Help noob convert to salt....

[malawidave]

The bioload inch to inch thing doesnt work as nicely as all that...larger fish are usually messier eaters, messier waste...and for some reason they just give a heavier bioload.

10% h2o changes seem to be common in the reefing world, but what is most important is that you find an water change schedule that complements your tank style and filtration to give you a healthy environment for your animals.

yes... thats why I suggested 1 large fish "around" that size. The biologial filter is good for the 3 damsels that way, then taking them out and adding a 6'' grouper was inteded to be similar to adding say adding 2-3 more Damsels and increasing the bioload capacity... (1) 6" grouper = (6) 2" Damsels... I know in reality its not a perfect comparison, but was meant as an example of not over doing it and getting 2 BIG fish or worst case getting the full stock in one shot... (I've seen that happen)

and the 10% WC was suggested while doing the "damsel cycle" when the tank fully cycles through you can set up WC according to your tanks needs and schedule


PS... I never really cared for the X" per X" gallon rules... I like to play it safe with salt and go crazy with my africans lol

 

[Pazzoman]

Lol thats why I have the best of both worlds....salt water tank and freshwater tank ....even if every cent I make goes into these tanks.

 

[FLESHY]

Not trying to criticize dude...there is just a big difference between little fish waste and eating and big fish waste and eating.

Didnt know about your 10% being only for cycling...but shouldnt you not do an h2o change while cycling?

 

[xRage10]

Not trying to criticize dude...there is just a big difference between little fish waste and eating and big fish waste and eating.

Didnt know about your 10% being only for cycling...but shouldnt you not do an h2o change while cycling?

That was my thought. I did zero water changes while cycling. Just let everything sit there and do it's thing.

@Pazzo, I only say that cause I've had my salt tank for somewhere around half a year and it's still "ghetto". Used to be a freshwater guy myself. I see you posting around here all the time and figured you have to have been in the saltwater biz longer than I have

 

[FLESHY]

Sounds good, that is what you should have done.

 

[malawidave]

yes... thats why I suggested 1 large fish "around" that size. The biologial filter is good for the 3 damsels that way, then taking them out and adding a 6'' grouper was inteded to be similar to adding say adding 2-3 more Damsels and increasing the bioload capacity... (1) 6" grouper = (6) 2" Damsels... I know in reality its not a perfect comparison, but was meant as an example of not over doing it and getting 2 BIG fish or worst case getting the full stock in one shot... (I've seen that happen)

and the 10% WC was suggested while doing the "damsel cycle" when the tank fully cycles through you can set up WC according to your tanks needs and schedule


PS... I never really cared for the X" per X" gallon rules... I like to play it safe with salt and go crazy with my africans lol

I'll just stop... I know youre not intentionally trying to knock down everything I say... even though I clearly stated that the cycle was with fish so that levels don't spike and kill the fish, AND that the 1 Lg = 6 Sm was an EXAMPLE ...but its cool, I'm no pro at saltwater, and I admit that but I would never suggest anything that I have not personally done and had success, which is why I said it in the first place

good luck with the tank xRage

 

[Otherone]

The Nitrogen cycle doesn't stop @ 3-8 weeks it continues to grow through the life span of the tank. I can't say much about groupers, I do know theres a huge difference in 2 x 3" Damsels and a 6" Tang. The Tangs eat all day long and poop mega. However that wouldn't stop me from replacing 2 damsels with a Tang. The Bioload may or maynot be the same but the Bio-colonies will contiue to grow and clean out the gases so long as the bio-load doesn't overwelm the system it's self - IE Overstocked.

 

[Pazzoman]

That was my thought. I did zero water changes while cycling. Just let everything sit there and do it's thing.

@Pazzo, I only say that cause I've had my salt tank for somewhere around half a year and it's still "ghetto". Used to be a freshwater guy myself. I see you posting around here all the time and figured you have to have been in the saltwater biz longer than I have

Lol...don't worry when your tank is a year old..you'll lose the ghettoness...

 

[xinchavoc]

just a little update guys I tested the water on friday and it was already good to go so I bought a damsel on saturday... I also picked up a emerald crab and a orange leg hermit crab today.They are all doing great I will get rid of the damsel in a week or two when I add more fish.. I can't get any pics of the damsel because it hides in its cave all day... Thanks everyone who helped I think I got everything under control now... Pics to come soon

 

[Pazzoman]

Cool can't wait for pics, now all you gotta stock lightly and keep checking parameters after an addition of fish....water changes too