers

[kraken]

dude...tis statement made me laugh so hard i almost fell of my chair! wahahaha...can it be more dead if i pin it to the glass wall or less dead if it floats ard?

dead is dead, cannot be more or less dead:)

[kraken]

do stock up your fishes very very slowly, the most one per week. this gives your bacteria colony to 'catch up' with the new bioload. Do it slowly and do it right, less headache/problems and lesser risk of your LS dying.

do remember to read up on acclimation for LS

[digleftnose]

My dad just dumped three angel fish into the tank..... (Slap forehead)

[Quas111]

My dad just dumped three angel fish into the tank..... (Slap forehead)

oh no D: good luck keeping them alive :/ I guess you should try to return them, keep at an established tank while waiting or sell/give the fish to another owner. I know your dad may have paid good money for the fish but it is better if another owner has it and take care of it properly than for it to die in your tank

Another thing, next time you should acclimate the fish into the tank. Go watch YouTube to see how to acclimate your fish. They need time to adjust to your water parameters and temperature, and the shock from the sudden change can be fatal to them

[Quas111]

Oh and even when your cycling is complete don't stock your fish so fast. Angel fish have a high bioload and may produce more nitrates and nitrites for the tank inhabitants to handle without the proper bacteria in place. I guess with your tank size you may get away with it but I don't encourage to stock so fast. Try to add them one at a time before your tank becomes established