The Puffer Forum

Hi all,


I'm in the middle of cycling a 15 gallon brackish tank (will house 1 figure 8 puffer). I'm just reading up on this and figuring out I'm doing it wrong. I guess I'm asking for some advice. Here is what I've done so far.

Started cycle.

I added 2 ppm ammonia and the tank sat for 2 weeks before the ammonia dropped. Not it has 0 amm on 5ppm nitrItes and 10ppm NitrAtes. I've added 1 ppm ammonia for the last two days as well as 4 teaspoons of salt. The ammonia drops within hours and nitrites are still 5ppm. I've added the salt directly to the aquarium letting it dissolve in the spoon while the filter water hits it (no fish are in the aquarium). I'm guessing I'm using the hydrometer right (instant ocean one). But from my tap I get 1.004. Since I added 8 teaspoons of salt over the last two days my aquarium is still showing 1.004. Should I just not add any more salt until I'm cycled and get my figure 8 puffer?

I'm dipping in the hydrometer and letting it fill up. I set it on a surface and tap it a few time to get out the air bubbles. the spout on the right side of the hydrometer constantly spits out some water though. Should the level be below this spout?

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19348 - brackish water mixing


viewtopic.php?f=67&t=28467 - cycling a tank


As for using salt, are you rinsing the meter after each use with warm water? That can affect the readings also just raise the salt gradient after you are done cycling the tank it's cheaper that way just use the above guide.

I'm pretty sure that you have to calibrate that instant ocean hydrometer.

I was having the same problem with the salt level staying at 1.004, but realized that 1.004 is perfectly ideal for F8s.

I was using teaspoons as well, but i think its actually more like 8 tablespoons.