quick question...

[new-2-the reef]

its been almost a month now ,since ive had my tank up and running
today my test result's were


ph level - 8.0-8.2
ammonia- oppm
nitrite- o ppm
nitrate- 20 ..still holding same as last weeks test
salinity /gravity- 1.026
96 pounds now of cured live rock

my first 2 test were as followed after initial set up

around 60 pounds of cured live rock
sept 9th... first full week of set up
ph level-8.2-8.4
ammonia-0.25 ppm
nitrite-o ppm
nitrate-o ppm
salinity gravity-1.032 (i added to much salt )

sept 13th 2nd test
went up to 88 pounds of cured live rock
ph level -8.2
ammonia- o ppm
nitrite- 0ppm
nitrate-20 (first time it went up)


so today after my third test of water quality

I have only had a spike in my nitrate and it has been not to bad according to what i have read and seen on here and in test guide..

my question is should I expect a bigger spike in the next coming weeks at all.....
and when would be a good time to perhaps add some easily priced coral
now or in a few more weeks

thanks guys/gals
Clint

 

[JimC]

I started my reef in April and if I don't recall having any large spikes. I started with a similar amount of rock.

 

[new-2-the reef]

thanks Jimc

 

[Bojangles]

How big is the tank? The more water you have the smaller the spike especially with cured rock, where there isn't a large die off.

If you want to add something I would start with non-aggressive non-territorial fish until you know how your water is going to react. Fish are less sensitive to water changes plus the added waste will help sustain your bio culture.

 

[WRASSER]

The longer you wait the better the tank will hold life in it :wink:

 

[new-2-the reef]

thanks men

Im gonna wait until december I think befor adding any coral