
As mentioned previously when you start your new tank you will go through whats referred to as a cycle this is the building block to the Eco system you are going to try to keep. It starts with some form of waste introduced to your tank,die off on your live rock(even cured) is usually enough to start this process though some use various additives to speed up the process.
When waste is introduced into the tank it breaks down releasing ammonia,the ammonia is a food source for bacteria which will then thrive and release nitrite and so on each bacteria consuming the other. The final step is when a bacteria called nitrobacter begins to thrive on the newly introduced nitrite,you'll know its present when your nitrate starts rising. Shortly after that the readings I've mentioned will start to decrease as the newly formed ''beneficial bacteria'' keep themselves in check. You'll know your tank is ready when readings are at zero or barely reading.
The entire time you run your tank will be a balancing act to maintain a the proper amount of bacteria,when you overfeed your tank or add new fish you add ''load'' to your tank,your tank will likely then enter a sort of mini cycle which typically lasts 2 weeks but can take up to a month which is why I stress the important of not adding too much too fast. When the initial cycle is over you can help keep things in check with water changes of around 15-25% in time you'll figure out for yourself how often and what water quantity needs to be changed,I've seen well established tanks that didn't need any.
In summary a healthy tanks water parameters are 0nitrate,0nitrite,0ammonia and zero phosphates. Even low amounts of these are detrimental to fish and corals,if these levels rise after initial cycle and you haven't introduced ''load to your tank this indicates a good time to do a water change or add further filtration.
An important note is not to use tap water for a saltwater tank for it is full of the things your trying to keep out including some heavy metals,reverse osmosis is highly recommended.
When waste is introduced into the tank it breaks down releasing ammonia,the ammonia is a food source for bacteria which will then thrive and release nitrite and so on each bacteria consuming the other. The final step is when a bacteria called nitrobacter begins to thrive on the newly introduced nitrite,you'll know its present when your nitrate starts rising. Shortly after that the readings I've mentioned will start to decrease as the newly formed ''beneficial bacteria'' keep themselves in check. You'll know your tank is ready when readings are at zero or barely reading.
The entire time you run your tank will be a balancing act to maintain a the proper amount of bacteria,when you overfeed your tank or add new fish you add ''load'' to your tank,your tank will likely then enter a sort of mini cycle which typically lasts 2 weeks but can take up to a month which is why I stress the important of not adding too much too fast. When the initial cycle is over you can help keep things in check with water changes of around 15-25% in time you'll figure out for yourself how often and what water quantity needs to be changed,I've seen well established tanks that didn't need any.
In summary a healthy tanks water parameters are 0nitrate,0nitrite,0ammonia and zero phosphates. Even low amounts of these are detrimental to fish and corals,if these levels rise after initial cycle and you haven't introduced ''load to your tank this indicates a good time to do a water change or add further filtration.
An important note is not to use tap water for a saltwater tank for it is full of the things your trying to keep out including some heavy metals,reverse osmosis is highly recommended.