More newbie q's

The moonlights are ok to be on or should I try a figure out how to cut them off without the pump and all shutting down

 

Each is different but I never turned any lights on until week 8 and then I only burned the actinics. Then week 11 or 12 I started buring the MH's for 4 hrs a day then increased 1 hr every week until I was at 6.5 hours. I only burn my MH's that long because I use my actinics for 16 hr a day.

 

wel today I thought I would test the water and found that the ammonia reacted and now shows a reading of about 1.0 and the no3 is at 12.5, NO2 at 0 ph is still good. Is this the start of a second cycle maybe. Oh and I was able to get the moon lights to shut off. I have some brown and green algea now. Normal? and what is MH?

 

Metal Halide lighting! Just let the tank be and mother nature do her job, there is really no need to test the water you are only wasting the kit. That stuff will happen and then pass. This is not a race to see how fast you can put fish in. If you don't slow down then you are going to have all kinds of problems down the road.....mark my words!

 

ok then one week down 10 or 11 to go. I thank you for your insight.

 

small tanks cycle faster

 

You will not have to go that long but I like your attitude now. Go slow and let it grow!;D

 

So, when I the tank is cycled what would be best to put in first. Shrimp, crab or snails and when would it be best to put some coral in. By the way what is a FRAG?

 

A frag is a slang term for a fragmented piece of a coral. I myself would put in 1 and only 1 yellow tail damsel to help with the cycle. He will help keep the bacteria growing in the tank.

 

And when should the fish go in. My tank is steady at 12.5 NH3 and zero for the rest not sure why.