Figstr822
August 16th, 2003, 03:57 PM
I have 30 years experience with fresh and finally decided to take the plunge into salt. Over the past couple months I've been reading forums, product reviews and asked numerous questions at my LFS. One thing I've noticed, as others on this board have, is that there are many different opinions on what works, what doesn't, what should be done and what shouldn't. Before I get to my questions, here is what I currently have:
55 gal
50 lbs. of live rock (curing in the tank)
Bak Pak Dual skimmer with bio bale (200gph)
Ehiem Pro II with carbon pad removed (200gph)
2 small powerheads to circulate the water while the live rock cures
75 lbs of Black Caribbean Sand
2 one foot airstones to aid cirulation while LR cures
Density is currently 1.024 (will bring it down once rock cures)
Now to my questions: many people suggest frequent water changes while curing LR either in the tank or in a container. My LFS, that specializes in saltwater and have the cleanest tanks out of the few in my area) told me NOT to change the water until the LR is cured. They told me if did water changes, it would prolong not only the curing process, but the stabalization of the tank as well.
Do I, or don't I do water changes? With all the forums on the net, I only saw one that concurred with my LFS.
I set the tank up about 8 days ago and put the LR in 7 days ago. The amonia, nitrates, and nitrates went through the roof 2 days after I put the LR in. My ph is currently 8.8 with no signs of coming down.
I realize the tank is new and this is expected. On average, when should I see the amonia and such begin to decline?
55 gal
50 lbs. of live rock (curing in the tank)
Bak Pak Dual skimmer with bio bale (200gph)
Ehiem Pro II with carbon pad removed (200gph)
2 small powerheads to circulate the water while the live rock cures
75 lbs of Black Caribbean Sand
2 one foot airstones to aid cirulation while LR cures
Density is currently 1.024 (will bring it down once rock cures)
Now to my questions: many people suggest frequent water changes while curing LR either in the tank or in a container. My LFS, that specializes in saltwater and have the cleanest tanks out of the few in my area) told me NOT to change the water until the LR is cured. They told me if did water changes, it would prolong not only the curing process, but the stabalization of the tank as well.
Do I, or don't I do water changes? With all the forums on the net, I only saw one that concurred with my LFS.
I set the tank up about 8 days ago and put the LR in 7 days ago. The amonia, nitrates, and nitrates went through the roof 2 days after I put the LR in. My ph is currently 8.8 with no signs of coming down.
I realize the tank is new and this is expected. On average, when should I see the amonia and such begin to decline?