New Tank Syndrome
Monday May 12, 2008
Your tank has cycled (maybe for years) and you start seeing spiking ammonia in your tests. You check your nitrites and find that the reading is above zero. Puzzling, isn't it? You might have a case of New Tank Syndrome. It's easy to prevent, but a little tougher to cure.
Forums: How Soon/ How Much? I recently set up a 29 gallon tank. I currently have 30 lbs of live rock, live sand, a Behn's Damsel, a Four-striped Damsel and a cleaner shrimp. How soon should you make new additions...
Comments
I just went through the same process as you. I am establishing a new 29 gallon tank with very simular items. This is not my first tank and have found in the past that 30 days is a good rule of thumb. Of course testing you water helps so you can see the cycle peaks as it balances out. If you have access to good quality live rock it’s a great help. My last tank was a 55 gallon deep tank. I had about 75 pounds of live sand and crushed coral mix and about 35 lbs of live rock. After it cycled a couple times and reach it’s balance I shut My magnum HOT filter off except for water polishing duty. The rock, 2 good pwer heads and a good skimmer took care of filtration after that. Good luck and enjoy the process. It’s great fun.