Cycling new tank - test results

T

Tag

I have been cycling a new 80 gal (fish less)....

7 July: added salt water, 90lb live sand, 50lbs live rock
30 July: added 30 more lbs of live rock (total now @ 80lbs)

12 August: test results @ 78 degrees

PH= 8.2
Alk= low to normal, its right on the line
Ammonia= 0
Nitrite= .05
Nitrate= 5.0
Copper= 0
Salinity= 1.022

I am due to do a 20 gallon water change next friday.

Where am I at ?
Am I close to adding something to my tank that moves?
What are safe levels of these test?

Thanks in advance for your advise....

Darryl
 
IMHO you're very close... Wait for that nitrite to zero out... The "safe" levels to add livestock are ammonia and nitrite both reading zero...

Now, having said that, start slow! Once you get twin zeroes on those two readings, add one small fish, and keep testing, to make sure your biological filtration can absorb the higher input, and keep adding livestock very slowly (Week or more of double zero's between additions, for instance)...
 
You are close indeed. Most people strive for a zero nitrate reading as well. I would recommend that you bring the tanks specifi gravity up to 1.026 though. 1.022 is low for a reef IMO :D .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top