stupid question

[UnderwaterWorld]

Ok so my tank is cyclying and i can't remember

after Ammonia and Nitrite hit zero to I do a big water change to get rid of nitrate?

[yote]

Thats right UWW.
Wait untill ammonia and nitrite are 0 then do a pretty good water change to lower the nitrates.

[UnderwaterWorld]

ok that's good

I have 25 gallons of water in there so how much change?

10?

[UnderwaterWorld]

anyone?

[Bifferwine]

I would even go with 5 gallons. That's 20%, which is a substantial water change.

[Doc]

I agree 5-7 gallons for your tank. After that, add one fish and wait about a week. After that week, look to add a second fish and start with a good soft coral. I like to wait a month with a new tank before adding LPS corals. Start off with some mushrooms or green star polyps - they are a great beginning coral. With your light, you would want to put those mushrooms down toward the bottom.

-Doc

[UnderwaterWorld]

ok so I changed and there is a little nitrate still, will that go away?

[Doc]

define a little? 20ppm is not terrible. If you get up towards 40ppm, you will have a problem with corals. that is why I add one fish first and wait for a month before adding the first coral. nitrates are not bad for fish until you get upwards to 80-100ppm. It will take about a month for your nitrate levels to even out.

-Doc

[Doc]

your bacteria needs to grow for a bit before they will efficiently consume nitrates. It does take time, which is why regular water changes are do important. You will notice that each week that you change your water, they will get less and less. after that first month it will be about 0-5ppm, which is great for your first coral

-Doc

[UnderwaterWorld]

it's about 15 or so

so wait for corals?

I can't get a fish until after vacation so in January