As you have read, maintaining a functional nitrogen cycle is crtical to a healthy saltwater environment. A saltwater test kit, hydrometer, and thermometer will help you monitor the stability of your tank. A clean and stable saltwater tank should have the following qualities:
Specific Gravity: 1.022-1.0240
Salinity: 30-40 ppt
pH: 8.2
Temperature: 72-78 F
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
If, after the four- to six-week cycling process, any of the above items are too high or too low, adjust the gravity and salinity by adding or subtracting synthetic sea salt or freshwater. The temperature can be adjusted by the use of in-tank heaters or chillers. The pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels can be tweaked by the addition of bacteria or chemicals sold in your pet store. Nitrate can be eliminated by partial water changes, the addition of green saltwater plants, or specialized bacteria.
In the picture to the right, the bottles on the top row are particularly useful for tank stability. Here's how:
STRESS COAT - This removes chlorine, neutralizes chloramines, removes heavy metals, and helps protect a hermit crab's exoskeleton. (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
STRESS ZYME - A purple liquid containing 100 million live bacteria per teaspoonful, this helps jump-start the Nitrogen Cycle. (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
AMMO LOCK - This works instantly to detoxify ammonia, remove chlorine and chloramine, and protect healthy gill function. (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
NITRATE REDUCER - This bacteria-based powder takes residence in aquarium substrate to reduce toxic levels of nitrate. (Acquamarine, Inc.)
TRACE - This white powder provides your enclosed ecosystem with essential trace elements, vitamins, and amino acids to promote your hermit crabs' health and appetite. (SeaChem Laboratories, Inc.)
Specific Gravity: 1.022-1.0240
Salinity: 30-40 ppt
pH: 8.2
Temperature: 72-78 F
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0
If, after the four- to six-week cycling process, any of the above items are too high or too low, adjust the gravity and salinity by adding or subtracting synthetic sea salt or freshwater. The temperature can be adjusted by the use of in-tank heaters or chillers. The pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels can be tweaked by the addition of bacteria or chemicals sold in your pet store. Nitrate can be eliminated by partial water changes, the addition of green saltwater plants, or specialized bacteria.
In the picture to the right, the bottles on the top row are particularly useful for tank stability. Here's how:
STRESS COAT - This removes chlorine, neutralizes chloramines, removes heavy metals, and helps protect a hermit crab's exoskeleton. (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
STRESS ZYME - A purple liquid containing 100 million live bacteria per teaspoonful, this helps jump-start the Nitrogen Cycle. (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
AMMO LOCK - This works instantly to detoxify ammonia, remove chlorine and chloramine, and protect healthy gill function. (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)
NITRATE REDUCER - This bacteria-based powder takes residence in aquarium substrate to reduce toxic levels of nitrate. (Acquamarine, Inc.)
TRACE - This white powder provides your enclosed ecosystem with essential trace elements, vitamins, and amino acids to promote your hermit crabs' health and appetite. (SeaChem Laboratories, Inc.)
These items can be used to maintain a saltwater tank with marine hermit crabs. Even food remnants play a critical role in the nitrogen cycle and the stability of your saltwater tank.
