Hello All,
I've been reading lost of posts on this forum, and this is my first. This is also my very first saltwater tank
. I bought a 90 gallon with built in overflow with sump underneath stand I built. I have about a 5" sand base with 20lbs of it being "live". I also bought 40lbs of base rock and 50lbs of live rock.
I know the cycling process can take months, and I have only been cycling for 12 days
. Since this is a new setup, I am curing my "pre-cured" live rock in the tank along with the sand. My ammonia is 0ppm and my nitrite is 2.0ppm. I was planning on adding some raw shrimp, but now that I have started the process, I don't know if would do any good. Suggestions?
I've also read different opinions on water changes and lighting. I am not using any lighting right now, nor have I done any water changes, only added water due to evaporation
. I am using a rio2500 and maxi jet 1200 with modification kit for circulation, so approximately (2100gph). If you could share any personal experiences that worked well for you, I would appreciate it, because I've read many things from water changes every other day, to using lower salinity and temp, to keeping tank dark(no lighting).
Lastly, if my ammonia is already at 0ppm, is there a set time for how long it will take for my nitrite level to reach 0ppm, then nitrate? I just want to make sure that down the road if my nitrites are not getting lower, then I know there is a problem. Again, I am new to this all, so all advice is appreciated.
Thanks