Totally Newbie Question....

[estone]

I am having a difficult time cycling my tank and keeping the ph up as well as everything else down lol. Like I said it is cycling so I am not too worried about it though.
I think this may also be related to my water changing techniques, or lack thereof. Would someone or a few of you be kind enough to describe to me how you do yours? While it is cycling I would like to know how much an dhow frequent a water change should be done as well as different ways to do them correctly. Thanks

[kaiser]

You might just want to leave it alone. Just keep testing the water. There is little to nothing You can do to speed things up. Let it run it's course. I may take 3 month for things to stablize. Don't worry too much about the PH. first get it cycled than You can worry about the PH.
What is Your set-up. tank size how much live sand/rock?

[estone]

oh sorry..i have a 75 gallon, 20 lbs of live sand, 35 pounds of LR( iknow its not enough but its gonna be a FOWLR) i have about 460 gallons of water being pumped through there per hour and a powerhead. A few hitchikers came along with my LR a starfish, 2 turbo snails, 3 sea cucumbers, and im sure quite a bit more. I am curious as to the water changes also.....

[Tim Marvin]

Wow! Sounds like good rock were did you get it?

[estone]

I got it from a guy down here in Houston I first saw it on another board. I went by and bought about 25 pounds from originally and now am waiting for a nice paycheck to come in so I can get at least that much again. The rock is better looking that TBS rock I have seen and for only 3.00 a lb. There is absolutely no beatign that! But if anyone can let me know including you kaiser!!