Salt Water Tank?

Question

Ok I did it! I so far (knocking on wood) successfully converted my fresh water talk to salt. It's been almost a month. Right now I have two damsels doing their job and keeping me well entertained while the tank is still cycling. My question is how do I know when it's done? Everything went crazy a couple weeks ago and now my nitrite levels are going back down, the salt looks normal, i'm getting some alge growing, and the tank is pretty (somewhat for salt water). I have a live rock, and used some live crushed coral, and some other live stuff in a tube (can't remember what it's called). So what happens when it's done? There isn't a dinger or anything on my tank and I haven't thought to ask anyone until now how do you know it's ready for fish.

It is a 55 gallon tank.

Answer 1

well if you saw your amonia go up then the nitrite then nitrate then everything will tend to level back out somewhat. Algae blooms are also a good indication that the tank is almost through the cycle. you can slowly add nicer fish but be careful while the damsels are still in the tank because they are very agressive and will most likely attack the other fish you add. Certain fish need a very mature tank to thrive in so do research on what fish you plan to add. percula clowns or certain dwarf angels are a good to add as long as the damsels are removed from the tank. But you are right there is no "dinger" telling you its done. Just be patient and add fish slowly because not only do you not want to add delicate fish prematurely but adding fish increases your bio load and your tank will need to adjust to this even after the tank has cycled. I added a clown after a month and a half and he is still doing great for a long time now but not everyone will have such luck. So if you wanna be safe just let it go for another month or so and then you can almost be sure your tank is ready.

Answer 2

When the Nitrites go to zero your tank will be cycled. If you can,take the Damsels back to the pet store,in a tank that size,they will beat up on almost any thing you add.(They already feel like it's their territory.) Then add your new fish slowly, a couple at a time, to allow the Nitrifiying bacteria to grow along with the Bio-load. Wait about 2 weeks before adding another couple of fish. Be patient,don't over-crowd,don't over-feed,and research the compatibility of your new fish before buying.(The order in which you add the fish can affect compatibility.) A plan is required. Good luck.

Answer 3

keep checking all your levels (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, ph, etc) when it stays level for 2-3 weeks it is good.
but don't stop testing it. when you add a fish it will go slightly off again and you will need to watch it carefully to make sure it doesn't go too wonky.
if it's been over a month w/the damsels you should be nearly there.
you didnt say what size of tank. the smaller the tank, the more likely there is to be problems.

Answer 4

It's a cycle, it goes up and down. Dont do any water changes and it goes faster. I try to ignore the tank at least a month, then start testing. If the test are good for another month I start adding my fish and coral. Try visiting here http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/
it is a great place to meet other reefers and you will learn alot. We're always available to answer questions and just chit chat.

Answer 5

when nitrites and ammonia read 0 on your test kit, add some more rock, about 1lb per gallon or so and get rid of the damsels and crushed coral. wetwebmedia.com is a huge help

Answer 6

When all the levels in your tank are normal and your environment is stable. Meaning if your "cycle fish" look happy you've done a good job:)

Answer 7

well you need a dinger. when that goes off, you know its ready. or throw one in and see if it starts to float. sorry i'm not any more help.