Newbie with a Nano

[fr499y]

It is, just martin forgot/didn’t know

[TheCookingViking1978]

So this week is 2 weeks, I know it is still cycling but I assume.i still do a water change...do.people suggest 10 or 20%??

[Martinspuddle]

It is, just martin forgot/didn’t know

Bit of both, ...

So this week is 2 weeks, I know it is still cycling but I assume.i still do a water change...do.people suggest 10 or 20%??

You need to test weekly, pH, NO2, NH3-4, NO3, dKH and Specific Gravity level.

50% water change with new rock, using Reverse Osmosis water, making sure all the fresh salt is dissolved at the correct temperature and the testing SG level with Hydrometer. Remember the ocean is great water volume than your little glass box!

Puddle tip: For mixing fresh seawater, buy a beer & wine 30 litre fermentation bucket or ask your aquatic store if you can buy a used salt bucket, a cheap powerhead and 100 watt heater. Leave overnight to mix, test Specific Gravity level and temperature before using.

[TheCookingViking1978]

Is it normal for nitrates and nitrates to increase post water change. All other parameters are fine, just a surge in the above. I will test again tonight, (full day post change).

Sorry for the newb questions

[Martinspuddle]

Is it normal for nitrates and nitrates to increase post water change. All other parameters are fine, just a surge in the above. I will test again tonight, (full day post change).

Sorry for the newb questions

Nitrites you mean?

If the live rock not fully cured then yes, but I'm surprised there's no ammonia reading?

[TheCookingViking1978]

Hey all, went a bit awol. So been testing and monitoring and all bits are looking good nitrites 1, nitrates 5, pH 7.2 and salinity Bank where it should be, checked at LFS.

Added some pals to the tank and all looking happy.

[Martinspuddle]

Hey all, went a bit awol. So been testing and monitoring and all bits are looking good nitrites 1, nitrates 5, pH 7.2 and salinity Bank where it should be, checked at LFS.

Added some pals to the tank and all looking happy.

Very nice, just two concerns...

nitrites 1, pH 7.2

Should be ZERO and pH should at least 7.8 to 8.5

Seconded, for a nano reef it's over stocked, I take it you added all these fish at once?

[fr499y]

As above, also what type of blenny is that? Looks like an algae blenny from the eyes, but could be a dragonet which is also a bad idea in a fresh, small tank.

Also them damsels are utter 🫏 ’s and best kept single or not at all looks good though!

[Martinspuddle]

You've not posted ammonia reading. I would be very surprised if the live rock is fully cured, judging from your post when you said you first got the rock, I cannot see how your aquarium would be fully cycled.

Currently, with the stock you have I wouldn't keep that many fish in anything less than a 180 litre aquarium.