Tank setup

**badirzeke** · 31st Dec 2011, 10:13 AM

Hi all, i already bought a 38liter tank and coral sand as substrate. As to cycle the water, this was what i was told by the lfs:-
Day 2 - 100% water change
Day 3 - 100% water change
Day 4 - 50% water change, add bacter max to hasten the cycling
Day 5 - 50% water change, add bacter max.
Day 6 - 30% water change, add bacter max.
Day 8 - 30% water change, plants can be added.
Day 10 - 20% water change.
Day 14 - shrimp can be added.

Are these way ok? Thanks in advance.

**imke_j** · 1st Jan 2012, 12:41 PM

Cycling a tank depends on some factors (like temperature and so), so you cannot really go ahead with a plan and stick to it. You must monitor NO2 (Nitrite) and Ammonia when setting up a new tank, as it is poisonous for shrimp. Besides, most shrimp a sensible to a lack of biofilm and microorganism, thats why you are always on the safe side taking your time (4-6 weeks).

Which shrimp do you plan to keep? As crushed coral sand is most often used for Sulawesi set ups...

**badirzeke** · 1st Jan 2012, 02:31 PM

Thanks bro for the advice,
I'm looking into cardinals...

**Anubia** · 1st Jan 2012, 05:48 PM

Hi...good to see that you are attempting to be patient although your choice of Sulawesi ' Dennerli' is a difficlut and delicate species to keep. You haven't mentioned if you are a newbie to the hobby, so please accept my apologies if I have assumed wrongly. Many hobbists have attempted and tried to raise this species, many have had success and some have suffered huge losses in an attempt to satisfy the species.

I would err on the side of caution and ensure that you are taking water parameter tests to ensure that your filter has fully matured. This can actually take longer than 14 days, so please be patient. Tests should include - Ammonia, Nitrate, nitrite....GH & KH should be taken and reference to temperature and PH observed for this species. New tank syndrome and impatience will sadly cause you high mortality rates...........................

I've matured a tank for 4 > 6 wks before introdusing Sulawesi's as they prefer a well matured tank with some algea present. They also require more detailed maintenance and water chemistry / balance than other shrimp species - ( CRS & Tigers)

Please ensure that you read additional forum posts to gain the relevant knowledge before parting with cash and introducing your shrimp to a new tank.

Hope you enjoy the hobby .....Please ask as many questions as possible and read as much as you can...Enjoy 2012 !!!

**badirzeke** · 2nd Jan 2012, 06:09 AM

Thanks anubia for the advice,
I'm a newbie for sulawesi...yes i will cycle the tank for 4-5 weeks before i will introduce the shrimps. I already placed some lava rocks & driftwood in seperate tank for algae to grow. Once the tank are cycled, then i will placed the lava rocks & driftwoods in. I will leave it for a few days before i put the shrimps.

**Anubia** · 2nd Jan 2012, 05:13 PM

Let us know what your tank paremeters are in several weeks and hopefully we will will see a tank with it's new inhabitants.

Please make sure you read up on the Sulawesi's forum posts as their are many hobbists who have manged to keep this beautiful species. Water maintenance is the key my friend......

Take care Badirzeke...

**badirzeke** · 14th Jan 2012, 08:06 AM

Finally tank is up, there are 5 cardinals & 8 striata...so far encountered 2 casulaties, 1 cardinal & 1 striata...the rest are looking good. But the shrimps are very shy & will hide most of the time unless the lights is off. Is it normal? They don't even eat the algae wafer that i feed them.