425XL - Version 2

[fishy408]

My first reaction was to reinforce the crawlspace. After watching a few videos on different methods, decided not to. Handy man skills are at the lower end.

 

[fishy408]

 

[fishy408]

took awhile but finally got the plumbing modified. currently running tapwater to test for leaks. Also moved the tank to a new spot, the floor under the wood is concrete .

 

[fishy408]

First part of aquascape complete, started tank cycle today using brightwell aquatics. Lights are on for picture only, planning to shut them off for the cycle.

 

[jhuynh]

looks good so far.

 

[fishy408]

still cycling. updated aquascape.

 

[fishy408]

working on getting the temp in the tank stable while the tank is cycling. picked up a inkbird controller, and running two heaters.

surprised to see the accuracy of one of these cheap but nice looking temp displays.

 

[popper]

it'd been almost a year since you started the journal!!! get some livestock in it!!!

 

[fishy408]

working on a salt water mixing station, have seen quite a bit online. decided to go with this concept. it would be used to mix salt and transfer water to main tank by closing the right ball valve. other end has a quick connect to my python.

 

[fishy408]

Sawed off the magnet area of my tank divider. going to try and use it without the magnet. Also a reminder not to put any kind of magnet with a protective covering in the tank unless its easily visible at all times.

 

[fishy408]

Estimation of PAR ranges in my current tank. Estimation is based off of older reading, with same lights and intensity but different aquascape.

 

[fishy408]

Day 17: Looks like I'm getting close to end of Cycle: Time to do prepare the fish list

Ammonia: .125
Nitrite: .50
Nitrate: 80

 

[Vhuang168]

Day 17: Looks like I'm getting close to end of Cycle: Time to do prepare the fish list

Ammonia: .125
Nitrite: .50
Nitrate: 80

Nitrates at 80!?! Huge water change or time to start your nutrient export. Might need to dose some phosphates if using a different or ats

 

[newfly]

Nitrates at 80!?! Huge water change or time to start your nutrient export. Might need to dose some phosphates if using a different or ats

Present of nitrite can messed up nitrate reading. I would wait till ammonia is 0 before redoing the test.

 

[H2OPlayar]

Agreed! With those nitrates, it is time to start growing some macro algae!

 

[fishy408]

hmm... Trying to have patience and allowing the cycle to do it's thing, but it's been about a week and not much change. Possibly thinking about a water change at this point. Overall, been approximately 25 days. In my previous cycle with my first tank setup with Dr. Tim's and Ammonia it took 17 days this one is taking much longer.

Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: .50
Nitrate: 80+

 

[svreef]

The nitrite reading may be within the margin of error. You’re probably done with the cycle.

 

[fishy408]

you sir are the bringer of good news, bless you! I will be doing a 30% water change today and test parameters again.

 

[fishy408]

after water change, ran two sets of test. test set 1 on the left is tank water, test set 2 on the right is saltwater source just mixed.

tank water is showing 0 ammonia, .25 nitrite and between 5-10 nitrate.

 

[fishy408]

Added a little life (clownfish and blue reef chromis) to the tank.

Next Steps:

1. Add a few more fish
2. Add a clean up crew
3. Add Chaeto
4. Add Zoanthids for the bottom half of the tank.