help please

[celtic]

I am getting rather frustrated . I have a 29g Eclipse system with nothing in it but live rock. My problem is the ammonia level stays high. So far in the past week, I have done (4) 25% water changes. I even went so far as buying premixed saltwater from the store, and the level is still around .5. Today I an going to buy a new filter cartridge.
ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE!!!!!!

[Chuck S]

Why do you not try adding a sump and ditching the eclipse?

How long has this tank been setup?

[Florida_Reef]

If the rock is not cured or your lighting is extremely poor the rock will often have die-off that causes high ammonia levels.

Take a rock out of your tank and smell it. If it stinks then you have die off. If this is the case, then just be patient it will regulate itself.

IF there is no fish in the aquarium do not change the water due to high ammonia levels, this will give the bacteria within the rock and your filter a chance to grow.

wait until your nitrate levels are high before changing the water.

[celtic]

Thanks for the info. The Eclipse has to stay at least for a little while. There is no fish in it, nor will there be until this thing cycles, and that will only be 3-4 fish.

Changing the subject, what does anyone think of the eco-system?

Thanks again

[Chuck S]

I have a hang on 40 on the back of a 25gallon mixed reef in my kitchen. IT IS OKAY. It was the only way to go with the stand I had could not fit a sump underneath without putting bubbles everywhere. It works well although I personally think sumps are better to provide overall oxygenation and dissolution. With that setup bulky powerheads will need to be used for flow in your 29 gallon tank. At least two 250-300GPH powerheads.

[oldron]

Well, it has been 10 days since your post. whats doing now in your eclipse? ammonia at?