New Aquarium - 1st Test Results - Comments Please.

[RunUR262]

Set up my aquarium over the weekend. 36 gallon bow front, 26 lbs of live rock, 40 lbs of live sand, aqueon filter, 2 powerheads, heater set to 77 degrees. I just completed my first round of tests and would like some feedback (1) I believe these tests are normal for a recently set up tank and the higher numbers are normal as the biological filter becomes established, can someone confirm? (2) What can I expect from the tests results over the next few weeks - rises, dips, etc. - as the tank cycles. Finally (3) will the tank be fully cycled when I reach the goal testing numbers for all 4 categories below? Thanks.....

Ph - 8.0 (understand I'm looking for 8.2 - 8.4)
Ammonia - .50 ppm (understand I'm looking for 0)
Nitrite - 5.0 ppm (understaand I'm looking for 0)
Nitrate - 40 (understand I'm looking for 0)

[leebca]

You have posted in the Fish-Only Forum so I am assuming your goal is a FOWLR system. If this is the case, your nitrates are not that important and there is no set 'goal' of zero. I am concerned about this, since the advice you may be given/have gotten is not very good. As an introduction, this is me: Bio - Lee (a.k.a. leebca)

Have you read through this post? Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium Good info there and when to actually test the water during the setup process.

Other than the expectation of zero nitrates, the levels you are seeing are not outside what might be expected. Just take your time. The best success is often achieved not only when the hobbyists is properly informed, but also has patience. Good luck!

[Reefing Madness]

Set up my aquarium over the weekend. 36 gallon bow front, 26 lbs of live rock, 40 lbs of live sand, aqueon filter, 2 powerheads, heater set to 77 degrees. I just completed my first round of tests and would like some feedback (1) I believe these tests are normal for a recently set up tank and the higher numbers are normal as the biological filter becomes established, can someone confirm? (2) What can I expect from the tests results over the next few weeks - rises, dips, etc. - as the tank cycles. Finally (3) will the tank be fully cycled when I reach the goal testing numbers for all 4 categories below? Thanks.....

Ph - 8.0 (understand I'm looking for 8.2 - 8.4)
Ammonia - .50 ppm (understand I'm looking for 0)
Nitrite - 5.0 ppm (understaand I'm looking for 0)
Nitrate - 40 (understand I'm looking for 0)

Everything looking normal. Congrats

[RunUR262]

Thanks guys...

leebca - you're correct I'm shooting for a FOWLR system. The advice I was given on the nitrates came from the testing kit instruction guide and it actually says you want them as "low as possible." I interupted that as 0. Thank you for the links to your additional posts - they are very informative. I certainly understand patience is key - although my 3 year old daughter wakes up every morning and asks "Where's Nemo Daddy" we have a lot invested in this tank and are more than willing to follow your step by step setup guide regardless of the time it takes to actually add livestock. Thanks again for your help....

[leebca]

I understand your 'pressure.' The marine aquarium hobby had its (most recent) greatest boost of interest from Disney films. Don't be too concerned about the nitrates. They should stabilize at some number under 50 ppm as you get into the routine of water changes, maintenance, and as the aquarium ages.

Good luck with it!