OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
Yeah I need to buy a nitrites kit. I'd like to switch from salifert to red sea just can find someone who sells red sea
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40B Lps and Zoa reef (1 Viewer)
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At this stage, even an API kit would work.
OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
Yeah I had one of them before and I for sure ain't getting that. My results were all over the place.
api fine for NH4
Don't make this more complicated than it has to be.
I setup QT tanks frequently with ammonia and nitrifying bacteria. I dose the tank to 4ppm ammonia (based on manufacturers guide) plus double the recommended dose of nitrifying bacteria 5-7 days ahead of fish arrival, I then test ammonia daily until day before arrival and add more if it drops. Day before arrival I don't add anymore ammonia I just dose double the bacteria and then daily for 14 days after arrival I continue to add bacteria (the amount depends on # of fish I add), plus I keep seachem AmGuard on hand in case the ammonia level rises too much after adding the fish.
I have not lost a single fish to ammonia poisoning following this recipe. I have even started a tank day 1 with a couple of fish and just the bacteria - but I did have to dose AmGuard as well for the 1st week; although I would not recommend this.
I have the api NH4 test kit but I'm lazy. I just use the seachem ammonia alert badge after the 1st 3-5 days (basically when I stop adding ammonia).
I usually use this for my ammonia
and I usually use this for the nitrifying bacteria
or this
or this
AmGuard
I have NEVER tested for nitrites.
Don't make this more complicated than it has to be.
I setup QT tanks frequently with ammonia and nitrifying bacteria. I dose the tank to 4ppm ammonia (based on manufacturers guide) plus double the recommended dose of nitrifying bacteria 5-7 days ahead of fish arrival, I then test ammonia daily until day before arrival and add more if it drops. Day before arrival I don't add anymore ammonia I just dose double the bacteria and then daily for 14 days after arrival I continue to add bacteria (the amount depends on # of fish I add), plus I keep seachem AmGuard on hand in case the ammonia level rises too much after adding the fish.
I have not lost a single fish to ammonia poisoning following this recipe. I have even started a tank day 1 with a couple of fish and just the bacteria - but I did have to dose AmGuard as well for the 1st week; although I would not recommend this.
I have the api NH4 test kit but I'm lazy. I just use the seachem ammonia alert badge after the 1st 3-5 days (basically when I stop adding ammonia).
Amazon.com : Seachem Laboratories Ammonia Alert 1 Year Monitor : Eau De Toilettes : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com : Seachem Laboratories Ammonia Alert 1 Year Monitor : Eau De Toilettes : Pet Supplies
www.amazon.com
I usually use this for my ammonia
and I usually use this for the nitrifying bacteria
Amazon.com : FritzZyme Turbo Start 900 Saltwater (4 oz) : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com : FritzZyme Turbo Start 900 Saltwater (4 oz) : Pet Supplies
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com : Seachem Stability Fish Tank Stabilizer - For Freshwater and Marine Aquariums 500 ml : Aquarium Treatments : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com : Seachem Stability Fish Tank Stabilizer - For Freshwater and Marine Aquariums 500 ml : Aquarium Treatments : Pet Supplies
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com : Dr. Tim’s Aquatics Saltwater One & Only Nitrifying Bacteria – For New Fish Tanks, Aquariums, Water Filtering, Disease Treatment – H20 Pure Fish Tank Cleaner – Removes Toxins – 16 Oz. : Pet Supplies
Amazon.com : Dr. Tim’s Aquatics Saltwater One & Only Nitrifying Bacteria – For New Fish Tanks, Aquariums, Water Filtering, Disease Treatment – H20 Pure Fish Tank Cleaner – Removes Toxins – 16 Oz. : Pet Supplies
www.amazon.com
AmGuard
I have NEVER tested for nitrites.
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I don't either for a temporary/QT tank. My preference for monitoring nitrites when cycling a new long term tank is so I know that that second stage (trites to trates) is complete and I have enough of both types of bacteria.
Great products listed above, I love Fritz and Dr. Tim's
No I mean I have never tested for nitrites period in a saltwater environment to see if nitrogen cycle has been established. I'm not saying its not important. Just that I'm lazy and have started many tanks. Nitrite is very poisonous to freshwater fish. Chloride ions in seawater outcompete no3 for uptake in saltwater fish (not that a high enough concentration isn't poisonous).
My old method was to chop up a shrimp from the grocery and toss it in new tank. When it had fully decomposed I would test for ammonia and if "0" would move forward.
With ammonia/nitrifying bacteria in a bottle I follow the same steps mentioned in post #44 above. Only difference really is I'm looking for is dosed ammonia being reduced to 0 in 24 hours from initial 4 ppm. I may or may not check for NO4 (again I'm lazy), I do this mostly because I don't want to dose an ammonia binder into the tank. Then I typically will add some fish. I usually wait another 30 days before adding any inverts and at 90 days start testing more hardy corals.
I also check for P04 at some point in that 30-90 day window and if very low I will dose phosphate. I do this to avoid the low nutrient dinoflagellate issue.
My old method was to chop up a shrimp from the grocery and toss it in new tank. When it had fully decomposed I would test for ammonia and if "0" would move forward.
With ammonia/nitrifying bacteria in a bottle I follow the same steps mentioned in post #44 above. Only difference really is I'm looking for is dosed ammonia being reduced to 0 in 24 hours from initial 4 ppm. I may or may not check for NO4 (again I'm lazy), I do this mostly because I don't want to dose an ammonia binder into the tank. Then I typically will add some fish. I usually wait another 30 days before adding any inverts and at 90 days start testing more hardy corals.
I also check for P04 at some point in that 30-90 day window and if very low I will dose phosphate. I do this to avoid the low nutrient dinoflagellate issue.
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OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
So I dosed fishless fuel on Saturday and I just tested for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and ammonia didn't show any, nitrites was. 02 and nitrate was. 05. I'm using salifert tests. From the numbers I'm seeing is my tank cycled. I dosed fishless fuel again tonight just to make sure and I'll test again at the same time as I dosed.
Now you need time for bacteria to populate and different strains. Best thing to do is get frags and water from trusted pest free tanks.
OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
Can I add fish yet or no
If you have nitrites, it's not cycled yet
OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
Even just .02
I’m not sure what fishless fuel is. You know my thoughts on low level nitrites in the marine aquarium. However the safe option is to continue to dose and add bacteria. If you dose ammonia and it goes to 0 in 24 hours several times, IMO you good.
Basically follow the directions for whichever bacteria product you use.
Basically follow the directions for whichever bacteria product you use.
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OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
I don't know whats going on with this tank. Im dosing microbacter 7 twice a day and fritz fishless fuel once a day and im still showing ammonia. I've been doing this 3 days. 
I would use a different product to start. MB7 is more of a maintenance product. Probably lower count of nitrifying bacteria (ammonia/nitrite oxidizers in particular).
Complete Bioculture for Establishing Biological Filtration & Rapidly Improving Water Quality
Overview
Complete Bioculture for Establishing Biological Filtration & Rapidly Improving Water Quality
Overview
- Complex system of non-pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic microbes, as well as natural enzymes, specifically formulated to establish biological filtration in new aquarium set-ups, and to enhance the rate of nitrification, denitrification, and organic waste degradation in marine and freshwater aquaria through complete nutrient remineralization.
- Reduces nitrates and phosphates
- Used the world over for more than 12 years
- Veterinarian Pathologist tested and recommended
- Supplied in a state of suspended animation for maximum longevity, 2 yr. shelf life from date of manufacture
- Formulated utilizing extensive data compiled by microbiologists.
MicrōBacter Start XLM
Professional 15x strength powerful live tank starter nitrifying bioculture, with much fewer temperature and shelf life restrictions than competing products, for rapidly cycling new marine fish and reef aquaria and brackish aquariums, and for recovering from overcrowding or disasters where the bacteria bed has been damaged or when adding new fish. It is also quite useful after re-arranging decorations or performing major maintenance, such as cleaning substrates or biological media to "recharge" the nitrifying bacteria population.
Overview
- Super concentrated 15X Suspension of LIVE non-pathogenic microbes, specifically formulated to extremely rapidly establish biological filtration in new aquarium set-ups, and to enhance the rate of nitrification in existing systems.
- Useful for rapidly re-establishing nitrification bacteria in case of an emergency
- Particularly useful in aquaria with high population densities and when adding new fish
- Helpful to re-establish nitrifying bacteria after cleaning rocks and surfaces and after use of medications.
1. Rapid reduction of ammonia, and nitrite.
2. Prevents “New Tank Syndrome.” - Supplied in a proprietary base which provides for maximum longevity
- Formulated utilizing extensive data compiled by microbiologists.
If you aren't at 0 ammonia, stop adding any "fuel" until you get to 0. Once you test 0, then be sure to follow the directions and wait a certain period after adding more, before you test again. The object is to have enough good bacteria to quickly metabolize ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. There WILL be a short period of time (aka right after a fish poops or right when excess food starts to break down) that certain areas of the water column will contain a small amount of ammonia. For a tank that's reached 0 ammonia (and 0 nitrite if you go by my method vs. Steve's) if you add the "fuel", wait the appropriate amount of time, and then test, you'll know if you have enough bacteria to do the job.I don't know whats going on with this tank. Im dosing microbacter 7 twice a day and fritz fishless fuel once a day and im still showing ammonia. I've been doing this 3 days.
Beyond all that (which you probably already knew), be patient
. Every tank is different. If it were me, I'd get a stronger type of bacteria- either the kind Steve mentioned or Fritz turbo- and add twice the recommended amount for a couple days. You have rock and sand, and I'm assuming some other media in your sump, so things have begun to colonize... You're doing things the right way, so take a breath and imagine all the money you're saving not having to buy coral and fish yet, lol. You'll get there 
Assuming the fuel is ammonia, how long after you add it are you testing? Depending on how much you are adding, and how soon after you test, you may show ammonia even if the tank is cycled.
Have you validated your test kit on fresh made water you know has no ammonia?
Also, what is the ph of the tank? Some tests work by converting a chemical into the acid form and indicating off the lowering of the ph. If you are doing a no lights cycle and have low ph, you could be skewing the results of the test.
Have you validated your test kit on fresh made water you know has no ammonia?
Also, what is the ph of the tank? Some tests work by converting a chemical into the acid form and indicating off the lowering of the ph. If you are doing a no lights cycle and have low ph, you could be skewing the results of the test.
OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
There are no lights on the tank and im getting saltwater from fish gallery
if you get above 5ppm (I think so double check) NH4 that can stall your cycle. At that level the ammonia is high enough to become a disinfectant.
OP
OP
H-D-Fatboy-16
Guest
I'm throwing in the towel. It's been more than 24 hrs and im still showing .015 ammonia. I dont know what I'm doing wrong but I've had enouvh
Not sure what you mean by throwing in the towel. But if that means giving up please know that Reef keeping is a hobby of patience and attention to detail.
If starting a cycle on a tank has you “giving” up maybe this isn’t the hobby for you. I’m not trying to sound jerky. Just an honest assessment. But you need to figure out the answer to that question.
Maybe go buy a couple of pounds of shrimp, chop up one. Put it in a mesh bag and toss it in the tank. Cook the rest for yourself.
Don’t even think about the tank other than topping off water if you don’t have an ATO.
in a month remove the bag, do a 20% water change and add fish.
If starting a cycle on a tank has you “giving” up maybe this isn’t the hobby for you. I’m not trying to sound jerky. Just an honest assessment. But you need to figure out the answer to that question.
Maybe go buy a couple of pounds of shrimp, chop up one. Put it in a mesh bag and toss it in the tank. Cook the rest for yourself.
Don’t even think about the tank other than topping off water if you don’t have an ATO.
in a month remove the bag, do a 20% water change and add fish.
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