Quote:
Originally Posted by samster  My Set up:
Rapids Pro Series Wet/Dry Filter System (PS4)
about 75# cruched coral
Tap water
So to my question:
Setup a month ago with only 25# of LR and no cleaner crew. Tank cycled and grew alot of brown algae. Went and picked up 100# of LR to add to my tank. waited a week and noticed that my cleaner crew are not happy. Checked the NH3&NH4... they are off the chart
Thats all the reading I have till my kit comes in the mail
So adding the LR freaked out my tank, the big question is.......... Should I do a water change or leave it alone and hope to see if my tank cycle again
all help and criticism are welcom. I hope I posted enough info
P.S.
I haven't got my heaters in yet or my Power head, So I have low water movement an my Temp is 70-72 deg f |
The addition of live rock started a cycle. There are differing opinions about water changes during cycles. Some say, water changes prolong the cycle, some say change regularly. My opinion would be in your case - with critters in the tank already - either move them out till the tank cyclles, or do water changes so they have a chance.
I left some of your post as I see those things may cause you issues:
wet/dry: generally not favored. Get rid of the bio-balls or be prepared to clean them regularly.
crushed coral: again - nitrate issues with crushed coral. May want to take some out and add live sand.
TAP WATER: in SO CAL - I dont drink the water here!!!
Invest in an RO/DI unit, it will help a lot in the long run!! (What part of SO CAL??)
No heater, your clean up crew may not be happy if your water dips - without heaters my tank gets to low 60's... then way up - with our weather here there is lots of variation in temps..
Power head - you need some water movement to keep your critters happy - with 'not good' water, varying temps and no water movement your livestock doesn't have a great chance....