i'm trying to understand what these bacteria are and where they come from. I understand nitrosomes are involved in the nitrification process and convert a Nh4 or Nh3 to N02. I have a new cycling tank, and my ammonia has been fluctuating, but my N02 has also been fluctuating but rather high while my N03 has been relatively low but I would expect it to be so in a new tank. As it takes quite a bit of time for nitrates to build up. also, I understand there is distinction between ionized and an unionized ammonia I think an NH4 being ionized and NH3 being nonionized, with the former being much more harmful to livestock. I have not seen any test readily available like at an LFS distinguish between ionized and non-ionized ammonia. I have a 51 (G2 Max 200) gallon system that's just under two weeks old. I've added everything I can, including 30 lbs of LR, not from the ocean, but from a water tank at LFS, and macrobacter7. I even added a lab polyp block to boot soaked in Dr. Tim's. The polyp is likely a more long-term addition to the sump and I would not expect that would have any quick effect. Being very new to this reef experience and very quickly enamored by it I'm trying to understand how to get my nitrosome population to a level where it can outpace the ammonia volume especially NH4. Also, I'm wondering whether the onset of algae, not bloom necessarily but visual signs of algae in system indicate a cycled tank. I jumped the gun and bought a couple of juvenile clowns, likely prematurely and I noticed then nitrites are high and my ammonia was very low, but I'm still measuring everything very often with the limited kits available from LFS and I noticed a nitrate level low and fluctuating ammonia levels, not knowing whether it's ionized or unionized ammonia. Clowns seem like they're doing great though I'm not sure if I should be aggressive on water changes or let nature take course but I did purchase those silly little ammonia filters they sell online. Sponges. i hope those help absorb the ionized ammonia. also I keep my water at 81°F thinking warm water is more conducive towards bacterial growth. Of course I've also read issues contradicting this statement ie that lower temperatures are better to reduce ammonia.
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I realize many would consider that i committed ultimate reef sacrilege by adding a couple of clowns before a fully cycled tank i.e. before 4 weeks. But I have read clowns are hardy and some people did encourage me not to be obsessed with the initial cycle and that a couple of clowns would be good. I just don't want them to suffer. My daughter already has become attached to them so far so good with the clowns.
add:
I realize many would consider that i committed ultimate reef sacrilege by adding a couple of clowns before a fully cycled tank i.e. before 4 weeks. But I have read clowns are hardy and some people did encourage me not to be obsessed with the initial cycle and that a couple of clowns would be good. I just don't want them to suffer. My daughter already has become attached to them so far so good with the clowns.
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