*Newbie* Just aquired 34-gallon RedSea Max... have questions!

[JaSoMi]

Hi everyone,

I have set-up my substrate and liverock, and we are on day 5 today. The pH levels are at 7.8, ammonia is at 0ppm, nitrite is at 0ppm, salinity 1.024 and temp is 76.8.

I put a few turbo (turban?!) snails in and was offered polyps yesterday. I don't want to rush the tank at all, but based on my limited knowledge, I have a feeling it hasen't even started cycling yet. Are my suspicions correct?

Doesn't the ammonia levels need to rise from 0ppm? The nitrite also?
Can I add anything else in there for now, other than fish?

I added some "Stress Zyme" yesterday, which was recommended from RedSea. I am hoping this will boost the tank a bit into cycling. Any suggestions for a newbie?!

Thanks! 

[dan2x38]

Hey welcome aboard JaSoMi nice to meet you. I am not a salt water guy at all into freshwater and plants. There are tones of saltwater aquarists here so you will get lots of help I am sure. In freshwater tanks we sometimes throw in a peeled/cooked shrimp. It starts to decay and kicks off the cycle - remember to take it out later though. The nitrifying bacteria is created from ammonia (NH3) being consumed by nitrite (NO2) then to nitrate (NO3) then WCs balance NO3 levels. Here are a couple good reads on the topic: http://fishinsects.suite101.com/article.cfm/cycling_a_new_marine_aquarium and http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/information/CycleAquarium.php#TipsCycling Here is another great read on the fishless cycling your tank: http://www.myfishtank.net/articles/fishless-cycle/ Hope some of that helps you.

If you do not have your OVAS membership for 2008-2009 you can buy them at our annual membership drive on Aug. 30th. You can also buy your membership at any meeting, Big Al's Innes Road, and online here. Membership drive locations will be at South Keys Walmart and La Niche Gatineau.

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Thank you!

[kennyman]

I think they need to get dan is own ovas sponsored forum for membership solicitations 

If your rock was fully cured you wont get a big ammonia spike but you want to let those snails work away for a couple of weeks without adding anything more. The algae monsters will come soon and you want make your way through that before making any significant livestock purchases.

[redbelly]

Your rock is fully cured so you shouldnt get any big spikes of ammonia.

Personally I wouldnt add any of those gimic products like "stress Zyme".
Just take your time and your tank will be ok.