New Saltwater tank 1 week?

[Pragmatic Lemur]

I have a new tank that I set up about a week ago. Its 80 gallons. I mixed the saltwater in the tank, then added the sand, then added some live rock. I added some cycle solution, and some anti ammonia stuff. Ive let it run without the skimmer all week. I tested the water and the ph is at 8.2, there is absolutely no ammonia, no nitrates or nitrites. The salinity is at 1022. It seems like everything is perfect. Is this unusual? Doesnt it normally take a month or so? Will everything change soon?

 

[Great Lakes]

Not to sound too foreboding, but anything can happen in the first 6-8 weeks.

But it is sounding good so far...

 

[Pragmatic Lemur]

When do you think I should add some damsels? Should I wait for the 6-8 weeks? Or should I put them in now to help cycle?

 

[ade]

Sounds to me like one of two things could have happened:

1. Super quick cycle has already happened!

2. Nothing at all has happened. ie no ammonia for bacteria to break down, therefore cannot cycle. (Depending on the state of your live rock etc etc etc) Did you test during the week? Or was this a one-off test? If a one-off then I'd assume that it hasn't cycled...

Do you plan on using the damsels for cycling? Or do you want them because you want them? If that makes any sense?

HTH,

Ade

 

[Pragmatic Lemur]

The live rock was from Fiji. I want the damsels for cycling only. Fact of the matter is that I have a Box fish and a Valentini Puffer that my friend left with me when he moved. They are in a small 3 gallon tank. This tank is way too small for them but I have managed to keep them healthy for about 2 months. I saved up some cash and bought this 80 gallon tank to put them in, instead. Is it recommended that I dont add these two fish until 4 weeks or 5 weeks later? This would be difficult considering they would have to remain in the 3 gallon tank for 4 more weeks. But I have to do what I have to do.

 

[wonder371]

does the three gallon tank have any equipment(filter? lights? heater? etc?) or is it just still saltwater... Have you tested the 3 gallon water lately?

 

[Pragmatic Lemur]

The 3 gallon tank has a filter, with a biowheel, and lights. No heater. the water stays at about 78 degrees without a heater. I have tested it. Its salinity is pretty high, the ph is low, and the ammonia and nitrate levels are not too high, but they are worse than the 80 gallon. I change the water once every 4 days. The 80 gallon tank, has a skimmer in the sump. and 3 pumps total. Its all good to go, I just dont want to add the box fish and the puffer before the tank is ready. However, the 3 gallon tank they are in is not the best place for them to be either. They might be better off in a cycling tank. I dont know.

 

[ostrow]

Me, I'd spend the $10 and at least get a 10G from a large chain place and use the same filter you have on the 3G, and wait a few weeks at least before moving them to the 80G.

 

[Stryker]

From what he says his current filter and bio wheel is supporting his fish. Now I know some of the bacteria lives in the gravel and tank sides..... but I'd be tempted to move over the small tanks gravel filters etc etc to the larger tank and of course the fish.

I'd then keep an eye on parameters. See his old tanks kit is already supporting the fish so it will do the same when they are all in the 80gal.

Even better idea, use the existing tank as a sump for the 80 gal. That way it could all be setup as soon as he is ready. His fish would be supported by the old tank now sump as it is already processing their bio load.

Just some thoughts is all. Either way I'd say they want out of that 10gal as soon as is safe and practical.

 

[ostrow]

Stryker it is a 3G not a 10G. I'd get them out of there now. But that's just me.

 

[Pragmatic Lemur]

Thanks for the advice guys. I actually took the filter and everything off of the 3 gallon and set just the tank itself on top of my 80 gallon. It floated by itself no prob. I let it sit there for like 20 mins letting a little bit of the 80 gallon water into it ever couple mins. Soon it was overflowing and i guided it down to the bottom of the 80 g. It sat there for about 5 seconds before the cow fish swam out. The Valentini puffer took his time. It took him about 5 or 6 minutes to swim out. Once they swam out i let all the sand and the rock out of the 3g into the 80 g. These fish have been in the 80g for 24 hours now. So far soo good.

 

[Pragmatic Lemur]

It has been 3 days, and they look happier than ever.

 

[jams.alaskan]

Oh I'm so glad! Here's my hopes that it all works out!!! Don't add anyone else for a while and I be you do just fine. It's not everybody that can keep those guys going in a three gal for 2 months.

ALASKA

 

[leanne]

Well done

 

[Pragmatic Lemur]

Thanks