My first 20g tank

[benzzz]

Hi all,
Great forum!! And lots of info to read for a newb like me.I have been down the road of FW tanks and planted FW tanks and now I am trying out a SW trial while my basement is being finished to accomodate my built in 125 gallon Sw...as long as I get the hang of this..

So I started a 20g tank 7 days ago and added 40 lbs of uncured LR. BTW what a smell
I am now cycling the tank. My light is a 24" Coralife Aqualight T-5 double linear strip which I dont turn on unless checking process. I am running a Super skimmer 65 hang on. A Rena XP1 mechanical and 2 Koralia #1 Powerheads for constant flow.
just wondering what to do next?
I get some many different views on this....
DO I buffer up the Ph?
DO I check and start adding for the calcium and Alkalinity?
so many Do I's.....lol
Thanks all.

[DarthOcellaris]

Welcome to trt
just sit back and monitor the nitrogen cycle for now. When the ammonia spikes, the nitrites will raise and then the nitrates will raise. Once the trates are zero, you're just about finished.....then comes the diatomis algea bloom. The hardest part is being patient

[dobejazz]

Welcome to TRT!!

I have to agree with Darth you will need alot of patience !!

We just started a nano build-off lots of great ideas and tanks shaping up

you should join in

http://thereeftank.com/forums/http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f260/

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! Also Your 125 will be easier then your 29 gallon.The more water(volume) you have the harder it takes to go out of balance.

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!



i would remove the Rena filter and just use it after water changes for an hour to clearify the water. after that hour remove it, clean it, and do not use till after the next water change. these kind of filters actually tend to hurt your water quality more than help. they do make great water polishers after you have your hands in the tank, but i would not run one for any longer than about an hour. the only filtration you need in a SW tank is the LR and the skimmer.

G~